Jason H. Cohen

The Town Council meeting agenda covered several key areas. Under the consent agenda, approvals included the contract award for the Chambersburg Water Treatment Plant roof replacement project to AT & H Contracting, LLC, authorization for updating the Master Fee Schedule effective March 10, 2026, and approval of curb and sidewalk payment agreements for property owners Linda Johnson and John & Darlene Washington. Further consent items included authorizing the third contract extension for crack sealing with Russell Standard, Inc., executing an agreement with Texas Eastern (Enbridge) Pipeline for natural gas pipeline reconstruction, accepting the resignation of Firefighter Benjamin Condran, authorizing execution of grant documents for firefighting equipment, approving a resolution for record disposition, and authorizing a resolution to migrate the Public Safety Supervisory Pay Plan. The council also authorized accepting a $145,000 gift for police license plate reading equipment and approved a resolution to release security for stormwater management facilities for Keystone Rural Health Center. The regular agenda included appointments for a Corporal in the Police Department and a Captain in the Fire Department. A public hearing was scheduled and an ordinance introduced to rezone properties at 438/444, 454, and 500 Broad Street from Moderate Density Residential to Distributed Commercial Highway. The council was also set to hear a report on the Southgate Infrastructure Project and a presentation regarding updates to the Grease Trap and Oil-Water Separator Ordinance.

The Town Council meeting covered various consent agenda items, including authorizing the rejection of bids for the Clarifier Blowdown Upgrades Project and executing an agreement with Kucera International, Inc. for the Aerial Photography Project. Routine approvals included payments for January 2026 bills, waiver of Christmas Parade event fees, authorization for Fire Police assistance at non-emergency events, and acceptance of a Firefighter's retirement notice. Further consent agenda items addressed referrals to the Parking, Traffic, and Street Light Committee regarding a 4-way stop request and wayfinding signage installation, amending the audio/video recording fee, soliciting sponsorships for the 4th of July event, approving a change order for the Storm Sewer Cleaning and CCTV Project, and certifying time contributions for Fire Services. Previously discussed items involved approving agreements for construction monitoring, a grant application for the Falling Spring Presbyterian Church Floodplain Restoration Project, and subrecipient agreements funded by the 2025 Community Development Block Grant Program for facility improvements at various locations. Regular agenda topics included a Water Utility presentation on repainting the Nitterhouse Tank and a preliminary report on the Chemical Feed System, authorization to modify the 2026 Street Improvements List, a report from the Natural Gas Utility Department, and authorization to update the Vehicles and Traffic Code regarding parking changes. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss conditional promotions to Captain in the Fire Department and Corporal in the Police Department.

The Town Council meeting agenda included a call to order, moment of silence, Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the agenda. Public comment was taken for matters not on the final agenda, followed by recognition of outgoing council members. Key discussions under the Consent Agenda involved the award of a contract to DOLI Construction Corporation for pump station projects, ratification of bill payments for December 2025, and referrals to the Parking, Traffic, and Street Light Committee regarding signage, parking restrictions, and sight line evaluations on several streets. Authorizations were also approved for a change order extending a road overlay project, the procurement of an additional utility vehicle, the acceptance of donations, and acceptance of a resignation from the Zoning Hearing Board. Additionally, the Council addressed major contract change orders for the Public Works Campus. The Regular Agenda included authorization to advertise proposed local law amendments regarding fire prevention and solid waste disposal, a resolution request to the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs concerning the removal of the three-mil fire tax cap, a report from the Parking, Traffic, and Street Light Committee, and consideration for the appointment of replacement members to boards and committees. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss labor relations.

This strategic plan, titled 'Vision 2035', serves as a comprehensive planning tool for local government, articulating the community's long-term vision for quality of life, transportation, infrastructure, housing, jobs and business growth, resource conservation, and environmental protection. It is guided by core values of communication, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and partnerships. The plan's strategic goals, or core issues, encompass reinvestment, housing, fostering a sense of place, enhancing borough services, and improving transportation. The overall aim is to guide the community's development and management towards these objectives.

The Chambersburg Vision 2035 plan serves as a strategic planning tool for local government, outlining the community's long-term vision for quality of life, transportation, infrastructure, housing, jobs and business growth, resource conservation, and environmental protection. It is structured around core values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Communication, and Partnerships. Key strategic goals address Housing, Economic Opportunity, Borough Services, Transportation, Sense of Place, and Reinvestment, with an emphasis on public engagement and community input.