City of Bradford Mayor James McDonald reminded city residents during Tuesday’s meeting of Bradford City Council that trick-or-treating will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.
He recommended trick-or-treaters stay safe, only go to porches with the light on and travel with an adult. He congratulated Gretchen Henneman for being named the United States of America’s Miss Pennsylvania for 2022, stating “It’s an honor to have that title. She’s worked hard for it. We are very honored that she’s representing the city of Bradford.”
He also wished his son, Scott, a happy seventh birthday.
Bradford resident Gordon Howell asked why former Chief Hiel Bartlett will be allowed to collect his pension and why certain information related to Bartlett’s actions was released via an article published in The Bradford Era and not announced by City Council.
Powell referred to the resolution, approved during the Police Pension Board meeting held prior to City Council, that will allow Bartlett to collect deferred vested benefits in the monthly amount of $2,760.45 beginning after his 50th birthday, which is Nov. 9. The resolution passed unopposed.
City Administrator Chris Lucco explained, “Under Pennsylvania State Law, there is a thing called a pension forfeiture act. You have to be convicted of one of several crimes in order to forfeit your pension, or you can lose it upon termination.”
Lucco explained that Bartlett was not charged or convicted of any crime outlined in that act, nor was his employment terminated by the city.
Howell also asked why certain information had been reported in the newspaper and had not been released in May, when he had previously attended a City Council meeting and asked about the status of the case involving Bartlett.
McDonald responded, stating, “This was the (district attorney’s) portion of the investigation and that portion of the investigation lasted significantly longer than I think any of us had anticipated. There was a lot of investigation and work that needed to be done on that.”
He referred further questions regarding the timing of that investigation to McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer.
Bradford resident Bob Nortum also spoke at the meeting, thanking City Council and Bradford Police Chief Mike Ward for the installation of a speed limit sign on Davis Street, which has significantly decreased the vehicles speeding through the area.
In other business, Councilman Fred Proper announced that the city is seeking applicants and students to work part-time at the ice rink. The ability to skate is helpful, Proper said. The work environment is cold and involves working with children and the public. The beginning rate for employees is $9.50 per hour. Those interested can pick up an application at City Hall or apply online at bradfordpa.com. Public Works Director Chip Comilla noted that the plans are to open the ice rink to the public Nov. 1, which means the city is seeking to hire staff as soon as possible.
Council also approved a first reading of an amendment to the solid waste ordinance, which allows for mattress removal at a cost of $10 per mattress to the resident and also electronics removal at $10 per three items and $5 for each additional item. McDonald explained that electronics pickup needs to be scheduled with city officials ahead of time.
At the non-uniform pension board meeting before Tuesday’s City Council, a resolution to return pension contributions to City Employee Justin Hart, was approved. Hart’s employment with the city was terminated on Oct. 12, after seven years of service. Hart will have $13,895.84 returned to him.
