Council Delays Adoption of Donation Policy

Who should be eligible to receive donations from was the subject of a discussion by Hellertown Borough Council members May 21.

The issue of donations surfaced recently, after a .

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The issue of residency was one that council members discussed at the meeting, with some councilors stating that, in their opinion, only borough residents should be eligible in the future.

"Let's restrict (donations) to just Hellertown taxpayers," said councilman Richard Staffieri, who opposed donating money to Jackson and his trip.

"If it's gonna benefit people that don't pay taxes in Hellertown...I won't go along with that," he said.

Council president Phil Weber agreed.

"Personally I think you should have to be a resident of the borough," he said.

Councilman Joseph Pampanin said that Hellertown should at least be reciprocal with , if its council adheres to a policy that allows for donations to borough residents.

And councilwoman Gail Nolf pointed out that the draft policy presented for council's review indicates that, in any case, money "may" be donated.

"We don't have to," she pointed out.

Council vice president John Bate asked if the adoption of the donation policy would affect council's annual contributions toward and events such as the .

The consensus was that the policy would not affect these types of contributions, however Borough Manager Cathy Kichline said she would amend the draft based upon council's recommendations.

Kichline said she would "bring it back at the next meeting" for council's review.

The next Hellertown Borough Council meeting will be held Monday, June 4 at 7pm in Hellertown Borough Hall.