Dee Baker Receives Recognition at Huntingdon Council Meeting

Huntingdin Dispatcher Dee Baker received a letter of commendation last Tuesday, December 10, for her work in saving the Town of Huntingdon nearly $50,000.

Mayor Chad Edwards read the letter to everyone in attendance, which detailed an email from Mike Abney, CEO of Team Solution Consulting, the provider of the Police Department's Record System (PRMIS).

Abney praised Baker for her "positive attitude and unwavering commitment and dedication," which inspired him to waive the annual PRMIS fee, saving the town approximately $4,500.

Additionally, the transition to the PRMIS system under Baker’s administration has saved the town roughly $45,000 in the past year compared to the previous system.

The letter stated, "Dee's work has significantly contributed to the success of the Huntingdon Police Department and saved the town approximately $49,500 in the past year."

Resident Jan Ostiguy expressed reservations she had about proposed changes in Ordinance No. 632, focusing on the requirement that signs be at least ten feet above the ground.

Ostiguy highlighted potential misunderstandings and financial burdens for local business owners, especially those using portable signs and murals.

"I could see this as a cause of many accidents, as people slow down to see what the special of the day is, or what business is there instead of paying attention to their driving," Ostiguy said.

She urged the council to clarify the intentions behind the changes and consider their impact on small businesses.

Mayor Chad Edwards thanked Ostiguy for her dedication to protecting small businesses in Huntingdon.

He clarified that the changes to Ordinance No. 632 were not intended to impact portable signs as she feared.

He said the Ordinance aimed to address compliance issues with current sign sizes, stating, "About eight out of 10 of our signs were actually illegal in their size.”

Mayor Edwards said he was advised to change the ordinance, and that anything which is out of compliance will be grandfathered in.

Acknowledging Ostiguy's thorough research and concerns, Mayor Edwards proposed a meeting with her to discuss the ordinance in detail.

"I don't want to hurt [anybody] at all," he said.

The Council passed the ordinance unanimously.

The council also reviewed and approved a request from the Huntingdon Police Department for the purchase of two 2025 Police Interceptor vehicles from Lonnie Cobb Ford.

The vehicles are priced at $52,101 each, amounting to a total cost of $104,202.

Council Member Chad Barnhart shared insights from his discussions with the Jackson Police Department regarding vehicle procurement, emphasizing the need for strategic purchasing due to rising costs.

Barnhart highlighted the recent price increases experienced by Jackson Police, who faced a significant jump in vehicle costs within a year.

Barnhart explained, "Last year, they ordered 23 of the same vehicles we're considering, and the price was $6,400 less per vehicle compared to what we are seeing now. After reaching out to their supplier, Integrated, the initial quote was $10,200 higher. Thankfully, after some negotiation and mentioning Jackson Police Department's reference, the price was reduced by $4,000."

“We need to be mindful of these potential increases and possibly secure our purchases earlier in the fiscal year to avoid similar situations," Barnhart concluded.

During the discussion of the Storybook Trail Community Project proposed by Huntingdon High School's JAG classes at the Kelley Sports Complex, Council Member Lori Dillahunty expressed concerns she had about the project.

"I reached out to Ms. Ginger Taylor (HHS JAG Instructor) and asked her a couple of questions on total expense and the sustainability of the project,” Dillahunty said. “After discussing these concerns, I did not want to misrepresent her, so I suggested she might want to present this herself."

She continued, "Ms. Taylor was unaware she could speak at these meetings, and she agreed that if we tabled this discussion, it wouldn't set them back. In fact, she welcomed the opportunity to discuss this in person in January."

The Council voted to pass the item on to January’s meeting, which will take place Tuesday, January 28 at 5:15 p.m.