rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
CANTON — Committees were set on the Canton Borough Council at their February meeting on Feb. 14.
For the police committee, Mayor Dean Vanderpool will chair, with David Preston and Bob Johnson.
For the street committee, George Jennings and Brian Koval were appointed.
For the recreation committee, Lynette Ambruch and George Jennings were appointed.
For code, George Jennings and Christopher Schrader were appointed.
For fire, Michael Shultz with Lynette Ambruch as an alternate were appointed.
For library, Schrader and Koval were appointed.
For PA Council of Governments, Administrator Seeley was appointed.
For Bradford County TCC, Seeley, Johnson and Schrader were appointed.
Public Comment
Frank Watson spoke during the visitor’s remarks section of the meeting and wanted to inform council of a possible collaboration between them and the school. Watson noted the need of snow removal for certain residents who are not able to do it themselves and suggested that the borough administrator, who may know who those people are, work with the school district to get kids involved in helping shovel sidewalks during the winter months.
Administrator’s report
The council approved Resolution 2022-3, which is establishing rules related to and for the conduct of public meetings.
Before approval was discussion on resolutions after Koval had questions concerning the above resolution.
The questions entailed the three-minute maximum for public speaking, per person. The second was on removal of disruptive individuals and at what time it was allowed and under what circumstances.
Solicitor David Brann clarified questions and also explained the difference between an ordinance and resolution.
Preston asked if the topic would be able to be re-visited in the future, if needed, to which he was answered yes.
Koval asked where he can get the Roberts Rules of Order book. These books can be found for purchase online, and Administrator Seeley noted that he may come in and look at the borough’s copy as well.
Spring cleanup is scheduled for the week of May 16, with hopes to include an E-recycling event as well.
To conclude the report, Schultz informed the public of former mayor John Vineski’s passing.
Police Department
Police Chief Doug Seeley asked for the police committee to meet soon to discuss Act 120, which works with Mansfield Police Academy on finding new recruits for a job with the borough.
Vanderpool then brought the idea of radar speed and message signs to the borough council, stating that he would like to see one or more throughout the borough to hopefully deter drivers from speeding in the borough. He said the signs are PennDOT approved and the borough can use Act 13 funds to cover the roughly $2,400 per sign cost.
Koval asked Mayor Vanderpool and Johnson if they knew about the $500 check written from Administrator Seeley to Chief Seeley, noting that the mayor is on the police department committee and Johnson had signed the check approval. The check was written in December, when Vanderpool was not mayor, which was clarified.
“We are not in time-saving business. If you have a question, it needs to be brought up before you approve the bills. So, you approved them and you’re finding a fault with them and it looks like you’re trying to throw it back on everyone else when simply you can call and say ‘hey, I don’t understand what this check is for,’” said Schultz.
“Like I can have the lady from the Pennsylvania State Borough Association call you. She told me it was a legitimate question that should be asked,” replied Koval.
“So why don’t you first ask the person who wrote the check or the person who received the check?” replied Schultz.
When he asked Administrator Seeley what the money was for, he was given the answer that the money was for his annual police uniform budget and that the expense is listed in the general funds of the borough.
“I post the bills. I asked you when you emailed me to be put on the agenda if there was a question I could answer for you, I feel like that would have been the better time to ask rather than take up time at a public meeting,” said Administrator Seeley.
Council also approved parade permits to be sent to PennDOT. The following events/dates were approved: Memorial Day May 30, Canton Downtown Celebration July 9, Halloween parade Oct. 29, with pending dates (approved) for graduation and homecoming when those dates are available.
Street Department
Street Department head Dave Wilson informed the council of the salt enrollment deadline, which is March 15.
Recreation
Ambruch began the recreation report in stating that the borough is still seeking employees for the pool this summer. She also noted some planned facade improvements to the area.
The borough will also move forward with the ADA outside restroom facility through a 2022 DCNR grant application that will be applied for.
Code Enforcement
There was nothing to report for code enforcement.
Fire Department
Scott May reported the monthly meeting for February as Feb. 15 at the social hall. He also noted the fire department’s intentions of taking down Christmas decorations this weekend.
For Emergency Management, Brett Neely was not present, but Administrator Seeley reported on his behalf, stating he went to an officership class.
Solicitor’s report
Solicitor David Brann discussed the Sunshine Act again and reviewed changes with the borough council. He noted that for agendas for public meetings, they are needed to be posted 24 hours in advance, items planned for the meeting need to be for action and need to be specific to ensure a smoother public meeting.
David Preston asked if modifications were OK to be made in an event something may be resolved, to which Brann replied yes.
For mayor’s remarks, Vanderpool thanked the street department for their snow removal this season.
The library returned to in-person learning time for preschoolers. They also noted they have hotspots for people to borrow. Summer reading plans are almost complete.
The Rialto Theatre will host the Canton Youth Football fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 20, at 2 and 6 p.m.
For recent school news, Schultz wanted to congratulate the district on the fact that now three teams in the district have made it to state playoff games.
Before adjourning, council held an executive session on matters concerning Zito Media.
The next Canton Borough Council meeting will be Monday, March 14, at 7 p.m. in the borough council building.
Clarification
The following paragraph was reported in last month’s Canton Borough Council story. ”He (Councilman Koval) asked about dental insurance for borough employees and whether that was covered by the borough or not, to which he was answered with no, the employee pays for that expense and part of their regular insurance.”
The article should have read that the borough pays for employees’ vision and dental benefits. Employees pay for part of their medical benefits.
Editor’s Note: The Sentinel apologizes for this error. The Sentinel does not record meeting minutes for the borough council nor receives them from the borough. A reporter attends all meetings and reports stories.