Fills vacancy left by death of Rod Walker
Lifelong Scranton resident BJ Wright was unanimously picked as the new mayor of Scranton. The Scranton city council made the decision at its Feb. 11 meeting. He took office immediately, filling the vacancy created by the unexpected death of Rodney Walker in December.
There were two candidates: Wright and Dave Dideriksen. Wright, who served on the council a few years ago, was selected, relieving mayor pro tem Orvie Umbaugh, who returns to his city council seat.
Wright will serve until the Nov. 3 election, when he and other candidates will have the opportunity to run for the mayor’s office.
Dideriksen presented information on the Bully Project in Greene County that was planned for Feb. 21 in Jefferson. He also gave the monthly library report. Dideriksen has assumed the position of library board president. He talked about cleaning, sidewalk plate modifications, the resignation of Cheryl Dideriksen effective Feb. 20, and using Jaron Thompson as a library volunteer.
Bob South reported on the sewer department. The council discussed the training needed for Chad Kirk to become certified and using Jim Jones as a temporary sewer operator when South leaves in April. Jones provided the water report, commenting on the relocation of the caustic soda, cleaning of the clear well and passing the arsenic test. Kirk reported maintenance items including water meter replacements and repair of an oil leak in the loader.
Kirk was granted an immediate pay increase of $1.50 per hour and will receive incremental increases for certification levels achieved.
The FY 2015/16 budget was approved for publication with a hearing scheduled on March 10 at 6 pm. The cCouncil voted to petition for the title of the abandoned property at 600 Main Street and will work on amending the lawn height specification ordinance so that only one notice needs to be sent per mowing season. An amendment will be drafted for the March meeting.
The first reading of Ordinance #207 was approved. This ordinance calls for increasing the monthly minimum cost of water to $28.25 per month and the flow rate to 75 cents per 100 gallons after the minimum. It also calls for an increase in the sewer minimum fee to $28.25 per month and the flow rate to 45 cents per 100 gallons after the minimum. The second reading will be held at the March meeting.
Tina Walker read sentiments of thanks and gratitude to the city for the support given at the time of the death of her husband Rod Walker. Jason Cerveny represented Greene County Development Corporation with news of upcoming events. ~The Scranton Journal
