Betsy W. Buckingham

The meeting includes a review of financial reports covering the General Fund balance and various CDBG account balances. Action items involve voting on architectural services for Penn Market, entering into a strategic planning contract for Penn Market, and approving several redevelopment agreement extensions for various properties, including those on Lincoln Street, South George Street, East Poplar Street, and Prospect Street. Additionally, the agenda features the renewal of a garden license agreement and various staff and committee reports.

The Board reviewed a proposal for 103 N. Newberry St. regarding the removal of two street-facing storefront windows and the installation of a large fixed window. Discussions focused on the importance of maintaining vertical architectural proportions consistent with the building's historic character and the necessary structural modifications. The Board conditionally approved the project, requiring the applicant to incorporate vertical elements, align the new opening with existing upper window jambs, and submit revised sketches ensuring casing and trim continuity.

The meeting included a lengthy public comment period addressing resident concerns about property inspection enforcement, the need for immigrant protections, and clarification regarding a city official's financial qualifications. Legislative actions included passing a resolution to accept the recommendations of the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) for several properties. A major focus was the appointment of Adam E. Smith as Fire Chief, following extensive commentary on his qualifications and operational improvements, including achieving a Class 2 ISO rating for the city. Council also authorized $200,000.00 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the York Community Resource Center's Tec Centro Trades Facility, despite procedural concerns about documentation, and awarded a contract to Paycom for a new Human Resources Information System, expected to yield significant annual savings. Council members discussed the status of the vetoed Trust Act, the recent ransomware attack, and the need for updated ARPA fund balance reports. The Mayor announced the delivery of the first monthly financial report for January 2026 and introduced the new Chief of Staff.

The board discussed multiple renovation projects, including the replacement of doors and transom at 50 West King Street (the York City Police Department), masonry and window repairs at 159 South Penn Street following an automobile impact, facade restoration and elevator replacement at 18 South George Street, and a full renovation project at 245 East Popular Street involving siding, window replacement, and exterior upgrades. Several applications were tabled or approved with stipulations regarding historical compliance and material replication.

The agenda focuses on architectural restoration projects. Specifically, it includes the restoration of a bay window's lower exterior apron at 35 N. Queen St, the removal and disposal of existing framing and masonry treatment at 132 S. George St, and the repair of damaged brickwork at 158 S. Pershing Ave using historic reclaimed brick and lime mortar.