Dunmore council adopts school MOU, updates pave‑cut and recycling ordinances, approves auditor and hires part‑time firefighter

Dunmore Borough Council on March 10 approved several routine and policy items, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the Dunmore School District, two ordinance updates, a five‑year auditing contract and the appointment of a part‑time firefighter.

The council unanimously passed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Dunmore School District after the district told borough officials it planned to hire its own school resource officers rather than use Dunmore Police officers. The MOU gives the school district an agreed backup and allows the borough to provide support, patrols at events, and assistance when requested. Councilor Michael Dempsey said he would have preferred borough officers remain assigned to the schools but supported the district’s decision; Chief Marchese confirmed borough officers will continue to patrol schools and assist at athletic events.

Council then adopted Ordinance No. 2 of 2025, updating the fee schedule for pave cuts on borough‑owned streets. The borough uses the Dunmore firm IWDA for pave‑cut inspection; council said the new ordinance updates fees last set in 2022 and that IWDA bills the borough and the borough passes fees through to the contractor or utility. The ordinance passed on a unanimous voice vote.

Council also adopted Ordinance No. 3 of 2025 to revise collection, separation and recycling rules so borough code aligns with Pennsylvania DEP regulations and to enable resubmission for a recycling grant. President Janet Brier said the ordinance was a small but necessary part of grant eligibility.

The council approved a five‑year proposal from Murphy, Dougherty & Company to conduct financial audits, citing the firm’s prior service and a modest fee increase. The council described Murphy & Dougherty as a trusted provider that knows borough systems and works well with Treasurer Mark Burton.

On personnel, council added item 9‑A and unanimously appointed Samuel Snyder as a part‑time firefighter after Chief DeNaples confirmed that background checks and credential reviews were completed; Snyder will undertake borough orientation and training.

Treasurer Mark Burton reported February results: a $236,000 year‑to‑date net income, initial real estate collections, a $47,000 Comcast franchise payment, a $60,000 SRO reimbursement, and several large expenses including a $92,000 bond interest payment and a $75,000 quarterly auto liability installment.

All votes on the major items were unanimous (recorded as 'Aye' by council members during the meeting). No ordinance amendments were delayed or tabled. Council adjourned after public comment.