The April 4 council meeting started with a heated discussion among members and only became more lively from there. An argument started early on during the review of the previous meeting’s minutes when council member Norman Blatt questioned the details of a “special meeting” that took place March 2. That meeting hadn’t included all of council and did not have its own minutes record.

The purpose of the March 2 meeting had been for Borough Administrator Anthony Branco to present information from attorney Donald Lipsiv regarding a possible property lease. The argument was put to rest (momentarily) after it was explained that the meeting was only for the Public Works Committee. The council moved on to resident Gary Arnold of Warren Street, who had a concern with parking signs. According to Arnold, a few houses around him do not have off-street parking. Those that do have parking are only allowed one vehicle per household, which leaves a lot of residents walking up the street to get to their homes.

Arnold asked council if there was any way the borough could change the signs to “Snow Emergency” and added that the plow trucks seemed to only need the use of his street during inclement weather.

“That seems like a logical request,” said council member Carolee Gifford “I know that street and I know that there is a real concern, a legitimate concern.”

Council members agreed to review the case. They then addressed the Fountain Hill Police Department’s need for new staffing and called Eric Tosado to introduce himself. He will be taking on the role of a new part-time police officer. Tosado told the audience that he’s an Allentown native who served in the military and is currently a reservist. He is a graduate of the Allentown Police Academy class of 1996. His introduction was followed by a swearing- in by Mayor Jose Rosado.

Council later voted to submit an application to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to help defray costs of the severe snow-storm in January.

Near the end of the meeting another argument broke out among council members when solicitor Lipsiv brought up the proposal of a walk-through of the building next door to Borough Hall. According to Lipsiv, the walk through would be given by the owner and is intended to “see what we might be interested in, what he might be willing to do.”

Council members Gifford, Blatt and Helen Halleman began shouting their opinions across the room at each other. “Just so we’re all clear, this is the building that we walked away from buying? That we had an unadvertised meeting about? That not all of us were invited to?” asked an irate Blatt. Council reviewed the building in the past and voted against purchasing it due to substantial renovation costs.

At one point during the disagreement Halleman addressed Lipsiv directly, saying, “Attorney Lipsiv, I would appreciate if you dropped it and never discussed that building again.” While some members think the building should be reconsidered, others are not so happy about the idea.

When the bickering ceased, council moved on to finance and public works reports, which included a resignation letter from Public Works Supervisor Jim Levernier, effective April 15. Read by council member Anne Marie Jordan it stated, “While it has been an honor working with you, it is now time for me to expand my career. I truly appreciate all of the opportunities that the borough of Fountain Hill has made possible for me and I will always look back on my time here for gratitude.” When the council was asked make a motion to accept the resignation of the 14-year borough employee, it did not come easily. “With lots of regret,” said Gifford as she cast her vote.

The next council meeting is scheduled for May 2 at 7 p.m. at borough hall.