LAWRENCEVILLE — Many residents of Lawrenceville Borough are displeased with borough council and council was quick to mirror that at the Aug. 1 meeting.
Tempers flared with several residents claiming council member Michelle Courtright called borough residents “scum” on social media, one attendee used profanity and, lastly, council president Gordy Chilson called a resident a “wise-a**.”
The air of volatility remained throughout the meeting, as council tried to approve a building permit that carries a $50 fee, on a Mechanic Street residence. Residents objected to that action without a zoning officer in the borough or lack of a visual inspection by anyone.
“Who is signing off on this; how this can be done without a ‘building permit person’,” council member Cindy Burrows asked. “How do you approve it if you visually don’t go out and see it? We can’t sign this without a zoning officer, or take their money.”
Despite the objection, other council members motioned and voted to allow council to approve the permit once it had been perused by all council members in attendance.
In old business, potential operators for the vacant position of certified water operator have been contacted, with Chilson stating he has an additional candidate and will have the DEP give credentials.
Audience members were heard to say “what’s the plan?” and “this has been going on for two months,” with Burrows adding, “I have five and will give those names when Chilson and Penzone resign.” Residents responded with applause.
Council approved spending $4,600 and a check was cut to purchase playground mulch. The audience questioned whether the mulch was certified for playground use. Mayor Kris Davis said that the vendor will be contacted and that the borough will obtain a copy of the certificate.
One resident questioned about an alleged $69,000 that is missing from the library account, noting that perhaps it was a mistake or investment. Chilson said no funds are missing; rather, they are “in review for the profit and loss.”
Council approved the purchase of four street signs, at an approximate cost of $80 plus installation, to be placed in the Mechanics Street area where a deaf child resides. Before the vote, Chilson requested specific information about the exact address of the child.
Council members dismissed his request, and residents protested, saying Chilson’s request was illegal.
With zero bids being received to remediate the brush growth along the dykes in the borough, council approved to advertise once again in the Corning Leader and Star Gazette.
Council did not respond to requests from residents to advertise in Lawrenceville’s official local paper, the Wellsboro Gazette.
Finally, the hearing results over the borough’s water quality court case with the DEP have been issued by the Court of Common Pleas. Residents asked council members for those results.
“This is not a topic to be discussed in front of the public,” said Chilson, suggesting it be discussed in an executive session.
Residents discussed plans to upload the document, as well as how to obtain a copy, during the approximately 25 minute executive session.
