Westville: Mayor Michael Galbraith back after recent illness

By Sara Martino

NEWS Correspondent

 Mayor Michael Galbraith was back on board at last week's meeting of Westville Borough Council.

  Normally, he would comment on the accomplishments of the previous year.

  "I was not able to have that message ready tonight, but will report on the events that occurred in the borough last year and what we will be looking forward to in the year 2008, at the next meeting," he said.

  Galbraith, who is recuperating from a recent illness, thanked everyone for their get well wishes. First order of business was a public comment on agenda items.

  There were none and surprisingly there was not any public comment later during the meeting.

  Nikolas T. Melis and Grant Roberts were approved to serve as Special Law Enforcement Officers, Class II (SLEO II).

  "Class II officers have the same powers as a police officer while on duty but not when they are off duty," Galbraith said.

  "We have not had any Class II's for at least two years. Previously, the officers patrolled the downtown area and helped with court attendance," he said.

  "This is the ideal time to fill the vacancies especially in matters of court security," said Fred Lederer, Chief of Police.

  Approval of a proposed ACCUTAB calcium hypochlorite tablet feeder as suggested by Consulting Engineer Services (CES) was given by Council.

  "The state requires the governing body's approval to switch from the liquid form of chlorination to the tablet form during the treatment of municipal wat-er," Donna Domico, Public Works Manager, said.

  A letter from Westville Fire District No. 1 was discussed regarding the county wide EMS system.

  Fritz Sims, a member of the Fire Commission, said a letter will go out to the residents stating their position of opposing the idea.

  "As I understand, we are not looking for change. The fire department and ambulance squad provide excellent coverage to the residents," the mayor said.

  "I can attest to that," said Galbraith, in reference to his recent needs.

  Borough Administrator, William Bittner said a number of grants that may be available for the town.

  He asked the governing body to come up with suggestions for needed projects in town.

    Bittner commented on a long meeting that he had with U.S. Congressman Robert Andrews (D-1).

  "The congressman is on the government Budget Commission and likes Westville, and gave many ideas for improvement and use of grant monies," Bittner said.

  Galbraith asked Bittner to seek funding that will help to alleviate the Borough's records storage problems.

  Bittner said it could cost $1,700 to purchase storage containers that can be stored in the basement at 1035 Broadway.

    A contract from Kim Medefindt, the architect approved for the Borough Library renovations, has not been received yet.

    "We did receive an extension of the state is expecting the contact to be settled and wants copies of all business conducted with regards to the project," Bittner said.