Council Meeting

Vice President Jacob Schindel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the following Councilors present: Mr. John Butterfield, Mrs. Susan Naugle, Mr. Graham Weaver, Ms. Rebecca Brown, Mr. Kyle Leinbach, Mr. Robert Krummerich, Mr. Scot Pitzer and Mayor William Troxell. President Michael Birkner was absent. Staff present included: Manager Charles Gable, Borough Secretary Sara Stull, Solicitor Harold Eastman, Chief Joseph Dougherty, Finance Director Nicolette James and Planning Director Scott Dellett. Public Works Director Dan Hilliard was absent.

Others present included: Representing Main Street Gettysburg were; Deb Adamik, Patricia Lawson, Ron Hankey, and Emmett Patterson; Ken Kime, President Gettysburg Fire Department; Norris Flowers, Director Destination Gettysburg; Daniel Bringman and Brian Sheaffer, Gettysburg Foundation; Todd Mickley, Steinwehr Avenue BID; Susan Flowers, Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association; Attorney John Phillips, Phillips & Phillips; Barbara Ernico, Adams County Community Foundation; Jeff Ernico; Nancie Gudmestad, Shriver House; Wendy Allen, Lincoln Into Art Gallery; Steve Hemler, 535 York Street; Wesley Heyser, 226 North Stratton Street; Walton Davis, 301 Ridge Avenue; Tom McKenney, 150 York Street; Mike Shestok, 264 Baltimore Street; Patrick Naugle, 650 Red Patch Avenue; Robert Cooke, 1040 Long Lane and Stan Clark, 915 Fairview Avenue. Representing the press was Jim Hale of the Gettysburg Times.

Vice President Schindel announced an executive session of the Borough Council was conducted immediately prior to the adjournment of its monthly general business meeting held on September 8, 2014 consistent with section 708(a)(2) of the Sunshine Act. An executive session of the Borough council will be conducted immediately prior to the adjournment of this meeting consistent with section 708(a)(2) and section 708(a)(4) of the Sunshine Act for the following purposes: (1) to receive information and to discuss strategy related to the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters Local No. 776; and (2) to consult with its solicitor regarding information in connection with pending litigation filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Adams County, Pennsylvania, No. 2013-SU-1346, captioned Sudhir Gangwal, Plaintiff v. Christopher Folster, individually and as an employee of the Gettysburg Borough Police Department, Defendants 

Moved Mr. Pitzer, seconded Mr. Krummerich to approve the agenda as presented after adding Ken Kime, President GFD, under special presentation.

Moved Mr. Leinbach, seconded Mr. Pitzer to approve the September 8, 2014 minutes as presented.

Special Presentations:

Main Street Gettysburg

Patricia Lawson, Chair of Main Street Gettysburg thanked Borough Council for the opportunity to speak. She read a prepared statement which is attached. 

Deb Adamik, President & CEO, Main Street Gettysburg, presented a check in the amount of $21,100 to Borough Council to be used towards the Baltimore Street Revitalization Project. Ms. Adamik recognized the following organizations that contributed funds for this project: Norris Flowers, Destination Gettysburg; Barbara Ernico, Adams County Community Foundation; Dan Bringman, Gettysburg Foundation; 

Ronald Hankey, National Trust for Historic Gettysburg, John Van Meerbeke, Gettysburg Rotary Club; and Susan Flowers, Gettysburg Retail Merchants Association.

Wendy Allen presented a drawing she created for the Baltimore Street Revitalization project. The color illustration showed what the Baltimore Street corridor would look like with improvements in lighting and streetscape.

Mr. Butterfield thanked the Main Street Board members for attending the meeting and also for their work in planning the upcoming Baltimore Street Revitalization project.

Mr. Pitzer asked about the 86 percent of the Main Street budget that comes from other sources He said that it would be helpful to see what is coming from other sources and how much was requested. Ms. Lawson responded that the packet hand-out to Council notes the budget requests. Ms. Adamik also said that it includes a list of donors. She said that the total budget is approximately $146,700 which comes from Board Members, fundraisers and businesses. Ms. Adamik noted that some of these donors prefer not to have the amount disclosed. Ms. Lawson said that the MSB meets tomorrow and she could address this with them.

