Montrose revises rules

BY STACI WILSON

Montrose Borough Council members revised its rules for the “conduct of public meetings” in a 4-2 vote, March 5, in order to comply with stipulations agreed to in Susquehanna County Court on Feb. 27.

After meeting with Attorney Patrick Boland in executive session on the matter for over one hour, council returned to the table.

Councilman Craig Reimel read the new set of rules, most of which dealt with video and audio recording devices and placement.

At first reading, number 10 of the new rules required audio recorders be placed behind the rear row of chairs in the meeting room – a requirement held over from the original document adopted by the borough on Feb. 14.

Part of the Feb. 27 stipulation agreement allowed for hand-held audio and camera equipment in the seating area of the meeting room.

Boland asked to meet with council once again in executive session to clear up the matter.

Following that session, council then opted to strike that rule from the list.

Borough resident Barbara Clifford asked council to reconsider the measure. She said she found the wording unnecessarily restrictive.

Council President Tom Lamont had opened discussion to “borough residents” but did not also extend the comments to borough taxpayers – as provided for in the borough’s rules.

Council members Sean Granahan and Tony Pickett voted against the revised rules; with LaMont, Reimel, Randy Schuster and Julanne Skinner carrying the motion. Councilman Todd Chamberlain was not present.

LaMont also asked that members of the press ask questions after the meeting.

A time for “public comment” was not listed on the agenda and no time was granted at the meeting for public comment.

After the meeting, LaMont said he did not plan to offer a public comment period during meetings. He advised borough residents fill out a request to be placed on the agenda if they would like to address council at a public meeting.

According to the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, section 710.1 regarding public participation: “the board or council of a political subdivision, or of an authority created by a political subdivision shall provide a reasonable opportunity at each advertised regular meeting and advertised special meeting for residents of the political subdivision or of the authority created by a political subdivision or for taxpayers of the political subdivision or of the authority created by a political subdivision or for both, to comment on matters of concern, official action or deliberation which are or may be before the board or council prior to taking official action.”

Moving on to other business, council appointed a five member zoning hearing board in anticipation of adopting an updated zoning ordinance in the near future.

The appointees include: Mary Ann Dewitt, Luther Giordano, Richard Girffths, Cynthia Goodman and Carla Whitney.

Granahan said the board would receive training on both the old and proposed zoning law as well as land use.

He also said zoning hearing board members would be paid $50 per member per session.

Although Central Tax began collecting the borough’s Earned Income Tax on Jan. 1, the borough voted to allow Berkheimer Associates to collect the delinquent EIT funds.

Council approved an order for new parking tickets. The collection box, currently on the outside of the old borough building, will be moved to the new building.

Approval was granted to Ayres-Stone Psot 5642 for the annual Memorial Day parade which will be held on May 28.

Council also approved the Montrose Chocolate & Wine Festival request to closeChestnut St.during the May 19 event.