Orvie Umbaugh has retired from the Scranton city council numerous times but when a short-term vacancy occurs on the council, the veteran is willing to return, bringing his knowledge and experience to help guide the community. Umbaugh was appointed at the March 14 council meeting to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Jon Esdohr.
Umbaugh will serve until after the Nov. 7 election. He was one of three candidates to fill the vacancy and was selected on a two-to-one vote with Julie McAleer casting the dissenting vote. Ethel Subbert and Marilyn Jacobsen were in favor. Cole Gustoff was absent.
No comments were made during the annual budget hearing and the 2018 budget was unanimously approved.
Ben Smith gave an update on his property at 1107 Lincoln that has been deemed an unsafe building. It was noted no progress has been made since the last report. The deadline for demolition is July 1.
Greene County sheriff Jack Williams visited with the council with general discussions on animal control, parking concerns and complaints. The council approved the sponsorship and insurance coverage for the annual Scranton Fishing Day at Pond Park.
An agreement with Dave Gliem was reached to provide water / wastewater coverage. A resolution passed unanimously approving a funding application to the IEDA for funding through the CDBG program for a sewer improvement project and committing local funds. The new full page utility billing format was approved.
Reports given included: Carol Eason, community center on use, programs, WiFi and rental agreements; Chantel Kirk, library on circulation, programming, sidewalk repairs, internet and golf cart access; Chad Kirk, public works on hydrant flushing, sedimentation tank, mower and alley work and a plugged tile causing flooding at the old football field.
Additional discussion items were spring clean-up day, organ donor awareness proclamation, community center use and rental rates. ~The Scranton Journal
