Council discusses police plans, delayed waterline project

Malvern Village Council discussed its unified meeting with Brown Township Trustees and Lake Mohawk, along with other village business, at its Aug. 4 meeting.

Village Administrator Derik Kaltenbaugh said the meeting with the village, Brown Township and Lake Mohawk about bringing police to the areas went well.

As discussed at the prior meeting, the three entities held a special session before the council meeting to consider creating a shared police force to reduce costs for potential voters needed to pass a future police levy.

“There will be a committee formed comprised of one member from each entity to further discuss the idea of a joint police district,” Kaltenbaugh said.

The three groups will meet again Aug. 18 at 6 p.m., before the council meeting.

In an unrelated matter, Kaltenbaugh said he met with Josh Besancon of Engineering Associates and Pam Ewing of RCAP about Phase II of the waterline project.

“The project is currently on hold,” he said. Some funding is based on a percentage of the total project, and the Army Corps of Engineers is uncertain about funding a smaller-scale plan. The village will have to apply for another round of grants as they open but can extend existing funds.

Kaltenbaugh said he will seek bids for a paving project now that waterline information has been received. He will look into paving Porter and Carrollton streets and options for Clay Street. The total cost will determine how much can be done.

In other business, council:

— HELD a 21-minute executive session to discuss employment of a public employee or official. Following the session, council approved changing Administrative Assistant/Water Billing Clerk Teri Foster from hourly to salary, with an annual pay of $44,200. Her workweek will be reduced from five to four days, and she will retain her current benefits, including sick, personal and vacation time.

— HEARD Tom Holmes report the asphalt is higher than the sidewalk on West Main Street where it meets the road near Malvern Kishman’s. Holmes said pedestrians must step up to the road when leaving the sidewalk and asked if a yellow line could be painted for safety. He noted an elderly individual recently fell there and was concerned others could too.

— HEARD Councilwoman Marci Hubbard commend Stephanie Good, the new part-time park employee, for doing “a great job.” She also reported the swing seats have been replaced.

— APPROVED payment of $4,180.82 in bills July 31 as approved by the Finance Committee, $991.94 in bills Aug. 4, and $8,372.72 in biweekly payroll July 31.