Larry Keenan

The meeting commenced with the approval of the consent agenda, which included the November 24th council meeting minutes and the December 11th bill list, pending final administrative approvals. Public comments were heard regarding the Belvadier Street zoning ordinance. The President's report addressed ongoing construction and utility work causing traffic delays, and discussed scheduling for the January reorganization meeting (January 5th) versus the regular council meeting, ultimately deciding to cancel the separate meeting originally scheduled for January 8th in favor of consolidating items into the reorganization meeting. Appreciation was expressed for two departing council members, Mr. Choke and Mr. Chandler. The Solicitor's report noted that an executive session would follow to discuss personnel and property matters, and provided an update on the Sunshine Act allowing agenda amendments if agreed upon by a majority of the council. The Manager's report focused heavily on the approval of Ordinance Number 1682, which amends and revises Chapter 225, the zoning and land use regulations for the borough, following extensive public engagement over the past three years. Additionally, the manager reported on the sale of a decommissioned 2020 Ford Police Interceptor for $18,000 and the motion to hire one part-time substitute crossing guard, with one additional candidate still pending clearances. The Engineer's report provided updates on the Broadhead Sewer Separation Project, noting ongoing construction on Broadhead Avenue, Warren Street, and Coulter Street, and an expected project completion of October of the following year. The report also mentioned the delinbing of three mature sycamores for repurposing, and the plan to use excavated fill from the sewer work to raise the trail grade to meet ADA standards.

The council meeting included a review of the consent agenda, which covered previous council meeting minutes from October 23rd and the bill list from November 13th. During public comments, a resident raised concerns regarding the control and safety practices of traffic flaggers at ongoing construction projects, citing aggressive behavior and near-miss incidents involving heavy machinery. The council acknowledged the concerns and committed to addressing them with the contractor. The President's report addressed public inquiry about conducting construction work at night, explaining that the increased cost (40% to 50% more) was prohibitive, and noted that significant delays related to street closures were expected to resolve soon. The Solicitor then opened a public hearing regarding amendments to the comprehensive zoning ordinance, detailing the exhibits entered into the record and the process for testimony, which is scheduled for consideration by the council on December 11th. Residents spoke in favor of the transparent zoning process, and another resident raised concerns about how the proposed zoning might impact future development, traffic, and planned trail networks along Belvadier Street.

This seventh and final budget workshop focused on reviewing the 2026 budget projections, fund balances, and capital plans. Key discussions included updates on fund balances, noting a decrease due to payouts (C20 and Broadhead) with expected grant funding (Alcasan and ARPA/H2O) anticipated soon. The bond project track was updated, showing a projected balance over one million dollars after committed projects. Draft budget totals for 2026 were presented for the General Fund ($6.8 million), Bond Fund expense ($6.7 million), Sewer Fund ($2.9 million), and Road Fund ($47,000). Macroeconomic trends were reiterated, showing flat real estate taxes while earned income and business/sales taxes lagged behind inflation. The overall budget remains balanced with no tax increase proposed, maintaining the 8.59 mill rate allocated entirely to real estate taxes with no road fund division. Infrastructure projects, primarily Broadhead, totaling $6.75 million, are continuing. The meeting confirmed several prior approvals, including community center furniture/security upgrades, floor/window treatments, police locker room upgrades, police station system upgrades, carpet replacement, an awning for the burrow building, a new AC unit for the code office, and the entire stage roof for Crafton Park. Increases were approved for the library contribution (3%) and the purchase of brush for the skid steer, along with authorizing physicals for volunteer fire department members. A decision was made to budget $347,000 for repairs. Discussions on the fee and wage schedules noted that many fees have not changed since 2005, prompting a recommendation for a comprehensive review aligned with inflation (estimated 68.5% CPI difference). Pool fee discussions focused on incorporating a 5% program fee into the general charge, with lesson costs being raised based on pool manager feedback.

The budget meeting covered a review of fund balances, bond project tracking, the capital expense plan, and macroeconomic trends. Discussions included moving funds to reserves, updates on bond project tracking, and the five-year capital improvement plan. The proposed budget is balanced with no tax increase, maintaining the tax rate at 8.59 mills. Key points included infrastructure projects, sewer repair projects, and potential changes to the police station and pool liner based on updated estimates.

The budget workshop covered fund balances, bond tracking, capital expenses, and draft fund budgets. Macroeconomic trends were discussed, including flat real estate taxes and inflation outpacing income. The 2026 budget maintains taxes at 8.59 mills, with no road tax increase. Adjustments were made to real estate revenue, military banners, Yoga in the Park, and building repairs. A new line item for camera subscription fees was added. Decreases were made to military banners, drug and alcohol testing, and full-time salaries due to corrections and re-evaluations. The police station's condition and library funding were also discussed.