Kerri Shaffer

The council conducted a regular meeting to review and address administrative and municipal agenda items as recorded in the March meeting minutes.

The council meeting included a pledge of allegiance, followed by comments from citizens regarding difficulties in obtaining information from the governing body. The manager's report featured acknowledgments and thanks to outgoing council members, the tax collector, and members of the health board. Discussions also took place concerning the community pool closure, structural integrity, and potential improvements to other parks. The council also discussed the 2026 city budget, legislative action, and the planning commission's recommendations for the data center ordinance.

The City of St. Marys Parks and Recreation Board met to discuss the swimming pool feasibility study project. Feedback included that the existing pool size is suitable for high usage days, and a new pool layout should aim to reduce the operating subsidy. The study should focus on realistic outcomes with attainable funding options. The pool must offer recreational swimming and swimming lessons, with a lifespan of 30 years or more. Key priorities include a zero-depth beach entry, open water space for lessons, ADA accessible entries, and designs to reduce lifeguard staffing levels.

The council discussed and approved resolutions related to appointing Burkheimer as the collector of local service tax and as the tax hearing officer, along with approving the cost of collection schedule. Amendments to the agreement with Whitetail Real Estate Development were approved, addressing minimum income levels and rent collection for properties. Additionally, the council discussed and approved a local share account grant application for Bavarian Hills Municipal Golf Authority and St. Mary's Ambulance Service update.

The meeting included a special presentation by Comcast regarding their plans to build a fiber-to-the-home network in the area. Discussions covered Comcast's investment in Pennsylvania, rate cards, channel lineups, and community impact programs like Internet Essentials. The council also discussed a resolution confirming the city's commitment to a publicly owned water supply system and encouraging the St Mary's Area Water Authority to make the same commitment. Additionally, there was a presentation regarding Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects.