Ashley McLaughlin

The Special Meeting included public commentary on several issues. Topics raised by the public involved concerns requiring correction by the borough, inquiries regarding the police pension, questions about budget line items including the increase in the sanitation and sewage transmission bill, and a query regarding the non-payment of sanitation bills potentially leading to the loss of rental licenses. The meeting also addressed a question about discussing items not present on the agenda. The only formal motion addressed was the tentative adoption of the 2026 Budget, which passed unanimously. The session concluded with the meeting moving into executive session to discuss a financial matter.

The Special Meeting addressed several significant items. Public courtesy comments included inquiries regarding the K-9 patrol budget and potential donations to a local cat shelter. Key motions involved the final adoption of the proposed 2026 budget and the approval of Resolution 2025-15, which sets the tax rate millage for the 2026 fiscal year. Discussion points included a request concerning dumpster deposit refunds when dumpsters are not removed for winter, and clarifying the need to discuss funding sources for a borough garage. Additionally, a motion was passed requiring council members to contact the committee chair before contacting the borough attorney regarding solicitor matters. The meeting concluded with an announcement about an upcoming informative meeting with the Sewer Authority.

The Budget Meeting focused primarily on reviewing and discussing proposed changes to the 2026 budget line items for the upcoming fiscal year. Specific discussions covered general fund adjustments, including RE Current Taxes, the addition of Building Permits, landlord license & inspections, sale of equipment/property, various reimbursements, several salary line items (Secretary/Treasurer, Police Chief, Sergeant, Patrolman, Part Time), postage, audit fees, and legal fees. Council also discussed the engineering budget line item and mandated increases for the sanitation bill to $127.00 and the sewer transmission bill to $90.00 to cover contract and project costs, respectively. A critical item emphasized was the need for Council to tentatively adopt the 2026 budget by a date that allows for the required minimum 10-day public advertisement period before final adoption by the end of 2025.

The budget meeting focused extensively on reviewing various budget line items presented by the Borough Treasurer. Key areas discussed included general government expenses, which covered IT costs, software programs, and office equipment. Specific attention was given to the budget line items for legal fees and code enforcement. The discussion also covered public works expenses and the increasing cost of PP&L rates. A recommendation was made to add provisions for the planning commission, including solicitor, stenographer, and advertisement costs. The police budget details were reviewed, noting salaries for one chief, one sergeant, two full-time officers, and one part-time officer. The calibration budget line was recommended for increase due to rising police ammunition costs. Council also discussed the general need for hiring more police officers and engaged in audience discussion regarding sewer project costs.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss contract issues and public commentary on borough concerns such as snow removal, the 2026 budget, and moving permits. Correspondence involved accepting resignations from the Civil Service Commission Alternate Member and the Planning Commission Member. The Council tabled a decision regarding a request from the Coaldale, Lansford, Summit Hill Joint Sewer Authority concerning a $350,000 commitment for a sewer project, pending an agreement on unused funds return. Committee reports provided updates on the Fire Department (21 calls in November), Ambulance services (73 incidents in November), and Police activity (300 calls handled, 6 arrests). The Code Report detailed rental inspections and citation enforcement, while the Rental Report showed comprehensive rental data. Financial matters included paying bills, which passed by majority vote despite one opposition, and unanimously approving a change to simplify the bill pay format. Old business involved approving a heating oil quote from Kattner Coal & Oil Inc. at a fixed rate of $2.78 per gallon, discussing increasing insurance coverage, and agreeing to obtain quotes for the Silberline building appraisal. New business addressed discussion of Portnoff Law for collecting delinquent utilities, tabling handicap parking requests, adopting a Fee Schedule effective January 2026, appointing members to a committee to meet with pension system representatives, and hiring a law firm to review the denial of insurance coverage for the Diaz suit. Council also advertised for new members for the Lansford-Coaldale Joint Water Authority and the Planning Commission, appointed a Zoning Hearing Board member, and hired part-time plow operators pending license and background checks.