Council discusses police station, regionalization

There was a good turnout at the Reynoldsville Borough Council meeting on January 14. It was held at the fire hall, which is where the meetings will be held from now on to accommodate more people. Work sessions will be held at the borough building.

After presentations from Jack Matusky, Jacob d’Argy and Leanne Buhite-Waring, the council presented the Citizen of the Month Award to Henry Deible.

Once the regular agenda began, council got updated on several different issues. 

Work on the police station remodeling in the borough building will begin January 20. Jeff Tech students will be doing the work with the borough providing materials.

Council member John Burkett distributed what he called a wish list for grants the borough might pursue. He encouraged residents to let the council know if they had any suggestions to add to the list.

Under the streets and sewers report, Council member Darren Scolese said there is a problem with garbage trucks damaging roads and curbs. He mentioned a storm drain on First Street and a problem on 14th Street. He plans to make a list and discuss it with Advanced Disposal to work out a solution.

Borough secretary Jacquelyn Dixon reported she accessed $45,000 from a tax anticipation note to pay the bills until the taxes come in later this year. She said she thought it would be enough. She also mentioned a problem with a street light on Main Street and that Penelec has been contacted three times about the light.

A discussion about the difference in costs between LED and sodium street light bulbs took place. Dixon showed that there was very little difference in cost between the two, even though the LED was supposed to provide savings.

Jack Matusky, a former council member, said it wasn’t the problem with the lights but the increase in costs from Penelec. He said the LED lights are better lights and should be on all the poles.

Council member Billy Cebulskie brought up an interesting subject before the council went into a lengthy executive session about contracts. He said the borough should consider regionalizing its police force.

“It’s a discussion we should have at some point,” he said.

He pointed out Reynoldsville is not the only small municipality wrestling with paying the costs of police protection. He suggested meeting with Sykesville and Winslow Township.

Mayor Peach Caltagarone, who heads up the department, said he agreed with Cebulskie, as did others on council.

“Let’s get started on that,” Mayor Caltalgarone said.

Cebulskie said he would head up the inquiry.

Cebulskie also asked council to allow the Cub Scouts to use the borough park for a day camp on June 15 and 16. That motion was approved.

The next meeting will be held February 12 at 6 p.m. at the fire hall.