Council held the regularly scheduled session on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 and addressed the following topics:
Mickey Coskey of Seven Mile Publishing briefed Council on renewal of the contract which provides public information and advertising for the Borough.
Police Chief Jeffrey Christopher advised Council on the hiring of a Class I officer to replace a recent vacancy. Brandon Cirillo, who will graduate from the Police Academy, will be hired and on active duty in June 2023.
Donna Rothman and Joe Dvorak of the Environmental Commission briefed Council on current issues with the Tree Committee which Mr. Dvorak Chairs. There is great public interest in a way to memorialize loved ones since the suspension of the Bench Program. It is no longer feasible to support the Bench Program, so the Environmental Commission is proposing a replacement program to provide for memorializing loved ones by dedicating a tree.
New saplings have only a chance of growing so it is proposed that the program plant existing trees that have established growth. These would be moved to a public park area and signage would be provided. Accounting would be needed so that funds would not be mixed with the Borough's general funds.
The new trash and recycling containers are scheduled to be delivered to property owners during the first two weeks of May. It was noted that cans in current use will continue to be used for yard waste after the new cans are distributed.
Council discussed the annual services agreement for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) which shares the cost and service with the Borough of Stone Harbor. This is a continuation of the existing agreement.
Council approved a waiver of deed restrictions for the property at 40 North Inlet Drive.
Property owner Martha Wright asked Council about the disposition of old trash cans. Mr McCormick, Director of Public Works, stated that property owners should phone Public Works to arrange for pick up. This system is currently in place.
Two property owners, Frank McLaughlin and Robert Pelini, voiced concerns about possible changes to Armacost Park. There has been concern regarding potential action in the protected area because of the vital support of wild life. They are concerned that the Borough may be planning to change some of the protected area, and they voiced their opposition of any such actions.
The hydraulic beach replenishment will be extended south to 28th Street with no additional cost to the Borough. The new start date is April 17th. Weekly progress reports can be found on the Borough's website.
