Pledge of Allegiance led by Maryann Weinstein, President

Public Comment

Any person from the public may speak for a 3-minute period. Total time allotted for public comment is 15 minutes. Please state your name, address and subject. Please choose a representative to speak if you have the same concern.

• Mumbi Mundia-Howe asked if residents are permitted to speak after the public comment period and requested to move the public comment to the end of the meeting so residents can participate and have a voice on decisions made by council. Solicitor Makel stated that the public comment period is at the beginning of the meeting. Ms. Mundia-Howe asked if the Tesla is outfitted like a Ford vehicle, and is the Tesla as a police car insurable? Cost? Any cyber security issues with the vehicle? 

• Christine Interval asked if council knew of unsatisfactory activity at 615 Lemoyne Ave Ext. The home is not owner occupied and multiple unrelated people live in the home. Also asked about the trees, bushes, and drains not cleaned. There is a list of roads by priority to be repaired in the borough. Who is responsible for the road repair on that list ? There does not seem to be a sense of urgency to the list. Jerry Coleman is aware of the situation at 615 Lemoyne Ave Ext. 

• Dawn Petrosky stated the Tesla is not on the recommended list of vehicles that are purchased for police departments. Council needs to review other sources and evaluate their decision to purchase a Tesla as a police car. Another option listed is a Dodge / Chrysler model.

Official Action:

1.  New Police Car – Vice President Kent James provided a summary of the features/options for the Tesla and the Ford so council can decide what vehicle to purchase for the police department. Vice President Kent James made a motion seconded by Kris LaGreca to purchase a Tesla 3, ALL-wheel drive Dual Motor Long Range vehicle at a cost not to exceed $60,000. 

   • Roll Call Vote
     • Joe Fulton – Yes
     • Kent James – Yes
     • Dan Bird – No
     • Maryann Weinstein – Yes
     • Michael McCormick – Yes
     • Doug Corwin – No
     • 5 Yes, 2 No, Motion Passed

2. Thayer Park Tree – Aaron Lucero reported to council that a tree needs removed at the Thayer Park. Kris LaGreca moved, and Joe Fulton seconded the motion to approve Westfall Moving Landscape to remove the tree at Thayer Park for an amount not to exceed $2,150.00. – Motion passed. 

   • The motion above was amended by Kris LaGreca, seconded by Joe Fulton above to include the following: 

     • Westfalls Moving Landscape shall be subject to: 

       1. Provide current Workers Comp Insurance coverage. 

       2. Provide Liability Insurance 

       3. Agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Mayor, Council Members, Employees, and Subcontractors of East Washington Borough. – Motion passed. 

3.  Zoom Meetings – Council discussed how to conduct future meetings because COVID is still a concern for some members and/or residents. Kris LaGreca reported that there is a device with a 27-inch screen that has speakers and is called a D10. The cost is $599.00 and a stand for $99.00. 4 Council members (quorum) will be needed at the borough building but others can access the meeting via zoom. Council Meeting Monday, June 14, 2021,

   Mumbi Mundia-Howe asked if council would consider a long-term investment and purchase a better system such as a web cam/ microphone / speakers for live stream. Was this in the budget? 

   After continued discussion a motion was made by Kris LaGreca, seconded by Joe Fulton to authorize Kris to purchase a D10 27-inch screen at a cost of $599.00 plus a stand at $99.00 to be used for public meetings via zoom. 

   • Roll Call Vote
     • Joe Fulton – Yes
     • Kent James – Yes
     • Dan Bird – Yes
     • Maryann Weinstein – Yes
     • Michael McCormick – Yes
     • Doug Corwin – Yes
     • Unanimous Vote – Motion Passed

4. Joe Fulton, Reca Panian – Picnic update. Reca stated 2 canopies were purchased as well as a grill. Kona Ice is booked and there will be a dunk tank (Mayor and Council members needed to volunteer). Joe Fulton said there is a proof of the artwork for the new sign at the park. Please respond to him this week for comments/changes. 

Reports

• Mayor –Demond Nixon – Informed Council that he is meeting with the Washington County Commissioners to talk about the Land Bank and the Community Development Block Grant.
• Solicitor – Dennis Makel– No Report
• Council Members – Reports / Discussion
  • Maryann Weinstein, President – No report
  • Daniel Bird – No Report
  • Douglas Corwin – Doug Corwin asked if Jerry Coleman can determine if an alley behind his house is on a public right of way because bushes and trees need removed. 
  • Joe Fulton – No Report
  • Kent James, Vice President – No Report
  • Kris LaGreca – Announced there is going to be an incubator partnership with W&J college and the newspaper regarding small businesses and an open house Tuesday and Wednesday. 
  • Michael McCormick – Michael McCormick suggested considering an ordinance for a 4 way stop sign at the area at lower Lockhart. 

Motion

• Motion Joe Fulton, second Doug Corwin to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 pm. – Motion passed.