Borough of White Haven

Key discussions included the Engineer's request for approval to solicit bids for the library's second floor and hire Benesch for construction administration services, funded by the library grant. The Manager presented the second reading for the 2026 budgets across the General Fund, Liquid Fuels, and Garbage Account, all of which were subsequently approved. Ordinance 3 of 2025, setting 2026 tax rates, was also adopted. A reorganization meeting date was set for January 5, 2026. The council approved rehire of Katherine Lopez as a part-time police officer and scheduled interviews for the new police chief. The Consent Agenda approved several items, including applications for a Penn Dot Multimodal Grant and resolutions to set 2026 payroll rates. During open discussion, the council agreed to extend the towing rotation until the end of January to allow for policy review.

The meeting began with the swearing-in of newly elected officials. Key actions included the election of the Council President, Vice-President, and Pro-temp. The Council adopted Resolutions 1 and 2 of 2026, appointing Cathy Fulk to the zoning hearing board and Martina Kernan to the Planning Board. Council meeting schedules were set with noted adjustments for holidays. The subsequent consent agenda approval confirmed appointments for the Borough Engineer (Benesch), Borough Solicitor (Law Offices of Donald Karpowich & Associates), Borough Manager/Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer (Linda Szoke for a two-year term), Sewage Enforcement Officer (David Popiak), Auditor (Karen Halcisak of Moore Associates), Secretary to the Vacancy Board (Linda Szoke), Building Inspector/permits (Criterium/Peters Engineering), Depository (ESSA for 2026 and 2027), and Right to Know Officer (Linda Szoke).

Key discussions included granting conditional approval for the blueprint committee to place a mural on the borough building, contingent upon review of the final artwork. The Council approved proceeding with an application to Penn Dot for a flashing stop sign on Route 437, estimating $7,000.00 from liquid fuels funds. The Attorney provided updates on Sunshine Law changes and presented the Community Block Grant contract for paving Chemung Street and performing drainage repairs on Hazle Street, which the Council approved for signing. The first reading of the 2026 budget was presented, which includes a proposed 0.75 mil increase in the general fund, requiring further advertisement and adoption of a tax ordinance in December. A tree lighting event was announced for November 29th. Finally, the bills presented for payment were approved.

The council meeting included discussions about the Hometown Holidays Festival, including activities, logistics, and coordination with local businesses and the fire department. The Borough Engineer is working to have a stop sign lit at the corner of 437 and 940. Suggestions were made to amend borough ordinances, including rental inspections and reviewing fees related to election signs. A resolution was adopted to appoint a deputy tax collector. The resignation of the Police Chief was accepted. Updates were provided on the new fire truck and firefighter training. Repairs are needed at the concession stand at Lehigh Park. A budget work session was held, with budget adoption planned for November and December. A developer is interested in Shelia Weaver's land. Resolutions were adopted to destroy records and increase fees for police reports and insufficient fund checks.

The meeting addressed public concerns regarding traffic safety during an accident on Interstate 80 and the need for a safety plan. There was a discussion about the borough's responsibility for stormwater on state highways. The council approved a proposal for architectural consulting services for the final library phase. The Borough Manager reported on the MMO and the capacity building grant for Walk Works. The Street Commissioner discussed resealing the salt shed and painting new lines on Main Street, and the council approved the purchase of a line painter. The Police Chief reported on a busy month for the police department and the potential need for more part-time officers, and the council approved hiring a full-time officer. The council also discussed a potential snow plow contract with East Side Borough and the condition of the borough's plowing trucks. Permission was granted for the Lions Club to hold the annual Halloween parade, and a resolution was passed to apply for the LSA Grant to pave the Power House Road.