Darlene Green

The meeting included the administration of oaths of office for reappointed and new board members for 2026, followed by nominations and elections for the Chairperson and Vice-chairperson. The Consent Agenda covered the selection of contract professionals (Attorney, Planner, Engineer), designation of official newspapers for legal notices, selection of the Board Secretary and Deputy Board Secretary, and adoption of the 2026 meeting dates. A resolution establishing the completeness review procedure for applications was also adopted. During the regular meeting segment, the minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting were approved. New business involved the approval of a Preliminary & Final Site Plan application for 100 West Main Street.

The meeting commenced with Mayor Lee commenting on a recent coordinated arrest by Federal Officers. A public hearing was held for Ordinance 2026-001 regarding Salary and Wage Ranges 2026, which was subsequently opened, discussed, closed, and adopted. The Council addressed public comments concerning draft supporting document postings, the relocation timeline for a clothing recycling shed, and the Administrator's resignation, leading to a planned executive session for personnel matters. New business included the approval of a Consent Agenda containing numerous resolutions covering topics such as adopting a Green Purchasing Policy, approving parking permit software, updating Boards and Committees, Council Committee Assignments, and awarding bids for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection and the Safe Routes To School project. Resolution 041-2026 regarding the Borough Title VI Plan and LEP Plan was tabled. Resolution 067-2026 concerning Utility Rates and Fees was approved after discussion on rate increases and sewer treatment arrears. A new ordinance, Ordinance 2026-002, for a Fully Funded Bond for Sewer Infrastructure Repairs, was introduced, setting a public hearing for February 12, 2026. Legal issues regarding affordable housing obligations were discussed. The session concluded with the approval of a significant bill list totaling $2,790,663.66, followed by an Executive Session concerning the Administrator Role, after which Council Committee Assignments (Resolution 050-2026) were adopted with amendments.

The meeting continued the public hearing for Preliminary & Final site plan application PBapp-01-2025 for 100 West Main Street. The applicant's engineer addressed detailed questions regarding proposed site improvements, including installing a looped fire protection system with underground water storage tanks and additional hydrants. Significant discussion covered environmental remediation, including managing contaminated soil and groundwater, proposing a passive sub-slab depressurization system as a proactive measure against vapor intrusion, and establishing a CEA. Utility capacity confirmations, demolition safety protocols, and tenant notification were also discussed. The traffic engineer presented a Traffic Impact Assessment, concluding the projected traffic generation for the 98-unit development would not significantly impact traffic operations, although road widening coordination with the county remains. The landscape architect detailed plans for perimeter buffering, parking area landscaping, and foundation plantings, noting a temporary shortfall requiring a payment into the tree fund, which the applicant agreed to re-evaluate to maximize on-site planting. The hearing was ultimately carried to October 20, 2025.

The agenda for the meeting included a public hearing and consideration of Ordinance 2026-001 regarding Salary and Wage Ranges for 2026. Old Business included taking Resolution 022-2026 concerning Police Rules and Regulations from the table. The New Business section featured a comprehensive Consent Agenda covering multiple resolutions, such as adopting a Green Purchasing Policy, an Anti-idling resolution, applying for Wildlife Habitat Community Re-certification, approving Parking Permit Software, approving the Borough Title VI Plan and LEP Plan, authorization to advertise for Borough Staff, and awarding bids for the Safe Routes To School project and Solid Waste and Recycling Collection. Other resolutions covered appointments to Boards and Committees, various Borough Events, Council Committee Assignments, and establishing the Municipal Court Appointment for Judge Eric Perkins. Additionally, Resolution 067-2026 regarding Utility Rates and Fees was scheduled for approval. A new ordinance, Ordinance 2026-002, proposing a Fully Funded Bond Ordinance for sewer infrastructure repairs, was introduced for future public hearing. The session concluded with a planned executive session to discuss matters related to Attorney Client Privilege and the Personnel Administrator Role.

Key activities included a Life Saving Award presentation to Ofc. Jeffrey Andruczyk and the ceremonial swearing-in of new police officers, Ofc. Matthew Weippert and Ofc. Jacquelyn Martino. Public comments focused on concerns regarding the clothing shed on Dewey Avenue. New Business featured a Consent Agenda approving several resolutions, including an agreement for Safe Routes To School Improvements, appointments for Chief Financial Officer and a Public Works Laborer, approval for Parking Permit Software, professional services for a Water System Hydraulic Model, a change order for roadway improvements, acceptance of the Borough Administrator's resignation, approval of 2026 Council Meeting Dates, an Interlocal Health Services Agreement, a Municipal Park And Recreation Grant Agreement, approval for basketball court improvements, approval of PBA personal leave time exception, adoption of the Amended Personnel Policies Manual, and a Budget Transfer Resolution. Resolution 288-2025 accepting the resignation of Borough Administrator Brett Bartman was approved. Resolution 294-2025 regarding Borough Hall open hours and employee lunch breaks was tabled. Committee reports covered topics such as the tree lighting event, emergency services statistics, school board updates, and public works project completions. The meeting concluded with the approval of a significant bill list totaling $1,009,187.01.