Council Meeting

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

Others present included: Darlene Brown, PICPI/ACHA; Brian Devost, GARA; Bill Monahan, 114 West Broadway; Ted Streeter, 111 East Middle Street; John Lawver, 524 McMillan Street; Stan Clark, 915 Fairview Avenue; Scot Pitzer, 59 York Street; Mike Shestok, 264 Baltimore Street; and Steven Hemler, 535 York Street.

Representing the press were Beth Kanagy of the Gettysburg Times, and Vanessa Pellechio of the Evening Sun.

President Birkner announced that an executive session of the Borough Council was convened and conducted at 6:30 PM just prior to the commencement of its regular meeting held on November 12, 2013, and was reconvened and conducted immediately prior to the adjournment of its regular meeting held on November 12, 2013 consistent with Section 708(a)(1), 708(a)(2), 708(a)(3), and 708(a)(4) of the Sunshine Act. The Borough Council also held an executive session consistent with Section 708(a)(1) of the Sunshine Act to discuss matters involving employment of Borough employees during its special meeting on the 2014 budget held on December 3, 2013. An executive session of Borough council will be conducted immediately prior to the adjournment of this meeting consistent with 708(a)(1), 708(a)(2), 708(a)(3), and 708(a)(4) of the Sunshine Act for the following purposes: (1) to discuss matters involving the employment of Borough employees; (2) to receive information and to discuss matters related to the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements with the Teamsters Local No, 776; (3) to receive information and to consider the possible purchase, sale or lease of real property of the Borough of Gettysburg; and (4) to consult with its solicitor regarding information in connection with any pending or threatened litigation.

Mr. Schindel said that Brian Devost, GARA is in attendance to answer any questions regarding the Rec Park MOU, and had asked that this item be placed under his tab.

Moved Mr. Teague, seconded Mr. Schindel to approve the agenda as presented after adding the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority under Mr. Schindel's tab. 

Mrs. Naugle made an amendment to the minutes under her report on page 4 regarding GMA and HABPI for clarification. Moved Mr. Butterfield, seconded Mrs. Naugle to approve the minutes of November 12, 2013 after making the amendments. 

Public Comment:

Stan Clark asked if the Borough has sent a revised reimbursement request to the county after revealing the overpayment of police officers during the 150th events. Manager Marshall responded he would review and submit a revised request to the County.

Stan Clark said at the October Council meeting that he expressed concern about hiring Peter Marshall to perform the Borough Manager search. He feels Council could use its own resources instead of spending a lot of money for Mr. Marshall to provide this service. Mr. Clark stated that Mr. Butterfield's article in the newspaper reported that the cost for this service was $8,900 and was reduced to $4,900, but said that he recalls the original amount to be $6,500. He said reducing the cost doesn't give the quality of work needed, and reminded Council of what happened with the hiring of the previous manager that didn't work out well for the Borough. 

Stan Clark also addressed Council regarding the proposed budget and the discretionary funds for non-profits. He pointed out that these expenses are paid by the tax payers.

Stan Clark expressed concern with the Borough funding Main Street Gettysburg and is uncertain of what services they provide. He said that he has a copy of all finances for Main Street from last year if council would like to review it or has any questions regarding their expenses or revenues.

Stan Clark said that he supports Ted Streeter to be reappointed to the GMA Board. He noted that the GMA Board is an important Board. He pointed out, that Ted has served on this Board for many years. He doesn't have a personal agenda, and is highly qualified. Mr. Clark said that he feels if Council selects anyone other than Ted, it would be very inappropriate and irresponsible. 

Ted Streeter addressed Council with cautionary advice regarding the GMA Board appointment. He said that he senses the current drive to replace people on the Board, and the attempt to expand the GMA Board is a disguised attempt by those in the community to oppose development. Mr. Streeter said that this is not the way to do it that, and the GMA Board is a utilitarian body and not a policy making or political body. The Board is in place to run the water and sewer authority and not take an activist position. He recommends that whoever Council votes for should not have an agenda or political agenda for the best interest of GMA. 

