April 10, 2023
TELFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
April 10, 2023
7:30 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
President William Ashley called the Telford Borough Council meeting of April 10, 2023 to order at 7:30 p.m.
II. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The invocation was given by Council Member John Taylor, followed by the pledge of allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
Present at the meeting were President William Ashley, Vice President Emiline Weiss, and council members John Taylor, Carolyn Crouthamel, Spencer Kulhanjian, Eric Kratz and Robert Jacobus. Also in attendance were Mayor Jerry Guretse, Interim Manager Cary Vargo, Police Chief Randall Floyd, Public Works Director Gary Yoder, Solicitor James Jacquette and Recording Secretary Diane Windfelder.
Prior to citizens’ comments, Council President Ashley inquired if anyone is attendance would be audio or video recording tonight’s meeting, or live streaming. Telford resident John Waldenberger advised that he would be live streaming the event on Facebook.
Prior to citizens’ comments, Council President Ashley announced that the Council will meet in Executive Session after tonight’s meeting to discuss real estate.
IV. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS- AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
There were no citizens’ comments regarding agenda items.
V. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Council Member Crouthamel made a motion to enter into the record the minutes of the March 20, 2023 meeting. Council Member Taylor seconded the motion and the motion passed with a 7-0 vote.
VI. TREASURERS REPORT
Finance Director Blaine Bergey presented the treasurer’s report. Council Vice President Emiline Weiss inquired about bank accounts and PLGIT and Mr. Bergey advised that it’s in process. Telford Borough resident Dale Nice had questions regarding the accounts.
VII. MAYOR’S REPORT
A report was submitted for the record.
VIII. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Detective Dan Fox provided a written report for the file.
IX. FIRE REPORT
A written report was submitted for the record.
X. EMS REPORT
A written report was submitted for the record.
XI. LIBRARY REPORT
Wendy Leshinskie submitted the library report for the record. Ms. Leshinskie also advised that some Borough Council members also recently toured the library.
XII. BOROUGH STAFF REPORTS
- A.Public Works Department- Gary Yoder
Public Works Director Gary Yoder provided a written report for the file and advised that some paving projects have begun in the Borough. Council President Ashley announced that 25 mph signs are now up in the Telford Commons development. Council President Ashley also had questions for Mr. Yoder regarding street lights.
Mr. Vargo advised that there was a presentation on Thursday, April 6th regarding the Franklin Alley swale project.
XIII. PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS’ REPORTS
- A.Building Official’s Report- Jesse Hill, Keystone Municipal Services
There was no report submitted.
Borough solicitor James Jacquette advised that there were no action items.
C. Engineer’s Report- CKS Engineers
A report was submitted for the record.
XIV. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
- A.Finance and Administrative Committee- Emiline Weiss
- Council Member Taylor made a motion to appoint Kyle B. Detweiler to the position of Borough Manager, conditioned upon the successful completion of all background checks, with a tentative start date of Monday, May 1, 2023. Council Member Kratz seconded the motion and the motion passed with a 7-0 vote.
- Council Member Kratz made a motion to approve the extension of bid contracts to PK Moyer, Trout Brothers and AMS. Council Member Crouthamel seconded the motion and the motion passed with a 7-0 vote.
- Council Vice President Weiss made a motion to approve bills from March 2023 in the amount of $280,082.39. Council Member Taylor seconded the motion and the motion passed with a 7-0 vote.
Prior to the Planning and Zoning Committee Report, Council Vice President Weiss discussed the retention of the black and white SUV that Borough staff utilize and advised that the vehicle should be retained for staff use.
- B.Planning and Zoning Committee- Carolyn Crouthamel
Council Member Crouthamel advised that there was no report.
- C.Environmental Committee- Spencer Kulhanjian
Council Member Kulhanjian discussed observing Earth Day on April 22nd and added that Telford Happenings will be donating water and pretzels to volunteers.
- D.Public Works/Buildings & Plant Committee- Robert Jacobus
There was no report.
- E.Public Safety Committee- William Ashley
Council President Ashley advised that a meeting was held on April 3rd to discuss upgrading streetlights in the Borough. Council President Ashley also discussed the upgrade of the new siren, as well as the advertisement of a revised ordinance pertaining to Chapter 15.
- F.Development & Culture Committee- John Taylor
Council Member Taylor discussed the 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt which was held on April 1st at Centennial Park, and advised that it was very successful. Council Member Taylor also discussed Earth Day on April 22nd, and a potential Oktoberfest celebration featuring German dancers.
XV. OTHER BUSINESS
- Council Member Crouthamel made a motion that all agenda items for Borough Council meetings on the 2nd Monday of the month must be submitted to the Borough Manager no later than the close of business on the Wednesday before the meeting. Additionally, all agenda items presented to the Borough Manager after the above deadline will not be placed on the council agenda unless under emergency circumstances. Council Member Taylor seconded the motion and the motion passed with a 7-0 vote.
XVI. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS
Council President Ashley advised the audience that they would be afforded three minutes to speak and advised that comments should be limited to Telford Borough residents.
The following Telford Borough resident’s offered commentary:
Luke Ziegler, 413 Wexford Way
Kathleen Keough, 9 S. Hamilton Ave
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Council Member Kratz motioned for adjournment and Council Vice President Emiline seconded the motion. The motion passed with a 7-0 vote and the meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.
