Police Coverage Discussion Fills Lengthy Renovo Meeting

Kari Kepler Fills Council Vacancy


Paul Fantaskey New Council President


by Barbara Mastriania


RENOVO – There was nothing usual about Renovo Borough Council’s meeting Wednesday. 
The council chamber was filled to standing room only and there was talk of limiting public attendees to 25. There were state police, local police and sheriff’s deputies. The meeting was some three hours of numerous squabbles among council members. The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

Much of the night’s discussion was on the police department.  A new council person was seated and the recently named president was voted out of the position. Kari Kepler will fill a vacancy on Renovo Borough Council.
Kepler  fills a vacancy left by the resignation  of  Councilman Randy Bibey in December. She was one of three persons who submitted letters of interest to council regarding the vacancy.
 Kepler was appointed to council last year after Calvin Brooks’ resignation. That term ended at the end of the year. She made a late entry in the race for a council seat in November but lost.

Maureen Ruhl and former councilman Kevin Dwyer also submitted letters of interest in the council vacancy.  
Merry Ann Olshefskie, voted by council as their president during the reorganization meeting at the beginning of the month, was removed from that position by a 4-3 vote. Olshefskie’s husband Carl is the new mayor. The concern voiced was the concern and perception of conflict of interest with a husband and wife in head positions. Paul Fantaskey got council’s nod to replace Olshefskie. 
Councilwoman Rhonda Balchun made the motion to remove Olshefskie as president. Voting in favor of the motion were Balchun, Fantaskey, Kepler and Colleen Testa. Voting against the motion were Pattie Rauch, Ann Tarantella and Olshefskie.

Residents were lining up outside the borough hall by 6:30. Council was in executive session thus the public braved the cold until shortly after 7 p.m.  About 50 people were waiting, many voicing concerns about police coverage in Renovo.  A resident said the public concern stemmed from Facebook postings urging the public to be at the meeting to support their police department. Rumors were that there were plans to cut police hours and personnel.

Bob Shank, spokesman for the Concerned Citizens of Renovo, said his concern was for the people in the borough, especially the elderly who were fearful. He said a local police department was needed and could do the job. He said the possibility of cutting the department was a real concern as police are often needed in emergencies involving domestic situations. 
“We don’t need regional police,” Shank told council. “We need to know that you are serving us. If you don’t do your job, you can be replaced. We don’t want to replace you.”
Mayor Olshefskie said he is aware his actions are causing controversy. He said he has told police officers they are not to leave the borough. He has also ordered the officers to drive to patrol areas, then patrol the area on foot. He said that while people want police 24 – 7 protection there is not enough money in the budget to do it.

Sgt. Tobias, commander of the Pennsylvania State Police barracks at Lamar said state police respond to calls when local police are not available. But he said an officer would not be assigned to cover Renovo Borough only. PSP does not do that. 
        Council, as expected, reopened the budget but did not come up with a final budget. They will meet again regarding the budget on January 21 at 7 p.m.