rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
CANTON — Canton Borough Council met via ZOOM for the second month in a row on Monday evening.
Michelle Holton spoke about her concerns with the flooding issues on Lycoming Street and asked the council to help her and her neighbors with starting a watershed committee. She also mentioned that she spoke to Joe Quatrini, watershed specialist from the Bradford County Conservation District, and asked for help on beginning a “Growing Greener” grant. Recently, BCCD was awarded $325,000 to projects such as this, so it is her goal to hopefully secure funding for this issue and get it resolved as quickly as possible.
Borough Administrator Amy Seeley said she would help Michelle get this started.
Councilman George Jennings made a motion to appoint Lynette Ambruch to Chairman Pro Tem, which means she would be acting president if the president and second were absent.
Councilman Jennings then made a motion to remove David Groover as president and appoint Michael Shultz in his place. Councilwoman Ambruch second it, and votes determined Michael Shultz as the new president of Canton Borough Council.
Administrator’s report
Administrator Seeley noted comments from resident Arla Moyer, who had concerns about the snow plow rotation of the borough during the last two big snow storms, one in mid-December, and the other around New Year’s.
Roadmaster Dave Wilson said he did the best that he could and thanked Jim Segur and another gentleman he did not know for the extra help on those busy days/nights. He went on to say that he was proud of Brandon Perry, taking on a new role for the street department and handling these days well.
Residents Paige Vanryn and Michelle Holton also commended Wilson and the street department for their snow removal.
Moyer also had asked Seeley why the National Guard was not called out, in which Seeley replied that was not needed in this case.
Police report
Police Chief Doug Seeley reported that he is waiting for paperwork from officer Whitehead and that he should be able to start soon.
Other news
On behalf of Councilman John Mosser, who was present via ZOOM, Administrator Seeley announced that Mr. Mosser was retiring from the borough council, effective that meeting.
Council and those present via ZOOM thanked him for his service and told him he would be missed. He will still be serving council as EMA Coordinator.
“Canton Borough Council Members: at the urging of my family, I will be retiring from my seat on the borough council, effective January 11, 2021. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Canton as a borough council member and Mayor at various times over the past 40 years. I always aspired to work for the common good of all citizens of Canton, and for the betterment of the community. As I step aside at this time, I encourage the current members of council and any future members, to find common ground and work together to tackle the many challenges that face small, rural communities.
I have had the pleasure of working with many hardworking, dedicated council members, members of the police and fire departments, and emergency response teams, and I appreciate the friendship and kindness these individuals have shown to me throughout the years. Although I am leaving public office, I am going to continue to be involved in and offer my time to the Canton EMA services. I am looking forward to the day that COVID-19 is controlled and I can socialize and meet with everyone again.,” said Councilman Mosser in a press release.
Councilman Jennings then made a motion to approve the Junior Council Person, Alyssa Packard, to step into Mosser’s position.
The motion was second by Councilwoman Ambruch. All voted in favor of the motion except Councilman Schrader and Councilman Groover, who stated he felt it should be advertised.
Michael Shultz reported that he plans to re-organize committees now that he is Borough Council President.
The next Canton Borough Council meeting will be Monday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m., location or ZOOM is still undetermined at this time.