Christopher J. McKim

The commission discussed several agenda items, including recommending a 30-day removal notice for a tree box at 209 Main St, planning for a fall tree planting project, and submitting a design for an informational sign at the Tree Bank. Furthermore, they reviewed collaboration plans with the Ephrata Public Library regarding tree selection, evaluated a new tree inventory project app currently in beta testing, coordinated to acquire a smaller Tree City flag from the Arbor Day Foundation, and determined that the requested replacement of a large flowering street tree was not financially feasible.

The meeting included the adoption of the agenda, approval of financial reports, and the ratification of bill payments. Key action items approved include a declaration of access for W. Main St. Associates, LLC, a water main extension request for Spring Glen Fresh Foods, land development waivers for Ephrata National Bank, an agreement for water facilities with Oak & Co. Holdings, LLC, and a bulk water purchase agreement with Express Water, LLC. Additionally, the engineer provided updates on ongoing projects such as the Lincoln Tank railing system, construction progress at Ephrata Crossing, new water source development feasibility, and distribution system hydraulic modeling. Operations reports provided data on system demand and water accountability metrics.

The committee reviewed a request from a resident to utilize a public park for a community block party, recommending that Council consider the matter pending confirmation of the event date and submission of required insurance documentation. Additionally, the committee reviewed proposals for a pickleball court project and recommended that the Borough Council award the design, engineering, and bidding services contract to Hanover Engineering for $36,300.50.

The board addressed various operational and financial items, including an update on the WWTF No. 1 Biosolids Project and the approval of a requisition for construction funds. Action was taken to authorize a partial release of financial security for the Wildflower Commons project, approve an improvement agreement for sanitary sewer facilities at 31 East Main Street, and approve the sanitary sewer design for 839 South State Street. The board also accepted the 2025 Audit Report, reviewed progress on the Stormwater Program and capital improvement projects, and discussed engineering and operations reports, including pumping station upgrades and permit renewals. An executive session was held to discuss potential litigation.

The work session involved discussions on various committee actions, including budget resolutions for board and commission appointments, funding for fire police, and bank loan proposals for fire equipment. Development activities were reviewed, such as financial security releases, subdivision agreements, stormwater maintenance, and recording time extensions for various properties. Additional topics included street closures for community events, support for regional extension projects, the purchase of celebration decorations, and a memorandum of agreement for an electric department apprentice program. The council also discussed the recent resumption of paid parking, monitored downtown business trends, and reviewed a recent pedestrian fatality to determine if future committee oversight is required. The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding property matters and potential litigation.