by Rachel Heitzenrater
rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
CANTON — Canton Borough Council swore new council member Alyssa Packard in at the meeting Monday evening.
Packard was a junior council person but was appointed to council officially at the meeting Feb. 8. She is replacing former councilman John Mosser. Council is now looking for a new junior council person.
Councilman George Jennings was voted as vice president at the meeting as well. All council members voted yes, except Councilman Christopher Schrader. Councilmen Dave Groover and Kurt Bastion were not present at the meeting.
As proposed at last meeting, council further discussed taking action on sidewalk conditions throughout the borough. Council president Michael Shultz proposed at the last meeting an initiative to help improve the look of the town, by offering to help residents and businesses with financial aid to improve their sidewalks.
Council is currently working on a sidewalk loan paperwork.
Based on preliminary numbers, Borough Administrator Amy Seeley estimated the cost of repairing sidewalks at about $5,000 total for $15/square foot at 50-70 feet in length and five feet wide. She said corners will likely cost more at about $7,500-$9,000. The projects will still require permits and will have to go through code enforcer officer, John Raub.
Shultz stated that borough employees (street department) could do some of the removal to help offset costs, but they would most likely not be able to begin work until next year.
Shultz asked council to consider either helping five residents at $25,000, or 10 residents at $50,000 cost to the borough. Act 13 funds could be used for this project, according to borough administrator Amy Seeley.
“It will give residents a chance to help us improve the look of the town,” said Shultz. “The low-interest loan will help the borough and put all residents back in compliance with codes. It’s a win-win with safety and improving the looks.”
“I think it’s a good idea,” said Jennings.
Council will be advertising the ordinance shortly.
Police Department
Police Chief Doug Seeley stated that Andrew Whitehead is sworn in and doing well.
Street Department
After a brief discussion on rock salt, Street Supervisor Dave Wilson asked council to approve a pay raise for worker Brandon Perry.
“I want to keep him. He’s a good employee,” said Wilson. “He’s never late and works hard.”
Council agreed to raise Perry’s wage from $13.67/hour to $14.01/hour.
Wilson also asked about purchasing a back hoe and asked about funding and/or a loan to get the equipment. Council approved a letter of intent to purchase the backhoe.
Codes Report
Codes officer John Raub stated that two tickets have been resolved since the printing of his report.
Rec Department
Lynette Ambruch stated that this summer, the manager, two full time and two part time people were returning to help with the poll. Administrator Seeley said she contacted the school for applicants on the vacant positions.
The committee plans to use the punch cards for the pool again this year.
Ambruch also announced that Curtis Lammy poured concrete in the pool for his Eagle Scout project.
Other news
President Shultz asked council for their blessing on helping Canton Township with whatever they need, such as use of the yard/shed, helping them with plowing and more. The township building caught on fire Feb. 5, and most of their equipment is gone due to damages. Council agreed.
President Shultz also assigned new committees to each council members at the meeting.
Council also renewed three contacts for garbage removal in the borough: Andy’s Disposal, Real Disposal and Cassella companies were all renewed with contracts. Council is still working with the lawyers at Northern Tier.
Administrator Seeley reminded council that due to Gov. Wolf’s proposed 2021 budget, Canton’s state police contract is labeled “only during serious situations” which means that police will only respond when absolutely needed. This will cost the borough $7.47/person, or $13,699.
Seeley also said she followed up on Michelle Holton’s request last month, speaking with Joe Quatrini of the Bradford County Conservation District about a Growing Greener grant. Quatrini is a watershed specialist that will be visiting the site the next couple of months. He will coordinate with The Department of Environmental Protection as well as the Army Corps. of Engineers and will keep her, Holton and Canton Township informed as he finds out more information.
Seeley stated that she received several compliments on how well-plowed the borough was from numerous residents.
Council adjourned with an executive session regarding Zito media. The next borough council meeting will be Monday, March 15, at 7 p.m.