Jay Simonson

The council discussed various reports from committees, including updates on the police department, road maintenance, sewer system repairs, and financial summaries for February. Appointments were made for the EMA Coordinator and the Civil Service Commission. Key action items included approving special event permits for a rowing regatta and an arts festival, and authorizing the 2027 Community Project Funding Grant for police equipment. Several items were tabled for further research, including the amusement tax, short-term rental ordinance, and zoning hours.

The Council discussed the appointment of an Emergency Management Agency coordinator, clarified the names and partnership of the borough's zoning and building inspection services, and tabled a resolution regarding a homesite component due to errors. New business included the approval of events for a rowing regatta and an annual arts festival, as well as the review of letters of interest for the Civil Service Commission. The Council further addressed potential adjustments to the amusement tax, ongoing research into short-term rental and landlord registration ordinances, the submission of a grant for police equipment, and a plan to increase zoning officer working hours.

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.