Borough of New Cumberland

The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of several council members. Key agenda items included the election of the Council President, resulting in the selection of David Stone, and the election of the Council Vice President, with Jen Richie being selected. Public comments were heard, followed by a discussion and subsequent confirmation of committee appointments for various boards, including the Municipal Advisory Board, Capital Region Council of Governments, Tax Collection Committee, and West Shore Recreation Committee. The Police Chief provided an update regarding the hiring of a new police officer expected in February. The Mayor also mentioned an opportunity to place a Civil War historical marker in New Cumberland.

The council meeting addressed administrative items, including the approval of the December 2025 council minutes, disbursements, and the treasurer's report. Public comment included a presentation by David Wilson regarding his interest in the planning commission, emphasizing the need for new ideas and critically reviewing existing approaches, using an engineering example to illustrate stagnation. Another resident, Cara Tumbleton, voiced support for the Request for Information (RFI) process for waste collection services, highlighting its potential for cost control, transparency, and attracting diverse bidders. Gary Barker presented 2025 data for the TNR group for cats, detailing services provided and requesting bureau funding support for future efforts. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation by Lisa Hollingsworth Seed regarding American Rivers' efforts to study the removal of the New Cumberland Dam to improve water trail safety and quality of life, requesting input on forming a community advisory team for the feasibility study.

The council meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items addressed included the approval of the October 8, 2025, council minutes and the approval of disbursements for October 2025. The approval of the treasures report for October 2025 prompted discussion regarding miscellaneous receipts, traffic signal maintenance, and school crossing guard reimbursements. During the public comment period, representatives from the New Cumberland Fire Department, Vicky's Angel Foundation, the New Cumberland Public Library Board, and Meard's House provided updates on grant applications, fundraising efforts, library budget sustainability concerns, and community events. A resident also presented the police department with 5,000 police badge stickers for positive youth outreach. Topics scheduled for later discussion included consideration of the civil services regulations amendment and a proposal for the restoration services of an antique France fire engine. Concerns were also raised about posting new ordinances, specifically the animal ordinance, online.

The council meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call, noting the absence of the engineer. A public hearing was held regarding a conditional use application for 507 Market Street to convert a single-family dwelling into a two-family dwelling. The applicant, who owns adjacent properties, proposed utilizing parking from 511 Market Street, agreeing to formalize an easement for the required two spaces per unit. The Planning Commission recommended approval, citing the need to increase moderately priced housing stock. Council members also discussed building code considerations pertaining to existing structures on the parcel. Following the hearing, the council approved the minutes from the November 12, 2025 meeting, the disbursements for November 2025 (including voided checks due to a printing error), and the treasurer's report for November 2025. The meeting concluded with a public comment period during which the president of the New Cumberland Library Board thanked outgoing board members.

The council meeting included discussions and updates on various topics, including the zoning ordinance, specifically concerning recovery houses, and the handling of a property on Bailey Street. Public comments were welcomed from residents and taxpayers, with discussions around zoning ordinances, recovery homes, the display of an antique fire engine, and special event applications and fees.