HARRISVILLE — Harrisville Borough Council discussed appointing two new council members and hiring a secretary at its meeting Monday evening.

According to Marty Stemmerich, council, president, one vacancy is because of a council member moving out of the borough and another is the result of a resignation. She said the council is hoping to have the seats filled in a February meeting.

“We have some people who have shown interest (in the positions),” Stemmerich said.

The council also discussed advertising qualifications for a part-time secretary for the borough.

Chelsea Puff, assistant to borough manager John Trant, said excellent communication skills are crucial to the role.

“You have to be able to speak with people and be approachable,” Puff said.

The rate of pay for the secretary position was brought up and compared to that of the Harrisville police officers. Mayor Gary Hughes mentioned giving the officers a raise in the future. Council member Mary Ann Hughes said it’s hard to discuss figures because of the borough’s lack of budget.

“If we knew what we were raising the police to, it’d be easier to budget,” Mary Ann Hughes said.

Stemmerich said the borough council has not had enough present members to discuss the budget since July 2021, and that council hopes to draft one by the end of January.

Council voted unanimously to vacate Henry Street for the expansion of the Sheetz gas station. The mayor said the 18 week project is slated to start in the spring, and detours would be directed down South McDonald Street.

“The funeral home sold some if it’s land for the expansion,” Gary Hughes said. “The new (gas station) building will run north to south rather than east to west.”

The next meeting of Harrisville Borough Council is Feb. 7.