Autumn Canfield

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included recognizing several employees for their years of service. The Finance Committee reported on the adoption of several ordinances and resolutions: Ordinance 786 setting the 2026 real estate tax rate, Ordinance 787 setting the 2026 Act 511 taxes, Resolution 748-25 establishing the 2026 fee schedule, adoption of the 2026 Budget, and adoption of the 2026 Salary Schedule. The Council approved a use request for in-person tax collection at the Council Chambers. Under Sewer/Solid Waste/Water, a partial payment of $137,048.75 was approved for the 2025 sewer lining project. The Council accepted the 2026 Police Chief employment agreement and approved payment of pending invoices. The Mayor delivered his final address before stepping down from his role.

The meeting began with the acceptance of a donation of a Fingerprint Laboratory for the Palmerton Police Department from the Crusaders for a Cause Carnival. The Manager's Report detailed completed 2025 projects, including paving work, roof replacement, body worn cameras implementation, and sewer system lining, and noted two remaining projects expected before year-end. The Finance Committee secured approvals for Keystone Grant and LSA Grant applications for Palmerton Library renovations, named Kirk, Summa and Company as the 2026 auditing firm, and authorized the advertisement of the 2026 Budget. The Public Relations/Borough Code committee approved a land development waiver request contingent upon a stormwater plan approval. The Buildings/Recreation committee approved use requests for a Nativity Scene and basketball practice. Public Safety retroactively approved fire police assistance requests for two separate upcoming events and retroactively approved an Officer in Charge designation. The Personnel Committee authorized the advertisement for a Public Works position. Finally, Council approved the payment of invoices and the check register, and the Mayor provided several reminders regarding safety checks, local events, and community support.

This Joint Comprehensive Plan provides a strategic roadmap for the future development and conservation of Bowmanstown, Lower Towamensing Township, Palmerton, and Towamensing Township over the next 15 years. The plan aims to foster a strong sense of community, preserve natural and agricultural areas, enhance historic character, promote a vibrant economy, and ensure an excellent quality of life. Key pillars include protecting natural features and water resources, promoting orderly and compatible land development, supporting agricultural activities, revitalizing economic centers like Downtown Palmerton, ensuring diverse housing options, providing high-quality community services and infrastructure, managing traffic effectively, and facilitating ongoing plan implementation through community engagement and strategic recommendations.

The meeting agenda focused on organizational matters, including the swearing in of newly elected officials and the election of President, Vice-President, and Chairman Pro Tem. Key actions involved the appointment of numerous borough officers, such as the Manager, Secretary, Treasurer, Solicitor, and various engineers (General, Sewer, Water). The agenda also covered authorizing signatures for checking and investment accounts, authorizing contingent payment of invoices prior to the next Council meeting, selecting tentative meeting dates, and making various appointments to Boards and Commissions, including the Police Civil Service Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, Shade Tree Commission, Municipal Authority, Planning Commission, and others. A final item for discussion was a revised salary schedule.

The meeting included discussions and reports from various committees and offices, including the Treasurer, Zoning Officer, Police Department, Fire Chief, and Street Supervisor. Approvals were granted for an LSA Grant application to replace a retaining wall and another for new portable and mobile radios for fire companies and the Police Department. The council also approved a use request for holiday lighting in Clock Park and retroactively approved officers in charge. A quote for a Wastewater Treatment Plant heating upgrade was approved. The resignation of Franklin Haas was accepted. The Mayor reported on the Halloween Parade, Trick-or-Treat night, Daylight Savings, and the upcoming Veterans Day parade. The Police Chief discussed No Shave November, trick-or-treat safety, the Give A Gobbler event, and National Night Out. The council entered into an executive session to discuss potential litigation. Announcements were made regarding fire prevention programs, the annual Santa Delivery, and repairs to the town clock.