Mr. Pitzer asked that with budget constraints for both parties, if the Borough were to provide office space to them at no charge, how that would work for them and satisfy their needs. He said that his understanding is that the Borough provided this arrangement to them in the past. Ms. Lawson said that Main Street did have office space at the Borough for many years until a few years ago. She said that they recently had preliminary conversations with the Borough Manager about this possibility. Ms. Lawson pointed out that along with the free office space, the Borough also provided a $50,000 donation and provided payroll service. She went on to say that the rent could not be in lieu of a contribution, but the rent would be helpful. 

Emmett Patterson pointed out that Main Street has a "bare bones" budget and would still need donations. Mr. Leinbach then said it sounds like Main Street is asking for housing and an appropriation. Ms. Adamik said that they are currently looking for free rent. She noted that they have cut back as much as they can and have reduced staff. Ms. Adamik also said that the Borough needs to show that they are interested in Main Street and their mission.

Solicitor Eastman clarified that the Borough does not make any donations of tax payers' funds to anyone. He said these are appropriations of funds for proper causes as required under the Borough Code or laws of the Commonwealth.

Gettysburg Fire Department

Ken Kime, President of Gettysburg Fire Department, gave a brief report on advanced life support (ALS) ambulance coverage. He said that WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital officials said that ALS services will be discontinued in Adams County, with June 2015 as a target date. Mr. Kime asked Council to consider changing the current 0.25 mill Fire Tax so that its proceeds could also be applied to the emergency medical services. 

Mr. Butterfield asked how this would be funded. Mr. Kime said that billing would still be done to patients' insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. He also said that they are considering creating an ambulance club, and will also see what grants may be available. 

Solicitor Eastman made a clarification that a modification to the Fire Tax to include an EMS Tax would require a new tax ordinance. He explained that this is a separate tax under the Borough Code. 

Public Comment:

Emmett Patterson commented that Main Street Gettysburg historically has done many beneficial services for the Borough and will continue to do so. He pointed out to the great job that was done with the Steinwehr Avenue Project, and the seven million dollars that was secured for it. Main Street cannot do these things by themselves and needs help from the community. Mr. Patterson said that the tax base will only continue to shrink with only 48 percent taxpayers. He said that the choices are to raise taxes to raise revenues or to increase property values. Mr. Patterson went on to say that Council should think long term. He noted that by keeping taxes down, and not making financial improvements, there would be a huge tax increase all at once which would be detrimental.

Steve Hemler expressed his concerns regarding the budget, and asked Council to review what he feels is over-staffed employees in some areas. He suggested that since the County has a Planning Department and Planning Commission, there is no need for the Borough to have a Planning Director. He also suggested eliminating staff in the Finance Department as well, noting that a Borough Manager and Finance Director aren't both necessary. Mr. Hemler said that Council should give the Borough Manager authority to manage the Borough, since that's what he was hired to do. He also pointed out that Cumberland Township doesn't have as many employees as the Borough. He asked Council to look at other municipalities.

Vice President Mr. Schindel responded that Council has been examining the budget very closely. He said that we have "good people" working at the Borough, and Council is trying to balance the services that we provide with tax revenues. Vice President Schindel went on to say that each municipality is different, and that the Borough provides a lot of services for its citizens. 

Mr. Leinbach stated that the infrastructure demand is much higher in the Borough due to the many tourists. He said that is why organizations like the Steinwehr Avenue BID and Main Street do exist. Mr. Leinbach went on to say that, even though he initially proposed for a reduction in staff, he doesn't feel the Borough is "grossly over-staffed".

Susan Flowers said that the free holiday parking is on the agenda for approval tonight for GARMA, and that she would be glad to answer any questions.

Todd Mickley thanked Council for their support of the Steinwehr Avenue BID. He said that the BID wouldn't exist if it weren't for all the dedicated and hard work of Main Street. 

