Mark J. Pennink

The meeting addressed various topics including trash bids for 2026, police activities, fire chief's report, emergency management report, and chief of emergency services report. Discussions also covered the 2026 Minimum Municipal Obligation, budget requests, public safety committee matters including a new building justification report, Tomlinson Road improvements, public works committee updates on the Masons Mill Road loop camera and Alden Road stormwater pipe completion, and finance committee matters related to the 2026 budget process. Additionally, the sewer administrator reported on facility maintenance and the completion of the Generator Project.

The meeting began with the administration of the oath of office to newly elected and re-elected officials, including Councilmembers, the Mayor, and the Tax Collector. The Council unanimously elected Jeffrey Elsing as President and Eric Asplundh as Vice President. Key financial discussions included the Treasurer's Report detailing the December 2025 figures and the pre-audit deficit for the 2025 General and Sewer Funds, with necessary reserve transfers noted. Detailed reports were provided on the final costs of the Alden Road Improvements Project. The Tax Collector reported on Real Estate Tax collections, noting that liens will be filed for delinquent amounts. Council authorized payment for listed General Fund and Sewer Fund bills. The President's Report included the adoption of Resolution No. 2026-01, setting the Police Pension Fund employee contribution rate to 0.0% for 2026, and the acceptance of the 2026 Operations List. The new trash contract with AJ Blosenski was discussed, highlighting the new totes and collection logistics. Police, Fire, and Emergency Services reports covered December activity, including updates on a new ambulance arrival and ongoing work regarding the new firehouse and FMFR consolidation. The Borough Manager presented the 2026 Fee Schedule, which Council approved, and the 2026-2027-2028 Police Contract, which passed unanimously. Public hearings were held for and subsequently adopted, Ordinance No. 715 fixing the 2026 tax rates (including a 3.1% Real Estate Tax increase) and Ordinance No. 716 setting the 2026 sewer rates, which included adjusted rates for Categories 2, 3, and 4 based on increased operational costs. The Council also approved an agreement with Herbert, Rowland and Gubric (HRG) for consulting services for the Sewage Treatment Plant.

The meeting included a public hearing to review the 2026 General Fund and 2026 Sewer Fund budgets. Key discussions for the General Fund budget, totaling $1,935,674, involved paying off current debt service using reserves, reducing allocations for codification of ordinances and capital outlay streets, and accounting for a contribution from the Bryn Athyn Fire Company. A 3.1% real estate tax increase was recommended, alongside acknowledging a decrease in Earned Income Tax revenue. The 2026 Sewer Fund Budget, amounting to $449,572.00, noted increased labor costs for the sewage treatment plant and a slight increase in sewer usage rates. Both budgets were unanimously adopted following the public hearing.

Discussions included the Treasurer's Report detailing General Fund and Sewer Fund revenues and expenses for November. Council authorized payment of numerous bills from the General Fund, Sewer Fund, and BMO Mastercard accounts. A resolution was approved recognizing Vice President Duane Hyatt's retirement after 24 years of service, with Hyatt offering to continue volunteering on the Finance Committee. The Council approved the Grant Hall Partial Change of Use and the Grant Hall Parking Plan, despite some discussion regarding building code compliance and parking space discrepancies. The possibility of a lot line change for 2645 Alnwick Road was reported for future review by multiple commissions. Updates were provided on the new automated trash program commencing January 1, 2026, which will include 96-gallon trash totes but not yard waste collection. Police and Fire/EMS Chiefs reported on monthly activities, including training, calls for service, and ambulance availability. Further, the status of drafting agreements for the Fetters Mill Fire Rescue Association and the development of the new fire station design were reviewed. The Finance Committee announced a special meeting scheduled for December 17, 2025, to address the 2026 Budget approval due to a timing issue, with a subsequent public hearing advertised for January 5, 2026, to adopt tax and usage rates. Finally, Council confirmed that the reorganization meeting is set for January 5, 2026.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various topics such as the trash contract, police and fire department activities, emergency services, and borough management. The council discussed stepping up communication with residents regarding the new trash contract for January 2026, including the use of specific trash toters. The Police Chief reported on incidents and training activities, while the Fire Chief discussed fire calls, EMS dispatches, and the inspection of a new ambulance. The Chief of Emergency Services provided a report on meetings, training, administrative work, and response statistics. Other topics included the 2026 budget, Planning Commission activities, a MultiModal Transportation Fund Grant, police contract negotiations, fire company consolidation, and various public works projects such as Alden Road Improvements and Tomlinson Road Sidewalks Phase II. The council also discussed encroachments on PERT property and filled vacancies on committees.