Barry Katzin

Key discussions included a presentation by representatives of the New First Baptist Church regarding proposed restorations and enhancements, and a request for a letter of support from the Borough. The agenda was amended to include the readoption of the Emergency Plan. Financial matters involved approving the bills list and the Treasurer's Report, which detailed surplus/deficit figures for General, Harms, and Liquid Fuels funds. Administrative actions included designating new Building Code Officers and amending a resolution to designate signers for the LSA bucket truck grant. The Council approved the use of Main Bird Park for the May 30, 2026, Duck Derby, including a road closure. The Solicitor was authorized to advertise the amended Trailer Parking Ordinance and the Fire Inspection Program Ordinance. An executive session was held to discuss litigation and personnel matters, after which the Council approved creating two supervisory (Sergeant) positions in the Police Department. Other topics involved updates on the Public Works building roof project specifications, sidewalk clearing enforcement, and the appointment of Heatherly Mearkle to the Recreation Board.

The meeting began with the administration of Oaths of Office to newly elected officials. Key actions included the nomination and election of Anthony Tucci as Council President and Mary Ann Cotter as Council Vice President. The Council held an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation, after which they declared a vacancy on the Birdsboro Municipal Authority and subsequently appointed Matthew Welch to a 5-year term on the Authority, following the failure of a motion to appoint Kevin Orman. A series of appointments were approved for various boards and commissions, including the Planning Commission, Board of Appeals, and Civil Service Commission (noting one vacancy). The Council also approved multiple resolutions (2026-01 through 2026-18), including appointments for Borough Manager, Tax Collector, Engineer, Emergency Management Coordinator, and Solicitor, and the appointment of Cherry Bekaert as Independent Auditor. Finally, a motion was carried to form a 250th Anniversary Committee, and it was decided that a follow-up meeting regarding NIMS training would occur on January 19, 2026.

The meeting agenda included several key administrative and operational items. Discussions and potential actions covered the appointment of a Civil Service Commission Member and authorizing participation in related training webinars. Policy considerations included the Opening Burning Ordinance and the Social Media Policy. The council planned to address approvals for Water Street Closures related to upcoming community events (Egg Hunts and Food Truck Frenzy) and discuss matters concerning the Texas Ballfield and Legion Field damage/burglary. The Engineer's Report involved awarding the PWD Maintenance Building Roof Bid. The Solicitor's Report included adopting amendments to the Large Truck/RV Parking Ordinance and the Fire Inspection Program Ordinance, along with enacting a resolution to adopt the Fire Inspection Fee Schedule. Potential executive sessions were noted to discuss pending litigation (Gernert v. Satiro case and 738 Haycreek Road) and Retired Officer ID matters.

The meeting included several key actions and discussions. Proclamations and citations were presented to Council Member Robert Myers and Police Chief Todd Trupp for their service. Oaths of Office were administered to Police Chief Adam Borz and Officer John Hutchinson. Russ Lander was appointed to fill a Council vacancy. Agenda amendments included the ratification of a disaster declaration extension. The Council approved the bills list, interim bills and payroll, and the Treasurer's Report. Key budget decisions included the adoption of the 2026 budget and approval of an ordinance providing for a 0.15 mil real estate tax increase for 2026. The Council also approved the 2026 meeting schedule, an amended LSA Grant Resolution, the execution of an Animal Control Services Agreement, and authorized expenditure for new council member training. Furthermore, action was authorized for non-compliance at 738 Haycreek Road, and the Borough Manager was directed to investigate pedestrian crossing safety options near E. Main Street and Mill Street. The Engineer's report noted NPDES approval for the Birdsboro Power construction project. The Council approved an ordinance amending the DROP program and authorized the Solicitor to review documentation for a Fire Inspection Program ordinance. Council members offered remarks regarding their service and the 'Christmas in Birdsboro' event. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss litigation.

Key discussions during the meeting included the presentation and approval of the 2024 audit, with one abstention noted. Agenda amendments were approved to include discussions on locking Legion Field, the Chief's contract, and a tax increase ordinance, with the latter two deferred to Executive Session. The Council approved the bills list, the Treasurer's Report, and a funding request from BYS. Authorization was granted for advertising and inspecting the proposed 2026 budget, which includes a 0.15 mill increase, along with advertising the associated tax ordinance. A motion to lock Legion Field failed initially, but a subsequent motion to authorize locking only the dugouts during winter months was carried. The Council approved the Furnace Street Unmetered Public Parking Lot Ordinance. In Executive Session, actions included agreeing to advertise an opening for a Birdsboro Municipal Authority member, approving staff bonuses equivalent to 2024 levels, authorizing research into the conveyance of property on Armorcast Road, drafting a DROP ordinance amendment, and approving the Police Chief Contract with Adam Borz, including a stipend in lieu of car use. Finally, the Council accepted the resignation of Council President Anthony Tucci and authorized advertising for a two-year term opening.