Isaac Ramer

The council discussed the potential change of streetlight colors on Market Street, approved a tree treatment plan for Hufnagle Park, and awarded a contract for an architectural barrier removal project. Additional actions included authorizing a grant application for a solar lighting project, approving two subdivision plans, and appointing representatives to the joint sewer authority and HARB. The council also enacted ordinances regarding retirement plan restatements and traffic restrictions, accepted a commission resignation, and established experimental parking prohibitions. Furthermore, the mayor announced various proclamations and upcoming community events, and the council acknowledged receipt of various monthly department reports.

The council addressed several municipal matters, including the rescheduling of upcoming committee meetings, revisions to the Stormwater Management Ordinance to provide exemptions for minor projects, and the approval of the Lewisburg Landing Agreement. Key financial and operational actions included approving tree removal at St. Mary Street Park, authorizing an engineering change order for safety improvements, and approving a video/audio broadcast system for the Council Chambers. The council also deliberated on transitioning to a complaint-based code enforcement system, appointed delegates for the PSAB Annual Conference, and discussed potential additions to the monthly meeting calendar. Additionally, the council approved grant applications, police-related intergovernmental agreements, and the nomination of a candidate for a PSAB leadership position.

The council meeting addressed several municipal projects and administrative actions. Key discussions included the award of the 2026 Street Paving Project, the acceptance of a resignation from the Historic Architectural Review Board, and the approval of the Union County Veterans Fourth of July parade. Appointments were made to the Shade Tree Commission and the Planning Commission. Additionally, the council approved a waiver for a financial guarantee for a university parking project, authorized the purchase of equipment for public works, approved the payment of outstanding bills, and authorized the disposal of surplus property via public bid. Discussions were also held regarding internet infrastructure upgrades, various board vacancies, concerns from members of the public regarding alley traffic, and potential improvements to council meeting procedures.

The meeting began with the Borough Council President stepping down due to irregularities from the reorganizational meeting, followed by the unanimous election of Bilenky Trahan as the new President and Comas as the new Vice President. Key agenda items included a public comment regarding concerns about a Conditional Use request for 235 South Second Street, which was conditionally approved subject to further review by the HARB committee and CK COG. The Planning and Public Works Committee motion approved a HARB recommendation for a sign at 520 Market Street. The Administrative and Public Safety Committee approved monthly reports, a large payment of bills, approved the use of a street light image on reunion coffee mugs, and authorized the purchase of a 2026 Air Sweeper/Vacuum. The Solicitor presented actions to enact an ordinance amending the Traffic Ordinance concerning parking restrictions in municipal lots and adopting a resolution imposing service fees for credit/debit card transactions. Council also directed the Borough Secretary to record attendance at all official Borough meetings and committees. Legal and personnel matters were discussed in executive session.

The reorganization meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to the Mayor-Elect and newly elected Councilmembers serving four-year terms. Key procedural items involved the election of Council Officers; David Heayn was elected as President of Council after a tie vote on the first two roll calls, and Bina Bilenky Trahan was unanimously elected as Vice President of Council. Leo Armbruster was unanimously elected as President Pro Tem. Official appointments were made for several key positions, including William Lowthert as Borough Manager/Treasurer, Kathy Wendt as Borough Secretary, Shannon Berkey as Community Development/Grant Manager, and Andrew D. Lyons as Borough Solicitor. The Council also appointed solicitors for the Zoning Hearing Board and labor matters, members for the Vacancy Board, the Borough Auditor, and sewage enforcement officers. Additionally, the Council approved paying expenditures in advance for the period of 01/01/2026 through 12/31/2027. Committee appointments for Administrative/Finance/Public Safety and Community Development/Planning/Public Works were announced. The Borough office closure for Martin Luther King Jr. Day was announced.