Brian Bailey

The committee discussed the water report for December 2025, including pumping volumes and precipitation. Key discussions included directing the Borough Manager to contact a farmer regarding 2026 contact plans following a request from Berks Nature, and a motion to initiate the bidding process for the West Main Street Waterline Replacement, estimated at $922,000.00. The committee briefly discussed a request from a power washing contractor to purchase water without taking action. In wastewater matters, updates were provided on the sewer credit request for 136 Normal Avenue and the approval of sewer manhole placement for the Villas of Maxatawny. A motion was passed to recommend Borough Council authorize HRG to complete the Chapter 94 Report for 2025, and the need to utilize HRG for preparing a new Preparedness, Prevention and Contingency Plan (PPC) and Best Management Practices Plan (BMP) was noted.

The meeting of the Community Development and Public Safety Committee included several key discussions. The Kutztown Fire & Rescue provided a general update, noting 823 calls responded to in 2025 and updates on firehouse renovations. The Planning Commission discussed having the Water/Wastewater and Electric/Finance Committees review the Data Center Ordinance for recommendation at the next Borough Council meeting, and they will discuss the Short-Term Rental Ordinance later. The Police Department reviewed various incident, arrest, and crime reports for 2025. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing parking survey results, including disability parking, 15-minute drop-off zones, and potential ordinance changes. The committee recommended increasing the fine for parking in front of a fire hydrant from $25 to $50, and recommended that Borough Council approve parking enforcement relief for active volunteer firefighters on a case-by-case basis. A recommendation was also made to Borough Council to recognize Sergeant Walter Skavinsky as Officer of the Year for 2025. Finally, the Mayor requested that the Borough Council send a letter to a property owner requesting the removal of a political flag containing profane language.

Key discussions during the meeting included organizational matters for 2026, where the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson retained their roles, and Mr. Chad Master was elected as the new secretary. The commission reviewed the final draft of the proposed Data Center Ordinance and decided to forward it to the Water/Wastewater Committee and the Electric/Finance Committee for review before the February Borough Council Meeting. Discussions on the Short-Term Rental Ordinance were tabled for a subsequent workshop meeting on January 26, 2026. Furthermore, the commission reviewed and recommended the appointment of Mr. Daniel Fogarty to the Planning Commission. Public comments included notification of two upcoming economic forecast meetings.

The meeting commenced with the presentation of the Kutztown Community Partnership's annual report, detailing activities such as Fall Fest and Strand Theatre renovations. Council reviewed multiple budget items, including ratification of payments for various borough funds. Key actions involved approving planning commission recommendations for a parking lot project at 154 W. Walnut Street and adopting Resolution No. 8-2025, which recognizes the authority of Kutztown Fire & Rescue, Inc. to seek reimbursements for hazardous materials and emergency responses. The council also adopted Ordinance No. 4-2025 fixing the tax rate for 2026 and Resolution No. 9-2025, which amends electric service rate schedules effective January 1, 2026. Personnel decisions included accepting a retirement notice, appointing a new Crew Leader, authorizing the termination of one employee, ratifying a settlement agreement with an officer, and hiring a new Code Enforcement Officer contingent upon background checks. Further actions included approving change orders for the new municipal building, utilizing a rock allowance for excess concrete charges, approving various usage agreements for borough facilities, and approving the proposed 2026 budget.

The reorganization meeting included the administration of the oath of office to the newly elected Mayor and Council member. Key actions involved the unanimous election of Kevin Snyder as President of Council and Derek Mace as Vice President of Council. The council appointed Barbara Smith to the Vacancy Board for 2026. Standing committees and ad-hoc committee representatives for 2026 and 2027 were appointed, including the assignment of committee chairpersons. Professional appointments included Barley Snyder, LLC as Borough Solicitor, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. as consulting engineer for planning and water/wastewater, Great Valley Consultants as transportation consulting engineer, and Utility Engineers PC as electrical consulting engineer. The council appointed solicitors for various boards and ratified the hiring of Tyler Diehl as Lineman 1. A resolution was adopted appointing Jerilyn Wehr as Deputy Tax Collector. Vacancies on various boards and commissions were noted, and the council expressed enthusiastic support for the Kutztown Community Partnership's Main Street Matters Designation application via a letter from the Mayor and Council President.