Jesse Kern

The organizational meeting focused on establishing leadership and committee assignments for the upcoming term. Key actions included the election of Patrick Morgan as President of Council and Mike Ireland as Council Vice-President. Council committees (Finance/Personnel, Property, Water, Wastewater, Streets) were established with designated chairs and members. Council appointments included Mike Kurtz as the liaison for Inter-Municipal Funding Committee and Garden Spot Fire Rescue. Council also authorized the utilization of Bradford J. Harris, Esquire, as Borough Solicitor and Herbert, Rowland and Grubic as the consulting engineering firm for water, wastewater, and streets. It was confirmed that regular Council meetings will continue to be held on the first Tuesday of each month, commencing at 6 p.m.

Key discussions focused on the transition of police services to the West Earl Police Department, including reporting on initial activities and officially designating the West Earl Township Police Chief as the Borough's Right-To-Know Officer for police matters. Several resolutions were approved: one allowing the Fire Police of Garden Spot Fire Rescue to participate in non-emergency events during 2026, another recognizing the Lancaster County Treasurer's office as Deputy Tax Collector for real estate taxes from 2026 through 2029, and a third updating Borough fees, including a new fee for motel reinspection requests that fail to meet compliance lists. A new resident was appointed to the Borough's Planning Commission to fill a remaining two-year term. The monthly Financial Report was accepted and bills were authorized for payment.

Key discussions included the status of water consultant Jeff Bologa, who wishes to continue working with the Authority under his new employer, HRG, Inc. The Authority addressed Resolution #572-A to authorize a grant application for the painting of the west end water tank, potentially for $500,000 via an ARPA grant and $1 million via a Commonwealth Financing Authority grant, with a preliminary project cost estimate of $1.2 to $1.4 million, possibly completed in 2026. The Locust Street project was reported as complete, with the Borough slated to complete the road overlay after developer Leon Burkholder finishes his work. The Wastewater Supervisor submitted the NPDES permit to DEP, with a target response date of July 2026. The Water Supervisor reported issues with securing support and future parts for 40 existing Kennedy hydrants, noting that three recently damaged hydrants were replaced using new units, with the old ones kept for spare parts. A DEP waiver was applied for regarding the removal of asbestos piping in Locust Street.

The New Holland Borough Council convened in an emergency special session solely to review police personnel matters. The meeting included a period of Executive Session dedicated to this topic. Upon reconvening into regular session, there were no further business items or public comments, and the meeting was adjourned shortly thereafter. No action was taken during the session.

The Council meeting involved reviewing and approving the minutes from the previous meeting held in November 2025, and accepting the monthly Financial Report, including payment of bills. Key discussions centered on the Police Department summary report, which noted 256 incidents, two arrests, and 13 accidents. Significant attention was given to the transition elements to West Earl Township, resulting in the approval of the Police Assets Purchase Agreement, specifically regarding the proportional cost share for West Earl's new body camera system. The Council also approved Resolution #576, the final adoption of the 2026 Borough budget, and Resolution #577, which lowered the real estate tax millage rate for 2026 by approximately six and a half percent. Special recognitions were extended to the Board of the Community Memorial Park Association for their fundraising efforts, including the Butterfly Garden and Towne Centre Green, and to individuals Anne Treadwell and artist Tom Kloss for contributions to the Garden. The Council approved the Park Board's use of Council chambers for 2026 and 2027. The Mayor also provided a summary of monies received by the police department, and the President acknowledged the positive financial position of the Borough, noting the avoidance of a significant tax rate increase.