Borough Meeting Minutes - Jul 14 2022
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Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary
Date: Thursday, August 11, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Council Chambers
Attendance
- Present: Joseph A. Pompa (President), Brady Leahey, Michele Baker, James Mielnik, Sean Burke
- Absent: Walter Kalista III, Jeffrey Ketner, Sgt. Richard Oldham, Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett, Mayor Dodson
- Also Present: James Gehret (Borough Manager), Nathan Karn (Solicitor), Patricia J. Duron (Secretary), Gerald Harbison (Building Code Official), Melanie Ramsey (Director of Community Relations and Events)
Call to Order & Pledge
- Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by President Pompa.
- Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence led by President Pompa.
Approval of Previous Minutes
- Minutes from July 14, 2022 meeting were presented.
- Motion to approve made by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Ms. Baker.
- Approved unanimously: 7 votes in favor, 0 against.
Reports
Manager’s Report & Financial Report
- Mr. Gehret had nothing to add beyond what was in the agenda binder.
Planning and Zoning Report
- Mr. Harbison’s report was in the agenda binder; no additions.
Community Relations and Events
- Ms. Ramsey discussed ongoing Farmers Market and success of Cruise In event.
Fire Marshal Report
- Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett reported on open burning complaints and four structure fires responded to by PVFD last month.
Mayor’s Report
- Mayor Dodson announced retirement of Officer William Sheehan from police department.
Public Comment
- Shaun Leydig (211 Newry Street): Thanked Borough for displaying American flags donated by his brother Kelly.
- Mark Slonaker (President, Phoenix Volunteer Fire Department): Reported on department’s activity over the past month.
- Laurah Zeek (315 Mulberry Street): Discussed sidewalk status regarding wheelchair navigation.
Open Agenda Items
Police Chief Hire Update
- Mr. Ketner requested update — not addressed during this meeting.
Water Discharge into Streets
- President Pompa requested discussion be continued next month.
Resolutions & Motions Passed
Resolution No. 2022-21: Consent Agenda
- Approved bill list #7 totaling $115,837.63 and three certificates of appropriateness.
- Motion by Mr. Ketner, seconded by Mr. Kalista (note: Mr. Kalista was listed as absent but participated in vote — possible error or late arrival).
- Passed: 7–0.
Discussion: Borough Sidewalks
- Application for sidewalk grant completed.
- Motion by Mr. Burke: no cap on grant award; Mr. Leahey to review applications.
- Seconded by Mr. Ketner.
- Passed: 7–0.
Water Discharge into Streets (Motion to Table)
- Motion by Mr. Burke, seconded by Mr. Kalista.
- Passed: 7–0.
Discussion: Old Canal Inn
- Mr. Leahey noted Act 1615 allows amplified outdoor music — no further discussion needed.
Resolution No. 2022-22: Conditional Use for Pennmont Academy
- Approved conditional use for 121 and 131 Holliday Hills Drive to expand school with 7,000 sq ft addition and 58 parking spaces.
- Quorum present: Michelle Baker, James Mielnik, Jeffrey Ketner, Walter Kalista III.
- Motion by Mr. Ketner, seconded by Mr. Kalista.
- Passed: 4–0 (only quorum members voted).
Additional Resolutions Adopted (Page 15)
Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant
- Borough requested $2.2 million grant from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Financing Authority for Canal Basin Park Gateway/Connector Bridge construction.
- Designated Joseph A. Pompa (President) and Brady Leahey (Vice President) to execute documents.
- Adopted July 14, 2022.
Resolution No. 2022-27: Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement
- Approved agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway Company for Connector Bridge project.
- Motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Mr. Ketner.
- Passed: 7–0.
- Agreement contingent upon award of Multimodal Grant.
- President authorized to execute agreement on behalf of Borough.
Adjournment
- Meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM by President Pompa.
Attested by:
Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary
Joseph A. Pompa, President
(Note: Document header says “July 14, 2022” but content clearly reflects August 11, 2022 meeting — likely a formatting error in header. Summary uses actual meeting date per content.)