Mayor asks for explanation after motion to hire an officer failed; council ties decision to stormwater cost concerns

Mayor Robert Wolf asked council at the July 23 meeting to explain why a motion to hire another full-time police officer failed and said the borough owed the candidate an explanation for undergoing testing and evaluations. Wolf also noted that the candidate preferred a smaller department but would continue testing in the consortium.

Councilor Melissa Winkler said she was not aware the borough sought to hire another officer and expressed concern about the costs associated with recent stormwater problems. Councilor James Kerns likewise cited stormwater expense concerns and told the meeting the hiring decision was related to pending stormwater costs rather than the candidate’s qualifications.

Separately, the council approved routine business: approval of the July 9 minutes, acceptance of the Secretary’s Report, and ordering unpaid bills to be paid. Solicitor Wachter recommended an update clarifying anonymous requests in the Right-to-Know Rules and Regulations policy; Councilor Osborn moved to approve the update and Councilor Steadman seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Council also discussed amendments to the parking and zoning ordinances and agreed to forward the zoning changes to Erie County Planning and Union Area Planning for comment before advertising.

The meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.; an executive session to discuss personnel and contracts (no action to be taken) followed from 6:42 to 7:37 p.m.