Sorry it took so long to write this but we had a visitor this week. I am so glad that the Delmont Library lease was signed and project will go on without delay. I was afraid that after the note was read we would be hit with a delay pending yet another meeting. I wanted so bad to make the motion to approve the lease and move on, but I knew if the first motion came from me that would not happen. That is why I jumped on and seconded it as fast as I could. Other than this there was not a whole lot of issues that were very important that were handled. I did want to ask the insurance committee if they even asked for a quote from Keystone Insurers Group. One thing that I have learned from my trainings is this group is endorsed by the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs and they provide free quotes. Often they are less expensive because they specialize in Borough insurances. If their quote would have been lower at least Delmont could have shown it to the group we choose and tried to negotiate a comparable rate. But what do I know, I am the junior member.
There are many issues weighing heavily on my mind. When the cheaper route is chosen the cost savings is immediate, but the potential future liabilities are much more costly. The other thing that is bothering me is I am not sure whether our solicitor was just testing me or if he thinks that I am just ignorant about the law. Sure he doesn't know that I took the LSATS or that I was considering being a lawyer at one point, or that I tutored Law students at the University of Maryland when I lived down in that part of the country. I suppose I could spend the $200,000 to get the JD after my name, but I am going to spend $90,000 instead pursuing a Masters in Environmental Mgt/Public Policy that will be more beneficial to Delmont, Westmoreland County, and perhaps the State in the long run. Especially in the issues of MS4, Stormwater, and sewage.
Fortunately, I am meeting with one of my advisers next Wednesday and hope to get insights on how to proceed. Not only will these deficiencies increase cost on our budget, but it will alienate fellow council members and the Mayor. I want so desperately to build a working relationship with everyone, but continuous operation outside the law carries a lot of potential liability for our community. Furthermore, some of the areas were we have not been operating proceduraly correct, don't carry legal and fiduciary consequences, but it has harmed our little community greatly. It will continue to be detrimental if not corrected. I am currently seeking funds, privately, that will address some of the deficiencies but there will be long term costs associated with it as well.
I would support a community wide meeting were all of the residents of Delmont could meet with the full council and vote on the services that we as a community feel our in our best interest. Yes, there are some expenses that are mandated by laws (Sewage, Storm water MS4, Civil Service Commission with more than 3 full time officers), but there are other areas where, I feel, your voices should be heard. However, everyone must understand the costs of providing services continues to increase and our tax base has remained fairly stagnate. It is impossible to provide services without some sort of tax increases. That is why I think it is vitally important for you to tell us how, and how much you are willing to pay for the services that are important to you and your families. As you know from a previous post I am not a fan of paying higher taxes or fees either, but someone has to pay. Cutting corners, keeping fees artificially low makes everyone happy today by the money that is being saved, but at some point somebody will need to pay.
I am going to make a post about storm water project that I am involved in and one about the piipeline explosion. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
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