Sean Palmer has resigned as Minersville Mayor.
Palmer’s resignation was official at midnight Wednesday. The former mayor recently moved out of the borough.
On Tuesday evening, he made his final appearance at a Borough Council meeting. In parting remarks before the council, Palmer said, “It’s hard to step away … growing up here. I enjoyed my time here. I’m a Minersville person even if I don’t live in the borough. My roots are still here.”
Palmer recalled his earlier years when he worked as a lifeguard at the Minersville Pool and his time employed at Sweets and Such.
The mayor also credited the Borough Council members for “wanting to make as informed decisions as possible and not make hasty decisions.”
Palmer said he’s thankful that Minersville Police Dept. is one of the few in Schuylkill County that can provide 24/7 coverage to residents.
In comments posted to the Minersville Police Dept. social media page, Police Chief Jeffrey Bowers says, “Mayor Palmer has been a steady, thoughtful, and dedicated leader. His proactive approach, willingness to listen, and trust in those around him have played an important role in allowing me to lead, guide, and shape our Police Department into one of the most respected, progressive, and professional departments in the area.”
He also gave credit to Borough Manager Megan Paul and Code Enforcement Officer Kyle Crouse. Palmer said Minersville could probably use more help with code enforcement.
One of Palmer’s biggest achievements as Minersville mayor is the introduction of off-road vehicles on Borough streets, an initiative that garnered statewide attention and has been used as a model for other communities considering the same.
Revenue generated from the sale of permits to be allowed on Borough streets has been used to improve parks and playgrounds around Minersville, at Palmer’s insistence.
Frantz Steps Aside from Council Seat
In another personnel move on Minersville’s council this week, the board officially accepted the resignation of Justin Frantz. In a letter address to the council, Frantz cited his inability to commit the necessary time to his role as the reason for stepping aside.
Frantz is the head football coach at Minersville Area High School and is also Dean of Students.
He was appointed to fill a vacancy on Borough Council in July 2024 in a close vote that required Palmer to cast the tie-breaking decision. Two other candidates that were nominated – Bernard Lescavage and Alex Kurtek – have since won council seats.
30 Days to Fill Vacancies
Borough Council now has 30 days, until Dec. 10, to fill the vacancies created by Palmer and Frantz’ departures.
Lescavage indicated at this week’s council meeting that current councilman Terry Raffety has indicated by letter to him that he’d like to serve as Mayor, which if he’s selected, would create yet another vacancy on council with a fresh 30-day window to fill that vacancy.
President Jamie Kuehn said the council will entertain letters of interest for both positions and can make a decision at its next regular council meeting, which falls within that 30-day window. Letters of interest can be addressed to the Borough (2 E. Sunbury St. in Minersville).
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