Weissport council keeps same leadership for 2020
Linda Shoenberger, left, and Arland Moyer Sr., right, are sworn in to the Weissport Borough Council by Mayor Paulette Watson while Councilwoman Brenda Leiby, center, observes. MICHELLE BAILEY/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Council members Arland Moyer Sr. and Linda Schoenberger have been re-elected to Weissport Borough Council and were sworn in on Monday during the first board meeting of the year.
The council voted unanimously to keep Arland Moyer Sr. and Brenda Leiby as council president and vice president, respectively. Councilman Thomas Ketchledge has received two new positions: Vacancy board and president pro-tempore. The council also voted unanimously to re-appoint Greg Mousseau as solicitor.
Board Secretary-Treasurer Jessica Ahner is on leave from her position until mid-late February, and Bill Donovan will serve as interim secretary-treasurer.
The council also voted unanimously to continue their partnership with Alfred Benesch for an ongoing drainage project on Bridge Street.
In other news, resident and local businessman Jay Frey raised concerns over council’s decision to update the garbage ordinance, asking the borough to be considerate of commercial businesses in the town while making changes.
Frey said, “As commercial businesses, we should not be counted in the borough garbage bill,” citing the bill his businesses already pay for private dumpsters.
Ketchledge replied, “We are just trying to keep commercial and residential garbage separate.”
Frey asked the borough to consider the ordinances adopted in neighboring communities, noting, “Just make sure you put something in there for the commercial businesses.”
Representatives from Hope Community Fellowship, Lisa and Keith House and pastor Sam Carey, proposed a “help your neighbor day” in the spring, where local residents can volunteer to help with a variety of activities, such as cleaning the park or helping the elderly clean their yards and porches.
They have reached out to other area churches to partner with them in this effort and asked for the council’s approval and support. The council was enthusiastic in their support, with Ketchledge saying, “This is what our country was built on, ‘help your neighbor!’ ”
The Houses have also begun administering a survey, asking community members what sorts of activities would be most helpful. Plans for the day are ongoing.
