Borough of Shenandoah

The meeting agenda includes officer and engineer reports, and old business topics such as recouping past payments from West Mahanoy Township, a loan update, the Ridgeview project status, and the West Mahanoy Township maintenance plan. New business items cover an overdue invoice for Ateeco involving percentage-based deductions, alongside standard financial report review and public comment sessions.

The council addressed several operational and administrative matters. Key actions included approving a change to trash collection dates, accepting a resignation from the Borough Zoning Committee, appointing members to the local Civil Service Committee, and authorizing handicap parking at a residential address. Discussion topics involved the financial impact of recent snow and water main issues, the need for improved facilities in the borough garage, and communication challenges with AQUA. The manager provided updates on equipment status and grant applications for infrastructure repairs, including a PennDOT grant for culvert maintenance. Additionally, the council approved the hiring of a full-time police officer, reviewed code enforcement statistics and amusement tax adjustments, and planned future law and order committee meetings.

The Council meeting agenda covered a wide range of administrative and operational topics. Key items included correspondence regarding upcoming community events such as a parade and an Easter Egg Hunt, along with requests for handicap parking and tax-exempt property designations. The meeting addressed infrastructure and operational concerns, including updates on a Pumping Station grant, sewer pipe replacement, and a proposed new borough garage. Financial matters were discussed, including a garbage truck loan payoff, price adjustments for bituminous material, and new fees for handicap signs. Reports were provided covering police statistics, code enforcement, blight reduction, public works, and the hiring of public works employees.

The meeting included a motion, passed by the members, to ensure meetings are conducted in a professional and respectful manner following an officer's report. The Engineer's Report confirmed the official approval for $5 million for the new plant project. Old Business addressed the collection of past due sewer payments, with a policy established that businesses with outstanding balances will not receive a business license, and liens may be placed on properties. It was determined that West Mahanoy Township holds financial responsibility for a sewer main blockage repair in the heights behind Ridgeview. Furthermore, approval was granted for the installation of seven security cameras at the sewer plant. The financial report was reviewed and approved.

The meeting included executive sessions to discuss sensitive matters. Key actions involved approving property-related motions, such as the combination of parcels and change of use code for properties on N. Catherine St., and the purchase of "0 Rock Street." The council approved a resolution for a liquor license and authorized several can collection requests for local athletic teams. Reports indicated that the Borough is focusing on collecting past due sewer bills and sending past due trash bills to a collection agency. Financial updates noted that MMOS for December were paid. The council approved the hiring of a new full-time police officer and a full-time public works position, and the purchase of a public works truck using an LSA Grant. Ordinances were passed regarding parking in alleyways and skill game fees. Legal proceedings involved discontinuing the Buehl lawsuit and authorizing a settlement check. The Code Enforcement report summarized activity from September to December 2025. Committee reports covered infrastructure, parks (noting Girard Park's condition), and personnel matters. The meeting concluded with the payment of bills.