Wesley Heyser said that he has been attending Borough meetings recently, and that he sometimes has issues with funding and transparency as a whole. He said that he believes the conflicts with Main Street could have been avoided. He said that anyone can look at certain organizations' websites to see what's going on. Mr. Heyser said that he can understand the sensitive nature of contributors. 

Mr. Pitzer said he appreciates his remarks. He noted that out of the sixteen- person board that contributes funding, only the Borough Council, Adams County Commissioners and ACEDC meet publicly and make public decisions where funding is always under scrutiny. 

Norris Flowers pointed out that any nonprofit must file Form 990, and that it is public information that anyone can access.

Patti Lawson said that many 501c3 organizations struggle. She said that rent is something that was identified as a large piece, and that for years they didn't pay rent. They have been negotiating over the past two years with the landlord. Ms. Lawson pointed out that they are negotiating with others entities and not just the Borough for office space. 

Mr. Leinbach asked if there was a reason why this wasn't included on the application for $14,000 in-kind service, noting only the $20,000 appropriation was listed. Emmett Patterson responded that Main Street was not sure how to handle this, stating that they have been negotiating for office space for some time. He said that they would still need donations to pay for other expenses. 

Mr. Leinbach asked Manager Gable to modify the application for next year to include in-kind appropriations. Manager Gable responded yes that he would revise it for next year.

Mike Shestok expressed his concern regarding the National Park Service (NPS) purchasing several properties in Gettysburg. He also noted 570 Hillcrest Place, that Battlefield Preservation had purchased, is over-grown; and said that Code Enforcement should address it. Mr. Shestok also said that there needs to be teamwork between the Borough, Main Street and the NPS. Mr. Shestok said that he supports Mr. Leinbach's initiative regarding the budget, but that Mr. Leinbach damaged the Borough by certain comments he had made. He feels the Borough staff has adequate resources for the work that is needed and doesn't feel staff should be reduced. He said that he appreciates all the work they provide for the Borough. Mr. Shestok also said that he supports the work of Main Street Gettysburg and its mission. 

Mayor Troxell announced that Trick-or-Treat would be held on Halloween, Friday, October 31st from 6 - 8 PM.

Council Reports:

Mr. Schindel reported that the Legislative Committee is planning to meet with State Representatives in the near future. Mr. Pitzer also said that if Council has any ideas or priorities to let the committee members know, so they can discuss them with the representatives. 

Mr. Schindel also reported that the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA) report is included in the Council books if anyone has any questions.

Mr. Butterfield asked if the GARA budget is on the website for review. Mr. Schindel said that he would ask the Recreation Director, Brian Devost, to place it on the website.

Mr. Pitzer said that he heard the Sports Hall of Fame will be moving to the recreation building. Mr. Schindel said that the items are currently in the Adams County Planning building, but that no one can get in to view the memorabilia. He said that they are working to have everything moved to the Rec Park.

Mr. Butterfield gave a brief review of the financial reports, noting that everything is below budget at this time.

Moved Mr. Butterfield, seconded Mr. Leinbach to approve all bills and payrolls for the month as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved Mr. Butterfield, seconded Mr. Weaver to adopt a resolution appointing Charles R. Gable as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Borough of Gettysburg Police Pension Plan and the Non-Uniformed Pension Plan. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved Mr. Butterfield, seconded Mr. Leinbach to authorize a COLA increase for retired police pensioner Frederick Gantz to be paid from the Police Pension Plan effective October 1, 2014. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved Mr. Butterfield, seconded Ms. Brown to authorize the finance director to budget swap - transaction amount $23,000, impact on the budget $0 - Pay for articulating tractor budgeted in Liquid Fuels ($23,000) from General Fund and then pay the equivalent amount for Queen Street paving budgeted in General Fund from Liquid Fuels to offset. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved Mr. Butterfield, seconded Mr. Leinbach to authorize the finance director to transfer $58,000 from the Capital Reserve to General Fund for DCED Grant match. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Pitzer said that his understanding was that this was a 60/40 matching grant. Nickie James responded that when Council approved this, it was stipulated in the motion to approve for $58,000. Mrs. James said that DCED requires the funds to be in the Capital Projects, and said that when the grant is closed, any amount over would be transferred back to the Capital Reserve. Mr. Krummerich noted that the $58,000 was to be the maximum limit.

