Harmony Borough Council was wrong Tuesday in discussing in executive session a controversial informational and tourism kiosk that is proposed for a piece of land across from the former Kasing Dodge property on Route 68.

Regardless of how heated discussion over the proposal might become, the public has a right to witness the consideration of the topic by elected officials. Kiosks aren't specified in the state's Sunshine Law as a topic for which closed-door discussion is permissible.

Prior to going into executive session, the council said it would be discussing a litigation issue — one of the acceptable reasons for an executive session — as well as the kiosk, which would be built and maintained by the historical preservation group Historic Harmony. It apparently was decided during the executive session to table discussion on the kiosk; no vote to table actually took place after the closed discussion, according to a Butler Eagle reporter who covered the meeting.

The kiosk, as planned, is opposed by Tim McCrackin, who is the new owner of the former Kasing property. The reason for that opposition is that the kiosk would block some of the view of his car dealership that passing motorists otherwise would have.

However, John Ruch, Historic Harmony president, said the kiosk idea originated with business owners who envision the kiosk as a good opportunity for businesses to promote themselves. Additionally, he said, the kiosk is seen as an asset in identifying the entrance to Harmony, which otherwise isn't well-marked.

Ruch said many people in the borough are "deeply concerned about retail decline" in Harmony, and that a decision not to build the kiosk could be a missed opportunity to promote business.

The contending positions are a task for the council to sort out. But the sorting-out process should be done in public, not behind closed doors in executive session.

Council members know that, even if on Tuesday they chose to ignore it.

Two state lawmakers deserve praise for their proposal to reduce the number of sitting lawmakers on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency board.Rep. Bill Adolph, R-Delaware, and Sen. Sean Logan, D-Allegheny, introduced identical bills on Monday that, if approved, would cut the number of legislators on the 20-member board to 12 from 16.The two lawmakers' idea is built upon the laudable goal of bringing on people familiar with finance, banking and computer technology. In addition, the bill stresses the need for individuals with a background in investing, higher education and higher-education finance.Adolph and Logan said the complexity of the student aid industry requires the input of people with relevant professional experience.That viewpoint is correct.In addition to the 16 state lawmakers, the PHEAA board comprises three gubernatorial appointees and the secretary of education.In recent years, PHEAA has evoked criticism for the high salaries of its executives and spending on lavish retreats and other items — the latter being a recognizable component of the legislative mind-set.While better than the 16-member legislative presence, the proposal of Logan and Adolph would even better serve the people who depend on PHEAA if the legislative influence were reduced to eight votes.

Ray Oesterling of Center Township, who owns the "Plantation Apartments" building that was ravaged by fire early Tuesday, deserves the appreciation of Butler residents for his commitment to raze the historic structure quickly, rather than allow it to remain indefinitely as an eyesore.Oesterling said he hopes that demolition of the building will be completed by the end of the month, if his insurance company acts quickly in carrying out its responsibilities connected with the unfortunate happening that left 10 people homeless.The building, which dates back to the Civil War era, housed 12 apartments. In the 19th century, the building was part of the "underground railroad," serving as a refuge for escaped slaves en route to Canada.Butler Fire Chief Nick Ban has praised Oesterling's plans related to the fire. Ban, who described Oesterling as a responsive landlord, said, "I wish all of our landlords were as good as him."Indeed, many cities routinely deal with landlords and other property owners who display a lack of responsibility in regard to dilapidated structures or homes not fit for habitation.Unfortunately, Butler has not been without such individuals. To his credit, Oesterling isn't one of them.It is to be hoped that nothing out of Oesterling's control will delay demolition of the burned-out structure, which is situated at 330 N. Monroe St.In addition to Oesterling, praise also is warranted for those who welcomed Plantation Apartments tenants into their homes as firefighters fought the blaze during a downpour of rain. Additionally, praise is warranted for agencies that stepped forward quickly to help the displaced tenants.The fire was a tragic occurrence. However, it brought out the good of numerous others.It also reaffirmed the confidence city residents have in their fire department and showed the skills of firefighters from outside the city who converged on the scene as the flames raged.