Dawn Earhart

The council addressed several items, including authorization for Boy Scout troops to utilize Shields Farm, discussions regarding municipal snow removal practices, and an update from the local ambulance service regarding their current operations and subscription drives. Engineering matters included tabling the Act 537 Report update and the approval to advertise the Tollgate Lane Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project. The council also approved Ordinance 2026-01, initiated the Civil Service process for the police department, and noted upcoming grant funding. Additional administrative actions included the appointment of a recreation board member and the approval of subdivision plans for 127 Church Street. The emergency management coordinator provided a report regarding a recent fire incident and disaster declaration.

The meeting focused on the process to fill a vacant seat on the Council. The Council reviewed letters of support submitted for two candidates, Andy Shissler and Amanda List, and heard public comment regarding the appointment. Following the discussion, the Council held a vote which resulted in the appointment of Amanda List to the Council.

The special reorganization meeting included several key actions. The Solicitor's Report led to the approval of two resolutions: Resolution 2026-02 authorizing the private sale of a Tax Anticipation Note (TAN), and Resolution 2026-03 authorizing the TAN process. Council appointed Dave Weber as the next Mayor of Delmont Borough. Following discussion regarding the appointment process for an empty Council seat, the motion to advertise the vacant position and accept letters of interest carried, despite some opposition. It was deemed appropriate for the Borough Secretary and Solicitor to attend executive sessions for insight. Further approvals included naming Mayor David Weber as an additional Check Signer with Opening & Closing Authority, transferring funds from the Grant Operating Account to the General Fund and closing the former, ratifying the Whiskey Acres Animal Rescue Contract for Animal Control Services, and authorizing the Chief to purchase a new Police Vehicle.

The meeting commenced with the swearing in of recently elected officials and Tax Collector. Key actions involved the election of officers, resulting in Robert Walczer being appointed Council President and Chris Bigley as Vice President, with the Mayor position tabled for 30 days and advertising for interested residents initiated. Designations were made for official newspapers, bank depositories, and the regular council meeting schedule was moved to the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM. Appointments were confirmed for the Borough Secretary-Treasurer, Solicitor, Engineer (for sewage and general/roads projects), Vacancy Board Member, Appointed Tax Collector (511 Taxes), and Auditor. Check signers and authority were designated. Committee assignments for various Borough functions were finalized. Prior matters tabled included Trail Maintenance and Park Grant Reporting.

The meeting involved several key actions and discussions. Citizens raised concerns regarding a broken pedestrian crossing button at the W. Pittsburgh Street and State Route 66 intersection and another at Manor Road and State Route 66; Public Works was tasked with inspections. Concerns were also voiced about the consistency of the Shields Farm Comprehensive Plan with original deed intentions. The Council accepted the Treasurer's Report and approved the payment of bills. The Solicitor reported on the approval of the 2026 Tax Rate remaining at 20 Mills and the acceptance of Mayor Alyce Urban's resignation, initiating procedures for the reorganization meeting. The Police Chief provided statistics and announced a K9 Unit fundraiser. The Council approved significant paving invoices for Greensburg Street, E. Pittsburgh Street, and Shields Farm. The 2026 Budget was approved, along with annual mandated fund transfers and budgeted donations to the Delmont Public Library and Delmont VFD. The Shields Farm Comprehensive Plan was approved, along with the $20,000 payment to The EADS Group for its development. Additionally, measures were approved allowing residents to drop off property taxes at the Borough Building on specific days and to utilize the Borough Address for mail-in payments, effective January 2026. The Animal Control Contract approval was tabled.