SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

The regular meeting of the Galeton Borough Council was held this date in the Municipal Building with the following members present: Joe Petrencsik, Doug Droppa, Darrell Jackson, DJ Fuller, Ron Tarabori and Denny Dean.

Others present were: Mayor Garrote; Solicitor-Mike Plummer; Foreman-Joe Cimino; Gale Hose Reps-Linda Beacker and Nikki Shadle; Citizen-Beth Lounsbury; and Borough Secy-Andrea Caracciolo

President Petrencsik called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM followed by the Pledge to the Flag.

MINUTES

After reviewing, a motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by Darrell Jackson approving the 8/9/23 minutes as presented. All were in favor, motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT

After reviewing, a motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by Darrell Jackson approving the treasurer’s report for Aug/Sept 2023 as presented. All were in favor, motion carried.

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

Linda and Nikki were here representing Gale Hose Ambulance Co. to answer questions regarding the 2024 Contracts that Gale Hose will be sending out to the Borough and all townships. It was noted that the contract monies received from the townships and the Borough will be for the salary of the paid employees of Gale Hose. They are looking to hire two individuals to work the 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM shift. They did a survey of all calls, etc….and this is where volunteers were lacking the most for responding to calls.

The contract is asking for .75 mills which amounts to $8,233.00/year. After a discussion and many questions were answered, Council felt that this is what needs to be done to see that residents have Emergency Medical Services. A motion was made by Ron Tarabori, seconded by DJ Fuller to enter into a 1-year contract with Gale Hose Ambulance Company pending the review of the contract by our solicitor. All were in favor, motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Doug reported on the meeting that took place with Morgan Jones of Potter Co. Conservation District regarding the Low Volume/Dirt& Gravel grant. We are interested in applying for the grant for upper Germania St. from Penn Ave. to the Borough Line. There would be 17 catch basins installed and then blacktopped. The application will be submitted in January as this grant is for next year.

POLICE AND MAYOR

A motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by Darrell Jackson to purchase body armor for Joey Cimino in the amount of approx. $1800.00. All were in favor, motion carried.

BOROUGH SECRETARY

She told the Council that a gentleman is interested in putting a used car dealership in the old District Court building. He would be selling old Japanese collector cars. He will be told to call Erb Inspections and Potter Co. Planning Commission to start.

The library’s plans for building a new larger shed were discussed. The council has no problem with this. They will have to call Erb Inspections.

BOROUGH FOREMAN

Joe said he was asked to look at the shrubs by the park sign on Union St. They are in bad shape, mostly dead. The council told him to pull them out and then next spring we will plant something more suitable there.

Joe informed Council that the Fire siren by the old ambulance building (now Gary Leach property) hasn’t worked in some time. They are going to purchase a new one and would like to move it off the Leach property up towards the Union St. bridge on Borough property. The council didn’t have a problem with this.

BOROUGH SOLICITOR

The Chattanooga Labeling Building was discussed. The Phase 1 Assessment report came back with no concerns, so Council is moving forward with accepting the building for $1.00.

A motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by Ron Tarabori to enter in an agreement of sale for $1.00, a clear title, and stating there are no underground storage tanks. All were in favor, motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

The council discussed numerous complaints about the Coudersport State Troopers that have been coming into the Borough. A letter is to be sent to Captain Warner at the Montoursville Barracks and copied to Rep. Causer and Rep. Owlett. A couple of the biggest complaints are that they lack professionalism and respect and are driving radically in and through town with no safety concerns.

A motion was made to advertise the Code Enforcement Officer position.

There was also a discussion on complaints regarding two Sherman St. properties.

NEW BUSINESS

A motion was made by DJ Fuller, seconded by Doug Droppa accepting the 2024 Minimum Municipal Obligations for the Police and Non-Uniformed Pension Plans. All were in favor, motion carried.

Police – $29,547

Non-Uniformed – $36,299

BILLS

A motion was made by DJ Fuller, seconded by Doug Droppa to pay the bills for September 2023. All were in favor, motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Denny Dean, seconded by Doug Droppa to adjourn. All were in favor, motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:31 PM.