Politics & Government

Baldwin Councilman Storms Out of Public Meeting

John Ferris calls the council 'despicable' shortly after a borough employee is fired, and other notes from Tuesday night's council meeting.

Ferris Quite Upset with Fellow Council Members

Although Councilmen David Depretis and John Conley were absent from Tuesday night's Baldwin Borough meeting, there were still enough of their fellow council members present to approve of the firing of an unnamed borough employee.

The Baldwin Council voted, 4-1—Councilman John Ferris had the only "no" vote—to approve of the termination, but Councilman Ed Moeller explained after the meeting that his "yes" vote was merely to authorize borough Manager John Barrett to act on the termination if Barrett believed that there was just cause to do so.

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Shortly after that vote was taken, Ferris got out of his seat and headed for the exit door—but not before uttering a few parting words. Ferris called the council "despicable" on his way out and then finished with "Harold, I'll see you in court." It was not clear whom Ferris was talking to.

After the meeting, borough solicitor Stanley B. Lederman refused to identify the fired employee or what the cause of his or her termination was. Lederman would also not identify what position(s) that the fired employee held.

Find out what's happening in Baldwin-Whitehallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Outstanding Traffic Service Award Given to Baldwin Police

AAA recently awarded a 2012 Community Traffic Safety Platinum Award to the Baldwin Borough Police Department, Baldwin police Chief Michael Scott informed the borough council on Tuesday night.

The award recognizes the Baldwin police for "outstanding service (and) dedication and the significant impact made by improving the quality of life through traffic safety programming."

Borough Holiday Event

Moeller's request to have the Baldwin Municipal Complex along Churchview Avenue serve as the host for a community holiday event on Dec. 5 was approved by the council, 4-0. (Ferris had left the borough meeting by then.)

The event will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.—free to the public—and will feature Christmas carolers, a deejay, crafters, hot chocolate, coffee, other treats, face-painting, a visit from Santa Claus and the lighting of the borough Christmas tree.

The Baldwin Kiwanis Club is the event's sponsor.

Zoning Hearing Board Members Sought

As expected, the Baldwin Council approved advertising for two additional members to join the borough's Zoning Hearing Board, which currently has a three-person membership.

The advertising motion passed, 4-0. (Ferris had left the borough meeting by then.)

The idea is to ultimately increase the Zoning Hearing Board membership to five seats. Barrett is recommending the increase, saying that it is often hard to establish a legal quorum of three board members for zoning hearings.

Borough management is now accepting résumés for the vacancies. For more information, call 412-882-9600

Police Show Restraint During Baldwin Homicide Incident

Read here.

Click here for more Baldwin Borough news.

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