CALIFORNIA – Facing a deadline that could affect public subsidy, California Borough Council approved a new emergency management plan. But even as council unanimously approved the plan Thursday, it promised that revisions could be forthcoming. Mayor Gerald “Galvie” Gardner said the county extended the borough’s deadline to June 15 to pass the plan. Failure to do so could jeopardize financial subsidy for the borough in the event of an emergency. Council President Art Harris said he was concerned about some of the language in the plan, including the establishment of a public information officer and location of temporary housing related to an emergency event. But Solicitor Keith Melenyzer suggested council approve the plan to meet the deadline. He said council could later vacate the plan if it did not favor it. Councilwoman Amelia Gajan-Mitchell said the plan is a generic one and leaves room for council to amend it. In other business, council voted to realign its zoning department. Council voted to name Bruce Large as the full-time zoning officer. Large previously served in the zoning department three days a week and in the street department two days a week. In addition, council voted to eliminate the assistant zoning officer position held by Shirley Evans. She was then appointed as sewage collections/assistant secretary-treasurer. In other business, council: Approved a conditional use zoning request that will allow Terry Vassar to open a retail clothing store at 128 Wood St. Adopted a resolution asking California University of Pennsylvania to restore financial support for the Center in the Woods. Awarded a $7,786.50 contract to Pompei and Sons to complete roadwork on Short Ridge Road. Approved purchase of two laptop computers for the police department at a cost of $8,445.40. A $5,000 grant will be used to help pay for the computers.

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