Garrigan back on Emporium council

Members of the Emporium Borough Council during a reorganizational meeting Monday appointed James "Pat" Garrigan to fill a vacant seat that was created when former council member Don "Stretch" Reed was hired as the borough manager.

Randy Frey was appointed late last year to fill the spot, but he then won his own seat in the November elections, creating yet another vacancy. Council members voted 6-1 to appoint Garrigan. Rick Vassallo, the newest member of the board, cast the dissenting vote. Garrigan begins a second term, despite failing to regain his seat in November.

Council members chose Joe Fragale to sit as council president and Lucille "LuAnn" Reed as vice president.

In other business Monday, council members announced that the borough's property at the corner of South Broad Street and Fourth Street will now be sold to Rick McLean.

That building, most recently home to Tino's Italian Restaurant and before that to the Cameron County Public Library, was set to be sold to Richard Crawford when council members accepted his bid of $52,261 in late November. When Crawford was unable to complete the financing, council members offered the building to McLean, who submitted the second highest bid ($42,551).

McLean has not said what his plans for the building are, although he is particularly interested in the kitchen equipment since his wife, Mary Kay McLean, owns and operates Aroma Bakery & Cafe, which is just down the street. With the purchase, McLean also eliminated the potential for restaurant competition in that building.

In other matters, council members recognized employees William "Ed" Bolin and Ted Walters for 15 years of service to the borough. Rick Bauer was recognized for 10 years of service.

Finally, it was also noted that the borough will sell its unmarked police cruiser and the industrial size sweeper that is hooked to the back of a truck and used to collect fallen leaves.

Emporium Borough Council meetings are held on the first Monday of each month in the meeting facility at the municipal building on North Broad Street. They begin at 7 pm and are open to the public.