At its February meeting, Troy Borough Council accepted the retirement resignation of Police Chief Jarvis Burlingame and voted to hire Tony Morelli, a former State Police officer, to fill the office of Chief.
Present at the meeting were Council President Krystle Bristol and Councilors Kyle Wisel, Jenn Malehorn, Jason Hodlofski, Mark Colton, Jim Warn, and Veronica Seymour, Manager Dan Close, Mayor Mike Powers, Solicitor Harold Caldwell, Chief Burlinggame, Chief Morelli, Officer Mike Northup and an audience of five.
Council dealt with several agenda items and other business before taking up Chief Burlingame's retirement. Mrs. Bristol announced that the Chief's resignation was met "with sadness and regret" by Council.
Mr. Burlingame said, "a long time ago, Police Chief Ted York took a chance on a farm kid who wanted to be a policeman. I feel after 41 years it's time to look at another way of life." He served as an officer in Troy for a total of 30 years overall, including the last 15 years. "I'd like to thank the community for tolerating me all these years."
Council and the audience applauded Chief Burlingame after his statement.
Chief Ted York retired in 1978 and was Chief when Officer Burlingame was hired.
Mayor Mike Powers noted that he had worked with three different police chiefs since he assumed office in 1999, and said there "have been ups and downs. That was life does.…the two previous chiefs made their exits…in the last five years a very interesting relationship has developed between the Chief and the Mayor." He continued, "Jarvis and Mike [Northup] have done outstanding jobs. I know [the new chief] will take it with pride and integrity as you have. As Mayor, it has been my honor and pleasure to have been with you during your service." He called for a standing ovation and Council and the audience responded with the second round of applause for Chief Burlingame.
Mrs. Bristol said that at a later date Chief Burlingame will be presented with a Retired Chief's badge and a plaque.
Council unanimously voted to accept the resignation.
Mr. Colton said that three candidates were interviewed for the position of chief and Mr. Morelli's thirty years' experience in the State Police, and on the County and State Drug Task Forces were impressive, and "his leadership skills came through, and his demeanor" as he was being interviewed. A motion to hire Mr. Morelli effective on Monday, March 2, was approved unanimously.
Mr. Morelli made a statement, thanking Council "for the opportunity. I wish Jarvis the best for the future and look forward to working with Council and the community at large."
The minutes of the January meeting were approved and Council voted to approve unpaid bills totaling $6,809.93 and paid bills of $69,973.53; as well as unpaid highway aid bills of $1,356.23 and paid highway bills of $986.46.
Bills included Selective Insurance, $5,398; PA Municipal Health Insurance, $7,811.01; North American Benefits, Insurance, $452.45; Highway Salt, $4,126.93; Snow Removal, $2,680.
Mrs. Bristol gave the President's report. The Troy Borough Planning Commission had recommended the Morris subdivision for approval, so Council approved a motion to approve.
Painting the beams at the Eureka bridge has been added to the proposal of work on the bridge.
Last year Newland and Woodland Drive were resurfaced. Paine Street was not done last year due to the cost. Mr. Close said that it has not been resurfaced at least since 2000, so Council voted unanimously to put that project out for bid this year.
Mrs. Bristol reported on the Junior Council member program, which is an initiative of the PA State Association of Boroughs. Troy High School students, or homeschooled students or privately schooled students, who will be Juniors or Seniors next year and live in Troy Borough are eligible to apply. She has provided an information packet for the schools and interested students are invited to submit resumes and letters of intent by noon on May 29. Council will make a selection at its June 25 meeting. Mrs. Bristol said this program will encourage students to reflect on municipal government and how it affects their daily lives.
Manager Dan Close said that a leak in the raw water line in the woods near Troy Heights has been repaired. He said that the crew had to clear trees and brush in order to make the repair. He also said that the work was done under "pretty chilly" conditions. He said that water usage has been high in order to make up for the water lost to the leak.
The Borough has made one effort to repair the water leak near the south end of town, "We dug once but missed by eleven feet," Mr. Close said. "When the weather breaks we will dig it again."
Five or six water meters have frozen and a couple of laterals as well. These are the homeowner's responsibility but the Borough has done the work and billed the customer.
Mr. Close reported, "the guys are doing a great job with snow removal," and by pushing the snow away from the parking spaces have saved the Borough an estimated $8,000 to $10,000 on clean-up costs.
He said "Greg and Steve deserve a pat on the back" for the work they have done this winter.
Council approved a motion to sign the paperwork for internet banking.
Finance Committee Chairman Jim Warn said that this year "revenue is down in the water, sewer and revenue accounts" for the Borough. He also asked about the royalty payment, which was $67,000 last year. Mr. Close said this is for the gas lease and is paid by the gas company, so the payment may not be received regularly each year.
Council voted to approve a motion to hire Holman, Frenia, Allison PC to perform the Borough audit at a cost not to exceed $9,000. Mr. Warn asked when the audit would be done. Mr. Close said that "We will try to get it done on time," but could not guarantee that because the auditors are doing work for many other clients as well for tax season, and "there is no penalty" to the Borough for being late. He said that a few years ago the Borough issued a request for proposals, contacting fifteen companies, but had no response at that time.
Council was reminded that the 2015 regular meetings will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 in the Allen F. Pierce library, with the exception of November, when the meeting will be held on November 19, and December, when Council will meet on December 17.
Bill Brasington from the Troy Historical Society reported that all is going well with the Sale Barn. Fundraising activities planned for this year include 5K races in conjunction with the Maplefest in April and the Heritage Festival in September. Mr. Brasington said the 5Ks would begin at the Sale Barn, go down Fall Brook to Prospect Street, Redington Avenue and back to the Sale Barn. The races will be run on Sunday mornings, and will have only right hand turns so will not cross traffic. "We hope people will be coming to town for the races and will stay for the festivals," he said. Council approved a motion to seek permits for these events.
Council held an Executive Session for personnel and legal matters following tonight's meeting but took no additional action.