DALTON — At the June 14 borough council meeting, the council approved Resolution #6 of 2018, appointing Eric Johnson to fill a vacancy as member of Council for the Borough of Dalton. Mayor Aaron Holzman swore in Johnson.
Johnson said now he’s a council member, he can no longer serve as chairman of the planning commission. He said that, during this month’s planning commission meeting, he will conduct a reorganization as he will resign as chairman but will continue to serve on the commission.
Also, Solicitor Frank Bolock read Resolution # 7 of 2018, in which Dalton Borough Council authorizes Dalton Borough Council President and other appropriate officials of the Borough of Dalton to execute and enter into a school resource officer agreement between Dalton Borough and the Lackawanna Trail School District.
“I think we should pass it now, showing our intent because I think Lackawanna Trail should be praised for coming up with it,” he said. “They’re (Lackawanna Trail School District) putting a resource officer in our schools, and we’re going to provide the policeman.”
Lackawanna Trail Superintendent Matthew Rakauskas thanked the council for considering the resolution. He mentioned the schools don’t have a full-time officer, but currently have an officer from Wyoming County Juvenile Probation, who is at the schools two days a week.
“We haven’t had any major safety violations but there’s always tomorrow,” Rakauskas said. “Our board committed two months ago after talking things over with Tolson (Dalton Police Chief Chris Tolson). We would like a contract with Dalton Borough for a school resource officer. It’ll be great to have a local police force in the building.”
Rakauskas said Lackawanna Trail passed a contract.
“Our students come back on Aug. 30, and our goal is to have an armed officer in the building, primarily at the high school but floating between the two buildings,” he said.
Bolock said he prepared a draft of the agreement but wants the council to take a look at it first before sending it to the Lackawanna Trail School Board.
“We have to work out the real logistics of it,” Bolock said.
Rakauskas hopes the school resource officer can also attend football games and other school events.
“Anything that can be contributed to help in any way, shape, or form would be appreciated,” he said.
The board voted to approve the resolution.
In other news …
• Council president Gus Vlassis said Dalton will hold an electronics collection either June 20 or July 16. Electronics placed on the curb will be picked up but cords must be plugged into the electronic devices.
• Vlassis reported he received a letter from the Rotary Club of the Abingtons, asking for funds for the upcoming fireworks display, which will be held at the Abington Heights Middle School on Tuesday, July 3. Council voted to approve donating $250 to the Rotary.
