by Rachel Heitzenrater
[email protected]
CANTON — Canton Borough Council accepted the resignation of councilman Brandon Wilcox and spoke about sidewalk improvements at their Nov. 9 meeting at the fireman’s social hall.
Council began with a brief executive session at the beginning of the meeting.
Public comments
Once everyone returned and bills and meeting minutes were approved, they heard from a resident who had complaints about Police Chief Doug Seeley and Borough Administrator Amy Seeley.
Michelle Holton spoke about her personal experiences with Chief Seeley, stating he was very rude to her on numerous occasions, including a domestic violence issue 20 years ago and a more recent issue of a hit-and-run on her vehicle. She said she felt like Chief Seeley did not pursue the situation of her ex’s abuse because he knew him. Further, he did not help her find the person who hit her car this year.
“I feel like he should be fired or retire by now,” she said.
She went on to say that Amy Seeley was also rude to her when she asked for meeting minutes where Senator Yaw came to Canton. She said the reply she received from Seeley was (Seeley) did not have to keep meeting minutes for non-borough meetings but if she had some, she would send them to her.
“Perhaps they both didn’t like me and I don’t care. Do your job. Go the extra mile. Be considerate and caring. Most people aren’t these days and I feel just doing your job isn’t enough. I truly think they should both be out of office in Canton. We are a small community that comes together.”
Councilwoman Lynette Ambruch asked Holton why she waited so long to come forth with her concerns, to which Holton replied that one of those instances happened this year and she that was the final straw for her.
“You can come here all you want,” said Ambruch, “But I have my opinions too.”
Resident Shawn Miller accused Ambruch of laughing at Holton saying “It’s not a laughing matter. We have our lives. We are living through it. You’re not.”
“I live in this town,” replied Ambruch.
“You’re not living what we’re going through,” replied Miller.
“To me, it was just very disrespectful throughout the years and I just wanted to go over my facts,” said Holton.
Sidewalk conditions
Much of the discussion revolved around Code Enforcement Officer John Raub asking council to consider written letters sent out to local residents concerning sidewalk conditions.
Raub proposed the idea of sending out encouragement letters to residents and businesses to help clean up the sidewalks from overgrown weeds for the holidays.
Eventually, Raub says he’d like to see actual curbage and broken slabs fixed, hopefully after winter.
He noted that there are grants to help residents pay for the repairs. Administrator Seeley confirmed this but also suggested using ACT 13 monies as well, depending on if those funds are OK to use for these projects.
Other news
Councilman Christopher Schrader made a statement regarding the alleged “lies” he claimed borough employee David Wilson made at the last meeting. Wilson allegedly said that Groover had given Wilcox back his resignation letter he handed to (Groover). Wilson asked Groover to confirm this at the meeting, and Groover did.
In Schrader’s case, Groover allegedly kept the resignation, which helped call for the special meeting to accept that.
Schrader feels there is a “double standard” on council, stating “I will not be lied to or mislead the facts of individuals in the wrong. I don’t appreciate it and I will not tolerate it.”
“I was right there for the whole thing,” said Wilson, “So don’t call me a liar. You do not want to go there with me, Christopher.”
Council agreed to raise the wages of the police department to be consistent with neighboring department rates and encourage officers to apply for the jobs. The full-time officer will make $18/hour, Sargent will be $17/hour and the part-time employee will make $16/hour.
The decision comes after hearing from residents stating they think it should be a higher wage, as well as officer Krise stating that he’d like to find hires that don’t consider the department a “stepping stone” in their career, and stay long-term instead.
“Fall cleanup” will be this Sunday, Nov. 15.
Street Supervisor Dave Wilson brought to council an idea to help ease the hassle of “clean-ups” on residents. He proposed that council use a dumpster from Northern Tier Solid Waste and charge people to bring their “clean-up” items at a designated time.
Councilwoman Lynette Ambruch stated though originally planned for 2020, she will be seeking ideas for a hometown Christmas, possibly called “Christmas in Canton” for 2021. This year, much of the holiday excursions have been cancelled or limited due to COVID-19. Ambruch asks that anyone with any ideas or would like to get involved, to please contact her through the borough office.
Councilman John Mosser spoke about COVID in his emergency planning report, urging residents to wear masks and social distance because “this is not going away any time soon.”
Police Chief Seeley noted for his report that all officers have qualified firearms.
The Green Free Library coat drive is happening now until Tuesday, Nov. 30. They need coats, hats and gloves. The giveaway will be Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9-11 a.m. at the Main Street Park.
Amy Seeley reported on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, stating that the chamber is encouraging businesses to stay open later for “light night” (Nov. 27) and encourage sales throughout that week, rather than one day on Small Business Saturday.
Santa will not be at Chemung Canal bank this year, but rather riding around town on either carriage or a fire truck, to greet residents and children.
Chamber will also be doing their annual Christmas raffle, with more details to be released at a later time.
Before the end of the meeting Mayor Rich Porter asked for an executive session for “personnel issues.”
“Does it regard Doug?” Administrator Seeley asked, referencing the Notice of Exercise of Rights Pursuant that both the Seeleys have, stating that council may not discuss them behind closed doors. They prepared that statement with Solicitor David Brann at the beginning of this year.
“It doesn’t matter,” replied Porter.
“Well it does matter,” said Seeley.
“No it doesn’t matter because your paper doesn’t mean anything,” replied Porter.
“Our paper does mean something,” said Seeley, stating that legal issues could arise if violated.
Before closing, president Groover stated that councilman Brandon Wilcox handed him his resignation.
Council then decided to fill the vacancy with Michael Shultz, should he accept the position. Council decided against advertising the position, since Schultz already had applied.
The next Canton Borough Council meeting will be Monday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. at the fireman’s social hall.