Bruce A. Fromlak

The Council reviewed reports from various municipal departments, including police service statistics, fire department call volume, and financial updates regarding tax collections and fund balances. Key discussion topics included the ongoing municipal complex project, the upcoming paving program, and potential community project funding requests. The Council approved the 2026 paving program, the demolition of specific properties for the municipal complex, a proposal agreement for the Downtown Corridor Rehabilitation Project, and the appointment of a member to the Vacancy Board. Additionally, the Council ratified a resolution supporting a community project funding request for public safety and security improvements.

The Council meeting involved several key actions and reports, including the swearing-in of the new Chief of Police. Reports from officers and committees covered motor vehicle code violations, municipal project updates such as the new municipal complex demolition and sewer improvement projects, public works activities including snow removal, and fire department statistics. There was an audience segment addressing concerns regarding U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) activity in the borough. The Council approved payroll payments, various fund expenditures, the promotion of the Chief of Police, the acceptance of a property gift from the Volunteer Fire Department, and the award of contracts for storm sewer improvement and sewer separation projects.

The Organizational Meeting included the administration of Oaths of Office for four-year Council Members and the Tax Collector. Key actions involved the appointment of the President and Vice President of Council. Council also approved appointments to various Borough Boards and Commissions, including the Civil Service Commission, Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and Water Authority, alongside reconfirming numerous existing appointments for various Borough roles such as Manager, Solicitor, and Public Works Coordinator. The subsequent Regular Meeting involved officer reports detailing December 2025 police activity and yearly statistics, including the receipt of a Platinum Award by the Police Department. Financial reports detailed December tax collections and fund balances. Discussions focused on an update regarding PennDOT's Highland Avenue traffic study, emphasizing continuous safety measures implemented by the Borough, such as speed monitoring and crosswalk improvements. Council approved the award for Streetscape Improvement Phase 1B and authorized advertising an RFP for demolition services at 403 Perry Highway and 649 Center Avenue. A resolution was approved to establish future meeting dates for the second Wednesday of the month, and an agreement for a Deputy Tax Collector was authorized.

The Special Budget Workshop Meeting focused on the proposed 2026 budget, projecting revenues and expenditures to be $10,467,900 each. A key element discussed was raising real estate tax by 1.5-mills to generate approximately $474,000 in additional annual revenue, intended to support debt service for the new Municipal and Fire Complex, Streetscape improvements, and capital equipment investments. Uniform and Non-Uniform Employees are slated for a 3% salary increase in 2026. Major budget initiatives highlighted included the development of the Municipal and Fire Complex, the Perry Highway Streetscape Project utilizing CDBG grant funds, Public Works Equipment Upgrades totaling $35,000, and Police Vehicle Replacement budgeted at $55,000. Following this workshop, the Town Council immediately convened for the Regular Meeting, which primarily addressed the Lexington Plan development proposal by Victor-Wetzel, including public comment regarding traffic, drainage, and construction staging. Council also considered and approved several resolutions related to grant applications for streetscape and property improvements (Resolutions 1587, 1588, 1589, 1591, 1592, 1593, 1594), including one to temporarily lower the Police Pension Plan employee contribution rate to 2% (Resolution 1590). Officer reports included October statistics for police activity and fire department response times, and the Christmas Tree lighting date was announced.

The meeting began with recognition and presentation of a citation in honor of the late Vice President M. Kimberly Steele. The Executive Director of Ross West View EMS reported on EMS activities, noting positive collection figures, facility improvements, and staff training hours, while confirming the EMS fee has helped avoid funding crises. Officer reports included November statistics for Mayor's code violations, Police citations, arrests, and calls for service. The Manager presented an overview of the 2026 budget, noting a slight increase in operating expenses below inflation, a reduction in Public Works funding that will not impact current services, and clarification on the municipal bond's use. The Engineer reported on submitted grant applications for local projects. Committee reports detailed November financial collections, including wage tax, liquid fuel, and real estate taxes, and a charity flag football tournament organized by the Police department. New business focused on appointing Troy E. Holtgraver to fill the vacancy created by Ms. Steele's passing, expressing support for a state resolution on community energy facilities, and considering ordinances for the 2026 tax rate increase, appropriations, and authorizing nonelectoral debt for a capital project.