Scot Pitzer addressed Council regarding the GMA appointment and asked why there isn't anyone listed on the Council agenda for appointment. He said that he supports reappointing Ted Streeter to the GMA Board. Mr. Pitzer pointed out that Ted has served as President of Borough Council for two terms, has associations with the state and federal government, and has been very helpful in securing grants for the GMA sewer expansion project. He went on to say that his experience and contacts at these levels cannot be replaced. 

President Birkner responded that a name was not listed because the Human Resources Committee did not have a recommendation for the appointment, and that Council will proceed with nominations at the appropriate time.

John Lawver addressed Council with his concerns regarding certain items in the proposed budget. Some of these items include: $50,000 for a new storage building that seemed high and he doesn't feel is needed; a snow plow may not be needed but would need more information to make a final determination; bought two new dump trucks three years ago to replace two but had only replaced one; bought three new pickup trucks to replace three but only replaced two making this a net gain of two trucks; he pointed out that the highway department has fewer employees than it has had in a long time.

Manager Marshall explained that the storage building was based on estimates that he had received, and that he is still getting information. President Birkner also said that they continue to investigate the matter, and would not purchase a building until further information is received.

John Lawver also expressed his concern regarding the Freedom Transit request for funding. He said that this service should be supported by Council and noted many of the elderly use this service. Mr. Lawver said that he hopes that Council honors this request for $4,000 for this important service to the community.

Bill Monahan addressed Council regarding the GMA Board appointment. He said as a GMA rate payer, a citizen and a former Councilman of the Borough, that he strongly urges Council to reappoint Ted Streeter to the GMA Board. He pointed out that the GMA Board voted unanimously to support Ted's renomination. Mr. Monahan also pointed out that Ted has 11 years of experience with both water and sewer issues. He said if Ted were to be replaced that it would be the second year in a row the chairman was replaced. It would be 50 years of experience that the Board would have lost in two years. Mr. Monahan said that as a rate payer, he feels that the Board has been proactive and has established themselves in a solid financial position. He went on to say that there are interest groups who would use the Authority to advance their personal agenda of no growth. Mr. Monahan asked that Council consider Mr. Streeter's re-nomination, and said that their vote shouldn't be for their own personal agenda.

President Birkner read a prepared statement summing up the year ending and the upcoming 2014 year. See attached.

Moved Mr. Schindel, seconded Mr. Leinbach to set the organization meeting of the Borough Council to be held on Monday, January 6, 2014 at 4:00 PM and to authorize the provision of public notice of the organization meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Jake Schindel said that Brian Devost, the new Recreation Director at the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA), is present if anyone has any questions regarding the budget.

John Butterfield asked Brian if the budget that he gave him was a draft or final budget. Brian said Susan Naugle presented it to Council months ago and it had not been changed. Mr. Butterfield noted that the amount listed for the Borough donation is calculated incorrectly and had asked that this be reviewed. Brian said that the percentage was arrived by using the Borough population from the 2010 census.

Susan Naugle asked if GARA had adopted a budget yet. Brian said that they have approved the budget that he and Susan presented. He also believes that Cumberland Township approved their portion of the budget. Susan asked what the Borough's contribution is. Brian answered $65,294. Manager Marshall said the Borough's contribution is $55,000.

Nickie James, Finance Director, said that the Borough based their budget figures on the draft MOU that was presented to Council. She said that when she received the draft proposed budget, it was $50,000 more than the original budget. So the Borough budget contribution is not in line with GARA's adopted budget. Mrs. James said the percentage was incorrect. The Borough percentage is 55 % and not 57% and is over by an approximate $2,300 difference in contributions. She also said that the payroll tax calculations weren't correct, and told Brian he should review the budget in detail to make sure the figures are correct. 

Brian Devost said he recently presented Solicitor Eastman with a revised MOU with the corrected calculations for his review. He said GARA will also review the other errors that Mrs. James pointed out. 

Manager Marshall said he was under the impression that the work prepared by Susan was an example for Council to use in preparation of their budget. Susan responded that she had prepared a draft budget for Council to review for budget purposes only. It was based on the past three years expenses so that Council could get a picture of what the cost may be for the Borough. She went on to say the intent of the draft when the GARA Board was appointed was for them to review and formulate their own budget. 

