Borough of Millersville

The meeting included public comments regarding dog licensing requirements and obtaining a list of property renters. Reports from boards and commissions detailed tight financials for Blue Rock due to a waiting federal grant reimbursement and government shutdown, 75 total calls in October, and fundraising efforts for a new building. The Finance Advisory Committee accepted the October financial report and authorized routine obligations. Council approved the promotion of Neil Tome to Maintenance Worker Two, effective January 5, 2026, and the promotion of Emma Dross to Administrative Specialist, effective December 1, 2025. Council also authorized the advertisement for the Maintenance Worker One position to assist with winter snow removal. University reports noted upcoming semester closing, finals week, and graduation. Updates were provided on a Fringe Festival planned for May 2026, collaboration between a faculty member and Autism on the Seas, and a presentation featuring a documentary score. Reports also covered third graders visiting the meteorology department and the recent fall play, 'Fox on the Fairway.' The police department report summarized activity for October, including 375 calls for service, 12 criminal arrests, and 47 traffic violations.

The new business section focused on an update regarding the hiring process. Key updates included the completion of clearances for a conditional new hire, Ebersole, who is scheduled to be presented to the Council at the next meeting. The current search has been expanded to include non-ACT 120 candidates and is also reviewing the Consortium list. There are currently 20 candidates in consideration, with seven possessing ACT 120 certification, and interviews are scheduled for the current week.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the Oath of Office to a new Council Member. Key discussion points included resident concerns regarding the proposed transition from a committee structure to a liaison structure and potential changes to meeting start times to ensure resident participation. Action was taken to approve a Resolution to Insert an Escalator Clause in Bidding Documents and Contracts of Road Materials and to advertise bidding for the 2026 Street Paving project. New business involved scheduling the reappointment of a member to the Park Commission for a subsequent meeting and scheduling the approval of an Engagement Letter with Cherry Bekaert, LLC for annual audit services. The Council also conducted a prioritization and brainstorming session for 2026 policy development, focusing on native gardens, ordinances related to SALDO and Streets and Sidewalks, rental properties, and purchasing policy. Reports noted the upcoming Municipal Bootcamp, the opening date for the 2026 Hometown Hero Banner Project applications, and the successful award of a DCNR grant for Freedom Memorial Park renovation.

The primary focus of the meeting was the ongoing review of the Cottage Ave Solar Project Preliminary/Final Subdivision and Land Development Plan. Discussions centered on two outstanding items: the addition of a pathway connecting Penn Manor High School to Comet Field and the property right-of-way dedication for future straightening of Cottage Avenue. The commission confirmed that a small portion of the right-of-way remains outside of the entity's control, which the proposer is seeking to acquire. Additionally, the plan addressed planting evergreens to fill a gap in the trees on the property. The commission subsequently discussed the pathway contour, the potential for bridging the creek, and considered three waiver requests related to plan modification, scale, and sidewalk/curbs. The waivers were recommended for approval, conditioned upon the completion of the asphalt pathway.

The agenda for the Millersville Borough Council meeting includes a Public Hearing regarding an Ordinance to Levy Taxes for General Borough Purposes for the Year 2026. Key action items involve the consideration and approval of the 2026 Budget and a resolution to revise the fee schedule. Under Council Items for Action, the agenda includes reviewing November Financial Reports, discussions concerning reappointments to the Park Commission, Vacancy Board, and Civil Service Commission, and approval to assign a Police Officer to the Investigator role. Additionally, the Council will review the November Codes and Zoning Monthly Report, and approve advertising dates for subsequent 2026 meetings, the School Resource Office MOU for 2026-2030, and the cancellation of the December 23, 2025 meeting.