Borough of Freeland

The work session covered several administrative and operational items. Key discussions included the non-filling of the Mayor's seat due to a lack of qualified applicants, and proposals for establishing a new Technology Committee and a temporary Regionalization Committee to explore combining Police, Fire, and EMS services with neighboring townships. The Council reviewed the proposal from Snyder and Clemente for the 2025 Audit and a contract submission from No Nonsense Neutering. An update was given on the Hazleton Area School District's request for a public discussion meeting. In public works, approval was recommended for a handicap parking spot on Pine Street, and discussion occurred regarding the purchase of a new salt spreader for the DPW pickup truck, as well as procedures for filling a full-time DPW laborer position. Additionally, the Recreation Board received a request from the Sons of Erin to host the St. Patrick's Day parade. The Council also discussed addressing an unrepaired road cut and structural concerns at a corner property. A quote for additional excavation work utilizing remaining Pennvest loan funds was reviewed.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session held to discuss litigation. Key new business items involved administrative actions, including adopting resolutions to declare council member seats vacant and adopting a Parliamentary Procedure Resolution. The council tabled a motion regarding the appointment of accountants for the 2025 Borough Audit and moved to engage professional services for implementing additional retirement options for employees. Discussions also covered applying for a DCNR Grant for park improvements, with a motion passed to engage services for grant application preparation. In Code Enforcement and Zoning, a decision was made to proceed with regional land bank discussions. Public Safety discussions included approving a handicap parking request and debating the proper calculation of Ambulance in-service hours, culminating in the release of EMS Tax Funds to the Ambulance Association. Public Works actions included approving the purchase of a pickup salt spreader and authorizing the hiring of a new laborer pending required screenings. Finally, the Sons of Erin St. Patrick's Day Parade approval was granted, contingent on final paperwork.

Key discussions included public comments regarding suspicious individuals wearing blue vests and a request to revise the snow parking ban ordinance to enforce it when snowplows are active. Council addressed concerns about businesses operating 24-hours without proper Certificates of Appropriateness. Significant actions included accepting the resignation of Councilman Fred Ackers, approving the 2026 Memorandum of Understanding for the Secretary/Treasurer, tabling the MOU for a Part-time Patrolman, and adopting the 2026 Budget Resolution. The council also adopted a resolution establishing a parking meter bagging fee for dumpster permits, approved a reimbursement request for storm drain repairs, and approved a pay application for M&J Excavating. Finally, a resolution was adopted designating Code Enforcement Officers as Collectors of Business Privilege License Fees.

The reorganization meeting included the election of the Council President, Vice President, and President Pro Tem, with Joshua Richie assuming the presidency. A motion to table the adoption of rules of order until the next meeting passed, and a new schedule for work sessions and regular meetings in 2026 was approved unanimously. Council appointments were made to the Act 32 County Tax Collection Committee, check signers were designated, and appointments were made to the Zoning Hearing Board and Civil Service Commission. Key reappointments included Heather Donish as Borough Secretary, Treasurer, and Right to Know Officer, Frey and Company as Borough Auditor, Slusser Law Firm as Borough Solicitor, and Barry Issett as Borough Code Official. A discussion took place regarding the 2026 Budget, noting a projected deficit of $250,000, although a motion to reopen the budget failed.

The work session agenda included several key reports and administrative discussions. The Engineer reported that the new water tank filling is scheduled for March, pending warmer weather, and that the Stormwater Improvement Project will resume in the early spring. The Police Chief reported 113 calls for service in November, noted the homicide investigation remains active, and plans for increased holiday traffic enforcement. The Fire Chief reported on November incidents and training hours, and mentioned successful recent and upcoming community events. Reports covered ambulance statistics, DPW activities, and extensive details from Codes and Zoning regarding inspections, permits, and fines. The 150th Committee outlined upcoming monthly events, fundraising efforts, and plans for a parade, including seeking necessary street closure paperwork. The Administration accepted a council member's resignation, reviewed the Secretary's MOU detailing the $24.23 hourly rate, and confirmed the new in-house phone alert system is operational. Finance received no further comments on the proposed 2026 Budget. Public Safety items included a resolution to set a $25 per day fee for dumpsters on Centre Street to compensate for meter use, refundable after 30 days or upon removal. The Public Works section addressed a $1,675 reimbursement request for stormwater box repairs on Graham Street, and noted the approval of Pay App 2 for $317,151 for M&J Excavation. During Public Comment, concerns were raised regarding dumpster placement policies during winter, the need to update the Zoning Ordinance, the proposed 2026 meeting schedule, and questions about the Ambulance billing agreement with Valley Regional.