The minutes of the October meeting were approved. Council approved payment of $124,271.32 (including about $48,000 for the Redington Avenue bridge) and to pay unpaid bills of $639.12.
The General Government committee reviewed the insurance package, from Selective Insurance through M C Insurance Associates, and recommended it be approved. The package was approved as presented. Tom Close and Michelle Barrett of M C Insurance along with Chad Schrawder and Steve Sumner of Gannon Associates, were present to answer any questions.
The Finance Committee reviewed the budget, and the Protection of Persons and Property committee will review on December 4 the five applications received for the police patrolman vacancy.
Mr. Close submitted his resignation as Troy Borough Emergency Management Coordinator, a position he has held since 1983. His resignation was accepted and he was commended for a job well done. Manager Dan Close said, "I know he's my brother, but he has done an excellent job, in many disasters." He led a round of applause for Tom Close.
On Mr. Close's recommendation, Scott Cummings was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Close's resignation.
Council approved a motion to implement a "Junior Council Person" and to accept applications from Troy Junior-Senior High School. Council hopes this encourages young people to become involved in local government. The Junior Council members would attend meetings, but not executive sessions, and would not be eligible to vote. "I think this would be a really great program," Mrs. Bristol said. "It's good to get the perspective of [younger people]." This program would begin in September 2015.
Mrs. Bristol attended the Troy Fire Department budget meeting and said, "They do an excellent job with their funds." She thanked the fire company for all they do for the Borough.
Mr. Close led a discussion on the 2015 budget. Water and sewer charges each have proposed increases of 60¢ per thousand gallons. This should cover deficits of $14,000 in wastewater and $15,000 in water. "This is a minimal increase but will get us where we need to be on the budget," Mr. Close said. He said that bulk water sales have tapered off. "We spent a lot of bulk water money on things that needed to be done," Mr. Close said. "Now we have to get our house in order," he said.
Mrs. Bristol added that there will be an 18¢ increase per meter per month. This surcharge will satisfy the remaining debt of the 2002 water project.
No tax increase is anticipated in the general government budget.
Council voted to advertise the budget for adoption in December. Mr. Warn said, "[Mr. Close] did a great job." Mr. Colton said, "Very thorough, very thorough." Mrs. Bristol agreed and thanked Mr. Close.
Mr. Close announced that the Redington Avenue bridge has been completed, with also prompted a round of applause. The Engineers will be in to review the project.
Council met in executive session after the meeting to discuss staffing of the police department, but took no action.