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SWOYERSVILLE — Ed Connor has made his way up the podium at Swoyersville Borough Council meetings for as long as many residents can remember.
On Monday night, Connor made his way up to the front of council chambers once again, not simply to offer a report about the specifics of ambulance service for the month, but to receive an award from Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R-Kingston, honoring him for his 32 years of service as an EMT.
Connor said he had a stroke in February which took him out of active service on the ambulance, but that his heart was still with the organization and the residents it served.
“I didn’t expect this, I really didn’t expect this,” he said, visibly moved.
“I think that Ed really deserved to win this award, after falling ill earlier this year while serving the community,” said Mayor Christopher Concert.
Kaufer also presented a memorial plaque to the family of Vincent Dennis, who served the a the borough’s mayor for 29 consecutive years, before he died in April of this year.
“Vincent Dennis was a proud community steward,” Kaufer said, “who served with honor and distinction.”
In other news:
Gene Breznay said the borough would be pursuing Local Share Account (gaming) grants and would be putting together a grant application for several projects in the near future, including improvements to Roosevelt Park.
“(Kaufer) has been totally behind us in our applications,” Breznay said.
Celia Connor addressed the council in regard to all-terrain vehicles that she said drive through the area near her home on Grandville Drive, often cutting through private property, doing damage to grass and landscaping.
“One individual who doesn’t even have a license repeatedly drives through the area,” she said. “I don’t even think that’s legal.”
“If that happens, call the police,” council President Ron Alunni told her.
Breznay said a Chevrolet Cavalier used by the police department had been advertised for sale, with one response offering $1,100, which was accepted.
Breznay also said the borough’s 2016 budget had been prepared and would be reviewed by members of the council for presentation at a future meeting.
He also said bids would be sought for sewer repair in several areas of the borough.
Zoning officer Joe Ruscavage requested the council advertise to fill a zoning board vacancy.
The next regular meeting of the Swoyersville Borough Council is scheduled for December 7 at 6:30 p.m.