Moved Mr. Butterfield, seconded Mr. Leinbach to authorize the finance director to transfer $58,000 from General Fund to Capital Projects for proper management and budgeting of EIP Grant program. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved Mr. Butterfield, seconded Ms. Brown to authorize the solicitor to prepare an ordinance to be subsequently enacted for the purpose of updating and amending the Borough ordinance regulating amusement licenses. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved Mr. Butterfield, seconded Ms. Brown to authorize the solicitor to prepare an ordinance to be subsequently enacted for the purpose of updating and amending the Borough ordinance imposing a tax on the admission charged for amusements consistent with the review and recommendation of the Borough Finance Committee. After some discussion the motion was withdrawn by Mr. Butterfield and Ms. Brown.

Mr. Leinbach said that he hadn't seen the Finance Committee meeting minutes regarding this. He said that he would like to see the minutes with the Finance Committee recommendation before voting on this, and asked that this motion be tabled. Mr. Butterfield said that the committee had discussed this, but minutes were not distributed yet. He will prepare minutes and send out to Council. Mrs. Naugle pointed out that this motion is to authorize the solicitor to prepare and amend the ordinance for adoption next month. Solicitor Eastman explained that the purpose is to have the ordinance amended so that it can be approved by Council to take effect in January. 

Mr. Butterfield announced that Standard & Poor's (S&P) Ratings Services had awarded the Boro an A+ rating on its General Obligation Bonds. He noted that, while S&P projected a stable outlook, they noted that should the Boro draw down reserves to the extent that budgetary performance and flexibility were weakened significantly, they could lower the rating. In their view, the current debt burden of 10.5 percent of total fund expenditures was "adequate".

Mr. Butterfield noted that reducing reserves resulting in a lower bond rating would cost the Borough significantly by increasing the interest rate paid on future bonds. He referred to the Strategic Plan Report that says 1.2 million dollars should be maintained in the reserve account, but the Borough currently only has approximately $850,000. 

Mr. Krummerich added that when they say liquidity they mean specifically our financial reserve, and that it goes beyond just this council. When GMA borrows we are getting much lower rates which helps in other ways to lower the tax burden for the entire community and not just for the Borough. Mr. Butterfield noted that in the future the Borough will need to talk about some "deep purchase items" and how to finance them, so is important to maintain our A+ rating.

Moved Mrs. Naugle, seconded Mr. Butterfield to approve and authorize the issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness for Old Business Item A (240 York Street), and New Applications Items A (18 Carlisle Street), and B (777 Baltimore Street), as set forth in the minutes of the September 17, 2014 meeting of the Historic Architectural Review Board consistent with the findings and recommendations of HARB as set forth therein. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved Mrs. Naugle, seconded Mr. Leinbach to approve the request from the Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association (GARMA) to allow free holiday parking beginning on Thanksgiving through New Year's Day from Noon until 8 PM. The spaces will be clearly marked in the designated areas to include Lincoln Square, the first blocks of Baltimore, York and Carlisle Streets, the first and second blocks of Chambersburg Street and all of Steinwehr Avenue. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved Mrs. Naugle, seconded Mr. Leinbach to authorize the enactment of an ordinance reenacting the Steinwehr Avenue Heart of Gettysburg Battlefield Neighborhood Improvement District Ordinance for the purposes of extending the NID beyond its originally authorized automatic termination date of December 31, 2014, and providing for its reauthorization for an additional seven (7) year period through December 31, 2021 consistent with the provisions of the Neighborhood Improvement District Act. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Pitzer thanked Mr. Mickley for his hard work with the Steinwehr Avenue BID and said that he supports the project. 

