Borough of California

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the 2026 Meeting Schedule and subsequent advertisement. The Council approved the purchase and installation of two new computers for the Police Department and Zoning Office, along with the 2026 support agreement with The Computer Guys. Siana Law was approved as representation for 2026. Decisions were made regarding paid holidays for administrative employees. In zoning matters, the Borough concluded that procedures were followed correctly regarding the zoning of property at 390 Wilson Road and recommended the owners apply for a variance. Pat Vitchoff was re-appointed to the Zoning Hearing Board for a three-year term, and the annual engineering agreement with McMillen Engineering was renewed for 2026. The Council approved the adoption of the General Fund budget at $2,676,853.00, the Highway Aid Fund budget at $238,958.47, and the Sewer Fund budget. Several invoices related to pump station maintenance and renewal fees were approved for payment. The resignation of the MMVTA Representative was accepted, and advertisement for a replacement was approved. The playground Ordinance 591 and the Coal Center Policing Ordinance 590 for 2026-2028 were adopted. Finally, the Council voted to hire part-time Officer Parker Griffin upon completion of his training.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the Oath of Office to the newly elected Mayor and newly elected councilmembers. Subsequent actions involved the election of council officers, including the President, Vice President of Council, and President Pro Tem. Various official appointments were confirmed by motion, including the Vacancy Board member, Borough Solicitor, Borough Engineer, Special Labor Counsel, UCC Third Party Inspector, Borough Administrator, Chief of Police, Street Commissioner, Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator, Code Enforcement Officers, and Secretary/Treasurer roles. Additionally, the Council selected the Mon Valley Independent as the official newspaper for advertisements, named the First National bank as the bank of depositories, and adopted the 2026 salary schedules.

Key discussions and updates during the meeting included revisiting the membership of the Mon Valley Chamber, a motion regarding the renewal of Ms. Evans' notary commission, and adopting Resolution 2026-002 to set the Tax Collector's Bond amount. Public Housing discussions covered adding an Assistant Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer role to a job description, the Karder Land Development subdivision and sewage module, a scheduled Zoning Hearing Board matter, and the Vialytics AI-powered road inspection. Public Safety addressed a parking request. Finance items involved paying monthly bills. Public Health agenda points included paying invoices from Widmer Engineering for NPDES Permit renewal and Coal Center Pump Station design, and hiring a sewer plant laborer. Community Development involved authorizing the Solicitor to draft an abatement ordinance, discussions on the City water highpoint area, and studying new sewer lines. Updates were also provided on SWAT payments, advertising the Coal Center pump station, and discussing flow meter readings. The Solicitor's report addressed a PUC Fine, updating the RTK appeals address, the Ride Along Policy, abandoning a portion of Fifth St., an hourly rate increase, and the 2026 SRO Agreement.

The agenda for this meeting focuses on organizational matters. Key discussion points include the administration of Oaths of Office for the Mayor and newly elected Council members, the election of the President, Vice President, and President Pro Tem. Furthermore, the meeting covers appointments for several key borough roles, including the Vacancy Board Chair, Borough Solicitor, Borough Engineer, Special Labor Counsel, and Engineer as a third-party inspector for UCC Codes. Appointments will also be made for the Chief of Police, Street Commissioner, Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator, Zoning/Code Enforcement Officers, and administrative staff such as the Secretary/Treasurer and various secretaries. The agenda also includes designating a newspaper for advertising, naming the depository for funds (First National Bank), and the adoption of the 2026 Salary Schedules, in addition to the Mayor's Report and New Business.

The meeting included updates from various departments such as the Borough Administrator, Public Housing, Public Works, Public Safety, Finance, Public Health, and Community Development. Key discussion points included approving the 2026 meeting schedule, considering the purchase and setup of computers for the Police Department and Zoning, and approving a support agreement for The Computer Guys. The council also discussed legal representation for 2026, holiday pay for employees, zoning matters, re-appointments to the ZHB, and engineering services. Budget adoptions for the General Fund, Highway Aid Fund, and Sewer Fund were addressed, along with invoices, resignations, committee advertisements, and engineer's reports on the Coal Center Pump Station. Updates were provided on ordinances, letters to residents, and a ride-along policy.