Loretta Imbody

The board conducted a reorganization meeting which included the election of the Council President, Vice President, and President Pro Tem. Appointments were made for the Borough Solicitor, Borough Engineer, and Code Enforcement agency. The Council also voted to reappoint the Police Chief and various members to the Planning Commission and Civil Service Commission. A motion to appoint a Sewage Enforcement Officer was tabled.

The council reviewed multiple infrastructure and administrative projects, including updates on MS4 permitting, the Highbrooke project, sport court improvements, and Fern Street retaining wall construction. Approval was granted for various project payment applications, a culvert survey fee, a new fee schedule, and an agreement for the Uniform Construction Code Board of Appeals. The board also addressed revisions to Civil Service Commission rules and regulations, initiated a hiring process, and approved the payment of outstanding bills.

The meeting began with an executive session resulting in a motion to make an offer to purchase real estate, assets, and a liquor license from the Friendship Fire Company #2, including a contingency to file a notice of taking for condemnation if the offer is declined. The Council approved the 2026 Budget and several ordinances, including a 1 Mil increase to the Real Estate tax rate, a 1.25 Mils increase to the Fire tax, a 10% increase to the Sewer rate, and a 15% increase to the Trash rate. Ordinances were also approved for Handicap Parking and Feral Cats, and the appointment of Buddy Styer to the Vacancy Board was confirmed. Key engineering items included updates on MS4 Permit renewal application review, securing easements for the Highbrooke Project (which requires a Joint Permit), and progress on Sport Court Improvements and the Fern Street Retaining Wall. The Finance & Administration Committee motioned to pay bills and approved the purchase of a 2026 Ford Explorer for the Police Department. The Council also discussed selling old Police car parts and investigating additional Christmas ornaments for street lights.

The meeting included a public reading of the 2026 Budget and a review of the 2025 Governor Mifflin Library performance. Key discussions involved maintenance of trees on Fern Street and leaf pickup extensions. The Engineer's report addressed MS4 permit renewal tasks, the status of the Highbrooke Project, and issues with newly paved Sport Court Improvements, including scheduling a meeting to address pavement low spots. The Solicitor's report detailed motions to advertise several ordinances, including a Real Estate tax increase of 1 Mil, a Fire tax increase of 0.25 Mils, a Sewer rate increase of 10%, a Trash rate increase of 15%, and ordinances regarding the Handicap Parking and Feral Cats enforcement. Other motions approved included advertising for the Vacancy Board, accepting the Paul Janssen contract, hiring Great Valley Consultants for Code Enforcement, and hiring a part-time Police Officer. The Mayor's report included approval for pay rate increases for Fire Department employees. Committee reports were accepted following discussions on Northridge light outage.

The meeting included public comment regarding Reed Street repairs. Reports were given by the Code Enforcement Officer and the Engineer, detailing updates on MS4 Permit Tasks, the Highbrooke Project status awaiting USDA information, and the completion of 2025 Road Improvements by Sacks and Sons. The Engineer also reported on the ongoing Sport Court Improvements and upcoming Fern Street Retaining Wall construction. The Solicitor moved to approve the 2024 Audit, an advertised LGUDA Ordinance, an updated Trash Fees Resolution, a Records Disposal Form, and a resolution releasing funds for Fern Street litigation. The Mayor requested approval for the purchase of new Police Glock guns and Ticket Books. The Finance & Administration Committee approved the payment of bills, borrowing funds to cover the Sacks and Sons road improvement invoice, payment for the Sacks and Sons invoice, payment for the Fire Apparatus Fleet and Fire Station Evaluation Report, payment to SLC Excavating for Sport Court Improvements, and a quote for Sewer Specialty Services. A motion to table the Vacancy Board resolution was carried, and an Obligation Note was approved. An alternate member was added to the Civil Service Commission, and the Parks and Recreation Committee decided on the placement of a book stand donation. The meeting concluded with the acceptance of reports and adjournment after an executive session.