Maurita Abeln

The meeting included a presentation providing a follow-up report on a recent weather emergency, detailing response activities including snow removal efforts which spanned 1599 staff hours, and the significant issue of 18 water main breaks due to extreme cold, which typically represents a full year's worth of breaks. Key challenges included the limited effectiveness of salt in sub-zero temperatures. The council also heard motions related to public works, specifically authorizing the mayor to execute utility reimbursement agreements with PennDOT for roadway resurfacing and related manhole adjustments. Furthermore, authorization was sought for the mayor to execute a Cumberland Countywide Action Plan clean water block grant agreement, awarding the borough $200,000 for the Orange Street Basin retrofit project. A comprehensive update on the Vision Zero strategy was presented, showing crash data from 2020 to 2024 and highlighting safety improvements completed, such as enhanced pedestrian crossings and the implementation of Lead Pedestrian Intervals (LPI) at signalized intersections. Other planning activities involved researching intersection daylighting and seeking speed limit reductions on state roads. The meeting concluded with a discussion on active transportation goals.

The meeting commenced with a decision to postpone the 2026 reorganization until the February 26, 2026 meeting due to an incomplete complement of members. There were no public comments or old business items. Under new business, the commission reviewed the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan submitted by Dickinson College for the Jim Thorpe Center, proposing a new 17,960 square foot museum and office space. Key discussion points included the proposed ingress/egress driveway from Church Avenue, stormwater management using underground infiltration tanks, proposed exterior lighting (four light poles and 27 bollard lights), and parking adequacy for the new development, particularly for events and ADA compliance. The commission tabled the consideration of the plan to allow the Applicant to address outstanding issues with Staff, particularly concerning the parking analysis.

Key discussions during the meeting included a presentation by a resident requesting the dedication of Dunbar Road into Carlisle Borough Proper. The consent agenda covered the approval of expenditures for multiple borough funds, the 2026 contract renewal with Springbrook Software, the approval of several Certificates of Appropriateness by the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB), and the acceptance of a resignation from the Planning Commission. Regular agenda items included the retroactive approval of an IT support contract, the appointment of an Alternate to the Zoning Hearing Board, the amendment of a prior approval for purchasing Motorola emergency radios, the designation of the Cumberland County 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan, the approval to purchase and upfit two new police vehicles, an agreement with PennDOT for manhole and valve elevation adjustments related to resurfacing projects, the approval of a contract for water resource consulting services, the authorization of a financial security reduction for a land development plan, directing the solicitor to schedule a public hearing for a Zoning Map amendment, consideration of an Ordinance amending Property Maintenance codes for Mixed Use Districts, and the approval of the Final Land Development Plan for the Former IAC Site, Lot 1. A Mayor's report was provided, and an update on a pending PA Electric Collaboratives grant was given.

The Organization Meeting included several key actions following the swearing-in ceremony. The Borough Council voted unanimously to approve the by-laws. Councilor Safronia Perry was approved as Deputy Mayor. A series of appointments were approved, including Susan Armstrong as Borough Manager, Jason Cohen as Treasurer and Tax Collector, and Keith Brenneman as Borough Solicitor, among others. The Council also adopted the Rules of Order for 2026/2027 and set the schedule for the 2026 Regular Business Meetings and monthly workshop meetings. Additionally, the Council voted to approve June 19, 2026, as an observed holiday for non-uniformed personnel. Mayor Shultz announced the committee assignments for the upcoming term, covering areas such as Budget & Finance, Public Safety, and Parks and Recreation.

The meeting began with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. A significant portion of the public comment section involved residents of Dunar Road appealing for assistance in resolving a long-standing issue regarding the dedication of their road, citing incomplete construction specifications (curb height) and resulting denial of critical services like salting during ice storms and school bus stops. Key agenda items included authorizing the scheduling of a public hearing for a proposed zoning map amendment for tax parcel ID 04-22-0483-131, and enacting an ordinance to establish procedures for redeveloping underutilized buildings in the urban mixed-use district. Furthermore, the Council retroactively approved a one-year extension for an IT network support contract with Hinton and Associates, and approved waivers and the final land development plan for the former IA site lot one revised. Finally, the Council amended a previous approval to purchase emergency radios from Motorola Solutions Incorporated under Co-Stars contract 440027237 to reflect changes in quantities and unit amounts, subject to grant funding approval. An appointment was also made to the Carile Borough Zoning Hearing Board.