MANSFIELD - Borough council unanimously appointed Lynette Hoyt, currently the borough's secretary-treasurer, to fill one of three new positions created to replace outgoing borough Manager Ed Grala, who retires Sept. 1.
Hoyt's new position will be director of finance and administration. She will be paid $59,954 annually.
Shawn Forest was appointed director of codes and public works, with an annual salary of $63,900, and office worker Cassie Cowles was appointed municipal authority administrative assistant, with expanded responsibilities at a salary of $37,034.
According to Councilman Bruce Dart, promoting the three to the new positions results in a savings of $20,000 annually just in salaries, not counting the benefits.
"We think we have very good candidates here who have worked with us for years, though we will miss Ed," said Councilwoman Marianne Bozzo.
After much discussion, council voted to purchase banners honoring veterans at a cost of $125 each, to be paid from the general fund. Councilwoman Heather Morgan cast the lone dissenting vote.
In other business, council:
Approved two land development and subdivision plans for the second phase of the Mansfield University residence hall building project, buildings C and D to be located where Hemlock and Cedarcrest dormitories stood, following presentations by Mansfield Auxiliary Committee Chairman David Cummings; real estate developer Charles Harris, of EdR, Memphis, Tenn.; architect Hank Colker, with WTW Architects, of Pittsburgh; and general contractor Charles Wilson, of Wilson Contracting. Construction is scheduled to begin in July with completion by August 2013.
Approved supporting a plan to host the next Mansfield Sister Cities gathering in four years, following a request from attorney Larry Mansfield, who is participating in the program representing the borough. He also received verbal support from MU President Alan Golden, who attended the meeting.
Accepted a low bid of $13,750 from Nickerson Roofing to replace the next section of roofing on the former armory building, now being used by the Tioga County YMCA.
Heard from Grala that after some issues with the municipal swimming pool, it now is open.
