The dominating issue of Tuesday’s Coaldale Borough Council meeting was a “significant increase” in the cost of the police pension fund, as reported by Treasurer Anissa Nunemacher.

The increase, which will be in effect for the next 17 years, is not a complete surprise. Nunemacher noted that she had been told of the increase, due to an “early disability pension” for former Chief of Police Timothy Delaney, but had not expected such a large number.

Nunemacher estimated that the borough’s new contribution will be between $36,000 and $45,000 per year. Nunemacher elaborated on the details of this increase, explaining that the borough receives a “distribution from the state that normally, up until this point, covers the municipal portion of the pension fund,” meaning that, in the past, the borough, “didn’t have to put anything out” for the pension.

However, moving forward, this form of state aid will no longer fully cover that portion of the pension fund. She then presented the council with two options for payment plans, one being more expensive than the other.

After brief discussion of the borough’s other financial obligations, Councilman Francis Hutta motioned to approve the less expensive payment plan, which was passed by all in attendance. Council members Chad Gerber and Claire Remington were absent.

Councilman resigns

The other major announcement of the evening was the departure of Councilman Chad Gerber from the council. Gerber has recently attained a new employment opportunity, which “doesn’t leave him the hours that he needs” to fulfill his duties as a council member, according to President Angela Krapf.

Though Gerber did not attend the meeting himself, he did leave President Krapf a letter of resignation, explaining, “due to my new career, I no longer have the necessary time and energy that the council needs to support our town and its residents.”

The letter thank the council for “the opportunity to serve and a positive experience.”

The council accepted his resignation. The newly vacant position must be filled within 30 days. Hutta motioned to advertise it, and it passed by a unanimous vote by those in attendance.

In other business

Another topic of discussion involved two properties in Coaldale. The first, a complex which the borough has been attempting to rent/lease, still had no new offers.

Krapf noted that the building will have to be “winterized” if there are no new occupants by November, which prompted a discussion about better advertising for the property.

The other property, a lot at 223 E. Ridge St., also had not received any new offers. Councilwoman Yvonne Stoffey motioned to sell it to a previous bidder. The motion passed.

Council member Francis Hutta raised a question concerning the use of home garages and the impact on a person’s ability to receive a handicap street parking permit, which solicitor Robert Yurchak promised to investigate.

The council passed a motion to advertise for bid options for street repairs. It was also noted that council Vice President Claire Remington is exploring the prospect of purchasing an asphalt paving machine in conjunction with Summit Hill, an endeavor which is still developing.