Derek Koch

The council discussed a potential partnership with the Elizabethtown Bears Club regarding the use of property at 700 W Bainbridge Street for athletic fields and facilities. Legislative actions included the adoption of ordinances prohibiting tobacco use in public buildings and restricting parking on E High Street. Operational updates were provided regarding the sewer maintenance and emergency contract, and the council approved payment requests for the Radio Road Interceptor Improvements Project and the Conoy Creek Floodplain Restoration project. Additionally, the council reviewed a first-quarter budget update and authorized several upcoming community special events and fee waivers.

The council held a public hearing regarding a proposed zoning ordinance text amendment for a cross-municipal mixed-use development, which was ultimately tabled for a future meeting. During the public meeting, the council reviewed various departmental reports, approved a resolution to revise the fee schedule, and authorized the disposal of municipal records. Additionally, the council awarded bids for the 2026 Stone Bid, the Street Tree Concrete and Paver Repair Project, the Center Square Masonry Project, and the Market Street Inlet Replacement Project. Approval was also granted for several special community events and requests regarding local youth sports activities. Financial matters addressed included the approval of monthly bills across various funds and the payment of real estate tax credits to volunteer firefighters.

The meeting included a presentation from the public library regarding recent programming updates and challenges with passport services. Public comment was received concerning the residential rental program. The Council reviewed and accepted the 2025 Annual Audit and monthly financial reports, and received updates from the Police, Code Enforcement, and Fire departments. Key resolutions were approved, including an application for a C2P2 grant for park improvements, the adoption of the 2025 Lancaster County Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the authorization for record disposal. Additionally, the Council approved a special event permit for the May the 4th event and awarded a bid for the Willow Street signal rewiring project. Discussion also touched upon the upcoming Bicentennial celebration and potential changes to park regulations regarding dogs.

The commission reviewed and accepted the High Street Apartments Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for formal review. Additionally, the commission approved the preparation of letters of support for two 2026 Community Development Block Grant applications, which include projects for ADA ramp improvements and sanitary and storm sewer work.

The council received an annual audit presentation, approved a traffic control plan for the Elizabethtown Area School District geothermal project, and reviewed a concept plan for a downtown car show. Various public comments were heard regarding a draft zoning ordinance text amendment, which was subsequently denied by the council. Additional actions included the approval of twin city agreements with Letterkenny, Ireland, authorization for various infrastructure and radio interceptor project payments, and the advertisement of ordinances concerning parking restrictions and tobacco use. The council also appointed members to the Donegal-Elizabethtown Area Appeals Board and the Zoning Hearing Board, updated permit fee resolutions, approved a commencement ceremony event, authorized a police officer promotion, and approved the release of financial security for a local development project.