Media Borough Council Swears In 3 New Members; Appoints New President

Three new Democrats were sworn in to at its reorganization meeting Tuesday night and a new council president was appointed.

Kent Davidson, Brian Hall and Paul Robinson each took the oath of office with their respective wives standing next to them.

Brian Hall was than unanimously appointed as council president with Monica Simpson being appointed as vice president.

Pete Alyanakian, who was former council president, was defeated in the November election and Jim Cunningham and Peter Williamson did not seek re-election.

Media Mayor Bob McMahon gave a brief State of the Borough Address and said Media is doing well and is in a stable state as far as property values, public safety and the economy.

"But we do face difficult challenges ahead and I really look forward to working with the new borough council to face those challenges," McMahon said. "It's not going to be easy. ...We're doing well, but it's maintaining the stability and again I think this is a great group, all of us working together, I think two years from now we can come back and be proud of what we did."

Hall motioned to change the council's legislative meetings start time from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

Councilwoman Dawn Roe questioned the change.

Hall said this move was to encourage more resident participation at the meetings, since residents have expressed concerns over not making the 7:30 p.m. start time.

Council allows the public to comment at both the beginning and the end of its meetings.

Council approved the meeting time change to 8 p.m. with a 6-1 vote, with Roe voting against it.

The council reappointed several members to the board of health, environmental advisory council, planning commission, recreation board, zoning hearing board and the vacancy board.

Council voted to approve or reappointment members to the ICC/Life Safety Appeals Board and the Media Business Authority at its next meeting.

Council also announced vacancies on the Civil Services Commission, Historical Architectural Review Board and the Third Street Dam/Bridge Advisory Committee and asked interested residents to submit a letter of interest to Borough Manager Jeffrey Smith.

Media Borough Council also appointed or reappointed the following positions or offices.

• Borough Manager: Jeffrey Smith
• Treasurer: Peter Williamson
• Solicitor: Bob Scott
• Civil Service Solicitor: Tracy Burns
• Engineer: Gilmore Associates - Bob Johnston
• Auditor: Peterson and Viejo
• Code Enforcement/Zoning Officer/Emergency Management Coordinator: Jim Jeffrey