Home Rule Study Commission

Home Rule Study Commission Borough of Greenville Minutes of the Meeting held January 10 at 6:30 PM Greenville Senior Center 1. Call to Order Paul Miller, Commission Chairman 2. Pledge of Allegiance: Flag Salute led by Paul Miller 3. Roll Call: Paul Hamill Hal Johnson Martha Johnson Paul Miller Casey Shilling Steve Thompson Steve Williams Also present: Jasson Urey, Tracy Beil, Lawrence Keller, Kathryn Saffer, Audrey Artman Media: Earl Corp, Record-Argus 4. Public Comments: Tracy Beil asked the commission how they felt about the Neighborhood Meetings. Paul Miller explained that we would discuss that in Old Business. 5. Minutes: Paul Hamill made a motion to accept the minutes. During discussion, Steve Williams said he was hoping for a summary of the homework assignment reviewed at the October 25, 2018 meeting. Martha said she would work on a summary for the group. Casey offered a second. Motion passed 7-0. 6. Old Business: Discussion took place regarding the Neighborhood Meetings. The concern was raised that some people think that the purpose of Home Rule is to skirt state tax laws. There is also concern regarding the prospect of taxes rising. Paul M. explained to the public attendees that Home Rule does not raise taxes but could raise tax caps. He also summarized things Home Rule can and cannot do. 7. New Business: Dr. Lawrence Keller was introduced. He presented on the core of a municipal charter, potential forms of local government, committee of the whole and some history on Home Rule. Steve Williams made a motion to hire Dr. Keller’s “Staff Services” package at $8,000 with an additional $1,000 travel fee. The fees will be paid with the grant money that was awarded from the DCED. Paul H. offered a second and the motion carried 7-0.  Hal’s Town Meeting presentation was tabled until we have more information as Dr. Hirt suggested that Town Hall models were not recognized in PA. Casey nominated Hal to cover as secretary in Martha’s absence at the January 24 meeting. Hal declined the nomination. Martha nominated Casey. Paul H. made a motion to accept Casey as substitute secretary for the January 24 meeting and Steve T. offered a second. Both gentlemen withdrew their motions as Casey realized he will be unable to attend the meeting. Hal rescinded his decline and Paul H. made a motion to accept him as substitute secretary with Casey offering a second. The motion carried at last 7-0. 8. Public Comments: Tracy Beil thanked Dr. Keller for his presentation. 12. Good of the Order: The commission expressed their thanks to Dr. Keller for his willingness to work with them on the task set before them. Paul M made those in attendance aware of the calendars being sold by the Historical Society. The commission will take advantage of the Chamber’s offer of a free table at the Business Expo on March 23. 13. Adjournment The commission will meet next at 6:30 PM on January 24, 2019 at the Senior Center. Paul H. made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Steve W. offered a second. Motion passed 7-0 at 8:35 PM. Respectfully submitted, Martha C. Johnson Commission Secretary /Treasurer