Borough Council

BANGOR BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT 197 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, BANGOR, PA MINUTES SEPTEMBER 9, 2024, 6:30 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO FLAG ROLL CALL Members Present: James W. Kresge Marissa Donnelly Rosemarie Capone Marc Sperling Barry Schweitzer Joanna Paulson Others Present: Stephen Reider, Borough Manager David J. Ceraul, Esq., Solicitor Mary Ellen DeFranco, Mayor Michael Gable, T&M Associates Absent: James Augustine PUBLIC COMMENT: 1. David Carhart was present from 139 Market Street to read a letter to Council regarding six things that the Lord hates. ACTION ITEMS: 1. A MOTION to approve the minutes dated August 7, 2024, August 12, 2024 and August 26, 2024 was made by Sperling, seconded by Capone. All were in favor. MOTION carried. 2. Manager Reider stated that a letter of interest was received from David McCloughan to serve on the Park Board. A MOTION was made by Capone, seconded by Donnelly to appoint David McCloughan to the Park Board, subject to completion of a criminal background and child abuse clearance. All were in favor. MOTION carried. 3. Manager Reider discussed the Bangor Borough Sewer Authority Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan with Council. The Authority Engineer Michael Gable was present to answer any questions from Council. A MOTION was made by Schweitzer, seconded by Donnelly to approve the Resolution so it can be submitted to the DEP for their review. Vote: 5-0-1, Paulson abstained. MOTION carried. 4. Manager Reider provided Council with a copy of the updated Bangor Borough Fee Schedule. Manager Reider and Council discussed the potential changes. 5. Council President Kresge read a Resolution honoring A Clean Slate’s 10-year anniversary and expressing appreciation for the support of a Clean Slate and Recovery Revolution to the Bangor Borough Community. A MOTION was made by Donnelly, seconded by Capone to adopt the Resolution honoring A Clean Slate. All were in favor, MOTION carried. Council President Kresge praised Jana Sarnowski for all the work she does for the community/youth sports/church. COUNCIL COMMENTS: 1. Chief Jones gave Council a Police Department update. 2. Council Member Sperling stated that he had the privilege of representing Bangor at The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber Foundation Award Ceremony. Bangor Borough was awarded $1,500 for the Bangor 150th Anniversary. Sperling read an email from Laurie Hackett, the Director of Corporation & Community Relations at Air Products stating that $1,000 will be donated towards banners for Bangor’s 150th Anniversary. Sperling mentioned the school shooting in Georgia and a football coach that was killed in the incident. Sperling asked everyone to remember September 11th. 3. Council Member Paulson mentioned the situation in Springfield, OH and Aurora, CO regarding dangerous illegal immigrants. Paulson feels that Bangor Borough needs to be protected from dangerous illegal immigrants, and she would like a committee formed to create an ordinance to prevent the federal government from dumping illegal immigrants in Bangor Borough. Council President Kresge asked for Council Member Paulson to work with Manager Reider regarding this matter. 4. Council Member Schweitzer feels that the borough needs a database listing all residents. Schweitzer feels that the borough ordinance that mandates landlords to provide the borough with their tenants information must be enforced. 5. Mayor DeFranco stated that since the tax bills have been sent, she noticed that more homes are for sale in the borough. 6. Council Member Capone stated that the Wizardfest and Magickal Market Event had a low turnout due to the weather. 7. Manager Reider gave Council a grant update. Reider reported that the Halloween Parade will be held at the park since no response was received from PennDOT. Reider stated that the new dump truck should arrive next month. 8. Jana Sarnowski arrived at the meeting and Council President Kresge re-read the resolution honoring A Clean Slate and Recovery Revolution. Council President Kresge acknowledged Ms. Sarnowski for all the organizations that she participates in and feels she is a tremendous asset to the community. EXECUTIVE SESSION: A MOTION to go into Executive Session at 7:34 P.M. to discuss a legal matter with potential action to follow was made by Capone, seconded by Sperling. All were in favor. MOTION carried. Open session was re-entered at 8:01 P.M. Legal matters were discussed. A MOTION was made by Donnelly, seconded by Capone to send the negotiated police agreement to Attorney Harrison for review. ADJOURNMENT: A MOTION to adjourn was made by Donnelly, seconded by Capone. All were in favor. MOTION carried. The Bangor Borough Council Meeting adjourned at 8:03 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Tracy Palmer, Administrative Secretary