Mr. Butterfield noted that the unanimous approval of the previous two motions is a direct reflection of how "business friendly" this Council is. 

Mrs. Naugle gave a brief update on Gettysburg Municipal Authority stating that there was an issue with Well # 1, and they have begun to re-drill it. Also, Well #10 is clogged so they placed a camera inside to see what the problem was. They are making plans to repair the pump which has sediment problems, and it should be working soon. She said that a contract was awarded to paint the water tank on Baltimore Street. Requests were received to increase the number of board members which will be discussed at the next meeting.

Mrs. Naugle reported on the Gettysburg Inner Loop, noting the upcoming events: October 25th bike ride from Hanover to Gettysburg; and on October 30th a presentation on the Grand History Loop will be held at the National Park Service.

Mr. Pitzer said that he heard the application for the Appalachian Brewing Company will be on the upcoming HARB and Planning Commission agendas. Anyone interested in learning what they are proposing for Steinwehr Avenue could attend. 

Mr. Dellett responded yes; they have presented drawings for their new location on Steinwehr Avenue which will be on the upcoming agendas.

Mr. Pitzer asked, regarding the letters to GMA from Cumberland and Straban Townships for expansion to their Board, if it is necessary to expand the Board to include those two municipalities. Solicitor Eastman replied no that Borough Council can appoint members to GMA from those municipalities that they serve. He said that there was representation previously from the Townships. Solicitor Eastman said that it is Council's discretion as to how they want to fill those seats. He said that it is his understanding that GMA at one time had seven members, and then it was reduced to five members. 

Mr. Pitzer thanked Solicitor Eastman for his reply, and understands that these municipalities are already eligible to serve on the GMA Board without expanding its members.

Mr. Weaver reported that at the upcoming Public Safety Committee meeting, the Planning Director will give a presentation regarding Lincoln Square.

Ms. Brown reported that the Human Resource Committee will be conducting an evaluation process for the Borough Manager. She said that the documents are in envelopes that were included in the Council books. Ms. Brown asked that the completed documents be given to the Borough Secretary in sealed envelopes for the Committee to review.

Mr. Pitzer noted that several Board Members' terms are expiring, and asked how the Committee gets appointments for these positions. Ms. Brown responded that the Committee seeks volunteers and that volunteer applications are also available in the Borough Secretary's office. If anyone knows someone that has an interest to serve on a Board, then they should have them complete an application.

Mr. Krummerich reported that the recent College Community Committee meeting was well attended, and that the minutes will be forthcoming. He noted that there were many citizens in attendance with concerns regarding trash and noise that took up the meeting. Mr. Pitzer added that approximately 25 people were in attendance, and said that there was not a clear understating of how fines and the conduct ordinance worked. Solicitor Eastman explained that the Borough has an ordinance in place, but it will need reviewed to see what amendments may be needed.

Mr. Weaver asked if there is a state law regarding disturbing the peace. Solicitor Eastman responded yes in the crimes code, and noted that the Borough has a Regulated Rental Unit Ordinance in place to enforce disruptive behavior. Chief Dougherty explained that his department will issue a citation to the lease holder. He said that if three disruptive conduct reports are received, he then forwards them to the Code Enforcement Officer. The Code Enforcement Officer will then contact the owner of the property to inform them they must evict the tenants. Mr. Pitzer asked if the leases holder are the people living at that location. Chief Dougherty responded yes.

Moved Mr. Leinbach, seconded Ms. Brown to approve a reduction in the amount of financial security posted with the Borough for the completion of public improvements in connection with the Gettysburg Area School District's Middle School Land Development Project. Consistent with the certification letter issued by C.S. Davidson, Inc. dated September 30, 2014, the release of financial security shall be in the amount of $3,849,277.85 from the current financial security amount of $4,169,881.65, thereby retaining a balance of financial security in the amount of $320,603.80 for the completion of the remaining public improvements associated with the project. Motion carried unanimously.

Managers' Report:

Text Messaging System - Manager Gable reported that Gettysburg College would like to add Borough Manager Gable, Chief Dougherty, EMA Director Sanders, Solicitor Eastman and Borough Council if they have text messaging capabilities.

