Boro Council tussles with road obstruction, hiring issues / By Martha Knight

The Port Allegany Borough Council had only a quorum of four on hand for its monthly meeting Monday night, lacking president Andrew Johnson, vice president Sam Dynda and Lynn Farber. Still, it covered more issues than usual.

On a couple of issues discussion became contentious, and once Judy Taylor, presiding, had to gavel for order, saying, “There’s no need to be yelling at each other.”

After the Streets and Sidewalks Committee, chaired by Eric Button, reported that they had voted not to call for enactment of an ordinance to prohibit parking of vehicles in such a way as to obstruct a traffic lane, council member Dave Fair questioned the reason for that decision.

Button said the committee, consisting of himself, Kate Kysor and Farber, felt that such an ordinance could cause difficulties for places where there is little parking available for residents other than at least partially on the street. Parts of Church Street are an example, he said.

Kysor addressed Fair directly, saying, “I have one question: have you talked to your neighbor?” Fair said he had not.

Kysor continued to tell Fair that it was a personal issue and it could be solved by just discussing things with his neighbor. “That is what I would do if I have an issue with a neighbor.”

Fair insisted that the measure would have application elsewhere in the borough, other municipalities do not allow parking in the cartway, and it is a safety issue.

He cited a recent ambulance call to a nearby residence, and the fact that a trailer parked across the street, on Catlin Avenue, has produced a one-lane situation there meant that emergency vehicles as well as others have to pause for oncoming cars, or pull around the trailer.

Fair read to the council an ordinance he had prepared, based on a model ordinance he had found. Initially he wanted council to have it vetted by the solicitor, then advertised for proposed enactment by council.

After more discussion it was agreed to have the motion discussed when more council members would be present. Fair also agreed that there should be a provision for sensible exceptions.

The impending retirement of longtime public works crew member Neil Binder brought some jousting between Fair and Kallenborn. The manager wanted to advertise the position and interview, with an eye to hiring immediately. Fair argued that while advertising and interviewing should go forward now, the position should be filled on or after January 1, 2015.

Kallenborn insisted that it is not safe to be short another crew member, after the recent departure of Tom Cochran. Binder’s retirement will be as of November 30, but he might be entitled to some days off and leave mid-month.

Fair said it would be better to wait until after negotiation with the non-uniformed employees had concluded, and a new contract takes effect January 1, 2015. There may be provisions that will apply to persons hired after that date, but not to those hired earlier.

Council voted 3 to 1 to authorize immediate advertising for the job.  The date when the successful applicant will start will be discussed at the November meeting. Fair, Kysor and Button voted Aye, and Taylor vote Nay.

Fair also reported to council on the results he received after a story in The Era said he would accept input from community residents concerning service by the television cable franchisee, Zito Media.

He read excerpts from phone calls, emails and other communications from disgruntled Zito Media customers, concerning poor service to the company’s digital phone customers, television subscribers and those who use its high speed internet service. Some also complained that response to requests for service or repairs was ineffectual or dismissive.

Fair noted that parts of the borough had been without Zito Media phone service and internet connectivity for most of Sunday and parts of Monday.

It was decided that a Zito Media representative would be asked to attend an upcoming council meeting to discuss such issues and the company’s responsibilities under the terms of its franchise from the borough.

Local resident Mahlon Davenport mentioned that there is an FCC regulation limiting the amount of time a phone service can be out of order. “It is minutes,” he said.

Pat Bodamer, who has coordinated numerous downtown clean-up, spruce-up efforts, was on hand to show the council an example of the new banners to be mounted on street lights in the commercial district and along Main Street in other blocks, and changed with the seasons. Many banners had been put up Monday, he said.

Bodamer mentioned additional improvements made by business owners, and outlined tentative plans for a Christmas on the Square event to be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, December 4.

Bodamer also reported for Peg McKervey, who was ill and unable to make her planned presentation concerning a nativity display to be erected on the Square in time for the Christmas on the Square event. McKervey had been raising funds to cover the cost of materials. The display will be similar to the one which has been used on the Court House lawn in Smethport.

Bodamer said donations for the nativity display, sent to an account he opened for it at First National Bank of Port Allegany, have totaled $623 so far, and should reach the $700 goal.

In his report, Kallenborn said that brush pickup will be suspended for the next couple of weeks while leaf pickup is most active, then will be resumed. During leaf pickup season, residents are asked to rake their leaves to the berm, where borough crews will pick them up. This operation will utilize “help from McKean County Jail,” Kallenborn said, referring to the community service and 3G program.

Also, anyone wanting a truckload of leaves for mulch or composting may contact the borough office, the manager noted.

Kallenborn said the crew replaced a sluice along Volney Street. A main water line leak along Harrison and Pine Streets had occurred on September 23. This year’s sewer line replacement should be complete by the end of the month.

Replacement of sewer lines along Harrison Street was postponed until next year, Kallenborn said, because the Route 6 bridge on South Main Street will necessitate replacement and rerouting of water mains.

The borough manager thanked UGI for giving the borough used pipe racks, so pipe inventory can be stored off the ground. He also thanked Bodamer and “citizens for improvement,” including groups and individuals who have planted and cared for flowers this past spring and summer.

Davenport reported on discussions with the Port Allegany Garden Club concerning the need for plantings in part of the area at the gazebo on the Square. He said the garden club is willing to help fill areas where plantings are gone, and will do some fundraising for the project.

As for continuing to help with the weeding chores at the gazebo, in future years, Davenport said some of the club’s members are no longer able to do this, although they have served for many years. He suggested that new, younger volunteers for such work call Peg Kallenborn or other members of the Port Allegany Women’s Club, to be placed on the schedule for next year.

Mayor George Riley announced that Halloween trick-or-treat hours will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 31.