Dec 16, 2003 By Jackie Beranek 3 min read

DUNBAR – Councilman Redding Bunting Monday asked for and received permission to get three quotes on a used maintenance truck for the borough. Council last month asked Bunting to look into purchasing a new or used maintenance truck for the borough that would be used in the winter months for snowplowing and salt distribution.

Bunting told council Monday that the borough really needs to make a decision to either fix the old truck or get a new one. In making his appeal, Bunting said that the borough couldn’t properly operate with only one truck.

Solicitor Doug Sepic told council if they agreed to purchase a truck for $9,999, which is $1 under $10,000 they would not have to get bids and could simply get quotes. Sepic also told council to get separate quotes on a salt spreader and snowplow for the truck.

In another related winter matter, Bunting told council that residents living on Speers and Bryson hills need to get their vehicles off the road so the snowplow can get through to do its job. Bunting also said that residents should not block the intersection.

Council passed its final 2004 budget Monday without a tax increase. The tax rate, according to secretary Rachelle Hughes, is set at .663 mills. The $205,224.91 spending plan is about $46,716.09 less than last year’s budget.

Council attributed the savings to “diligent efforts” in keeping the expenses down and to cost saving grants it received this year.

Three of the most costly items in the budget are police at $38,954.26, wages at $42,000 and insurance at $23,000 and $4,000.

The borough has $656,263 in their Parker Hunter investment fund and will receive another $7,000 in the form of a police grant. The borough receives $2,890 in per capita taxes, $14,679 in real estate taxes and $55,000 in wage taxes.

In other unrelated matters, council:

– Agreed to a workers’ compensation quote from Higbee Insurance in the amount of $9,493. Councilman Frank Zadell said most boroughs and townships are paying a 12 percent rate increase, but Higbee gave the borough a lower rate quote at 1.7 percent.

– Agreed to reorganize on Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. and to conduct other borough business at that time.

– Learned that councilwoman Kathy Dynes, who is chairman of the housing committee, is still taking care of problems at the old Rankin Unit. Dynes also reported that the children’s Christmas party went off without a hitch on Dec. 13.

Dynes said 30 children received gloves, while the rest of the children visited with Santa, enjoyed refreshments and made Christmas pins.

Dynes also read a list of the Light Up Night winners. First place overall went to Pat and Ann Trimbath, second place overall went to Tom and Mary Marra, best holiday door went to Ted and Vicki Speeney and Teri’s Boutiques’ and Bruno’s Bar tied for best decorated business.

Dynes expressed her thanks to all of the businesses and residents who donated to the Light Up Night campaign and the children’s Christmas party.

– Passed an emergency operation plan, which will be reviewed in two years.

– Reappointed George Klotz to another five-year term on the sewage authority.

– Agreed to send a confidential letter of caution to an unnamed borough employee.

No other explanation was given for the letter.

Meanwhile, council President John Maddas thanked Mayor Angie Graziano and councilman Ben Beal for their service to the borough.

This was the last meeting for Maddas and Graziano.