HARVEYS LAKE — Borough council hired a former Back Mountain official as a part-time secretary Tuesday but not before some debate over her pay rate.
The proposed motion that called for Elizabeth Martin to fill a newly created part-time position not to exceed 30 hours a week for $20 an hour generated concern among residents as well as council members.
“We need to discuss this,” councilman Thomas Kehler said as opposing murmurs washed through the audience.
Martin was a former Dallas Township supervisor and assistant secretary. Martin’s term ended in December 2017. She was not re-elected in November.
Kehler offered an alternative. “I’ll move to hire her at $15 an hour,” he said.
“We are just throwing out numbers,” argued councilman Chad Flack, who suggested tabling the matter for further discussion.
Council opted to adjourn the meeting and enter into a 10-minute private executive session to discuss the position’s wage.
When they returned, Daniel F. Blaine, council vice president, made a motion to pay Martin $18 per hour, which passed with a 5-1 vote.
Council President Clarence Hogan along with members Blaine, Flack, Kehler and Michel’e Boice supported the motion. Wayde Post voted against the proposal. Ed Kelly was absent.
After the meeting, Post said he “did not agree with the pay rate.”
Capsule to mark 50th
In other news:
• Harveys Lake is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a municipality.
A time capsule will be created in honor of the milestone and placed near the Harveys Lake Borough Police station on Route 415, Blaine said.
Residents who have items, such as photos, news clippings and other Harveys Lake mementos to place in the time capsule are asked to contact Blaine at 570-301-8473 or call the borough office at 570-639-3300.
The time capsule will be sealed in October.
A book for residents to sign will be at the borough office, Blaine said, adding he will bring it to Lakefest on Aug. 3-5 at the Harveys Lake Beach Club at Pole 187.
Several events are planned for Lakefest, including a dinner and dance Friday, Aug. 3; the Gary Michak Lakefest Ride on Saturday, Aug. 4; and a parade Sunday, Aug. 5. For a full listing of Lakefest events and vendors, visit www.harveyslakerc.com.
