Impressions from Second Budget Meeting..........WOW !!!!!!!!!

There were only four Council members, Secretary and the Mayor in attendance from the Governing Body of the Borough perspective.  It is deeply troubling to me to write this analysis because there is enough divisions in our small Community, but since, in my active experience in local politics, that the Elected body fully reflects the will of the population is at Election time to let some of these statements go unnoticed and comment free would amount to me being dereliction of my sworn oath to the People of Delmont.  Some may view this position as melodramatic or grossly exaggerated, and to them I would reply, "Judgements of my personal feelings are only valid to the one making the Judgement."

I deeply respect the Mayor for all of the hard work she has done in this Community especially the activities to build up the community through Delmont Daze and the Delmont Farmer's Market.  In fact I was going to submit her name for 2016 Mayor of the Year Award through Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs.  There was a discrepancy in the years of Service for the award and she ended up not being eligible.  The impressions she left me with after some of her comments seemed so contrary to what I have come to know and respect.

Anti-Business or Better Use of Monies?

I did try to speak my mind more last night, but the same attitude from session 1 prevaled.  The topic of  Road Paving came to the table.  Cupp Way is used by 1) Delmont Sports Shop, 2) Premiere Pizza, 3) Thompson Machinery, and 4) Teri's Place Salon.  In addition, residents on the "alley" commented about the poor condition.  Cupps Way was rate 7 out of 10 being worse by the Engineers some time ago.  It would cost in the neighborhood of $11,000 to pave.  The Mayor, who is free to state her opinion but has no statutory authority over the budgeting process said, "We don't pave alleys !"  The argument that I used is how beneficial this would be to the businesses listed and that We should take care of our businesses.  It is my opinion that Delmont does not have many businesses and that we should take care of them.  They do provide jobs, tax money, and some are strong financial supporters of our fine Police Department.  The Engineers' reply was it has never been a concern of the Street Committee, there may be issues with some of the property owners, and Garbage trucks rip it up. In her defense of wanting to do something the Mayor said something like, " Couldn't we just put stones down, and even it out?"  The Engineers reminded her that the alley was paved before and had a base already built.  In efforts of full disclosure, I do use that piece of roadway quite a bit, but not near as much as the business and they were my primary concern.

Anti-Fire Department ?

In most smaller communities Emergency Services, especially Fire and Police, work very closely together and even share Station space.  Most people have an equally high regard for the dedication and willingness that Police Officers and Firefighters have to serve their Community, and Delmont is blessed with both. There seems to be tensions in the relationship between Police and Fire, and relationships with Council.  I think it should be a priority to identify the sources of conflict and smooth them over.  Someday at some incident their lives may become mutually dependant on eachother.  

The question of making an annual donation to the Fire Company came up again.  Per usual most other Council members thought that paying their worker's compensation, keep in mind this is what is required by law, was enough.  The Mayor said, "Well. that is all they deserve." They brought that we didn't give them any money because they didn't complete an audit.  I know that an audit is required for the pass through money that we receive, but I don't believe that an audit is necessary to receive a donation from Council, but I would have to double check with solicitor.

Good and Bad

To part from the quotes that really got me thinking about the agenda or view the mayor may have, there are other things that deserve consideration.  A good thing that was mentioned is the idea to budget money for Scouting projects, both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.  The projects that have occurred since I have been on Council have been amazing, and the one that stands out the most in my mind as I write is the Veteran Monument at East View Union Cemetery by Rebecca Shissler.  This was an amazingly complex project that gave credit to our Veterans.  The remembrance of this project foremost in my mind should not be meant to belittle the Bat Boxes, Building and Sign Painting, Picnic table or Flag Pole Projects.  It is an excellent idea.  However, it was suggested that the money to support these projects and funding come from the Shield's Farm Account.  If the projects are specifically for Shield's Farm I would be ok with money coming from this account.    The reality is if Delmont had a Master Plan a wish list of projects with potential Grant funding could already be established.  I have no doubt that we could find Grants to support a much larger amount of projects then could be supported by the Shield's Farm Account.  Furthermore, funding of any projects not related to Shield's Farm may be contrary to the original intent  of the funds. 

