Corry council approves two retirements, trail funding and police workweek extension

Corry — Corry City Council approved two personnel actions, accepted a state grant for trail improvements and extended a trial police work schedule during its October 19 meeting.

Two department employees leave full-time roles

Council accepted the resignation of William Slagle III from his full-time firefighter position with the Corry Fire Department, effective October 15. Members also approved his continued employment as a part-time firefighter.

Slagle’s letter indicated that he was seeking greater employment stability while remaining committed to the department. He also expressed openness to returning to full-time employment if longer-term job security improves.

Council also accepted City Administrator Joanne Smith’s retirement, effective February 12, 2027. Members expressed appreciation for her 21 years of service to the city in various roles.

$214,700 awarded for trail work

Council received notice of a $214,700 grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

The funding will support continued work on a 0.04-mile non-motorized section of the Corry Junction Greenway Trail. The meeting discussion did not clearly establish the full extent of the section covered by the project.

Council also received correspondence from the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee concerning House Bill 1633, which addresses electric low-speed scooters. Members voted to endorse the legislation.

Police workweek trial extended

Council approved an extension of a memorandum of understanding with Teamsters Local 397 covering the police department’s standard workweek.

The trial schedule, which runs from October 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, provides for a 40-hour workweek consisting of three eight-hour shifts and one 16-hour shift, followed by three consecutive days off.

Pension aid allocated

Council approved the distribution of $291,546.04 in state pension aid among the city’s pension funds.

The police pension fund will receive $94,757.04, while $196,789 will go to the firefighters’ pension fund. No funds were allocated to the non-uniform employees’ pension fund.

Members also approved Resolution 26-39, reappointing Samantha M. Vollentine as the city’s primary voting delegate to the Erie County Tax Collection Committee. The committee’s chairman was designated as the first alternate.

Council approved the resolutions and other voting items on the agenda. On Resolution 26-40, concerning the city’s partnership with Impact Corry for community trail development, Councilwoman Charles Gray abstained while the other recorded votes were in favor.

Fire engine bid rejected

Council rejected a $15,100 bid submitted through Municibid for Fire Engine 102. The offer was below the city’s minimum reserve price of $70,000.

Leaf collection and road work updates

Council members were advised that fall leaf pickup began October 12 and would continue until the work was completed or the first snowfall.

Public Works Manager Mark Leofsky reported that crews were balancing leaf and brush collection with other responsibilities. Four water main breaks had occurred over a period of several weeks, and recent rain and wind had increased the volume of leaves. The water main repairs also placed additional demands on available staff.

Leofsky also reported that M&B Construction was working around the clock on the Route 77 closure, with work continuing as weather permitted. He noted that some motorists had entered the restricted area.