Manager Marshall also asked who prepared the draft MOU. Susan responded that she prepared a sketchy draft that was intended to be a transition document, but it never was reviewed. Manager Marshall said this should be presented to both municipalities to review and give input before approval.

Jake Schindel said that in reality these numbers may not be as accurate as everyone wants, and that it may take time to have an agreement finalized. He said Susan did a great job with the preliminary work for GARA to review. Jake also said GARA is still working on isolating the numbers, and that nothing is set in stone at this time. He also pointed out that arrangements need to be made with the Public Works Department regarding the equipment, and other factors taken in to consideration before a final MOU can be approved. Manager Marshall said that was his understanding also, stating that the MOU has not been discussed with him or Council yet for final approval. 

Brian Devost noted that the "bottom line" number remains the same at $194,000. He said GARA will review the line items and make sure the calculations are correct and adjust where needed.

Kyle Leinbach asked that if the payroll taxes are not included in their budget, what effect it would have on the Borough Budget. Nickie James responded that GARA is hiring their own payroll service, but was concerned that they are using the wrong figures. She said that they only calculated that for administration and not other employees which may cause a difference in the GARA budget of approximately $2,000.

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

Moved Mr. Schindel, seconded Ms. Brown to approve the distribution of the Eichelberger-Stahle Funds in the amount of $50.00 to Borough residents. Motion carried unanimously. 

Moved Mr. Schindel, seconded Mr. Leinbach to enact an ordinance levying an annual tax commencing in fiscal year 2014 for the purpose of making appropriations to fire companies in support of the provision of fire protection services within the Borough of Gettysburg. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved Mr. Schindel, seconded Mr. Leinbach to authorize the solicitor to include in the tax ordinance for fiscal year 2014 a fire protection services appropriations tax at the rate of 0.25 mills. Motion carried unanimously

At this time Mr. Schindel opened the floor for discussion regarding the proposed budget. President Birkner asked Manager Marshall to review his proposed budget handout with his final recommendations. His recommendation to Council is to increase the millage by 0.10 mills to bring the operating reserve to approximately one million.

Graham Weaver asked what the 0.10 mill increase would amount to for a tax payer with a property value of $200,000. Manager Marshall responded it would cost $20.00 a year. 

Mr. Schindel read each line item as presented by Manager Marshall on the proposed budget cuts for Council approval. He noted that these are cuts that were removed from the original budget. President Birkner told Council that if they have any questions or there is need for discussion on a particular line item that they would do it at that time. He said a vote could be taken if necessary. Mrs. Naugle pointed out that this is the preliminary budget that Council is approving for public input and could be tweaked later if necessary.

Claire Lewis asked what the final decision was for the Adams County Arts Council donation, since the line item was placed at zero. President Birkner said the Borough would be making a $5,000-$6,000 in kind contribution because of the street and drainage improvements that the Public Works Department would be providing. He said this would more than make up for the $3,500 contribution.

Kyle Leinbach recommended adjusting line item (410.120) Police Salaries' to eliminate one more full time police officer, and that it would also reduce (410.150) Employee Benefits' to reflect a reduction to 10 police officers. The salaries should then be moved to (410.133) Casual Police Salaries' to add more part time officers. Mr. Leinbach explained that his reason is for a cost savings measure, and noted the police have also indicated the need to hire additional part time officers.

Chief Dougherty responded it would be great to hire part-time officers, but he pointed out it may create more problems than it solves. He said that the pay rate is $15.00 per hour and that they are required to pay union dues which would reduce their pay. In most cases it doesn't benefit them to work. Chief Dougherty said that they have tried talking to the union to eliminate mandating the part-time officers pay union dues, but they won't act on it. Manager Marshall said this issue may require more discussion and time to further review all options. He advised Council to keep the budget as written. 