BiCentennial Fund

As I mentioned in my "Secret Agenda" Blog, I wholeheartedly support community activities that will build Community Spirit.  I just think we shouldn't just wait for the Bicentennial.

Sewage Issues

Sewage rates are going to be increasing again as well as Engineering costs.  The first rate increase will probably be around $4.00 and it will go up in increments there.  The Engineers have said, we shouldn't be surprised if there fees in the next 3-10 years will exceed $100,000.00.  Please note the did not give a year range like I did but based it on potentialities of Consent Agreement in the works.

Some may try to blame the expenses on the sewage issues that have been plaguing our community.  The only factor that these issues have done, in my opinion, is accelerate the time frame when the monies are going to need to be spent.  It is important to remember that the expenses were there and any actions by persons or organizations might have only added to the root expenses slightly, and might actually lead to some savings in the future. Any present Borough official, or future Borough official who tries to point to certain individuals or organizations and saying, "It is their fault, we are spending so much money and sewage rates are increasing." are playing the political blame game and don't deserve to be in office.  When we choose to serve our communities the good, the bad, and the ugly become ours.

One thing I believe should be done is Delmont get a total understanding on how FTSM determines the base rate that they charge us for sewage may include considerations for infrastructure that we own and shouldn't be getting assessed for what we have to pay to maintain.  I am not saying that this in fact is what is happening but we should know because Murrysville customers seem to have a lower rate.   What I think would be a fair way is to calculate the actual cost per gallon to treat including the extra cost for BOD, grease, and other special considerations types of treatments, and a fair calculation of infrastructure considerations.  Take that figure and multiply it by that amount of waste water we put into the system.

Interesting Exchange

A member of the public brought out the inappropriateness of comments by a member of Council.  I wish more members of the public would tell us when they think our behavior, speech, or actions are out of line.  We were voted in to represent the people of Delmont and we need to be held accountable if we are not meeting voter expectations.

Election Thoughts

I pointed out some remarks from the Mayor that have me pondering her position on the issues covered above.  If there are citizens who may be bothered by these or other issues with the Mayor's actions in other areas you need to pay special attention to the "Who to Vote For" propaganda being distributed.  I believe it goes something like this under the American Flag.  1) Mayor- Alyce Urban, Council:  Andrew Shissler, David Weber, Stan Cheyne, and Pam Simpson.  I love all of these people as human beings, appreciate and understand their opinions and views.  Some of them, those that I believe are open to the multifaceted changes that Delmont faces will have my support on Election Day.  Some not on this list, Pamela Loughner and William Marx who also have some great qualities that would add to Delmont's possibilities also have qualities that may cause some concern.  The condition that is produced by these opposing poles is called being human.  I can understand fully why Pam L is not on the Mayor's list she is one of them there Democrats.  Why is David Weber, a Democrat preferred over William Marx a Republican?  Personally, I don't care what party a person belongs to I look at the qualities they bring to the table.  From what I know of them both William and Pam seem to care less about going with the flow than fighting for what they believe is best for the people of Delmont.  Perhaps that is why the current Council, for the most part, is afraid of these two candidates and talked negatively about them openly before the meeting started. 

I wrote in great detail how it is my view the actions of Council totally disregarded the will of the people by appoint Stan who was next to the last place by voters.  The other thing that Becky did when she made the motion to appoint Stan was create a political debt of Stan to her.  If Stan should get elected and retain the seat to which he was appointed it could be said that the only reason you got elected is we gave you a chance to prove yourself before the election.  I sincerely hope that Stan will be able to vote his mind if it is better for Delmont, but contrary to the views of those who appointed him.

One of the worse things about this Election is there is only one choice for Mayor.  If there is any reason you may be against the Mayor's policy, or you just want a change there is no choice.  Ironically, in some elections even when there is more than one candidate, we may feel that there is no choice.  In my opinion, there is nothing worse than living in a Democratic Society and not being able to exercise your Right to vote because there is no choice.  I am saying this tongue and check, and not officially running, but if anyone out there actually wants a choice go ahead and write me in for mayor.  If nothing else it would show that there is some opposition and frustration.  If there would be such opposition and frustration that I would by a "snowball's chance" win on a write-in, I would accept the will of the people.

There is a meet the candidates on November 6th at Delmont Library