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North Wales council approves appointments, disbursements amid debate over meeting minutes
Summary
At its March 24 meeting, the Borough of North Wales Council accepted a resignation, appointed a Parks & Recreation member, approved $85,063.62 in disbursements and passed a contested motion to approve March 10 minutes after a debate over whether resident public comments should be transcribed or summarized.
The Borough of North Wales Council on March 24 accepted the resignation of Jason Farabaugh from the Shade Tree Commission, appointed a new Parks & Recreation board member and approved disbursements totaling $85,063.62, while also debating how resident public comments should be recorded in official minutes.
Council member Melanie Catanese moved to accept Farabaugh’s resignation from the Shade Tree Commission; Member Anji Fazio seconded and the motion passed 6 yes, 0 no. Later in the agenda, Manager Christine A. Hart introduced candidate Zoe Rex, who said she coordinates camping trips for a 20‑member rugby team and is interested in birding and smaller parks. Council member Susan Manning moved to appoint Zoe Rex to fill the Parks & Recreation vacancy through Dec. 31, 2026; Member Sherwin Collins seconded and the motion passed 6 yes, 0 no.
Manager Hart reviewed the disbursements and Member Anji Fazio moved to approve $85,063.62 in payments; Member Susan Manning seconded and the motion passed 6 yes, 0 no.
The meeting’s most contested item was a debate over whether resident public comments should be fully transcribed or summarized in the minutes. Member Sherwin Collins said a summary of residents’ public comment would be sufficient and would reduce staff workload, while Member Anji Fazio argued that all resident public comments should be transcribed. Resident Jocelyn Tenney said transcribing comments would help identify smaller pocket parks and preserve speakers’ intent, and resident Roseann D’Angelo recommended a mix of quoted text and summaries. Vice President Alexander Groce asked to consult President Mark Tarlecki before changing the format. Member Star Little moved to approve the March 10 minutes; Member Sherwin Collins seconded and the motion passed 5 yes, 1 no, with Member Melanie Catanese voting no.
The meeting closed with routine announcements and an adjournment motion by Member Melanie Catanese, seconded by Member Anji Fazio; the adjournment motion passed 6 yes, 0 no and the meeting ended at 7:50 p.m.
Votes at a glance: • Acceptance of resignation — motion by Council member Melanie Catanese, seconded by Anji Fazio; outcome: approved (6–0). • Appointment — motion by Council member Susan Manning to appoint Zoe Rex (term to 12/31/2026), seconded by Sherwin Collins; outcome: approved (6–0). • Certificate of Appropriateness (402 E. Montgomery Ave.) — motion by Anji Fazio, seconded by Star Little; outcome: approved (6–0). • Approval of March 10 minutes — motion by Star Little, seconded by Sherwin Collins; outcome: approved (5–1), Melanie Catanese voted no. • Approval of disbursements ($85,063.62) — motion by Anji Fazio, seconded by Susan Manning; outcome: approved (6–0).
The council did not take votes on personnel or litigation matters; Solicitor John Filice announced an executive session to address those subjects.
