PHILIPSBURG

New borough manager gets down to business

Lori Falce

PHILIPSBURG — The borough has a new captain at the helm with the hiring of its fourth manager in just over two years.

Jan McDonald has been on the job almost a week, after being hired minutes after his job interview at a special meeting in October.

McDonald comes to the borough from Mifflin County, where he oversaw community development. He continues in that position in a temporary basis until a replacement is found, but he has relocated to Philipsburg. In addition to his new commitment to the municipality, his family is showing a presence in the business district as his wife, Kristine Lang McDonald, is reopening the massive stone structure at 1 N. Front St. as a bookstore and cafe.

“I’m very excited,” Mc- Donald said.

In his first three days on the job, the new manager has fielded complaints from residents about sewer issues, dealt with hiccups in Heritage Days funding, dug into grant contracts for Cold Stream Dam, and got up close and personal with the borough’s Web site.

That Web site is part of McDonald’s plans for changes in how things are done in the borough office. McDonald wants to do a quarterly e-newsletter, digitize ordinances and list them for resident review, and post meeting minutes, as well as complaints and resolutions.

That electronic presence is designed not only for ease of information, but as a cost saving measure, cutting down on not only costly mailings and advertising, but on copying expenses and maintenance.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Councilman John Knowles, who was borough manager until 2007.

Knowles was followed by the short-lived tenure of Wesley Johnson, who spent two weeks on Philipsburg’s payroll before being dismissed after borough employees staged a walkout. He was replaced some months later by Jim Simler, who had a contentious relationship with some members of council and the community. He resigned in May.

McDonald is starting out with a supportive board.

“I think he has great qualifications and is very capable,” said Council President Mike Wilks. Council took its time refining its goals for the position this time, looking for someone with the skills to handle administrative and executive tasks as well as the hands-on jobs a borough manager can be called on to do, like plowing snow and operating equipment. And McDonald says he is looking forward to working with elected officials.

“We all really care about the community,” he said.

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