Moved Mr. Leinbach, seconded Ms. Brown to eliminate one more full-

time police officer from (410.120) police salaries; and it also reduces (410.150) employee benefits; and move to a patrolman's salary (410.133) casual police. YEA: Mr. Leinbach, Ms. Brown, Mr. Schindel and Mr. Birkner. NAY: Mr. Teague, Ms. Lewis, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Weaver and Ms. Naugle. The vote failed 5 NAY-4 YEA. 

Discussion regarding the contribution amount for Main Street Gettysburg took Place, and some questioned the need to fund Main Street. The original request was$50,000 and that was reduced during budget work sessions to $20,000. Graham Weaversaid that amount should be sufficient for Main Street next year, noting they applied for a number of grants.

President Birkner asked for a roll call vote to approve $20,000 contribution forMain Street Gettysburg (465.120). YEA: Mr. Teague, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Weaver, Ms.Naugle and Mr. Birkner. NAY: Mr. Leinbach, Ms. Brown, Ms. Lewis and Mr. Schindel. The vote passed 5 Yea-4 Nay.

President Birkner asked for a roll call vote to approve $2,500 contribution to the SPCA (421.302). YEA: Mr. Teague, Mr. Leinbach, Ms. Naugle and Mr. Birkner. NAY: Ms. Brown, Ms. Lewis, Mr. Schindel, Mr. Butterfield and Mr. Weaver. The vote failed 4YEA 5- NAY.

President Birkner asked for a roll call vote to approve $5,000 contribution to the SPCA (421.302). YEA: Mr. Leinbach, Ms. Brown, Ms. Lewis, Mr. Butterfield and Mr. Weaver. Nay: Mr. Teague, Mr. Schindel, Ms. Naugle and Mr. Birkner. The vote passed 5 YEA-4 NAY.

President Birkner said the SPCA (421.302) contribution was approved for $5,000 and that the line item should be changed to reflect that.

President Birkner asked for any comments regarding the Office for Agingcontribution of $2,000. Mrs. Lewis asked if this was the amount of their request. 

President Birkner responded there was no request submitted but that the amount is whatCouncil provided last year. There was a consensus of Council to approve a $2,000contribution to the Office for Aging.

President Birkner opened the floor for discussion regarding a $4,000 request tosupport the Rabbit Transit Authority. He explained a match is needed from municipalities and Adams County in the amount of approximately $60,000 to enablethem to receive state and federal funding. He went on to say that the original budget of the County has reduced its contribution from over $40,000 to $12,000. President Birknersaid that it is possible that non-governmental entities will come forward with funding in the hope of gaining the $60,000. He pointed out that Gettysburg College and the National Park Service is supporting Rabbit Transit. President Birkner also said therehave been requests made to other municipalities that serve Rabbit Transit and that Cumberland Township has approved a $2,000 contribution. He said some other municipalities have stated they won't fund this program. President Birkner said it is agreat service for the senior citizens and people that ride the bus to the Outlets, Wal Mart and other areas. 

Graham Weaver asked if the $4,000 is currently in the Borough budget. Manager Marshall responded yes. 

Kyle Leinbach offered an option of leaving it the same, but conditioned upon theRabbit Transit Authority charging for ridership. President Birkner said he doesn't believe that we can do this because they are already charging for the service, and that the fee is paid by Gettysburg College and the NPS. Mr. Leinbach said what he is suggesting is that, if the fair is charged by someone else, we would symbolically give them $4,000.

Becky Brown suggested getting Wal Mart, Giant and others to contribute to this service. Nickie James responded that these agencies would need to make the donation tothe Borough or other entity earmarked for the Transit Authority in order for them to get the governments' match.

Darlene Brown pointed out that the reason they received the million dollars for the Fahnestock House renovations was because they offered public transportation.

John Butterfield said that he supports Rabbit Transit Authority, and he feels that it is a good service for the senior citizens and others who use this service.

Susan Naugle said that she knows of people that live all over town that benefit from the transit system. She said there are people from the townships that use this service to come into town, and pointed out during the 150th events that it was a great way for people to get in town to the hotels and businesses. She feels it would be a tragedy to lose this service and the fact that other municipalities haven't stepped up is something wecan do nothing about. Ms. Naugle said that she hopes that Council can see the importance of this service and, stand tall and be an example for the county and municipalities going forward.

