John Klink

The meeting commenced with the affirmation of the existing leadership structure for the planning commission, appointing B. Bechtel as Vice-Chairman and M. Dolny as Secretary. The primary discussion centered on a Sub-Division and Land Development proposal for 181 W. 7th Avenue, which involves subdividing one lot into two single-family homes, one being a flag lot with a shared driveway. Motions were passed to recommend a waiver for the shared driveway and to recommend approval of the overall plan contingent upon meeting all comments in the July 8, 2025 review letter and noting that County comments were still pending.

Key discussions during the meeting included public forum inquiries regarding weekly recycling contracts, replacement of the Fire Company sign, modification of Rambo Park, and updates on Williams Way Parking and Police Services reviews. The Borough Engineer's report detailed plans for roadway maintenance, including milling and paving W 5th Avenue in 2026, status of the MS4 Program due to DEP delays, closure of the Sisca Community Park and Garden Phase, and updates on the Perkiomen Flood Study, specifically regarding a drainage culvert on West 3rd Avenue. The Treasurer's Report included approval of several substantial bill lists. The Mayor issued Proclamation 1-2026 Honoring the Spirit of Service and Community. The Borough Manager noted a joint effort with Collegeville to explore funding for water remediation. Committee reports covered introducing the new Fire Company Chief, exploring shared programming with Collegeville, and a motion to prepare a broadcasting policy for future meetings. The Planning Committee discussed exploring an intermunicipal planning commission with Collegeville and Upper Providence. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Water Department's challenges with forever chemicals, potential State and Federal expectations, and options for addressing water quality, which led to the passage of Resolution 2026-07 to Increase Water Rates by a vote of 4 to 3. Old Business included Williams Way Parking.

The Reorganization Meeting included administering the Oath of Office to the newly elected Mayor and Council members. A primary focus was the election of officers, which involved multiple roll call votes resulting in Liz Cady being elected as Council President, Ben Ratkiewicz as Council Vice President, and Eric Fabiszewski as President Pro-Tem. The Council also commended former members for their service. Several resolutions were approved, including the appointment of a Manager/Secretary, Treasurer, and Legal Representation (Kilkenny Law), despite concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest. Barry Isett was appointed as the Engineering Firm. Resolutions were also passed recognizing Victory Bank and PLGIT as financial institutions. Finally, appointments for 2026 were confirmed for various committees and boards, such as Traffic and Safety, Finance, and the Collegeville Trappe Joint Public Works committee.

The regular meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. The Borough Engineer reported on roadway maintenance scheduling, including milling and paving W 5th Avenue in 2026, the status of the 2-year concrete contract, delays in MS4 program reports due to DEP shutdown, and updates on the Sisca Community Park and Garden Phase, RACP Firehouse audit, and the Perkiomen Flood Study culvert issue. The Treasurer presented multiple bill lists for payment across general, liquid fuels, and escrow funds, which were approved. The Mayor noted upcoming community events. The Borough Manager secured approval for the 2026 Holiday and Meeting Dates, approved 2026 donations to various organizations, and authorized the closing of the 2025 budget year up to $50,000.00 in expenditures. In Committee Reports, the Council appointed Friendship Ambulance, approving RESOLUTION 2025-10, over Freedom Valley for emergency medical services. The Finance Committee approved RESOLUTION 2025-11 for the 2026 Budget, RESOLUTION 2025-12 affirming the 2026 Tax Rate, and RESOLUTION 2025-13 for closing the 2025 Budget Year. The Parks & Recreation section noted receipt of an additional $354,871.00 in ARPA Grant Funding for the Sisca Community Park and Garden. The Regional Planning section noted the upcoming reorganization meeting in January 2026.

The agenda items for the meeting include the Borough Engineer's monthly report, Treasurer's reports, financial reports, and payment of bills. Discussions are scheduled regarding the Permit Report from the Borough Manager, professional reports approval, and various committee reports. Key committee discussions involve the Fire Co., Ambulance, and State Police reports (Traffic and Safety); a Broadcasting Policy (Public Affairs & Legislation); the creation of an Intermunicipal Planning Commission (Planning & Zoning); and Public Works reports, specifically activities/investments and water rates for 2026. Old Business covers the Williams Way Parking Concern.