MOUNT JEWETT — At Monday night’s Mount Jewett Borough Council meeting, residents had several questions for council members.

Resident John Hayduk asked for a written account of the reasons for his dismissal from the borough’s employment in November.

“I’m still waiting for a reason why I lost my job. So, I’m asking again if the council could send me something in writing so I have some documentation of what I did and what I could have done to prevent that from happening,” stated Hayduk.

Hayduk went on to convey his frustration with the council’s decision to terminate his employment based on comments that he was “difficult to work with” when he had documents from employees that worked under him stating they had no such difficulties and would work under him again.

No comments were given by the council in response.

Moving on, a concerned citizen stated, “We’ve got a terror on Division Street on a snowmobile,” to which others in attendance agreed stating that a yellow and black snowmobile had been spotted on several other streets including Division.

The council then discussed if any changes had been made to designated recreational vehicle routes within the city and confirmed that no changes had been made. President Brett Morgan then directed citizens to report any reckless behaviors be reported to the borough or state police.

Dana Spittler took the floor to request that the council consider submitting $2,000 to help fund a new class pertaining to fire, emergency medical services and security program through the career vocational center in Port Allegheny. The requested amount would span a five-year period to cover transitional costs with adding the program.

Spittler went on to describe that the school districts were already out of funds to start this program until a spot opened up in their roster, but that municipalities could foot the bill in the interim. The goal of the program is to allow students to build credit hours towards a public position in firefighting, emergency medical services or security before graduation.  

The council debated on whether or not to sign a letter of commitment to support the program asking Spittler several other questions before councilman Tom Geer made a motion to support the program. Councilman John Keese seconded it. All council members agreed to sign a letter of commitment.

Moving into the mayor’s report, Mayor Melissa McGuire provided an update on applicants for the advertised police officer position within the borough citing that there had been two applicants. The borough will continue to accept applications until Feb 21 at 4 p.m.

McGuire went on to remind the council of the Rotary club’s annual Chocolate Indulgence event to be held Feb. 11 at the Mount Jewett Memorial Veteran’s Club and urged council members to direct interested parties to Rotary members for tickets.  Tickets can also be purchased at the entrance.

In closing McGuire also reminded residents and council members to keep fire hydrants cleared of snow.

The council then moved quickly through the monthly maintenance report, previous meeting minutes and financial report pausing for discussion in the pending expenses report to discuss recent purchase of personal protective equipment.

Keese questioned if the purchased personal protective equipment was substantial enough to effectively protect the employee from injury. Discussion ensued amongst the council members and the question was raised of whether they should specify the type of personal protective equipment that could be purchased and covered by the borough budget.  Morgan and McGuire thought that the type of equipment was straightforward enough, but that the policy could be updated if desired.

The council agree to accept the pending expenses with no further discussion.

Moving into secretary notes, treasurer and secretary Barbara Harp reviewed grants that she was working on including one she was submitting for the Community Park to support repair of the ball field fence and possible funds to support a walking trail or ice skating rink.

Morgan then stepped in to raise a concern with the hours that Harp had on days when council meetings were held, which are currently from noon to 8 p.m. Morgan asked that the council move to reinstate the previous hours; the motion was approved.

The council then covered committee business voting to sign a contract to upgrade a number of mercury vapor streetlights to LED ones in the coming year. The change would save the borough money on lighting and the council voted to sign.

The next borough meeting will be held at 7 p.m. March 6 at the Mount Jewett Borough building located at 1 Center St.