Rumors of activity at the Westvaco mill were once again raised at Tyrone Borough Council’s meeting last night, but official remain tight-lipped about the situation.
On Oct. 7, concerned resident James Ray approached council to inquire about the possible reopening of the mill. However, council did not respond to his inquiry.
Last night, Mr. Ray appeared again, this time noting the presence of Mayor Patricia Stoner’s, and at least two other council members’ vehicles near the guard house at the mill last Thursday.
Mr. Ray questioned council as to how many individuals attended, if it were a public meeting and if the substance of that meeting could be revealed.
Mayor Stoner deferred comment to Borough Solicitor Larry Clapper, who said the meeting was an exception to Pennsylvania’s Freedom of Information Act because it was a conference set-up by the Governor’s office. He did, however, say that the meeting concerned local industrial development.
When questioned about what occurred at the conference, Clapper said he was “not at liberty to discuss what the meeting was about.”
“I know there is something going on over there and I think the people of this community have the absolute right to know,” said Ray after the meeting. “Everything shouldn’t be so secretive.”
Besides Ray’s comments and a request from a Snyder Township resident to have Pyramid Health representatives explain Tyrone’s drug problems to council, routine borough business dominated the meeting.
Council voted unanimously, 8-0, to approved a settlement agreement with the Northern Blair County Regional Sewer Authority stating if the authority pays the $475,000 owed for 2001 sewer reconciliation, the borough would withdrawal the current arbitration proceedings filed in conjunction with the situation. The withdrawal would be contingent on the NBCRSA making the payment in full no later than Dec. 31, 2002.
Council also voted unanimously, 7-0, to reopen a five-year contract with AFSCME covering union employees in the highway, water and sewer departments.
The contract, which runs from Jan. 1, 2002 to Dec. 31, 2006, provided that it be reopened in 2002 only for discussion and negotiation of wage rates for 2003-2006.
The parties agreed to a flat amount annual wage increase for union employees of 53-cents per hour for 2003, 48-cents per hour for 2004, 43-cents per hour for 2005 and 44-cents per hour for 2006. The numbers equal out to a 4 percent increase, 3 1/2 percent in 2004, 3 percent in 2005 and 3 percent in 2006.
The contract does not cover non-unionized employees.
Council member William Latchford abstained from voting, noting a conflict because of a relative who works in the water department.
An 8-0 vote vacated a portion of Alley P, between Adams and North avenues. According to Clapper, several utility companies contacted the borough and advised they do not have facilities in the area proposed for vacation. The new ordinance reserves the right-of-way through the alley area for the borough and public utilities.
