Derek Muller

The council approved several check registers for payment and received various departmental reports. Key resolutions passed include authorizing a mosquito treatment program with the Bucks County Department of Health, approving street closures for a car show, authorizing the annual Memorial Day Parade and waiving the bandshell fee, and executing a Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement regarding a wastewater plant upgrade. Additionally, the council approved event applications for a 9/11 25th-anniversary recognition ceremony and a stream clean-up by the Tohickon Watershed Association. Public comment was provided regarding a previous high school student protest and the subsequent police department response.

The meeting involved the administration of the Oath of Office to re-elected Councilmembers and the re-election of the President and Vice President of the Borough Council. Key actions included ratifying appointments and reappointments for various boards and commissions for the year 2026, such as the Zoning Hearing Board, Planning Commission, and Civil Service Commission. The Council approved check registers for several dates in December 2025 and received financial statements and department reports. Business resolutions passed included adopting a fee schedule for 2026, enacting Ordinance 1255 establishing a Fire Tax, adopting a resolution regarding Police Officer pension contributions for 2026, and adopting Resolution 3-26 concerning non-uniform employee pension contributions for 2024. The Council also adopted Resolution 7-26 to support a Fire Department Local Share Account Grant application for rescue tools. Furthermore, Ordinance 1256 amending paid parking regulations was passed. The request for Amy's Ride/Run/Walk 2026 in May 2026 was approved, contingent on insurance requirements. The proposed resolution regarding the 25-year lease renewal with Septa concerning the Train Station was tabled for a future work session. Finally, Fire Policemen appointments for 2026 were confirmed, detailing their authorized duties.

The meeting included the adoption of Resolution 80-25, appointing Melaina Hanna as Junior Council Member. The Council also approved check registers for several dates in October 2025, and received and filed reports from the Financial Statements, Police Department, Zoning Administrator, and Building Inspector. Key committee actions involved accepting development documents for the Valvoline project (Resolution 81-25) and approving the addition of an extra member to the General Authority Board (Resolution 82-25). The Health, Safety & Welfare Committee discussed a Veterans Day event and authorized the Police Department to send accumulated unclaimed bicycles and miscellaneous property to auction (Resolution 79-25). The Council directed the Borough Manager to draft changes to the downtown managed parking ordinance (Resolution 83-25). The Public Utilities Committee awarded bids for Commingled Recyclable Materials (Resolution 84-25) and the Lawn Maintenance Contract (Resolution 85-25). Announcements were made regarding upcoming Parks & Recreation events, including a tree lighting and a 'Pack the Patrol Car' food drive.

The meeting included the approval of check registers spanning late August and September 2025, and the receiving and filing of Financial Statements, Police Department, Zoning Administrator, and Building Inspector reports. A visitor from Richlandtown spoke about community support efforts. The Planning & Zoning Committee deferred updating the Zoning Ordinance regarding undefined uses pending review by the Solicitor. The Revenue & Finance Committee reviewed the 2026 Minimal Municipal Obligations (MMO) and adopted a resolution to advertise for a Junior Council Person. The Health, Safety & Welfare Committee set Trick-or-Treat night for October 31, 2025. The Council awarded the bid for solid waste landfill/transfer station services to Waste Connections Bethlehem Landfill and rejected bids for co-mingled recyclable materials disposal, planning to rebid with revised specifications. Additionally, a Residential Parking Permit Policy was adopted, and a specific Resident Permit Parking System was implemented for the 100 block of South 8th Street to address parking issues near Alumni Stadium. Actions were also taken regarding traffic sightlines at Juniper Street and 3rd Street, and repainting a handicap parking curb.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various resolutions and ordinances. A fuel surcharge was added to the 2022 Fee Schedule. A bid was awarded for the S. Hellertown Avenue Storm Sewer Replacement Project. An agreement was adopted for the Sewer Plant Upgrade Project. Ordinance 1237, which revises rules for cogeneration and small power production facilities, was tabled for further clarification. Requests to use the amphitheater for classes and a benefit concert were approved, as well as the use of the parking lot for a United Way project. Amendments to the park rules and regulations were also adopted.