Ted Streeter said that he is a member of the Rabbit Transit Authority Board, and said that they are working with other entities to support this service. He pointed out Gateway sees the importance of this service and, the Outlets are discussing with Mt. Joy Township to reconsider a donation. Mr. Streeter said that at the upcoming Board meeting, there may be other stakeholders that come forward to support the Rabbit Transit Authority.

Jacob Schindel said that he is not opposed to the $4,000 contribution to RabbitTransit, but said that his reservation is that most people riding the bus are going outside the borough to shop in Mt. Joy or Straban Township. He also said that given the Borough'sdeficit, he cannot support a contribution.

President Birkner asked for a roll call vote to support a $4,000 contribution for the Rabbit Transit Authority. YEA: Mr. Teague, Mr. Leinbach, Ms. Brown, Ms. Lewis, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Weaver, Ms. Naugle and Mr. Birkner. NAY: Mr. Schindel. The vote passed 8 YEA-1 NAY.

Chuck Teague asked Dan Hilliard for a response to what John Lawver mentioned earlier in the meeting regarding a storage building and new plow. Dan said they do need a new plow, and explained that the truck is having central hydraulic issues that need to be resolved. He also said that the storage building is needed since GARA has taken over the buildings at the Rec Park. Dan said there is approximately $50,000 worth of items that need to be moved and stored elsewhere. Mr. Lawver said that the Borough, in the past has always held onto things whether needed or not, and reminded Dan of the public sale that the Borough held before in order to gain storage area in the maintenance building. Mr. Lawver stated that a new building will have expenses every year, that it's not just a one time expense. He suggested reviewing what items are there, and whether they are needed or if they can be sold. Manager Marshall said that this is still under review, and pointed out that these items are in the Capital Projects Fund and would come before Council for approval at a later date. 

Moved Mr. Schindel, seconded Ms. Lewis to authorize the Borough Secretary to provide notice that a proposed budget of $4,568,763 for fiscal year 2014 is available for public inspection. A roll call vote was taken. YEA: Mr. Teague, Ms. Brown, Ms. Lewis, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Weaver, Ms. Naugle and Mr. Birkner. NAY: Mr. Leinbach and Mr. Schindel. The vote passed 7 YEA- 2 NAY.

Mr. Leinbach said that he won't approve the proposed budget because of discretionary spending. 

Moved Mr. Schindel, seconded Mr. Butterfield to authorize the Solicitor to prepare and advertise for the enactment of an ordinance fixing the tax rate for fiscal year 2014 at 3.3703 mills on each dollar of real estate assessed valuation and at 30 mills on each dollar of occupational assessed valuation. The vote passed 8 YEA-1 NAY.

Mr. Schindel said he is opposed to raising taxes. 

Moved Mr. Schindel, seconded Ms. Brown to set a special meeting of 

Borough Council on December 30, 2013 at 4:00 PM in order to adopt the budget for fiscal year 2014 and to enact an ordinance levying taxes for fiscal year 2014. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved Mr. Schindel, seconded Ms. Lewis to adopt a resolution appointing Smith Elliot Kearns & Company, LLC as the independent auditor of the Borough of Gettysburg in order to make an independent examination of the accounting records of the Borough for fiscal year. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Weaver said he feels the auditors should be changed periodically, and that we have used this firm for a number of years. However, he said the Finance Director feels it would be of value to her to keep them this year. Mr. Schindel noted that the current auditors have a three-year contract, and that this is just routine to appoint them. Solicitor Eastman explained that the Borough Code states that the auditors are appointed each year in December. Manager Marshall said Council will need to provide an RFP when the current auditor's term is up to secure a new auditing firm.

Mr. Butterfield asked Council and staff to review the draft MOU between GARA, Cumberland Township and the Borough. He said that this is an incredibly important document that needs to be reviewed and approved. Mr. Schindel recommends that anyone attend the GARA meetings to discuss the MOU or any other issues. Mrs. Naugle said that there are several issues that need to be discussed with GARA to finalize the MOU. Manager Marshall said that Council will need to review and approve the MOU. Solicitor Eastman noted that Council as a whole should authorize the MOU.

