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MILESBURG -- Woes continue for Milesburg Borough Council as they met last week for a special meeting, and to reconvene the Feb. 12 meeting, which was paused because it had lingered long into the evening hours.
The majority of these meetings consisted of regular borough business, however, it took a turn after 9 p.m.
At this time, after most of those in the audience had left, the "calm before the storm" was officially over.
A discussion, and ultimate motion, was made to oust Pete DeLosa from his duties as council president.
Voices were raised and shouts could be heard, but the motion carried with a quorum of Fred Kellerman, Ethel Kellerman, Plummer Davidson and Samantha Walker voting to remove their colleague from presidency. Samantha Walker was later elected to be Milesburg Borough Council's new president while DeLosa will retain his seat on council.
Davidson also spoke against actions made by Vice President Sandy Dieterle, which he and others on council did not agree with.
Prior to these actions on Wednesday night, the meeting was business as usual.
DeLosa called the Feb. 21 meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. All members of council were present along with Mayor Clair Martin, Borough Manager Keith Russell and the Borough's solicitor, Tracey Benson.
During the meeting it was reported that Quickbooks Online is being used now and that the bonding issues have been handled.
Dieterle mentioned there are training opportunities and resources available for newly elected individuals to learn more about serving in their respective roles. Many are free and several are available by webinars so there's no traveling involved.
Dieterle also noted that the PA State Association of Boroughs has been very helpful with providing free information and guidance when she has called upon them recently.
Newly elected Councilwoman Samantha Walker read both the Mission Statement and the Vision Statement, and asked that each council member review the statements in the hopes of revisiting the discussion during the March meeting.
It was also noted that council plans to discontinue the services of AOL and utilize the benefits of Microsoft Suite's package. Microsoft is more user friendly and there would be an overall savings by dropping AOL.
It is council's objective to have each council member assigned an email associated with the borough and for members to refrain from using their own personal emails when dealing with borough matters.
Dieterle also informed council and those of the public in attendance at the meeting of her now being the Right to Know contact person for Milesburg Borough.
During the meeting, council approved the dates of the spring yard sale for May 17 and May 18, 2024.
The decision was made so Milesburg would not be in competition with Bellefonte's yard sale dates.
Council also approved the fall yard sale dates of Oct. 4 and Oct. 5, 2024. A Riff-Raff collection date of Oct. 12 was also approved.
Code Enforcement Officer Keith Rupert gave his report, indicating that he has addressed four junk vehicle complaints.
"There are also two properties that have yards full of junk that are a real mess that need to be dealt with," said Rupert.
Council was well aware of the properties Rupert indicated, and a short discussion ensued about council's way of addressing those who are in violation of ordinances.
A letter is sent, followed by a certified letter and then the eventual hearing and fines levied by the magistrate's office.
Rupert indicated the state police have spoken with the individuals living at these properties but to no avail. Council members questioned if the county's Social Services should be brought in. It was decided that council members serving on the Health and Safety Committee check into the matter more fully and report back to council.
There are some volunteer positions open on several of the borough's committees that residents should consider.
DeLosa would like to see people get involved and help to fill the vacancies.
Adjournment of the reconvened Feb. 12 meeting was motioned for and approved.
Following a five minute break, the Special Meeting for Feb. 21 was called to order. Visitors in the audience were offered an opportunity to speak.
Borough Manager Keith Russell gave his report, indicating that he had obtained quotes for two new cell phones (one for him and one to be given to CEO Keith Rupert) to use when conducting borough matters. The motion passed that Russell proceed with getting the two new cell phones.
Russell also brought before council his request for a Wex Fuel Card which would allow fuel purchases to be completed at several local fuel stations with accountability features on who uses the card. Council agreed to proceed with getting the Wex fuel card.
The new email address for contacting Keith Russell is Manager.Milesburgboro@outlook.com
Committee reports on streets, budget, health and safety, community and park and personnel were next on the agenda.
Council Walker indicated that there is still an open Office Assistant position available. Ratification of the temporary hiring of Norma was approved at an hourly rate of $18. The borough is using Express Employment Professionals to obtain qualified candidates for the office position and applicants will be interviewed accordingly.
A special meeting of the Milesburg Borough Council has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of council is set for March 11 at 6:30 p.m.