Borough Council

BANGOR BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT 197 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, BANGOR, PA MINUTES MAY 8, 2023 - 6:30 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO FLAG ROLL CALL Members Present: James W. Kresge Marissa Donnelly James Augustine Rosemarie Capone Barry G. Schweitzer Robert Goffredo, Sr. Joanna Paulson Others Present: Stephen M. Reider, Borough Manager David J. Ceraul, Esq., Solicitor Mary Ellen DeFranco, Mayor PUBLIC COMMENTS: 1. Forrest Meyers was present from 649 Snyder Street to address Council with his concerns/opinions regarding the Planning Commission hearing. 2. Leila Ross thanked Public Works for having the road repaired in front of her house on Messinger Street. ACTION ITEMS: 1. Council Member Paulson questioned item # 2 under Council Comments on the April 10th Council Minutes regarding the sewer capacity issue. There was short dialogue and two specific questions that were asked that she would like entered in the minutes as verbatim and the answers. A MOTION to amend the minutes dated April 10, 2023, was made by Paulson, seconded by Donnelly. All were in favor. MOTION carried. 2. Manager Reider reported that at the April Authority meeting a resolution was passed regarding the easements for the Authority owned property on Ridge Road. Council Member Paulson asked for clarification regarding the easements and Manager Reider addressed her questions/concerns. Paulson questioned if anyone addressed the sewer capacity issue prior to applying for the easements. Manager Reider stated that it would be part of the subdivision/land development process which we are currently in. Council Member Paulson has concerns about costs incurred for sewer and impacts on taxpayers. Cost is to be covered by developer. A MOTION was made by Goffredo, seconded by Schweitzer to ratify the Authority resolution. All were in favor. MOTION carried. 3. A hearing was held regarding the potential removal of a member of the Bangor Borough Planning Commission. A MOTION was made by Paulson to rescind removing MaryEllen DeFranco from the Planning Commission. A MOTION was made by Augustine, seconded by Goffredo, to remove MaryEllen DeFranco from the Planning Commission. Vote: 6-1- Paulson, Nay. MOTION carried. Council Member Paulson stated that she is very disappointed and feels the decision was based on a slanderous and liable statement. COUNCIL COMMENTS: 1. Council Member Paulson feels that what occurred with this government was an absolute witch hunt. 2. Council Member Capone stated that she attended The Miller’s 100th Anniversary and they did a fabulous job. She also participated in planting flowers downtown. 3. Police Chief Jones stated that Fidelity Bank donated $1,000 to the Police Wish Fund. 4. Mayor DeFranco congratulated Police Chief Jones and stated that she is very pleased. She also commented that there is an election this year and encouraged everyone to go out and vote. 5. Solicitor Ceraul and Manager Reider congratulated Police Chief Jones in his new position. 6. Manager Reider updated Council on the pool/park projects and staffing. Reider thanked the volunteers that planted flowers downtown and commented that the borough is still planning to have food trucks downtown. 7. Council President Kresge congratulated Police Chief Jones saying that Jones has impressed him with his work ethic/communication and feels wonderful things will happen. ADJOURNMENT: A MOTION to adjourn the meeting and go into Executive Session at 8:42 P.M. to discuss police personnel matters, with no action to follow was made by Donnelly, seconded by Capone. All were in favor. MOTION carried. Respectfully Submitted, Tracy Palmer, Secretary