Kevin R. McCarty

The council meeting addressed various borough matters, including the approval of a resolution for a new Tourism Promotion Agency. Discussions were held regarding a proposed bike race for the Street Fair, enforcement of ordinances concerning uninspected vehicles, and a status update on a land development plan. Committee reports covered insurance policies, improvements to the town square including tree removal, and financial account management for better interest yields. Additionally, the council clarified its position regarding a proposed school district building project and reviewed committee responsibilities for the year.

The agenda for the meeting includes a presentation from the Perry County Commissioners regarding the adoption of a resolution for a new tourism promotional agency. Various monthly reports will be delivered, including updates from the solicitor, mayor, parking officer, enforcement office, planning commission on the Lakeside preliminary plan extension, water authority, and zoning office. Committee reports will be provided on rights of way and safety, administrative and insurance matters, aesthetics, finance, grants, and personnel. Key action items include a discussion and vote on the removal of trees in the square, and discussions regarding council representation for the PCBA/COG.

The council appointed a new member, approved a resolution for the vacancy, and conducted an oath of office. Key discussions included a donation and the installation of security cameras for the public library, traffic pattern concerns at a local intersection, and the request for donations from the Literacy Council and Senior Center. The Planning Commission provided updates on the Lakeside Phase 4 land development project and other upcoming development reviews. Additionally, committee reports were given regarding parking, aesthetic improvements, and financial accounting updates.

The meeting included administrative matters such as announcing a Council vacancy to be filled in March and reviewing monthly reports from the Solicitor, Mayor, Enforcement Officer, and Zoning Officer. Key discussions involved approving the Planning Commission's request for a 90-day extension for the Lakeside Preliminary Land Development Plan, updates on the West End Looping Consolidation grant for the Water Authority, and issues related to damage incurred by a ball team, leading to consideration of requiring proof of insurance for field use. The Council also addressed ongoing research regarding sidewalk maintenance responsibility in the Square. Financially, the Capital Improvement Fund Account was separated into General and Sewer Accounts, and approval was granted for Vice President Fitzpatrick to seek the 2026 Community Walkways Grant for the Square.

The regular session covered administrative updates and reports. The Solicitor provided a two-month report. The Mayor reported on the Huckleberry Drop event and parking ticket statistics. Discussions arose regarding the procedure for having vehicles towed, with the Solicitor requested to follow up. The Enforcement Officer mentioned pursuing a required certification. The Water Authority report noted an upcoming USDA inspection, upcoming hydro-vacing work, and the successful launch of a new online billing system. Council discussed the location for future PCBA/COG meetings. Councilman McCarty was designated as the new representative for FEMA/PEMA. The Council discussed Council Rules for Engagement and appointed Vice President Fitzpatrick as the TCRPC representative. Paving projects are on hold until spring, and the Barnett Woods Road Bridge remains an open item. In finance, CDs were renewed at better rates, and contributions to separate Capital Improvement Funds for the Sewer and General Funds will commence. The request to waive a room rental fee was generally denied. A letter was sent to PennDOT regarding the traffic pattern around the monument in the Square, and a PennDOT representative is expected to attend a future meeting.