Borough of Lititz

Key discussions included the presentation of results from the most recent water and sewer rate study, which recommends incremental rate increases every two years for both systems. The Council unanimously accepted the rate study. Resolution 1023 was approved to enable routine business consideration via a single consent motion, and Resolution 1024 was passed to repeal bike registration and plumber's license fees. The consent agenda covered several actions, including amendments to sewer agreements, advertisements for paving bids and ordinances, payments for HVAC work at Borough Hall, equipment purchases for Public Works and the Police Department, and approval for a special event. Financial reports were reviewed, and subcommittee assignments were made for the upcoming year, including combining Personnel/Benefits/Insurance and establishing an MS4 committee. Appointments were made to the Parks Committee and Planning Commission. The Mayor reported on the conclusion of the snow emergency and commended staff efforts. The Chief of Police reported on the successful highest-tier accreditation reassessment. Public comments addressed the status and funding transparency of the School Resource Officer request.

The meeting involved several organizational actions, including the administration of loyalty oaths and the swearing-in of newly elected officials, Mayor John George, and Councilmembers Scott Hain, Dwaine Horst, and Brad Bergman. Subsequent actions included the election of Scott Hain as President of Council, Mary Gattis as Vice-President of Council, and Tannia Carpenter as President Pro-Tem of Council. Several key Borough positions were reappointed, such as Borough Secretary, Treasurer, and engineering consultants for water/sewer, traffic, and MS4 systems. Lancaster Civil Engineering was appointed as the new Borough Civil Engineer. The Lititz Fire Company and Warwick Community Ambulance Association contracts for 2026 were executed. The Council acknowledged the regional appointments for Fire Commissioner and Deputy Fire Commissioner. Subcommittee assignments were deferred to the January Council meeting, with suggestions made for clarification of roles and committee consolidation.

The Planning Commission meeting focused primarily on the Regional Plan, specifically a Zoning Map amendment for the R-A residential district. Discussions included the potential for Live-Work Units and establishing limits on building and lot sizes for single-family homes and apartment buildings to encourage density, affordability, and a mix of housing types that fit the existing neighborhood context. The Commission tasked staff with drafting a text amendment covering maximum lot size for single-family dwellings, maximum apartment building size, and requirements for housing mix. Additionally, during the Commissioners' Forum, follow-up occurred regarding language for accessory building demolition review, the potential update of the Historic Resources Inventory, and discussions concerning the update of the Downtown Master Plan and coordination with the planned rail trail extension.

The Parks Committee meeting included a review and discussion of the Lititz Borough Skate Park revitalization project, which began in 2017 and has seen multiple phases completed with significant in-kind and monetary contributions. The committee discussed revisiting plans for future phases to better utilize space and allow for more community engagement, especially considering a feature from the latest phase might require repair. A request was made to explore adding lighting to mitigate darkness issues during early spring and late fall months. A prioritized list of potential new features was requested. The committee also favored a request for a storage shed at the park for cleanup tools. Staff updates covered the completion of tree work at the Memorial Lot (with one stump remaining), the potential creation of new aluminum/vinyl-wrapped tree tags for parks starting with Spruce Street Park, planning progress for the 2025 Summer Playground Program, and the status of the maintenance agreement needed before work can begin on the Runabout Line/Rail Trail, expected in 2026. The installation of the U-Bounce equipment at Spruce Street Park was reported complete. Discussions also covered the online availability of the pavilion rental page, with associated fees for residents and non-residents, and the need to formally adopt park regulations. Finally, public comments addressed issues with pavilion rental scheduling at Lititz Springs Park, and announced that WIFI and security cameras are being installed at Lititz Springs Park.

The Planning Commission meeting addressed several agenda items, including the non-acceptance of the 355 N. Broad Street Subdivision plan for formal review due to a zoning issue. The Runabout Line Land Swap Subdivision was tabled pending revisions to accurately depict the conveyance agreement. During the Commissioners' Forum, the Commission reviewed potential redevelopment zoning, agreeing that Lititz Run Revitalization Zoning remains appropriate for the Mill Building. Concerns were raised regarding the continued use of outdated imagery from the 2008 Downtown Master Plan in the current sales listing for the Bomberger Tract/Wilbur Chocolate Store site, and the secretary was tasked with providing a report on these concerns. Discussions also covered floodplain regulations, including development restrictions and the costly justification required for no increase to base flood elevation, as well as the zoning appropriateness for the ELA Building/Asian Garden sites. Alternative zoning modifications were suggested for properties like the Upholstery Center and Kadima/Audubon Villa to potentially allow conversion to apartments. The Commission also discussed the former St. Paul's Lutheran Church site, noting previous redevelopment obstacles related to sewer connection moratoriums, and reviewed the status of industrial sites like Woodstream and Lititz Planning Mill, including discussions on maintaining industrial zoning. The Commission unanimously recommended that Council designate the area from the Southern Gateway to the airport as a Lancaster County Planning Investment Area. Open discussion included resident input on maintaining the industrial tax base and concerns over Weis Gas & Go's stormwater modification justification.