The Shenandoah Borough Council convened for its annual reorganization meeting on Thursday, January 2, 2024, at the borough hall.
All council members were in attendance, along with Borough Solicitor Shane Hobbs and Mayor Andrew Szczyglak. Borough Manager and Secretary-Treasurer Tony Sajone was notably absent.
During the meeting, key leadership roles were reaffirmed:
Council President: Joe Boris was nominated and re-elected, marking his second term in the role.
Council Vice President: Mike Zeckic Uholik was nominated and re-elected.
Council President Pro Tempore: Joe Gawrylik was nominated and re-elected.
Solicitor: Attorney Shane Hobbs was nominated and re-appointed.
An executive session lasting approximately 25 minutes followed these elections before the council reconvened.
The position of Secretary-Treasurer sparked a notable development. Tony Sajone, who held the position, was nominated but failed to secure reappointment with a vote of 4-3 against his nomination. Mike Cadau was then nominated and confirmed with a 4-3 vote.
Other appointments included:
Auditor: Sam Deegan was re-appointed unanimously.
Engineer: Benesch was re-appointed unanimously.
Code Enforcement Officer: James Flail was unanimously re-appointed.
Shenandoah Sewer Authority
Charles Lawson sought reappointment to the Sewer Authority. However, his nomination failed with 3 votes against, 2 in favor, and 2 abstentions. Mary Catherine Berresford was subsequently nominated and appointed with a vote of 3-2 in favor, with 2 abstentions.
Zoning Hearing Board
The appointment to the Shenandoah Borough Zoning Hearing Board prompted significant discussion. Jack Rooney sought reappointment, while James Flail, the borough’s Code Enforcement Officer, was also nominated. Questions arose about Flail’s eligibility since he is not a Shenandoah resident.
Solicitor Shane Hobbs clarified that the borough code does not explicitly prohibit non-residents from serving in the role. Flail cited examples of other municipalities where he had been offered similar positions. Following debate, a 4-3 vote secured Flail’s appointment. A second vote was conducted to confirm that the council approved his appointment despite his non-residency.
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Voting:
Secretary/Treasurer: Tony Sajone (Nominated by Katie Catizone)
- James Burke - Yes
- Mike Uholik - No
- Joe Gawrylik - No
- Diane Korenda - No
- Katie Catizone - Yes
- Michael Whitecavage - Yes
- Joe Boris - No
- James Burke - No
- Mike Uholik - Yes
- Joe Gawrylik - Yes
- Diane Korenda - Yes
- Katie Catizone - No
- Michael Whitecavage - No
- Joe Boris - Yes
- James Burke - Abstained
- Mike Uholik - No
- Joe Gawrylik - Abstained
- Diane Korenda - No
- Katie Catizone - Yes
- Michael Whitecavage - Yes
- Joe Boris - No
- James Burke - Abstained
- Mike Uholik - Yes
- Joe Gawrylik - Abstained
- Diane Korenda - Yes
- Katie Catizone - No
- Michael Whitecavage - No
- Joe Boris - Yes
- Jack Rooney - Catizone, Whitecavage, James Burke
- James Flail - Uholik, Gawrylik, Korenda, Boris
- James Burke - Yes
- Mike Uholik - Yes
- Joe Gawrylik - Yes
- Diane Korenda - Yes
- Katie Catizone - No
- Michael Whitecavage - Yes
- Joe Boris - Yes