Roboski to retire after 34 years / By Martha Knight

It will seem like the end of an era, in Port Allegany borough government, when Susan Roboski finishes her last day as borough secretary, April 14.

Presumably the longest serving current borough employee or official, Roboski became secretary when Larry Griffith was borough manager, and served through the 1980s and 1990s and into the 21st century, while mayors, council members and many borough employees came and went, and a new borough headquarters and police station building was created and put into service.

In her letter of resignation, read after a lengthy executive session, Roboski stated that she was excited about her upcoming retirement, but had appreciated her opportunities for service as borough secretary, and her experiences with other borough employees and officials.

Later council signaled its intention of replacing from within by adopting a measure declaring that it would hire a full-time billing clerk, in effect a replacement for the current clerk and office assistant, Karen Reed. Presumably an approach to naming a successor to Roboski was one item discussed in the executive session, with thinking being that Reed would be named borough secretary.

In moving to accept Roboski’s retirement resignation, council member Lynn Farber said she did so reluctantly, a sentiment echoed by the seconder, Kate Kysor, vice president Sam Dynda and council member Eric Button.

Roboski said she would be glad to assist with the “transition” in any way possible.

In another personnel matter, council voted to approve a new contract with police chief Dave Distrola. His contract had expired on December 31, 2013. Negotiations had concluded satisfactorily, earlier, but council had been checking on interpretation of language, it was explained.

A change in solicitors has yet to be concluded in some regards, it was revealed. Krista Schott had been appointed at the January meeting, replacing Michael Alfieri, but he has not yet turned over to Schott some material relating to ongoing matters, due to work pressures, it was announced. Schott will meet with Alfieri to discuss the status of ongoing matters, it was announced.

Severe winter conditions have impacted the borough in several ways, according to the bill list and the monthly report of borough manager Richard Kallenborn. Nearly out of ice melt at one point, the borough crew had stretched the supply with crushed limestone, but then the supplier announced it would through with the last load due the borough.

Kallenborn noted that the crew has helped residents with frozen water lines, in a pinch, but advised, “During subzero weather, customers should allow their cold water to run slowly” overnight.

A bill list item showed an eye-popping spike, to $18,748.28, in the Penelec electric bill. Council member Dave Fair wondered aloud whether the arrangement with that vendor was averaging out as a bargain, as had been hoped when that service was chosen. Kallenborn said savings in earlier billing periods “were averaging 18 to 20 percent” so he was confident those savings would offset the recent increase, similar to those experienced throughout a wide region.

Kallenborn expressed guarded optimism concerning prospects of obtaining a grant similar to a PennWorks one that had been applied for but not approved late last year. Along with funding for a two-mile water and sewer extension into Liberty Township, near Route 155 South, the grant would also allot $500,000 to the borough for replacement of old sewer lines in the borough.

Asked what areas would receive the sewer rehab if the grant comes through, Kallenborn listed “south end of town” areas including Harrison Street, Elm Street and a portion of Mill Street.

This news source has learned from other sources that confirmation has been received, but an official announcement has yet to be made, that a grant has been approved that will provide major funding for the projects. The Department of Community and Economic Development will provide some $1,539,150 toward the combined project cost estimated at $2,052,200. The local share will be $513,050, or one quarter of the total cost.

Kallenborn mentioned hopes that water lines could be routed along the South Main Street bridge over Lillibridge Creek, due to be replaced in a PennDOT project before long. This will allow a more practical “loop” in the water supply route, Kallenborn said.

Mayor George Riley read a proposal whereby the borough would support the Route 6 Alliance’s nomination of Route 6 as a National Scenic Highway. Council members approved that measure.

After Kevin Ernst of the fire department presented the monthly report of that organization, council member Judy Taylor asked whether there had been any “new people” joining the ranks of the volunteer department.

Ernst replied that there had been “a big influx of seniors,” hastily adding that he meant high school seniors.

Sam Dynda presided at the session in the absence of president Andrew Johnson.