Board members refuse police chief’s resignation
CALIFORNIA – Council members refused to accept Stephen Silbaugh’s resignation as California Borough Chief of Police, during their regular council meeting Thursday evening. After a brief executive session, council voted four to three to not accept the chief’s resignation.
Solicitor Keith Melenyzer said the motion does not mean the chief cannot resign effective Nov. 11.
“He does not need our blessing,” Melenyzer said. “Asking the chief to reconsider, stay – that’s what that no vote was.”
Council agreed to pay the chief’s accumulated benefits if he does resign, but opted to meet in a second executive session to discuss reimbursing Silbaugh for $1,500 in legal fees he amassed while fighting a one-day suspension that was later rescinded.
Greg Ruth, a firefighter with the California Volunteer Fire department, told council the chief would be “sadly missed.”
“I felt protected in this town,” he said. “Now, I’m not so sure I feel so safe. He did a lot for this community.”
A female resident echoed Ruth and requested council consider a public recognition of Silbaugh’s years of service.
“We owe a debt of gratitude for his years of service,” she said. “The stuff that goes on has put a shadow on California.”
Silbaugh said he appreciated the outpouring.
“I thank them from the bottom of my heart,” he said, referring to the council. “I understand the message they’re sending me and I appreciate their confidence in me.”
In other matters, Ruth requested council once again consider donating up to $50,000 toward a ladder truck for the fire department. The department received a check for $10,000 from California University of Pennsylvania and a commitment for an additional $10,000 from Cal U’s Student Association Inc. (SAI). The fire department is seeking state funding as well, Ruth added.
Council also conducted the following business:
– Announced that Meet the Candidates will take place Oct. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the borough building.
– Voted to give California Public Library $15,662.75 to fix a leak in the library’s roof.
– Announced the Tri-County Borough Association will meet Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. in Hugo’s Restaurant.
– Voted to accept a surcharge from County Hauling of 5 percent from Jan. 2006 to Oct. 2007, increasing the bill to $26.16, and a surcharge of 3 percent from Oct. 2007 to Oct. 2008, increasing the bill to $26.94.
– Announced that the codification portfolio is available for review in the borough building.
– Voted to change Digons Way to 371 Skyline Drive.
– Announced that trick-or-treat will be held Saturday, Oct. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m.
– Agreed to hold a budget workshop Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the borough building.
– Announced that the zoning ordinance is available for public view in the borough building and scheduled a public hearing for Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. in the borough building to answer residents’ questions. A copy of the zoning ordinance costs $25.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the borough building.