The regular meeting of the Youngsville Borough Council saw the adoption of a resolution allowing for warrantless arrests by the Youngsville Borough Police Department.
The move is likely to be the first of many related to law enforcement in the borough.
Borough Police Chief Todd Mineweaser appeared before council to request passage of a resolution allowing for arrests without warrants in cases of specified summary offenses.
Under the Pennsylvania Code, police officers are entitled to make an arrest without a warrant only in specific circumstances.
The officer may make an arrest upon probable cause only in cases in which:
There is, "... ongoing conduct that imperils the personal security of any person of endangers public property"
Said actions constitute a summary offense related to disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, obstructing highways and other public passages or underage alcohol offenses
And, "the governmental body", in this case Youngsville, "employing the officer promulgates guidelines to be followed..."
The resolution sets forth those guidelines and brings the borough into line with state requirements allowing its police department to make warrantless arrests.
Mineweaser said he is reviewing borough policies after taking courses on the matter. He noted council can expect many more proposals in coming months.
"There's about 122 new policies I have to do," Mineweaser said.
Council was also informed the borough's small dump truck will not pass inspection. Youngsville Borough Manager Lisa Hagberg said replacements had been priced at an estimated approximately $60,000 for purchase. Council approved borrowing the money necessary to purchase a Ford F550 truck from the borough sanitation fund. The fund, which has a current balance of more than $130,000, would be paid back over a two year period.
Hagberg also announced the report on the most recent borough audit had come in. She noted a few issues were found but that Kersey and Associates would be visiting the borough to go over changes to how the borough manages accounts in Quickbooks. Hagberg said the visit should resolve many of the issues found. The visit will cost the borough approximately $500.
It was reported a well pump had burned out and was sent to Erie for repair and testing. Costs for the maintenance have not yet been reported.
Plans for replacement of the control box on the signal light at the intersection of East Main St. and Railroad St. were not approved by PennDOT. The proposed box replacement, which was estimated to cost approximately $5,000, does not meet PennDOT mandated requirements for the device. A PennDOT compliant device is estimated to cost between $15,000 and $20,000. Council noted they were prepared to install traffic signs at the intersection if the current light should fail.
Streetscape work in Youngsville is moving forward. Council was alerted PennDOT would be putting upcoming project work out to bid on Oct. 25 and opening bids on Oct. 29. The borough will be alerted who is awarded the project when PennDOT completes the approval process for awarding the bid.
It was reported the borough recreation commission has started work on a homerun fence on Division Street.
The commission also reported making approximately $600 on a canoe/kayak poker run and over $700 on a kayak raffle.
An 80's theme party/dance will be held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 20 at the Youngsville Fire Hall to benefit the commission. Tickets will be available at the borough offices at 40 Railroad Street.
Hagberg reported the borough currently has $739,159.31 in its accounts. She noted the figure is approximately $200,000 more than the borough began the fiscal year with.
"We're saving money and watching our spending closely," Hagberg said.
The borough is currently working on a budget for council approval for next fiscal year.