Borough Manager Anthony Branco read an open letter from a concerned citizen to council May 19. The citizen requested that more police patrol around the Fountain Hill playground because vehicles are speeding through the area. The resident documented two different occasions in which cars sped through all the stop signs, and said this is an ongoing problem in an area where families with kids are regularly present.

“Please increase police presence on Stanley Avenue,” the letter concluded. In response to the letter, Police Chief Ed Bachart said that the police have already been made aware of the situation and there has been enforcement.

Branco is retiring, and his last day was May 31. In the meeting, he brought up the notion to name the council solicitor as the Right-to-Know officer because no other staff is fully trained to act as such. This officer responds to Right-to-Know requests of the borough. Because these actions must be done in a timely fashion to avoid costly fines, council approved having the solicitor to act as the Right-to-Know officer effective June 1.

Next, President Norman Blatt suggested that council meetings should return to borough hall by July 8.

Councilman William Rufe asked if the protocol to wear masks will be upheld, because there have been people not wearing masks in the building, and Blatt said council would follow Governor Tom Wolf’s order to wear a mask in government buildings. When asked if Zoom will still be used to engage the public at council meetings, Councilwoman Jamie Johnson said she can livestream the meeting, but if anyone wants to ask questions, they will have to attend in person.

Other announcements included letters of resignation from Michael Spencer and Liz Fox from the Zoning Committee. Council accepted and thanked them for their service.

During public comment, resident Jeff Remling voiced concerns regarding the new Fountain Hill establishment Gametime Sports Bar and Grill. The lively discussion was eventually ended when Blatt declared that it was a Zoning Committee issue and will be resolved through that channel.

At the end of the meeting, Blatt encouraged everyone take a few minutes to acknowledge the reason for Memorial Day. Mayor Carolee Gifford asked anyone who wants to share a way for the community to honor Memorial Day to please contact her through Borough Hall.

The next meeting is scheduled for June 7.