Sentinel photo by LUCAS LENZE
Mayor Deb Bargo honors Skills of Central Pennsylvania members and declares Sept. 13 through 19, Direct Support Professional Recognition week.

LEWISTOWN–After a lengthy discussion, the Lewistown Borough Council decided by a 4-3 vote, to accept a memorandum of understanding that would allow the board to include representation from the surrounding municipalities moving forward.

Larry Searer, Bill Wilson and Aaron Wilson were the three yes votes. Mayor Deb Bargo was the tie breaker ‘yes’ vote in the absence of council member Steve DeArment, whose letter of resignation was accepted by the Council at tonight’s meeting. The Council stated DeArment felt he was unable to properly serve and dedicate time to the council

Marc Terry, Dave Campbell and Venus Shade voted not to accept the M.O.U. at this time. Dave Campbell discussed his reasoning prior to voting ‘no’ on the matter.

“I kind of think that we need to maybe slow down and rethink this thing and make sure this truely is fair for everybody involved within the water system,” he said.

Venus Shade, borough council president, expressed her concern with passing it to soon.

“We aren’t just talking about the borough anymore we are talking about everybody else. I would love to sit down with everybody else and the county and say what do you want. I don’t think that it is fair for the Water Authority or Lewistown Borough Council to say this is what everybody gets,” Shade said.

Campbell added, “We’ve been advised this is a good deal for the borough, and maybe it is… It’s the effects that it has outside of this table.”

Ultimately the board moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the 4-3 vote. Now it will enter the signing process.

Also during the meeting, Mayor Deb Bargo made a proclamation honoring a group called Skills of Central Pennsylvania, The group offers help to individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The group has worked continuously through the pandemic helping to ensure the health and safety of their clients. The proclamation made by the mayor states that the week of Sept. 13 -19, 2020, be honored as Direct Support Professional Recognition week.

In other business the council:

¯Approved the CDBG-CV resolution for the 100 laptops for the Mifflin County School District.

¯Approved the CDBG resolution utilizing 2020 funds for street improvements for the 200-500 block of West Fifth Street.

¯Approved the consent agenda.

¯Approved MMO non-uniformed and police pension plans.

¯Approved tax refund for 221 East Fourth Street.

¯Approved bid of 305 South Pine Road.

¯Did not approved the Chicken Ordinance.

¯Approved EDU exoneration of tap fees upon proof of payment.

¯Approved the hiring of employees discussed during executive session.