Lawrence Ward

The meeting involved public comment regarding election lines and several approvals, including cash disbursements for the General Fund, Liquid Fuels, and Fire Protection Fund. Administrative reports covered minimal seasonal HVAC activity, resolution of a downed tree, and updates on facility planning modules and ongoing inspections. The Solicitor discussed ongoing negotiations for the sewer offset agreement regarding an escrow cap and presented a proposed 2026 permit fee schedule overhaul, which Council subsequently approved via Resolution #2025.12.A. The Council unanimously awarded the two-year Winter Services Contract to Dan Kelly's Landscaping. The Engineer reported on the pending escrow release for Rose Hill, which was postponed, and updates on the Smith Bridge Sewer Project bid preparation. The Fire Marshal addressed compliance issues at Llewellyn Road and noted ongoing issues with mailing addresses. Mayor Ellis presented a historical highlight detailing the successful acquisition and preservation of the 40.2-acre Powell Property as public open space, followed by reflections on her eight years of service. Committee reports included the approval to advertise the Fire Tax Ordinance, an update on the library's roof leak and fundraising, and details on the Fire Company's upcoming events. The Public Safety report noted the implementation of the new Delaware County radio system, which retired public scanner traffic. New business included a proposal to purchase dinner for the Fire Company instead of the Santa Ride next year.

The Mandatory Organization Meeting agenda included several critical initial actions for the Borough. Key items involved administering Oaths of Office for the newly elected Mayor, Council members, and Tax Collector. The agenda was amended to explicitly include the Oath of Office for the Tax Collector. The meeting also planned for the nomination and selection of the Council President, Vice President, and Council Pro Tem, with the newly elected Council President set to preside. Furthermore, the agenda provided for the appointment of various Borough Officials, including Solicitor, Engineer, Code Enforcement Officer, and others, as well as appointments to the Planning Commission.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss potential litigation and personnel matters. Key discussions included recognizing an Eagle Scout for designing and constructing a Flag Retirement Box. The Pennsylvania State Police reported an increase in crimes against persons and traffic stops, noting staffing limitations and shifts in mental health commitment cases following a hospital closure. Financial matters included the approval of General Fund, Liquid Fuels, and ARPA Fund Cash Disbursements. The Solicitor addressed matters concerning 11 Smithbridge Road (code compliance), 19 Smithbridge Road (zoning appeal reactivation), and 279 Llewellyn Road (nuisance violation proceedings). The Engineer's report focused heavily on sewage planning and authorizations for 156 Logtown Road, as well as approving several financial security releases for projects like Rose Hill and 8 Smithbridge Road. Updates were provided on the Valleybrook Storm Sewer final payment, 11 Smithbridge Road stormwater design feasibility, Powell Park signage, and road striping concerns related to the Mattson Road Bridge. The Finance Committee reviewed the 2026 Liquid Fuels Budget and discussed Summit Lane deferral. The Community Engagement committee reviewed upcoming events and discussed the need for a borough resolution to sponsor an LSA grant application for the Rachel Cole Community Library roof replacement and solar panel installation. Council voted to advertise a draft zoning ordinance amendment concerning swimming pool safety barriers and fencing, setting a public hearing for December 15th. Additionally, they voted to advertise a draft historical ordinance to establish a Historical Resources Committee. Old Business involved approving the advertisement for the 2026 Calendar Meeting dates, and New Business proposed hosting a pop-up food bank through January.

The meeting included a hearing for the 2026 budget, where minor revisions were made to the General Fund, primarily concerning revenue adjustments and expense consolidations, while the Liquid Fuels Fund remained largely unchanged. The Fire Protection Fund saw adjustments related to assessment data and the addition of a contingency line item. Council subsequently voted to approve the 2026 budgets for the General Fund, Fire Protection Fund, and Liquid Fuels Fund. Ordinance #222 was enacted to fix the 2026 Fire Tax Levy at 0.3965 mills. Resolution #2025.12.B was adopted, setting the real estate tax rate at 0.20058 mills and the realty transfer tax at 0.5%. Key discussions involved adopting the Mini Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Plan prepared by Natural Lands Trust. The council also addressed financial security release for Rose Hill, approved a PennDOT application for One Smithbridge Road, and approved the revised Act 537 planning module submission for 68 Baltimore Pike. Action on the Old Quarry Knoll Maintenance Bond and Deed of Dedication was tabled pending clarification on the scope of dedication. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments for members concluding their service.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss potential litigation and personnel matters. Key discussions included tabling the award of the 2025-2026 Winter Services contract pending further information on vendor capacity and pricing. Council approved Resolution #2025.11.B, supporting the Local Shares Grant application for the Rachel Kohl Library roof replacement and solar panel installation. The Engineer's Report included the approval of a Financial Security Release for 8 Smithbridge Road. Updates were provided on open projects, including the preparation of bid documents for the Summit Lane Paving project and the installation of new signage at Powell Park. The majority of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the 2026 Draft Preliminary Budgets. Council discussed new/unexpected items for the General Fund, specifically a required MS4 Feasibility Study and a Borough Facilities Feasibility Study, necessitating budget adjustments. Concerns regarding budget methodology and line-item variances were addressed. A proposed millage change for the Fire Protection Fund to increase revenue from $143,000 to $190,000 was discussed. Council voted to advertise the preliminary budgets for the General Fund, Liquid Fuels Fund, and Fire Protection Fund, and authorized the Solicitor to draft the resolution and ordinance for the tax millage and increased fire tax, respectively.