David Lennon

The meeting primarily involved the reorganization process for the new term. Key activities included the administration of oaths of office to newly elected members, the election and confirmation of the Council President and Vice President. Furthermore, the consent agenda included numerous appointments of various borough officials and consultants for 2026, such as the bureau secretary, treasurer, solicitor, engineer, IT Service Manager, zoning officer, traffic engineer, labor attorney, and solicitors for specific commissions and boards. Additionally, the council adopted the 2026 fee schedule, including adjustments for bulk trash pickup (increasing from $125/ton to $300/ton) and stormwater management permit escrow fees (increasing from $150 to $165). The council also designated authorized signers for the borough's bank accounts.

The meeting session included a presentation on a minor subdivision application for 110 East 7th Avenue, concerning the division of one lot into two residential lots, with plans for future development on the vacant portion. The council also heard a discussion regarding the borough's intention to issue general obligation bonds, up to $12 million, to finance improvements, specifically the design of a new public safety building, improvements to Veteran Square, and road improvements. The presentation covered the technical aspects of the bond ordinance, including federal tax covenants and the application process with the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

The agenda for this Regular Public Meeting included several key items. Presentations were scheduled for a proclamation recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day and updates regarding the 2026 Arts Festival & Car Show and Bike Race events. Land Use Matters involved consideration of adopting Ordinance 01-2026 regarding the intention to issue general obligation bonds and take on non-electoral debt. New Business items included considering the approval of tuition reimbursements for two employees for the 2026 spring semester, approving a financial security escrow release, authorizing the advertisement of an RFP for the Community Center kitchen renovation, and accepting a resignation from a member of the Friends of Conshohocken Parks.

Key discussions and actions included the recognition of Anita and Rick Barton for their years of service. Land use matters involved the approval of a minor subdivision for 110 East Seventh Avenue and authorizing the advertisement of an ordinance regarding the issuance of general obligation bonds and non-electoral debt. The consent agenda addressed the approval of previous meeting minutes, the November-ending Treasurer's Report and Accounts Payable, the adoption of the FY2026 Budget, and the resolution to levy real estate tax for 2026. Unfinished business included approving the Conshohocken Pocket Park and Porch Festival special event request, approving a supplemental appropriation of up to $4,000,000 from the general fund to the capital fund, and authorizing the advertisement of the 2026 meeting schedules. New business actions included approving the final escrow release for SORA West professional services, approving change order no. 3 for the Harry Street Rehabilitation Project (contingent on closeout documents), approving zoning escrow releases for several properties, approving a tuition reimbursement for Officer Walter for the 2026 spring semester, accepting the resignation of a Zoning Hearing Board member effective December 31, 2025, and authorizing the sale of a 2019 Chevy Tahoe Police vehicle. The Council also approved the Civil Service Commission certified hire lists appointing Steve Young as Battalion Chief and Megan Klosterman as Fire Captain, and approved updated Civil Service Regulations for Fire Services.

The meeting began with a roll call and the pledge of allegiance. Key segments included the recognition of Councilmember Anita Barton and her husband Rick Barton for their decades of dedicated public service to the Borough, including Anita's roles on the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and Borough Council. The agenda covered land use matters, including the approval of a minor subdivision for 110 East 7th Avenue and authorizing advertisement for an ordinance regarding general obligation bonds and non-electoral debt. The consent agenda saw the approval of the November treasurer's report and accounts payable, the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, and the levy of the 2026 real estate tax rate. Unfinished business included approving the Pocket Park and Porch Festival special event request and authorizing a supplemental appropriation of up to $4 million from the general fund to the capital fund to finance 2026 budget initiatives. New business included approving an escrow release for Sora West Professional Services and approving a change order for the Harry Street rehab project, pending receipt of final closeout documents.