Brandon Bernier

The meeting included public comments regarding ordinance scheduling and flooding issues related to a retaining wall. Department reports were provided for Administration, Police, Fire, Recreation, Health, OEM, and Public Works. The Council conducted the first reading of an ordinance to amend fees for sponsored athletic events and borough facility use. Additionally, public hearings were held for a bond ordinance providing capital improvements and a new ordinance supplementing the Borough's noise control regulations.

The council meeting addressed several personnel actions, including the promotion of fire department staff and the appointment of new probationary firefighters. Ordinances regarding the municipal budget appropriation limits, handicap parking, and exempt sign standards were discussed and acted upon. Additionally, the council approved a local cannabis business license for Fuse Brands Inc., authorized an unpaid leave of absence for a police officer, accepted a retirement, made appointments to the Rent Leveling Board, and approved an amendment to a shared services agreement for public health services. Redevelopment designations for specific properties were rescinded, and the payment of various bills was authorized.

The Council reviewed departmental reports covering administration, recreation, fire, police, health, OEM, and public works activities for February 2026. Actions taken included the introduction and adoption of ordinances regarding handicap parking spaces and fees for sponsored athletic events and borough facilities. The Council approved resolutions for property tax abatement, contract awards for engineering and construction services, the retirement of fire department personnel, appointments of public works and administrative staff, and the submission of a federal funding application for a youth center. Additionally, the Council designated specific properties as a condemnation area in need of redevelopment and authorized the payment of the bills list.

The council discussed various departmental reports including public safety statistics, public works activities, recreation updates, and code enforcement. Several ordinances were introduced or adopted, covering handicap parking designations, amendments to redevelopment plans, staffing levels, and salary ranges. The council also addressed the resignation of several officials, including the Chief Financial Officer, and appointed an interim successor. Additionally, the meeting included the approval of contracts for facility lighting improvements, roadway and pedestrian safety projects, and animal control services, as well as a grant application for a new youth center.

The meeting included a period for public comments addressing various community concerns, such as committee rebalancing, enforcement of compliance, and general borough functioning. The primary agenda item involved the interview process for nominees to fill the unexpired Third Ward Council member vacancy. Following interviews and highlighting the qualifications of present and absent candidates, the Council adopted Resolution Number 2026-091, officially appointing Ethelyne Grimsley to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term. Council members and the Mayor offered concluding remarks focusing on unity, transparency, and future collaboration.