Cleona council hears updates on fire department resignations, RRFB project

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Cleona Mayor Matt Zechman, who has been leading efforts to install rapid rectangular flashing beacon signs throughout the township, announced at Monday night’s borough council meeting that he has received the first donation for the project.

The donation came from Jonestown Bank & Trust Company for $5,000. Zechman’s goal is to raise between $60,000 and $65,000 to cover the entire cost of the project, which is to be done entirely through charitable contributions from local businesses.

“To me, it’s a humbling, yet motivating step that shows this dream and desperately needed project is coming to life,” said Zechman. “It also reassures me that the community is strong, selfless, and dedicated to serving one another. In a time when our country feels divided, acts like this from local businesses, such as JBT, show just how much power we have when we stand together and work towards the same goal.”

Council also heard updates from Annville-Cleona Fire Department board president Ryan Flynn, who emphasized efforts to improve transparency with both the board and the community.

Flynn told council that the fire administrator position has not yet opened for applications as they work to finalize workers’ compensation benefits, noting that more than 60 people have signed up to be notified when the position does open.

He also reported that deputy chief Bob Moyer and trustee Dustin Sider have stepped down. Flynn did not disclose reasons for their departures but said he has spoken with both and the board is discussing next steps.

Councilwoman Tricia Springer asked if there have been other resignations or if there have been members who have pulled back on their active participation in the department. Flynn said there have been no other formal resignations but they have seen individuals pulling back in the time they volunteer. 

“I don’t want to speak for these people but I’ll give you the facts of what happened and that is there were several individuals who respond out of Cleona who ran for leadership positions in our most recent election, which was in December, and they were not elected to those positions,” said Flynn. “They served their current leadership terms until the time that we switched over in early January and then they didn’t really respond to any calls after that.”

Borough resident Margaret Bowman was the sole citizen comment during the meeting, asking council for an update on violations reported at a property near her own.

Solicitor Colleen Gallo explained that the property failed to meet the compliance deadlines issued in the first notice and the borough will be issuing a second notice. 

Gallo also provided an update on the ongoing legal litigation involving the owners of 145 Dairy Road, noting that after being served, they retained an attorney who filed a response. The case is now awaiting a court date to be set.

In other business, council:

• Heard an update from police chief Jeffrey Farneski that the department has been increasing its patrol around churches on Sunday, in response to violence they are seeing in the Middle East, and that they have been receiving positive feedback from residents about the increased presences. Farneski said they have received no threats. 
• Heard an update from council member and parks & recreation board member Patrick Haley on Steckbeck Engineering’s proposal for a streambank restoration project at Cleona Borough Park. Haley noted the status quo would result in significant property loss. The project aims to address eroding banks and improve water flow control. No final decisions have been made.
• Approved zoning ordinance #336 for solid waste. 
• Approved the final payment of $3,869.15 for risers put manholes on Union and Liberty alleys, as the work has now been completed.   
• Approved a comprehensive zoning ordinance to be sent back to the county planning commission with the addition of data center language.  

Council adjourned the meeting and moved into an executive session, noting that no action would be taken. On the agenda for the executive session was a fire company update and a school resource officer agreement, and Gallo amended the agenda to add discussion of potential litigation for the old Cleona cleaners property. 

Council members Samuel Wengert and Matthew Urban were absent from the meeting. 

Cleona Borough Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 1, at 7 p.m., at the Cleona Borough Building, 140 W. Walnut St. Meetings are open to the public.