David Depretis

The reorganization meeting commenced with the swearing in of the re-elected Mayor and newly elected/re-elected members of Council. Key organizational actions included the unanimous election and appointment of Mr. Hayhurst as President of Council, Mr. Dee as Vice President of Council, and Mr. Egger as President Pro-Tem. Various official appointments for 2026 were approved, including the Borough Engineer (LSSE, Civil Engineers and Surveyors and Jason Stanton, P.E.), Borough Solicitor (Tucker Arensberg, P.C., Ashley Wagner, Esq.), and Treasurer (Marianne Conley). The depository bank was set as Huntington Bank for 2026 and 2027, and the official newspaper for legal advertising was set as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for 2026 and 2027. The schedule for future Agenda Meetings (Second Tuesday of the Month) and Regular Meetings (Third Tuesday of the Month) for 2026 was established. Council Committee and Board/Commission appointments for various areas, including Finance, Public Safety, and Public Works, were announced. The meeting concluded with the filling of a vacancy on the Shade Tree Commission pending advertising.

The Council meeting included an update on the social services program and a presentation on the Log Cabin dendrochronology study. Financial actions included approving partial payments for various contracts, awarding a salt storage improvement contract, rejecting bids for another, and ratifying and approving bills. Several resolutions were adopted for the acquisition of vacant properties under the recovery program. Updates were provided on library annual performance, public works activities, and emergency services response data. Additionally, the Council authorized personnel appointments to the Library Board, Planning Commission, and Zoning Hearing Board, and extended a conditional offer of employment for a patrol officer and a custodial position.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence for a Police Detective and an Administrative Assistant's mother. Key discussions included updates from the Engineer, noting the completion of Phase 2 of the Streets Run Road lining project and 50% completion for Missionary Drive storm sewer construction, with sewage bill calculation baseline set to complete by June 30, 2026. The Solicitor alerted the Council to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's announced closure in May 2026 and advocated for legislative changes to Borough advertising requirements. Administration reported receiving a $417,000 grant for Municipal Field Lighting replacement, and noted that interviews for Legal Services to Pension Plan are forthcoming, with final approval slated for the next month. A motion was passed to advertise for the Municipal Custodian position. The Municipal Services Manager reported on retaining funds for the 2025 Road Program and upcoming waterline/road replacement projects on Brazil Street, Baptist Road, and overlaps with Route 51 and Curry Roads. The Recreation department concluded the Holiday Lights Showdown and scheduled the Spring Easter Event. The Planning Commission elected new officers and discussed drafting a short-term rental and Air B&B Ordinance in anticipation of the NFL Draft. The BEMS Board Meeting Report reflected a 13.4% increase in business costs from 2020 to 2025, and a quarterly financial review was scheduled. The meeting concluded with an executive session.

The Council meeting commenced after a brief Executive Session. Key administrative discussions focused on the borough's road salt inventory status, noting in-transit delays from the primary supplier and contingency planning through SHACOG and COSTARS contracts. Council adopted resolutions appointing representatives and alternates to the SHACOG Franchising Authority Board and the SHACOG Joint Rate Review Board. Capital leases were approved for two new police vehicles (a 2026 Dodge Durango Pursuit and a 2026 Ford Interceptor PIU). The firm Cambell Durant, P.C. was appointed to provide legal services for the Borough Pension Plans. Financial actions included accepting the Treasurer's Report for December 2025 and ratifying/approving outstanding bills totaling over $2.47 million. Public safety updates detailed increased 911 calls over five years, and recognized the response to a recent large mechanic shop fire. Personnel actions included extending a conditional offer to a Public Works Employee and approving two-year contract extensions for the Borough Manager, Chief of Police, and Deputy Chief of Police.

The Council discussed various reports including pool improvements and the status of the salt storage building and public safety facility projects. The administration reviewed a revised fee schedule for pool admission and potential promotional events. The Council approved the award of a pool management contract to American Pool. Reports were provided regarding road programs, utility projects, zoning ordinance reviews, and winter maintenance activities. A proposal to create a Snow Angel Program to assist elderly and disabled residents with snow removal was introduced. The meeting also included an executive session.