Borough of Mount Joy

The committee reviewed reports and grant updates regarding community and economic development. Agenda items included the appointment of a Planning Commission member, approval of financial security reductions for development projects, and various land development waivers. Discussions were held on rezoning requests for properties on West Main Street, updates on the Manheim Central Comprehensive Plan, and the Florin Hill development. Additionally, the committee addressed the tax-exempt status of a local property, the adoption of new borough logos, and construction status updates for the new municipal services building. The meeting also included an executive session regarding a police contract and the review of correspondence from the Winterfest Committee.

The committee discussed various infrastructure projects, including street and alley project bidding, sidewalk and curb compliance, and lighting updates. Significant focus was placed on stormwater management, with reviews of drainage analyses for several locations, pipe sizing concerns, and planning for park-related drainage improvements. Additionally, the committee addressed grant updates, park amenities such as ADA signage and pickleball court funding, and general borough matters concerning property sales and newsletter communications.

The meeting included a reorganization session where bylaws were adopted, and a Chairperson (Josh Deering) and Vice Chairperson (Brian Dolphin) were nominated and approved. Public input was provided concerning the Rettew review letter for the 400 E. Main St. project, specifically regarding underground BMP liner and waterproofing concerns. The Zoning Codes & Stormwater Administrator presented the December 2025 report. Key old business involved the review and discussion of the PC25-07 400 E. Main St. Preliminary Final Land Development Plan, resulting in recommendations for waiver approvals for Street Reconstruction, Sidewalks, Curbing, and Stormwater, and conditional recommendation for final plan approval pending satisfaction of outstanding requirements. An update was also provided on the Donegal Comprehensive Plan Update status and financial commitments. Further public input addressed submission deadlines for plan reviews.

The Administration & Finance Committee meeting agenda was approved, and a correction was made to the minutes of the previous meeting regarding the term 'mute' being changed to 'moot'. The Community & Economic Development Coordinator reported on Winterfest statistics, noting a slight decrease in attendance but an increase in average length of stay. The Codes, Zoning, & Stormwater Administrator provided an update on a property complaint at 955 W. Main St., confirming that immediate corrections for non-life safety issues were underway. Key financial discussions included concerns from Gus's Restaurant regarding loss of street parking and its impact on their lot expansion, and updates on the Manheim Central Comprehensive Plan Final Draft, which had been approved by Penn Township and was awaiting action from Rapho Township. The committee approved motions to recommend to full Council authorizing the issuance of Earned Income Tax Credit/Real Property Tax rebates for Volunteer Fire Service personnel, a resolution appointing/reappointing members to various Boards and Commissions, a resolution closing out a DCNR Grant for the Little Chiques Park Master Site Plan, and Memorandums of Understanding for the employment terms of the Borough Manager and the Chief of Police (with an amendment to the Chief's start date). Finally, approval was given to recommend selecting a candidate to fill the vacant Florin Ward Councilor position in January 2026. Updates were provided on the New Municipal Services Building, including a substantial completion date of April 16, 2026, and approval was given to recommend moving forward with a retainage reduction for eci Construction and approving the quote from Corbett, Inc. for office furniture.

The meeting agenda was approved, followed by a public input period where concerns were raised regarding grant listings, specifically the 902 Grant for the compost facility, and a detailed inquiry about the DEP's response timeline concerning the Florin Hill major permit amendment and associated deficiency letters from engineers. During the Community & Economic Development review, updates were given on submitted grants and planning for the 175th Anniversary celebration. The Codes, Zoning, & Stormwater report noted a notice of violation sent to Florin Hill/Charter Homes. Sketch plan reviews were conducted for Guardian Barrier (1040 E. Main St.) regarding curb, sidewalk modifications, and traffic impact, and for 1087 Wood St. concerning the re-zoning from light industrial to medium density residential for townhomes. The committee approved sending the request for re-zoning of 409 W. Main St. to Neighborhood Commercial to full Council for owner occupancy by a property management group. Discussions on Administration, Budget, and Finance included a presentation on potential health insurance broker savings, the commencement of drafting a response letter to the Manheim Central Comprehensive Plan Final Draft, an update on the Florin Hill permit issue deadline, and approval to extend the tax rebate deadline for Volunteer Fire Fighters/Support. The committee also approved moving the decision regarding closing the office on December 26, 2025, to full Council. A significant portion of the discussion involved the high quote received for office furniture for the new Municipal Services Complex, resulting in a motion to have full Council discuss the furniture expenditure further.