Mr. Krummerich asked if it could also include the college neighborhood residents. Manager Gable said that the neighbors should speak directly to college representatives.

Chief Dougherty noted that he has been a recipient of the Text Messaging System for a few years. Mr. Schindel asked if the system included Harrisburg Area Community College. Chief Dougherty said that he would contact HACC to discuss it with them. 

Japan Delegation Visit - Manager Gable reported that the Mayor Sekigahara, Japan and other officials will be visiting on Thursday to discuss battlefield preservation. They are interested in learning about the Borough's relationship with the battlefield and exploring the possibility of establishing some sort of tie between the two communities. Manager Gable said that a busy day has been planned for them to meet with Borough and National Park Service Officials. He said that this will be a learning experience for everyone. He said that Gettysburg should be proud that Sekigahara, Japan chose Gettysburg to come and learn about how to preserve their battlefield. Mayor Troxell thanked John and Judie Butterfield, who are doing an outstanding job organizing this visit.

Freedom System Software - Manager Gable announced that a "kick off' conference call is scheduled for tomorrow regarding the new software program.

Chad Topper - Manager Gable announced that Mr. Topper was recently hired as a part- time police officer. Chief Dougherty also noted that Mr. Topper will soon complete his ten week Field Patrol Officer Program.

Moved Mr. Leinbach, seconded Mr. Krummerich to accept the J. P. Harris Tax Exoneration report for tax years: 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Department Reports:

Chief Dougherty reported that the Borough was awarded the CVS Pharmacy Grant to secure a drop-off box for discarded medicine. He is working with Manager Gable to find a location for placement of the box. 

Mr. Dellett reported that a grant obtained by Preservation Pennsylvania was awarded to HARB. The grant is to provide the required training to Board Members by the state for the Historical District Ordinance. The training is scheduled for October 30th.

Other Council Business:

Mr. Pitzer asked Solicitor Eastman for an explanation and process of the recent inquiry regarding the reduction of Council Members from nine to seven; and if it needs to be included on the referendum. Solicitor Eastman explained that the Borough Code provides for a petition to Borough Council to be initiated by at least 5 percent of a Borough's registered electors. There are two options: (1) decrease each ward from three to two; (2) enact an ordinance abolishing the wards and then providing for the election of seven members. Solicitor Eastman said that it does not appear on the ballet.

Public Comment:

Stan Clark asked if 5 percent of registered electors are received to reduce Council, would Council then vote on it. Solicitor Eastman responded yes. He said that by ordinance they would vote to grant the petition. The petition would be to decrease the number of Council members from nine to seven. Mr. Clark said that if Council votes against it, then it's null. Solicitor Eastman said that is correct, and it is ultimately a legislative act of Council. Mr. Clark also asked about the process to reduce the wards. Solicitor Eastman said that abolishing the wards can be initiated by Council themselves. He said that the petitioning is part of the action that would require a public meeting to be held on this particular issue. Mr. Pitzer pointed out that the Solicitors Report to Council outlines the procedure in Section 816 of the Borough Code, stating there is a provision to eliminate wards and make all at large. 

Pat Naugle asked if regarding the referendum, it could be a non-binding referendum. Solicitor Eastman responded with the abolition of the wards, it can be done without the registered electors. But you need the petition filed by 5 percent of registered electors to consider the reduction from nine to seven members thereby keeping the three wards intact. Mr. Krummerich asked what the time frame is to get the 5 percent of signatures. Solicitor Eastman responded there is no period of time for citizens to get signatures on the petition.

Steve Hemler noted that at last month's meeting, the Borough Engineer reported that Middle Street is ready to collapse. He said that the engineer should request Council to reduce the weight limit to keep large trucks off the street. Mr. Schindel said that he will address this at the upcoming Public Works meeting.

Ken Kime noted that the Gettysburg Fire Department is also included with the college Text Messaging Service. He also reported that GFD will be out during Trick or Treat Night handing out candy and fire prevention items to the children. Mr. Kime said that Council should also consider reducing the truck weight limit on Hanover Street.

