Residents are getting their say at the Lewis Run Borough monthly meeting.
The September meeting was held earlier this week and video was provided to The Era for those who could not attend.
A major concern of many residents was why the procedure in the employee handbook was not followed when Julie Meyers, the Borough’s secretary/treasurer was suspended. During the comment session, Tim Meyers, Julie’s spouse, with the handbook in his hands, stated, “why was my wife suspended without receiving a letter of warning, without pay, and why was it indefinitely.”
The borough president replied that he couldn’t answer that question — then immediately called out a resident in the group for laughing, stating this isn’t funny.
Meyers continued, “It should have only been 24 hours for the first issue, not indefinitely,” and when there was no response from council, he threw down the handbook, “so this means nothing.”
He left after accusations from Joanne Caldwell, secretary, that he had previously threatened members of council, to which he denied.
It was later determined that council would need to contact Dan Hartle, the lawyer who represents the borough, to decide if back pay would be an obligation “since we didn’t follow disciplinary action,” said council member. Caldwell wasn’t sure about the need to pay back pay since Julie Meyers was receiving unemployment.
Several residents agreed that she should get every cent she would have, had she not been out of work this long.
It was also decided, during the executive session, the borough does not need two full time positions for this particular job. Therefore, Julie Meyers will be brought back, but only at a part time status, 20 hours a week.
Residents received the agenda via Facebook two hours prior to the meeting. It included a motion to adopt an ordinance to establish the office of Borough Manager as well as the powers and duties thereof. Many residents disagreed with the need for this position, but the council insisted it was only to have it on the books in case it is needed “down the road,” as Councilwoman Dianna DeCasper described it.
Much of the discussion during the meeting was about how much the residents are against this position.
Though the minutes from the August meeting were read during this month’s meeting, many have stated they are missing the details concerning resident commentary about the Borough Manager position, which has been a contentious topic.
The motion passed with all yeas except one.
Jenna Zetwick, councilwoman, stated if the residents don’t want something, even if all in the council do, then it should not be done.
As the meeting was wrapping up, the president noted the presence of a Pennsylvania State Police trooper.
The trooper stated that his supervisor had sent him because they had heard the meeting could get tense, but also the PSP tries to attend meetings in the area as they can. To which the president asked around the table who had notified the state police. Then he turned to the residents, and it didn’t take long for one of the residents to ask Mayor Jason Campogiani if he had called them, and for the Mayor to state that he did, in fact, call them after the last meeting, ‘just to talk to them…and a few days later, they were needed.” He didn’t call them to the meeting specifically that night.
Resident Jim Coldren stated, “There is a problem. Next year there will be two seats open. One of you should resign sooner. The problem sits at the head of the table.” And he walked out the door.
The president was dismissive of the residents’ comments that they want more on council like Zetwick. He said, “16 doesn’t represent 600.” Referring to the 16 residents in attendance not representative of the 600 residents in Lewis Run.
