Mel Gildnar's alleged involvement in a development almost two decades ago, and Bryon Reed's ownership of several run-down buildings in the community, once again ignited a lively feud between the two. This ignition set the tone for the rest of the Slatington Council meeting Monday evening.

An angry resident complained about a problem with flooding in his basement that only started after the sewer project was completed. He said the problem was created when the curb in front of his house was not properly graded. Councilwoman Kristina Burek said he must look at it from the borough's perspective, "Was it like that before or did the township create it?" She also told the resident he was hostile, which further agitated the resident.Several Oakhurst area residents, who were told at the last Council meeting they would be reimbursed to have a plumber install a check valve, which should temporarily resolve the problem of flooding in their basements, wondered when they were going to be paid.The Council previously agreed to allocate $3,000 of the budget to pay for a check valve to be installed for those residents who showed up last month and complained about water damage. Burek addressed the issue by saying that since the money was not in the budget, the Council should start going after delinquent dollars owed the borough for outstanding utility bills. Burek brought up one entity in particular that owned more than $4,000. She suggested sending out a letter that would threaten sheriff sales if the monies were not paid.One resident asked if that meant they would have to wait to be paid until the money is collected, despite what was agreed upon at the last Council meeting. The Council, almost in unison, said, "no,"' and they immediately responded with a motion to reimburse the homeowners who presented a bill.The Police Chief wanted residents to be aware of a problem in the community. The weekend before there was a "rash" of purple spray paint incidents on cars, and several cars were keyed. They are trying to find out who is responsible by using video cameras, but in the meantime, he asked that residents keep their outside lights on and try to park close to their homes. He also said, "As bad as this is, I'm happy to report that that's the major problem right now."The Council voted on appointing two open positions. The first candidate, Laurie Schnaufer, who has lived in Slatington for seven years, said that she was elected in Englewood, Florida, where she was a resident for 13 years, where she staffed the water and sewer plant. Since the Englewood facility is larger than Slatington the Slatington one, she demonstrated the necessary experience. The Council voted to appoint Schnaufer to the borough authority.Another resident, who is a cousin to the Fire Chief, presented his 27 years of experience working with engineer firms and said he thought he could do a "good job," requested to be appointed to the Zoning Board. Burek asked him his date of birth then proceeded to throw at him a 20-year history of DUI's, disorderly conduct and other violations of the law, including simple assault and not paying occupational taxes. Burek asked why the Borough would want someone, "who cannot honor the law representing the Borough." Further examination of the Council revealed adequate experience to qualify, however. Hallman made a motion to accept the appointment, which was seconded by Bryon Reed. It was passed by Council, with one "nay," from Burek and an abstention from Hoffman, who is the candidate's cousin. Two Council members, Dan Stevens and Eldon Roberts were absent.In other business, the Council also wants all restaurants with 'grease traps,' to be accountable for inspection and certifications. This would begin with site visits, followed by compliance documentation.Councilman Paul Hoffman, asked for acknowledgement of the great job the fire department did in the last months with the unfortunate fires that resulted in the Borough.One of the homes ravaged by fire belonged to former Mayor David Altrichter, who ironically is the historian for the fire company. Altrichter not only lost his home, but an irreplaceable library of historical documents. Altrichter contacted the fire company to tell them he salvaged a leather fireman's helmet and belt. He donated the artifacts to the fire company, saying that's where it belongs. Hoffman said it will eventually be encased in glass.