Council made the following appointments: Will Holmes, Vacan-cy Board, one-year term; Five year terms - Frank Watson, Borough Authority Board; Al Hess, Borough Planning Commission; Glenn Trick Sr., and Jerry Schmidt, Borough Zoning Board. All of the above were reappointments except for Mr. Schmidt, who filled a vacancy on the Zoning Board.
A vacancy remains on the Shade Tree Commission.
The minutes of the December meeting and the LERTA Hearing were approved.
The bills were approved for payment.
There were no visitor comments or solicitor report.
Mrs. Seeley provided statements of cash flows, balance sheets and other financial and budget items to Council
Council unanimously approved the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) ordinance, which was approved for advertisement last month. This would, for a period of ten years, abate increases in property taxes resulting from increased assessments because of substantial improvements. The motivation behind this Ordinance was the purchase by Frank and Glenda Watson of the former Swayze Building on Troy Street. Major improvements are being undertaken on the building, which will house Watson Diesel's water truck and municipal upgrade business, creating an estimated five jobs.
The LERTA will not come into force until the Canton Area School District and Bradford County also agree to the tax abatement. This is expected to be a formality, but unless it takes place the LERTA will not be in force.
Council also unanimously passed the Street Excavation ordinance, authorized for advertising last month. This will require permits for all utility street excavations, etc. and will require those responsible for disturbing the street to restore it to an acceptable condition. The permit will be a flat $150 fee plus a $1 charge per foot.
Council tabled a discussion of a Scope of Work/Price Proposal from Dawood Engineering for the ARLE Grant, which will be used to modernize the traffic light/parking situation at the Main Square.
Council also tabled a request for a letter of support for a "Gateway Commons" project in Athens Township. Mrs. Seeley said she contacted officials in Athens Township and learned that this proposal is some five years old and that Athens Township itself has not been asked for a letter of support.
Council will continue to review a rental inspection ordinance. Mr. Jannone said that he preferred aspects of the Berwick Ordinance because although landlords are ultimately responsible, the tenants have obligations as well.
Mrs. Seeley and Council will come up with some drafts for consideration next month.
The Planning Commission has prepared a zoning ordinance which Council will consider for adoption later this year. It is not yet ready for advertising. Mrs. Seeley said that last week's zoning hearing brought an issue to light that will be addressed in the ordinance.
Council authorized the destruction of certain records dating from 2007. This is a standard resolution that is passed annually.
Council also passed a resolution authorizing the Treasurer to transfer money during 2015 to maintain funds until annual receipts are available and to transfer money from a surplus budget item to those for which a shortage might occur so the 2015 budget will be maintained in balance.
Mrs. Seeley reminded Council that statements of financial interest are due in May.
Lists of the membership of the Borough boards and commissions were provided to Council.
Chief Seeley reported that 2014 was "a good year - we were kept busy with drug arrests and DUI. We will be busy in 2015 but we will handle it." He said that he needed an executive session for police matters.
Mr. Bastion gave the Street Department report (see separate article).
After reviewing the road salt orders for the past six years, Council expects to order 180 tons of salt for next year but will not make that decision until March. The Borough must order at least 60% of that amount, but may order up to 140%.
Council authorized advertising for lifeguards for the 2015 season at the War Memorial Pool.
Mr. Jannone reported on the Fire Board meeting. Council unanimously approved the 2015 fire contract in the amount of $31,798.53, which is the same amount as last year.
Mrs. Thompson reported that the new furnace in the Green Free Library is working well.
Council voted to exonerate Tax Collector Gary Gleckner from collecting $1,327.50 in 2014 Occupation Taxes.
After an executive session lasting approximately forty minutes, the public meeting resumed. Mr. Ciaccio said there were three items of business to deal with:
• accepting the resignation of hourly police officer Michael Kreischer.
• appointing Dave Wilson as Codes Compliance Officer, which is a part-time position;
• authorizing the purchase of replacement windows for the Borough Hall at a cost not to exceed $4,000. The work will be done in-house.
All three of these actions were approved by a 6-0 vote.