Moved Ms. Naugle, seconded Mr. Butterfield to authorize the Borough Planning Director to finalize a proposed text amendment and proposed zoning map amendment primarily in connection with: the inclusion of certain definitions in the Definition section; the expansion of uses as a matter of right and by special exception in the HC Health Care Zoning District; and the reclassification of six (6) parcels from HC Health Care Zoning District to the R-2 Moderate Density Residential Zoning District; and to proceed with the scheduling of a public hearing relative to the proposed zoning text and zoning map amendments. YEA: Mr. Teague, Ms. Brown, Ms. Lewis, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Weaver, Ms. Naugle and Mr. Birkner. NAY: Mr. Leinbach and Mr. Schindel. The vote passed 7 YEA-2 NAY.

Mr. Leinbach said this motion will functionally give a denial to Mr. Loring Schultz's proposal to put in his theatre. The Borough should encourage this type of development, and said that we are limiting the amount of amusement taxes for the Borough by denying development. 

Graham Weaver reported there is nothing new on the Railroad Station Bill, noting that the Senate version submitted by Senator Toomey is still advancing, but is waiting on the House of Representatives side to proceed. Graham also reported that the USS Gettysburg is still located in the Mediterranean.

Becky Brown reported there are several appointments to be made, noting the Human Resources Committee did not have a recommendation for the Gettysburg Municipal Authority. President Birkner opened the floor for nominations to the GMA Board. Mr. Schindel nominated Ted Streeter. Mr. Weaver nominated Susan Cipperly. President Birkner opened the floor for discussion. 

Kyle Leinbach said Ted Streeter has plenty of experience serving on the GMA Board, and also served on Council. He feels that to make any other choice is just certain members' political agenda. He noted Susan Cipperly was nominated a few months ago and supported by some of the same Council members, and feels this is just political.

Jacob Schindel pointed out there were four letters recommending reappointing Ted Streeter to the GMA Board. He noted that this will be the second year in a row that a member was removed from the GMA Board that taking away many years of experience. He said GMA is a public utility that should be run in the best interest of the public and not controlled by the Borough. The decision should be made by the people that attend its meetings and sit on the GMA Board.

Kyle Leinbach noted that one of the supporting members of Council already voted to appoint themselves to the GMA Board. President Birkner said that the current incumbent and former Council members have voted for themselves and other nominees and doesn't feel this is an issue. He said everyone is welcome to their opinion and judgment, and that it should not be for political reasons. 

President Birkner said he takes umbrage that tonight's vote is based on a political agenda or that it is a hack job to remove someone from the board. He said his vote is not cast on Mr. Streeter's good will or competence nor on his views on the operations of the GMA. President Birkner said that he respects Mr. Streeter's service on the GMA Board. He said he is voting on the basis of justice for Cumberland and Straban Townships who have access to the water but don't have access to representation on the board. President Birkner went on to say that this request was made a year ago, and that the GMA Board has not done anything about the expansion to include Cumberland and Straban Townships.

Chuck Teague said he is also offended that a vote is considered partisan or a personal agenda, when each of us, by conscience, thinks that we are doing what's right. 

Becky Brown said she is very much in favor of regionalization and feels an expansion to the GMA Board is important. 

At this time President Birkner asked that a roll call vote be taken of both nominees for appointment to the GMA Board. Ted Streeter - YEA: Mr. Leinbach, Ms. Lewis and Mr. Schindel. NAY: Mr. Teague, Ms. Brown, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Weaver, Ms. Naugle and Mr. Birkner. The vote failed 6 Nay/3 Yea. Susan Cipperly - YEA: Mr. Teague, Ms. Brown, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Weaver, Ms. Naugle and Mr. Birkner. NAY: Mr. Leinbach, Ms. Lewis and Mr. Schindel. The vote passed 6 Yea/ 3 Nay.

