Henry J Mleczynski

The Council reviewed committee reports including police, road, financial, and zoning updates. Action was taken on several Component 3 applications, with the Keefe Homesite application tabled while others were approved. The Council approved the hiring of a full-time employee and passed multiple ordinances regarding sewer lateral inspections, the abatement of nonconforming sewer laterals, and the prohibition of illegal storm water discharge into the sanitary sewer system. Additionally, the Council approved special event permits for the 2026 Lazy 2K, Bridge Fest, and the Fourth of July Parade, and authorized payment of outstanding bills and payroll.

The work session addressed several items with recommendations to table them for the subsequent council meeting, including the Keefe Homesite Component 3 Resolution and the General Municipal Authority of Harveys Lake Ordinance. Discussions included the Proposed Budget and Tax Levy Resolution, which indicates no tax increase for 2026, and the Sewer Lateral Inspection Ordinance implementation. The council reviewed the IronGate supplemental insurance policy, which is projected to save approximately $10,000 in FICA taxes without additional cost to the borough. The discussion on fees for Right to Know requests, proposing a $5 charge, was tabled pending further research. The session included discussion and recommendations for passing resolutions related to State and Local LSA Hydrilla Grants and a recommendation to approve the Special Events permit for the Harveys Lake Run 2026.

The meeting included discussions on lawsuits involving the borough and the fee scale for Right to Know requests. A motion was passed to adopt Robert's Rules of Order for conducting council meetings. Committee appointments were tabled, but subsequent motions confirmed appointments to the General Municipal Authority, Zoning Hearing Board (alternate), and Environmental Advisory Committee. Clarence Hogan was appointed as the Right-to-know Officer. Reports from various officials and committees were received, including the Police Report for 2025, updates on road contracts, the completion of the 2023 audit showing $379,363 in the checking account, the transition to RMS for zoning and building services, actions regarding delinquent garbage accounts, and sewer maintenance updates. Resolutions were approved requesting grants for the Hydrilla Management Project from both statewide and Luzerne County sources. A Special Events Permit for the Harveys Lake Run in May 2026 was approved. The Council also approved the 2026 Proposed Budget and authorized the Solicitor to prepare the corresponding Tax Levy Resolution. Finally, approval was given for the use of IronGate as supplemental insurance, payment of unused 2025 time off for an employee, and compensation for the Environmental Advisory Committee secretary, followed by payment of Bills and Payroll for December.

Key discussions during the meeting included concerns regarding the Public Safety Support building and a bank loan. Committee reports provided updates on several areas: the Roads Committee confirmed trucks are prepped for winter; the Finance Committee reported October payroll and September bills; the Zoning Committee noted collected permit fees; the Garbage Committee is exploring alternative service providers; the Grants Committee finalized the hot boxes grant and is working on the Garage and Salt shed grant; the Environmental Advisory Committee purchased an algae bloom test kit and submitted a grant for hydrilla treatment; and the Recreation Committee cancelled the Halloween Trunk or Treat event and is planning a Christmas Party. New business involved tabling a resolution related to Keefe Homesite Component 3 pending further research, approving the Little League Field Rehabilitation Project, scheduling a special meeting for the 2026 Budget first reading, and appointing a member to the Civil Service Commission. Motions were also made to table the awarding of the General Construction Contract and the Electrical Construction Contract for Phase 1 of the Public Safety Support building pending solicitor review and approval.

Key discussions during the work session included the submission of a grant application for the Little League Field Rehabilitation Project. The council reviewed the prepared 2026 budget, noting that a Special meeting would be held in December 2025 for its finalization, public review, and tax resolution completion. There was one letter of interest received for the Civil Service Commission position. Decisions on the General Construction Contract and Electrical Construction Contract for Phase 1 of the Public Safety Support building were recommended to be placed on hold pending further review. Additionally, a proposal from the zoning company G&R/RMS was brought forward for consideration.