~by The Scranton Journal
The Scranton city council met twice recently to organize and handle first of the year business.
Meeting on January 2, newly-elected mayor Cole Gustoff conducted the meeting. Taking office were David Dideriksen and Jerry Boyd. Ashley Squibb was elected to fill a vacancy and began work on the council late last year. Carry-over members of the council are Julie McAleer and Ethel Subbert.
Gustoff appointed McAleer as Mayor pro tem. He also appointed Jon Law as the city attorney. The council split vote on the appointment with Boyd casting a dissenting vote.
Committee appointments approved were:
• Parks and rec: McAleer, Boyd, Cindy Boyd and Whitney Hoyle
• Water and sewer: Subbert, Dideriksen
• Streets: Subbert, Dideriksen
• Finance: Boyd, Squibb
• Personnel: Gustoff, McAleer
• Long range planning: Gale Zellweger, Dideriksen
• Community Center: Gustoff
The Council decided to keep the appointment of the director of public works vacant at this time. Melinda Hinners was approved to continue as city clerk. The banking transactions and investment policies for the city were approved as was the city donation acceptance policy.
Goals and communication were discussed.
The regular meeting of the council was held on Jan. 9. Gustoff appointed Ed Brown to the parks and rec committee. The fire department budget for fiscal year 2019 was approved.
Karla Janning with Region XII Council of Governments gave a housing program update and briefed the council on contracts needing approval. The group approved the agreements for technical services for housing contract and the Region XII sub-recipient.
The 28E agreement for sharing operating costs of the proposed animal shelter in Jefferson was tabled. Approval was given to a $2,325 bid from Middendorf, LLC to replace a furnace at the water plant and the purchase of a portable water tank for use at city parks.
Monthly reports included Greene County Development Corporation, fire department, library, parks, Community Center and public works. Non-action items discussed during reports included the GCDC priority list, fire station building needs, Community Center projects, grants, restroom at playground and tools / equipment needed for public works.
Ownership of the condemned property at 1107 Eagle St was discussed with the decision reached of city acceptance of ownership of the property.
Next regular meeting of the council is Tuesday, Feb. 13.