Moved Mr. Weaver, seconded Ms. Brown to adopt a resolution appointing Susan Cipperly as a member of the Board of the Gettysburg Municipal Authority to serve a term of five (5) years commencing on January 6, 2014 and expiring on the first Monday in January 2019. YEA: Mr. Teague, Ms. Brown, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Weaver, Ms. Naugle and Mr. Birkner. NAY: Mr. Leinbach, Ms. Lewis and Mr. Schindel. The vote passed 6 YAY- 3 NAY.

Moved Ms. Brown, seconded Mr. Schindel to adopt a resolution appointing Walton Davis as a member of the Borough Zoning Hearing Board to serve a five (5) year term commencing on January 1, 2014 and expiring on December 31, 2018. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved Ms. Brown, seconded Mr. Schindel to adopt a resolution appointing Roger Goodacre as an alternate member of the Borough Zoning Hearing Board to serve a three (3) year term commencing on January 1, 2014 and expiring on December 31, 2016. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved Ms. Brown, seconded Mr. Schindel to appoint Randy Herman to the Borough Planning Commission to serve a five (5) year term expiring on December 31, 2018. Motion carried 8 YEA with John Butterfield abstaining. Mr. Butterfield noted he doesn't know Mr. Herman and cannot vote for someone he doesn't know.

Chuck Teague distributed a public safety police activity summary for review. He has tracked police incidents and hours expended.

Manager Marshall asked for a motion to approve the non-uniformed contract contingent upon their approval of the contract. He is waiting for the final document from the union representative who is currently out of town.

Moved Mr. Leinbach, seconded Ms. Naugle to approve the non-uniformed contract contingent upon their approval. YEA: Mr. Teague, Mr. Leinbach, Ms. Brown, Ms. Lewis, Mr. Schindel, Mr. Butterfield, Ms. Naugle and Mr. Birkner. NAY: Mr. Weaver. The vote passed 8-1. Graham Weaver said he cannot vote until he sees the final contract. 

Scott Dellett reported that the Joint Comprehensive Plan Committee met on Tuesday and has begun discussing a regional vision. The next meeting is scheduled for the first Tuesday in January.

Public Comment:

Stan Clark asked what the new tax millage rate will be for 2014. Manager Marshall responded 3.3703. President Birkner noted the fire tax is separate. Mr. Clark also expressed his concern in regards to the GMA appointment, stating it is ridiculous that Council would appoint someone that doesn't have the vast knowledge that Mr. Streeter has to water and sewer issues. He said it's an absolute anti-growth, anti-big pipe deal, and that Council continues fighting any type of growth and development.

Steve Hemler commended Mr. Leinbach and Mr. Schindel for not voting on the budget. He expressed concern with discretionary spending to entities such as Main Street, who he doesn't feel did anything to bring money to the local businesses. Mr. Hemler suggested that the CVB take over Main Street. Mr. Hemler also said it was a disservice to Ted Streeter that Council would remove him from the GMA Board. 

Mike Shestok said he appreciates all the work that went into the budget process. He said that overall Council has a done good job with what they had to work with. Mr. Shestok suggested in the future that Council look at particular line items and make an order-of-merit list. Validate those requirements for entities requesting money in determining who would be eligible for a donation. 

Ted Streeter thanked everyone that supported his appointment to the GMA Board. He pointed out that he may have been misinterpreted in what he had said earlier; and stated he meant to say that Council was making a political decision. Mr. Streeter that said his object was to keep GMA out of politics. Mr. Streeter said he wishes Susan Cipperly the best.

Scot Pitzer thanked Council for their vote on the new fire tax. He made a few comments regarding qualifications presented for the Planning Commission appointee but said that there were no qualifications presented for the GMA Board or Zoning Hearing Board appointees. Mr. Pitzer said that there were also concerns about regionalization regarding the Rabbit Transit Authority and GMA. He would ask where the outlying municipalities stand on these issues. 

The meeting adjourned to an executive session at 10:00 PM.

With no further business to come before council moved Mr. Schindel, seconded Ms. Brown to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sara L. Stull

Borough Secretary