NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (RVO) by John Gerow – Members of the Eagles and VFW confronted the New Bethlehem Borough Council last night complaining about overzealous policing by the reorganized New Bethlehem Police Department. Six members of the 2 organizations presented their concerns during the public comment session at the beginning of the meeting. According to the group, the new police chief and his new patrolmen have been “harassing” members of the social clubs with an undue number of vehicle stops for minimal infractions. Members of the clubs feel like the NBPD are singling them out because the social clubs serve alcohol.

Spokesmen for the group complained about members being stopped when leaving the clubs for safety inspection violations and then being asked if they have been drinking. Both of the clubs pointed out that their groups are generous members of the community, being good sponsors of the Peanut Butter Festival and RV sports teams. The “harassment” is so bad, say the protestors, that many club members have quit coming to the clubs, and the loss of revenue will have an impact on the clubs and their ability to donate to the community. Mayor Tim Murray told the group that he would like to arrange mediation between the clubs and the borough police to try to clear the air. Sargent Danny Clark, who was at the meeting representing the NBPD, assured the protestors that the department was not singling out Eagles and VFW members. A brief, sharp exchange between the protestors and a supporter of the police ended the discussion.

In an interesting follow-up to the social club complaints, Police Sgt. Danny Clark gave the police report to the Council. He reported that there had been just over 60 police calls in December and that only one of the citations issued was for DUI. Chief Malnofsky is still working on a simplified report spreadsheet that will help Council better understand the department’s activities. In other matters concerning the New Bethlehem Police, Sgt Clark reported that part-time officers Steve Goth and Shane White have tendered their resignations as they were not able to work any part-time shifts due to other work commitments. Council approved a motion for the Police Department to advertise for, and hire, another full-time officer.

The Civil Service Committee reported that they have prepared guidelines and requirements for a civil service exam for new police hires. Resident Blaine Gold, chair of the committee, reported that the exam will have 3 components. The first will be a physical conditioning test, adjusted for age and gender. There will be an oral examination that would be administered by either the Chief of Police or the Clarion County Sheriff. The third component will be a psychological evaluation to be administered by a psychologist. Council approved the guidelines, pending on clarification of whether or not a doctor of psychology would have to administer the exam, or if any licensed psychologist could do the evaluation.

Council President Sandy Mateer reported that the Borough has been gifted a German Shepherd puppy to be developed as a police dog. The donation will save the Borough several thousand dollars. Until the Borough hires a K-9 officer, Chief Malnofsky will handle the dog.

In another bit of police business, Council approved the purchase and installation of a used engine for the Ford Explorer patrol car. The engine will cost about $1,500.00 plus installation. This repair will give the Department 4 reliable patrol cars. Following the unanimous approval of this motion, Councilman Bain asked if the Borough is repairing the Explorer, why would Council buy the Durango that was approved at December’s meeting. Mr. Bain said it didn’t make sense to him to buy a new car and to have 4 cars when there are only 3 full-time officers. Council President Mateer explained that the plan was to have 4 officers on duty each shift, each requiring a car. She also pointed out that the part-time officers need patrol cars when they are on duty, too. After several minutes of discussion, President Mateer asked if anyone wanted to make a motion to rescind the motion passed in December to purchase the new patrol car. Mr. Bain made that motion, which no one seconded.

Roger Hilyard reported that there have been complaints from 2 borough residents about the street lights being too bright. The power company sells directional shades for $350.00. Mrs. Mateer asked Mr. Hilyard to look into other options. Mr. Hilyard also told the council that he wants to do complete maintenance on the dump truck. This would include transmission, differential, and hydraulic fluid changes. Council said there are sufficient funds in his budget and to do what needs to be done.

Councilman Gordon Barrows, Chair of the Communication Committee, said that Colin Sheffer had completed almost a year as Junior Council Person. Mr. Barrows said that the PA State Association of Boroughs will attend a Council meeting, likely in March, to recognize Colin’s achievement. Colin agreed to help Council find a Junior Council Person for next year.

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MEETINGS:
New Bethlehem Borough meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm at the Alltel/Windstream Building on Lafayette Street. Folks may contact the Borough’s office to be placed on the meeting agenda.

MISSION:
New Bethlehem Borough Council fosters business, community, and personal growth within the borough while maintaining the small town appeal and family friendly environment that makes New Bethlehem such a great place to work, live and raise a family.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To learn more about Council’s Goals & Objectives, please visit: NewBethlehemBoro.com/about and click the ‘Mission’ tab.

CONTACT:
To contact any member of Council or the Borough’s office, please visit: NewBethlehemBoro.com/about and click the ‘Council’ tab. You may also ‘like/follow’ New Bethlehem Borough on Facebook for the latest news/announcements: Facebook.com/NewBethlehem

For more info, please visit New Bethlehem Borough’s website: NewBethlehemBoro.com