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The minutes of the May meeting were approved and the bills accepted for payment.
There were no visitor comments.
Mr. Brann did not give a Solicitor's Report.
Mrs. Seeley provided various information on revenues and balances.
The LERTA (Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance) Ordinance was readvertised to reflect some changes. Instead of qualified properties in any of three zones in Canton Borough, the ordinance applies only to the Frank and Glenda Watson property on Troy Street (the former Swayze Building). The property continues to qualify for a 100% abatement of the increase in real estate taxes for a period of ten years. Mrs. Seeley said that the property was assessed at $31,950 when the Watsons purchased it, and after spending nearly $300,000 in improvements, the assessed value has been increased to $55,000. The Borough will continue to collect the tax on the original amount. Council approved the new LERTA Ordinance.
In addition, Council passed a resolution stating that a property could be eligible for a LERTA provided it is a deteriorated property within the borough and that substantial improvements are made, to lift the assessed value at least 50%. Council considered a requirement that a certain number of jobs be created by the project in order to qualify, but chose to drop the jobs provision out of concerns that it may discourage the elimination of a blighted building under some circumstances.
Jessica Pavey, Canton's First Junior Council member, graduated from Canton High School on June 5, and her term on Council has expired. Mrs. Seeley asked Miss Pavey if she thought the term of future Junior Council members should include the summer months. She replied in the affirmative. "If they want to be included badly enough, they should be here all summer." Council approved a resolution setting the term of Junior Council Members from September through August.
At the end of the meeting Council presented a certificate of appreciation to Miss Pavey. Council spoke very highly of Jessica and her interest in local government. Mr. Jannone said, "It's just a matter of time before we call you 'Madam Governor'."
Council held an extensive discussion of the proposed Rental Inspection Ordinance. Mr. Jannone read a letter from Ken and Macry Carnwright, who are landlords in the Borough. The Carnwrights object to the Ordinance for reasons of privacy. "Our properties could pass with flying colors," the letter states, "but [inspection] is an invasion of privacy…we will not stand for being bullied and pushed around." Mr. Brann said "The Borough doesn't have to have a code if it doesn't want to. Nothing says the Borough has to have one, but nothing prevents it, either." He said that the motivation of the Ordinance is "health and safety. We aren't in favor of government intrusion." Mr. Jannone said, "95% of landlords provide good service." Mr. Robertson said, "We need to find a way to handle the ones who aren't good." Mr. Thoren and Mr. Brann noted that the Borough had adopted a property maintenance code in the 1990s, but Mrs. Seeley said that it does not allow the Borough to enter homes.
Mr. Jennings pointed out that on several occasions the fire department has found dangerous and unhealthy conditions in rental properties, and has reported them but the agencies decline to take action. Chief Seeley said his experience as a police officer has been identical. Mr. Brann said "If Police or Fire see something they believe is a violation, they can turn it in; it could be "probable cause" for a warrant."
Mr. Thoren said some of the landlords who object are "taking it personally; but it is a rental - a business. They are responsible for the health and welfare of their tenants." Mr. Brann and Mrs. Seeley pointed out that any building having over three rental units is defined as a commercial property, not a residential property.
Mr. Bastion said, "We are not interested in dirty dishes or laundry, but leaking roofs, knob and tube wiring, leaking sewage pipes, and so on."
After some additional discussion, Council directed Mrs. Seeley and Mr. Brann to prepare an article to be published in the newspapers to explain the purpose and the necessity of a Rental Inspection Ordinance. "Next month we will have more [information] on the comments [of landlords]. We are not nitpicking with paint or siding, but concerned with dangerous conditions."
Mrs. Seeley said that Bradford County has a program to distribute Act 13 grants. She said the Borough will apply for funds to paint the bathhouse at the pool and replace its windows.
She said that thirty-one persons have signed up for Spring Clean-Up Week.
The Act 13 Municipal disbursements have been announced by the state. Canton Borough will receive $85,223.60. This is about $8,583 less than the previous year. The money will be used for paving.
Chief Seeley said that May "was a busy month, with several arrests." He said the police committee has received five applications for full and part-time officers and will be conducting interviews.
Mr. Bastion gave the Street Department Report. Mrs. Seeley said that PennDOT has begun preliminary work to pave Route 414 east from the Borough line to the traffic light and Route 14 north to the Borough line.
Council retracted its motion made last month to repaint the parking spaces and crosswalks. It was retracted because of the PennDOT project.
Mrs. Thompson gave the Pool/Recreation report.
Council voted to exonerate Tax Collector Gary Gleckner from collecting $270 in 2015 occupation taxes and G H Harris from collecting these delinquent occupation taxes: 2014, $742.50; 2013, $297; 2012, $74.25; 2010, $74.25; 2009, $82.50; and $11 in each of these years: 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005.
Mr. Ciaccio reported on the Green Free Library's Summer Reading Program.
The Shade Tree Commission held a Tree Inventory Class on June 6.
Council held an executive session that lasted about twenty minutes. When the meeting resumed, Mr. Robertson announced that Mr. Jennings, who had planned to move out of the Borough, has changed his plans and wishes to remain on Council. "I said, 'Of course! Welcome back!" Mr. Jennings said, "Thank you."