rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
CANTON — Council voted to send a letter regarding harassment to resident Brian Koval at Monday evening’s meeting, May 10.
Administrator Seeley reported that she had spoken to two teenage girls who were “shaken up” by a man who yelled at them and took pictures of them while they were walking down South Washington Street, near the WIP property.
Koval subsequently delivered a document to the borough hall which contained photos of the girls and did not receive permission from their parents beforehand.
The girls were interviewed by Chief Seeley, who also spoke to their parents.
Chief Seeley said that the parents are not happy are considering pressing charges on Koval.
It was alleged that Koval had posted the photos on social media, however, Koval stated he did not have social media.
At the meeting, Koval asked Chief Seeley via zoom if he should dial 911 in the future, referring to witnessing alleged trespassing on the property.
Koval will be sent a letter from the borough advising him he has no authority to harass/intimidate people walking on borough streets.
Visitor’s Comments
Brian Koval and Sandy Most commented to the borough council. Koval’s comments pertained to consistency on the council, or lack thereof, in his opinion. He noted that exit interviews were not conducted on previous employees David Groover nor Brandon Perry.
Most thanked the council for their public service.
Codes Report
Continuing the conversation, Michael Shultz read the code officer’s report on behalf of John Raub, who was absent due to family reasons.
Raub commented on comments made at the April meeting, concerning codes.
In his statement, he addressed inconsistencies in comments made by Brian Koval on the WIP property, as well as Alex Schrader and Darrin Roy on codes and what other municipalities offer to handle violations. These comments can be found in the Letters to the Editor section on the editorial page, page 4.
Visitors comments
Administrator Seeley asked for a couple minutes of time to rebut remarks made at last month’s council meeting, made by Councilman Christopher Schrader. She provided those present with a copy of visitor’s comments of the March 8 meeting minutes, as well as the April 12 meeting minutes.
Councilman Schrader had accused Administrator Seeley of not accurately typing the minutes from the March meeting in which resident Brian Koval had asked George Jennings about why he motioned to remove David Groover from the president position.
The statement from Schrader says “The statement in the minutes says that Jennings was not told to do anything by anyone. This, however, is not how it was said. Mr. Jennings stated, and I quote ‘No I did not speak with anyone about anything before the meetings.’ Both statements are inaccurate. Also, I believe it was changed to try to cover for the lie that was told in the statement.”Schrader goes on to accuse Administrator Seeley of telling Councilman Jennings how to vote.
The meeting minutes were found to be accurate, aside one word - nobody. Otherwise, it was verbatim.
Administrator Seeley stated that had Councilman Schrader had this issue and came to her, that it could have been resolved without wasting more of council’s and the public’s time, which she apologized in doing.
At the April meeting, Schrader had also made the comment of “I am positive nothing will come of this incident as I have stated before, this council is crooked as ever and the one who runs this borough is over there typing right now.”
Administrator Seeley said it is her job to answer questions from the council.
“Mr. Schrader and Mr. Koval both inaccurately reported information and in the future I would request of them to do some fact checking before they present their complaints, accusations, or questions. As far as Mr. Schrader’s statement (about running the borough), I was hired to manage the business of the borough, as set by council, which I have done just shy of 21 years now. If I am not doing something correctly Chris, then please tell me specifically so I can make a change as needed, but until them, I am going to challenge you, instead of working against everyone, that you change your mindset and be part of the positivity moving the borough forward rather continually reflecting backwards,” she said.
Other news
Council president Michael Shultz made a motion to remove both Councilmen Kurt Bastion and David Groover from their prospective committees, citing the reason was that they haven’t been attending meetings.
“We need people to be here,” said Shultz.
The week of May 24 is deemed the spring cleanup in Canton Borough.
Administrator Seeley announced that there were 11 participants at the Keep PA Clean event in conjunction with the Lions Club. They cleaned a total of two miles of streets on May 1.
Paperwork is turned into the council’s USDA representative to purchase the backhoe for the street department. So far, council has received info from three local banks on financing, however, they voted to move forward with First Citizens Community Bank. Until they hear from the USDA grant money, they will use ACT13 funds to cover the cost until they hear the status from USDA.
Councilman Jennings suggested a 10-year replacement plan for all equipment so that they do not go without a piece of equipment again.
For the rec department, it was noted that there are nine dive-in sponsors for the pool.
Scott May reported that June 8 is the next fire department board meeting at the social hall.
He asked about whether or not the borough was planning a Memorial Day parade, in which Administrator Seeley replied that she is working on one with the Legion. The route will be the same as last year’s Halloween parade and will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 31.
The idea of bringing back a siren for emergencies to place by the redlight was brought up, with May stating he will do research on prices for a new siren.
The library is currently working on the summer reading program. More information on this can be found on page 5.
The Rialto is doing curbside popcorn and candy again on May 28 at 5 p.m. in front of the theater.
Graduation is planned for June 4 outdoors. There will be a parade for graduates after with the same route as last year.
The next Canton Borough Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. at the borough building on Monday, June 14.