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Dunmore council recognizes two DPW workers for lifesaving intervention, approves contracts and bridge resolution
Summary
At its Oct. 14 meeting, Dunmore Borough Council honored two Department of Public Works employees for disarming and securing a man on Interstate 81, approved a reduced legal retainer with Ufberg & Associates, hired auditors for the tax office, authorized borough manager to sign PennDOT bridge documents, and appointed a DPW employee to full-time status.
Dunmore Borough Council on Monday honored two Department of Public Works employees who intervened when a man armed with a large fixed‑blade knife climbed a fence over Interstate 81, and approved several routine contracts and authorizations needed to advance borough projects.
President Janet Brier moved to recognize DPW workers Patrick Judge and Christopher Rinaldi for their actions during the October incident; Mayor Conway read a letter from the Dunmore Police Department describing how the two men “disarmed him of a large knife” and helped the person until police arrived. The letter said, “Their heroism, fearlessness, and courage saved the life of a person in distress and protected motorists on Interstate 81 positioned directly below.” The council approved the recognition by voice vote.
The council also approved a three‑year professional services agreement with Ufberg & Associates, LLP. Borough Manager Greg Wolff told council negotiators reduced the annual retainer by $6,000 and secured a blended rate of $297.50 per hour (associates billed at $250 per hour). The motion (moved by Michael Dempsey and seconded by Katherine Oven) passed with Elizabeth Zangardi recorded as opposed.
Council approved hiring Murphy, Dougherty & Company to perform the Tax Office audit; the firm’s work is estimated at $7,000 and the cost will be shared with the Dunmore School District. Council also adopted Resolution 11 of 2024 granting Borough Manager Greg Wolff authority to sign PennDOT documents related to agreement R24040017 for the Bunker Hill Bridge project. Wolff said the project is active and may require post‑approval adjustments; he estimated the project timeline at three to five years.
The council appointed Joseph Nemeth to full‑time status in the DPW and heard routine reports: Chris Kearney noted heavy recent community‑center use for an Indo‑American fall celebration (an estimated 800–1,000 attendees) and a purse bingo, and Chief Marchese reported September police activity and a planned rollout of cloud‑based report writing and body‑camera training.
Votes at a glance - Approve Sept. 9, 2024 meeting minutes — Moved: Patrick Loughney; Second: Elizabeth Zangardi; Outcome: Approved (unanimous). - Approve and pay open bills — Moved: Patrick Loughney; Second: Katherine Oven; Outcome: Approved (unanimous). - Recognize DPW workers Patrick Judge and Christopher Rinaldi for intervention on I‑81 — Moved: William O’Malley; Second: Elizabeth Zangardi; Outcome: Approved (unanimous). - Approve Professional Service Agreement with Ufberg & Associates, LLP (three years; reduced retainer and rates) — Moved: Michael Dempsey; Second: Katherine Oven; Outcome: Approved (recorded opposition: Elizabeth Zangardi). - Approve Murphy, Dougherty & Company to complete Tax Office audit (est. $7,000; cost‑shared with Dunmore School District) — Moved: Patrick Loughney; Second: Tommy Hallinan; Outcome: Approved (unanimous). - Adopt Resolution 11 (2024) authorizing Borough Manager to sign PennDOT documents for R24040017 (Bunker Hill Bridge) — Moved: Michael Dempsey; Second: Patrick Loughney; Outcome: Approved (unanimous). - Appoint Joseph Nemeth to full‑time DPW status — Moved: William O’Malley; Second: Elizabeth Zangardi; Outcome: Approved (unanimous).
Why it matters The council’s recognition highlights a community safety incident in which borough employees played a direct role in averting harm. The approved professional services agreement and the PennDOT authorization ensure the borough has legal representation and administrative authority in place as the multiyear Bunker Hill Bridge project proceeds. The tax‑office audit and personnel appointment are routine governance items that keep borough operations in compliance and staffed.
What’s next Council members said they will publish the recognition in local outlets and move forward on executing the PennDOT agreement as needed. The Bunker Hill Bridge project remains on a projected three‑to‑five‑year timeline, per the borough manager.
