Borough of Ligonier

The key discussions during this meeting included the approval of the LVPD Budget for 2026, with specific cost allocations for the Borough and Township shares, and the approval of the 2026 Proposed Budget, which included an advertised millage increase up to 27. The Solicitor provided an update on the Bamboo Ordinance clarification. The Electric Contract committee will further investigate options in the spring, noting that the Borough will remain with West Penn Power until then and that the Borough will seek reimbursement for taxes mistakenly paid on bills. The Council approved the $924 local share assessment for the Westmoreland County Transit Authority for fiscal year 2025-2026, and accepted the resignation of Clerk Carole Henderson, subsequently hiring Tricia Betz as the new clerk/administrative assistant. The Council also approved new parking fine structure ordinance and authorized the advertising of the proposed Real Estate Tax Ordinance due to the millage increase. Permission was granted to the LV Chamber of Commerce for several events, including luminaries displays and blocking off a quadrant of the Diamond for Sunday Evening Band Concerts in 2026.

Key discussions during the meeting included the appointment of a member to the Planning Commission and actions related to the contract with Regola Consulting for grant procurement, including payment authorization, which passed despite opposition. The Council retroactively approved a street closure for the Halloween Market from October. Resolutions were passed regarding the Category 4 Facilities LSA Grant for pedestrian vehicle barriers and authorization was given to post a job opening for the clerk position. Correspondence included approval for detour requests for the Ligonier Country Market's 2026 market schedule, requests for public events like a Christmas Concert and a Parade of Grinch's, and permissions for promotional signage for Fort Ligonier and Premier Express Care. The Parks & Recreation Committee noted holiday decorating efforts. The Finance committee had no report. The Planning/Personnel committee reported plans to interview clerk applicants starting December 1, 2025. The Stormwater Authority meeting was noted. New business involved a presentation on steps Ligonier Borough can take to become an age-friendly community, withdrawal from the LMIA agreement, appointment of PA Municipal Code Alliance as the new Zoning and Code Enforcement entity, authorization for refinishing the Town Hall Bicentennial Bell, renewal of a gas contract, and approval of a change order for the Hazel Alley Stormwater Project. The Council also addressed refining the Bamboo Ordinance to explicitly prohibit outdoor planting municipality-wide. Finally, the Council discussed the draft 2026 budget, which showed a $144,000 shortfall, and approved a balanced budget plan involving a tax increase from 24.5 to 28 mils, an increase in parking fines to $10, and utilizing approximately $68,000 from reserves. A motion was passed to pursue a State Wide LSA Program grant for Friendship Park restroom improvements.

The council discussed temporary traffic restrictions for Fort Days 2025, a grant procurement specialist, signage for local truck deliveries, and the recommendation for an Emergency Management Coordinator appointment. They also reviewed correspondence, including requests for a chess table setup in Diamond Park and sidewalk sales. Committee reports covered Parks & Recreation, Town Hall updates, Public Works, Public Safety, Finance, and Planning/Personnel. New business included setting the Trick or Treat date and discussing a Sewage Enforcement Officer. The council also addressed contractual obligations with Laurel Municipal and potential termination. Additional comments were made by officers and departments, including fire department incidents and grant reception, Hazel Alley project updates, and Fort Ligonier Days preparations. Updates were provided on the Town Hall elevator, Community Room floor, and kitchen renovations.

The council meeting included discussions and actions on several topics. Approvals were given for the LVPD Code of Conduct, a request to remove a parking meter and temporary use of parking spaces, and a request for discounted tax payment. The council also approved a request to light a lantern green for Veteran's Day, a Jump-A-Thon event, and a Halloween Market. Discussions also included a grant application for vehicle barriers, temporary traffic restrictions for Fort Days, and a resignation from the Planning Commission. Revisions to the LVPD Finance Charter Language were approved, and a resignation from the Emergency Management Coordinator was accepted. Updates were provided on the Hazel Alley Stormwater Project, and the gas company's plans to replace gas lines.

The Ligonier Borough Council held a special meeting to award the bid for the Hazel Alley Stormwater Project. Engineer Jason Mash reviewed the bids and recommended Quigley Development's bid of $167,369. Solicitor Mark Sorice questioned the difference between the lowest bid and the others, which Mash attributed to the mobilization fee. The council approved the bid from Quigley Development for the project.