On Tuesday evening, Ashland borough swore in their newly elected Mayor, Ray Walacavage. Walacavage is replacing former mayor, Dennis Kane. Ray Walacavage is a retired police officer in the borough.
Also sworn in were council members Adam J. Bernodin Jr., Ann Marie Groody, Kim McIntyre, Francis Menne, Patti Wesner, Patrick Cooney, and Barry Spieles.
The next order of business was the election of Council President. Previous borough council President Patrick Cooney nominated Barry Spieles for President, Spieles turned down the nomination and then nominated councilwoman Ann Marie Groody who accepted.
In a vote of 4-3, Groody was elected new Council President. Voting in favor of the nomination were Groody, Wesner, McIntyre, and Spieles. Those voting against Groody were Bernodin, Menne, and Cooney.
Voted unanimously for Council Vice President was Barry Spieles and Kim McIntyre for Council President Pro-Temp.
During the meeting, committee appointments and council representatives were also discussed.
The positions of Health Officer and Flood Plain Administrator were tabled.
In a vote of 4-3, Ashley Securda was voted in favor for borough solicitor. James Diehl was the borough's previous solicitor.
Other borough positions remaining the same:
Secretary - Raymond Jones
Treasurer - Patricia Moyer
Fire Chief - Phillip Groody
Building Permits and Health Officer - Barbara Lyden
Warren Lane - Tax Collector
Sewage Enforcement & Engineering - Entech Engineering
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Fire Chief Phillip Groody added that the American Red Cross will be holding a "Sound the Alarm" event this Saturday. Anyone needing a smoke detector can call the borough and on Saturday, a member of the American Red Cross or Ashland Fire Department will install one for you. The borough phone number is 570.875.2411.