Gary L. Smith

The meeting commenced with the administration of Oaths of Office to newly elected Council Members and the Tax Collector. Key procedural actions included the election of Mr. Joseph T. Hoepp as Council President and Mr. Ivan T. Hofmann as Council Vice-President. A series of official appointments for the year 2026 were unanimously confirmed, designating roles such as Borough Secretary, Treasurer, Borough Manager, Solicitor, Engineer, and various Tax Collectors.

The purpose of this Budget Hearing was to ascertain the views of interested parties regarding the proposed budget for 2026. Key highlights of the proposed budget included confirmation that there would be no property tax increase for Edgeworth residents for the twenty-third consecutive year. Scheduled expenditures earmarked funds for the replacement of the traffic signal at the intersection of Beaver Road and Academy Avenue, general paving projects, the Sidewalk Replacement Program, and the acquisition of new vehicles and equipment for both the Public Works and Police Departments. The floor was opened to visitors for public comment.

The meeting included receiving and filing the Treasurer's Report, Financial Report, Real Estate Tax Collector's Report, District Justice Report, Police Report, Fire Report, Public Works Report, Building Permit and Zoning Permit Reports, MS4 Update, and Quaker Valley COG Report, all for November 2025. Council unanimously approved vouchers for General Expenditures ($185,342.15) and Scheduled Expenditures ($11,365.25). Key actions included the adoption of the final 2026 Budget following a public hearing, authorizing the advertisement of Draft Ordinance No. 563 concerning amendments to the Weeds Ordinance, and approving Resolution 2025-10 fixing the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2026 at 4.15 mills, marking the twenty-third consecutive year without a tax increase. Resolution 2025-11 was approved to eliminate police officer contributions into the pension plan for one year. Council also appointed the Leetsdale Municipal Authority as the Borough's billing and collection agent for 2026 sewer charges and appointed Lennon Smith Souleret Engineering Inc. as the Borough Engineer for 2026. Resident appointments to various boards and commissions were confirmed, including the appointment of Evan McClung to the Edgeworth Municipal Authority. Finally, the Council adopted the 2021 Uniform Construction Code of Pennsylvania and approved updates to the Personnel Manual, which included changes to paid time off policies and the addition of short-term disability coverage, as well as incorporating a new Generative Artificial Intelligence Policy. An Executive Session was held to discuss a personnel matter.

The meeting addressed several key areas, including the approval of a Highway Transfer Agreement for Way Hollow Road and the adoption of Ordinance 562, which pertains to maximum speed limits. Discussions also took place regarding updates to the Weed Ordinance and potential changes to the Zoning Ordinance related to outdoor lighting, noise levels, and accessory structures. The council authorized the advertisement of the proposed 2026 budget and approved Resolution 2025-08 to apply for a grant for a new salt storage building. Additionally, Resolution 2025-09 was approved, establishing criteria for the Volunteer Service Credit Program. An executive session was held to discuss a personnel matter.

The Edgeworth Borough Sustainability Program serves as a comprehensive roadmap to ensure the enduring high quality of life for current and future residents through the implementation of sustainable policies and procedures. Established in 2020, the program is dedicated to advancing sustainable practices via internal assessments, community outreach, and public education, alongside providing progress updates on sustainability goals. Key strategic pillars encompass enhancing borough operations through energy tracking, employee training, and internal recycling; cultivating community partnerships via health and wellness initiatives, support for local businesses, and intergovernmental cooperation; and executing sustainable policies such as LED light retrofitting, sidewalk repair, and the development of urban hiking trails.