October Meeting Reflections

There were actually three meetings held on Tuesday October 10, 2017.  It started with the special meeting on the Zoning Ordinance, followed by the regular meeting and a short Executive meeting.  As I said in previous blog, I will address concerns with meetings latter. 

Two major points I want to expand upon briefly here.  They are LED Street Lights and Delmont Volunteer Fire Department.

Street Lights

The question was asked by Council Woman Becky Matesvac, 'Yeah, what about those Street lights? Are they saving us any money?

There are a couple of things to remember before even looking at the data I have to address the question.

• The street lights were over 25 years old.
• There was a rate height request that included potential light removal fees of $3300.
• Power rates were due to increase anyway.
• The installation of the lights cost the Borough $0.00

The following chart list some information about Lighting costs.  Two years considered 2016 and 2017.  The lighting switched about 3rd week in March.  Keep in mind the length of days changes throughout the year and the rates can vary as well.  For some reason the light portion was not part of bills paid section of monthly Council meetings.

Yr.	J	F	M		A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
2016	1214.62	*		1769.00	1769.00				*		*	*	1257.98
2017	2582.87		2241.19				952.89	1470.62	1158.95	1158.95	1158.95

* Reports I have without mention of Street Light Expenditures

Blank spaces to date means I couldn’t locate my copy of Bills paid for that month 

I don't wish to embellish the effectiveness of this project enough activities get over embellished.  My best guess is the lighting will save anywhere between $98.07-$1,112.25 a month depending on time of year over the old lights.  My own opinion is since cost was zero any savings are good.  Besides using less power is just the right thing to do.

Delmont Volunteer Fire Department

Out of all the emergency services the existence of a Fire Department financially impacts each and every citizen more than the others.  The men and women that choose to give their time to serve their fellow human beings no representation , no retirement,and sadly at times little to no gratitude.  Delmont would be in a very tough position if we had to pay for fire service.  Many communities are offering volunteers tax breaks or educational benefits to join the service.  Most disheartening to me were comments bad by some such as " We have a check $13,825.09 and nobody could be here to pick it up?" "Yeah, and they always are coming looking for money." "Yes, and they don't attend the safety meeting" "They sure have been getting a lot of calls." "How many firemen do we have anyway?" "How many that can actually drive the truck?" "And to top it off we have to pay their workers comp."

My impressions and clarifications

• The $13,825.09 is pass through money from the State and the Borough had nothing to do with acquiring that money.
• Yes, representatives from the Fire Department should be here and at the safety meeting. It is frustrating that they didn't attend.  What is their incentive?  They made an error on a form that almost tripled the amount of Worker's comp we had to pay.  Did they receive help and understanding for the error?  No, they got chastised and told let our insurance people feel out the paperwork.
• We pay workers comp for Police, Public Works, and Administrative services.  Why has noone ever complained about that? Yes, it has to go into a special fund because no insurance companies want to carry it.  This is proof of the risks they are willing to take to protect our citizens and there are complaints made about it.
• All of the statements made are not helpful or conducive to building a working relationship.  Yes, there are some wishes and we need to find a solution.
• True Firemen are not employees of the Borough, but they should be on a level playing field of respect and decency as Borough employees.