Wesley Heyser reported that he is currently assisting Charles Strauss with the petition to reduce Council members. He noted that during the two nights that he was out, he had received 30 signatures. He that heard Mr. Strauss already had 75 signatures. 

Mr. Heyser said that the process is moving along steadily and he believes they should be finished within two months. Mr. Heyser mentioned that while he was out petitioning, a GMA Board member asked why this petition was taking place when they are looking to expand the GMA Board. He said that with the five GMA members they should include one from each of the townships. Mr. Heyser went on to say that they did not see the necessity of the expansion to GMA members. Mr. Pitzer noted that residents of those townships are already eligible to serve on the GMA Board. 

Walton Davis said that regarding the GMA Board expansion, Borough Council requested GMA to increase the number of seats from five to seven, and to appoint one representative from Cumberland Township and one from Straban Township. He said that one of the reasons that Cumberland and Straban Townships want this is because the townships are the only place GMA has to grow, unlike the Borough which is built out. Mr. Davis also said that the current members are afraid that their powers would be diluted by having two of them as township representatives. Mr. Davis said that another concern he heard is that the townships want to have representation, because then they will make the users here pay for expansion of the system in the townships. He said that is just wrong, because the developers pay for the expansion of the system and not the current customers. So the reason the townships gave to go from five to seven is because that is what was proposed to keep the membership from becoming too diluted with township members. The reason the townships want representation with their own members is because their residents have never been able to provide input with what GMA does in the townships like Borough residents can in the Borough. Mr. Davis said that he can attest from his thirty years of representing Straban Township that there was constant conflict with GMA for at least twenty of those years. He said that GMA was afraid that their service area would expand. That has now changed; and both GMA and the township understand that it would be silly to have separate sewer authoritys right next to each other. It makes more sense to be more regional. 

Mr. Butterfield noted that the townships initiated this action approximately two years ago by sending letters to Borough Council. He said that he spoke to GMA Board members at that time, and some of them supported it. Mr. Davis said that it was voted on in the past, and that it was voted down.

Mr. Pitzer responded that it was his understanding that a former GMA Board member lived in Straban Township, so they did have representation. He said that he was township chairman, and had served on the Board for thirty years. Mr. Pitzer also pointed out that the Borough partners with Cumberland Township in various initiatives, and would like to partner with Straban Township as well, specifically with the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority. Mr. Davis said that the chairman who was a resident in Straban Township had no service in Straban Township, and noted that he owned several properties in the Borough. He said that he feels that this gentleman's allegiance was to the Borough and not with Straban Township. 

Mr. Pitzer asked if Straban Township supports Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority. Mr. Davis said that someone should approach Straban Township to discuss the issue.

Mr. Krummerich suggested that since some members of Council have discussed reducing the number of Council members, then some members could volunteer to not attend Council meetings so that Borough residents could then see how Council runs with reduced members for a trial period. Mr. Krummerich said that it may be best to try this first, because it would be difficult reducing the number and then going back to nine members. 

Mr. Butterfield said that he would vacate his seat, but said that he was elected by his constituents and feels he owes them the four years. He did say, however, that if the Borough gets to that point he may reconsider. 

Solicitor Eastman responded that all currently elected council members would retain their seats until it comes up at the next election.

Pat Naugle noted that the Borough is responsible for all Gettysburg Municipal Authority debt; and that if expanding the Board should include Cumberland and Straban Townships, the financial responsibility should be spread out over all the municipalities. Mr. Naugle stated that the Borough is assuming all of the risk for GMA. 

Mr. Krummerich responded that the Borough is responsible if GMA failed, noting it is like a co-signer, similar to having collateral. He said that if Council dissolved GMA then the Borough would assume all its debt. 

The meeting was adjourned to an executive session at 9:25 PM. The meeting reconvened and with no further business to come before Council, moved

Mr. Leinbach, seconded Mr. Krummerich to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sara L. Stull, Borough Secretary