No timeline yet for the return of Officer Tammy Murray, but it could be soon

Reynoldsville Borough Council met on October 20 and discussed the return of Borough Police Officer Tammy Murray.

The council voted at its October 11 meeting to drop its appeal of the Pennsylvanian Labor Relations Board decision that called for Officer Murray’s reinstatement.

When asked by resident Leeanne Toombs about a timeline for Murray’s return. Borough Solicitor Joe Ryan said it was being negotiated between the labor council and the council for the union representing Officer Murray.

“Everybody’s hope is that this is something that’s wrapped up very quickly, but there’s no deadline or date that we can give you,” Ryan said.

Borough councilwoman Nichole Walk added, “ We’re anxious to get this over with and have her back and things to be normal again as I’m sure she is.”

Pool bids

The council was to open bids for the Reynoldsville Pool repair project but no bids were received. Pool spokesman Jack Matusky said that one pool repair firm was willing to be the general contractor but the local excavating contractors are too busy to bid the work that needs to be done around the pool itself.

Matusky said that the $152,000 grant the pool received earlier this year has to be spent by the end of this calendar year. He said efforts are being made to get an extension to keep the money and try the bidding process again in the spring. The pool is awaiting word on another grant that will be awarded in mid November.

Hetrick Drive property

Patricia Angeletti asked for council’s approval of her bid for a property up for purchase on a repository sale on Hetrick Drive. Solicitor Ryan explained it’s a property that’s been up for sale for back taxes.

“Because they have been sitting for so long, it’s a separate process where the taxes are owed are going to be forgiven, in a lot of cases substantially, in an effort to get the property owned by somebody who’s going to take care of it and pay their taxes,” he told council.

There were two bids for the property, one for $200 and the Angeletti bid of $1001. The Jefferson County Commissioners had already approved the Angeletti bid. Taking Solicitor Ryan’s advice, the council voted approve the Angeletti bid.

Marks property

At he October 11 meeting, the council received a letter from the Marks family offering the borough the family’s empty lot located adjacent to Mancuso’s Restaurant on Main Street. There were two stipulations: the borough could use the lot for a park or for the construction of a police station. In addition, the lot could not be sold.

Solicitor Ryan met with the family and drew up an agreement which they signs with those stipulations.

Several council members expressed concern with not being able to resell the property, but eventually they all voted to accept the agreement.

Other actions

The council voted to impose a spending freeze for the fourth quarter. Borough secretary Jacqueline Dixon said this is a normal procedure to make sure the borough stays on budget to close out the year.

Meeting times and days were also moved. Council will meet in a work session on the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Fire Hall. Regular meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of the month, again at 7 p.m. at the Fire Hall.