Melissa Stiles

During the reorganization portion of the meeting, Council President, Vice-President, and President Pro Tem were nominated and approved. Several appointed positions were confirmed, including the Borough Solicitor, Engineer, Secretary and Treasurer, Code Delegates, bank depository, auditor, street liaisons, and members for the sewer, water, municipal, zoning, and vacancy boards. During the regular session, key discussions involved a public request regarding the Beautification Committee's duties and lighting issues. The Mayor's report covered police activities, including evidence room work and parking tickets, the status of the regionalization study, and the bulletproof vest grant application. The council discussed scheduling a workshop for ordinance review concerning recodification and ATV usage on roads. Finally, the council approved consulting services with GFT Infrastructure, Inc. for 2026 and accepted the resignations of a police department member and two municipal authority members, with a suggestion to recognize the resigning police officer.

The meeting covered several operational and budgetary items. The police report indicated that the Chief ordered a bulletproof vest and submitted grant details, while the 2019 cruiser was undergoing repairs. Discussion ensued regarding road maintenance, including plowing specifications and the enforcement of alternate side parking. The Council considered passing an ordinance related to ATVs on borough roads and expressed concerns regarding the allocation of grant funding for Ghost Town Trail bridges. Key financial actions included approving the treasurer's report, paying bills (excluding one item), approving the 2026 General Fund Budget, Liquid Fuels Fund Budget, and Beautification Committee Fund Budget, all without increasing real estate or Act 511 taxes. The Council also ratified the purchase of a bulletproof vest for the Chief and authorized an application for potential reimbursement for the vest purchase. Future meeting dates for 2026 were scheduled, and all employees were granted a $100.00 Walmart gift card. The meeting concluded with a brief executive session for personnel reasons.

The agenda for this combined meeting includes the Reorganization segment covering the Oath of Office for council members, nominations for President, Vice President, and President Pro Tem, and the appointment of positions for 2026. The regular meeting will address ongoing business such as the Property Maintenance Update, Hometown Hero Banner program Update, review of the Nanty Glo Borough Municipal Authority-2024 Financial Report, updates on obtaining a borough credit card through AmeriServ Bank, the Xfinity Business agreement, and the Beautification Bank Account. New business items include a motion to approve consulting services from GFT Infrastructure, Inc. as Borough Engineer for 2026, and accepting multiple letters of resignation from the Police Department and the Borough Municipal Authority. The council will also discuss ideas for the 250th year celebration and handle bank statements, followed by a scheduled executive session.

The council discussed concerns about parking at the Little League field and a water runoff issue on McCoy Street, as well as the possibility of borough assistance for improvements. Permission was requested and later authorized for the Nanty Glo Public Library to install a book box on borough property. The fire company's upcoming Hot Chocolate Crawl and the Tree lighting event were discussed. The Mayor reported on police activity, including calls, fines, and the need for new equipment. The council approved a fixed price contract for electricity, ratified approval for a survey of the reservoir, approved a grant resolution to purchase a new police vehicle, and approved and advertised the tentative budgets for the General Fund, Liquid Fuels Fund, and Beautification Committee. They also approved Stiffler McGraw Borough Engineers to continue with outstanding projects in 2026 and rescheduled the December council meeting. Additionally, appointments were made to the Beautification Committee, and donations were approved for the Shop with a Cop program, the Nanty Glo Public Library, and the Blacklick Valley Christmas Treats Association.

The council discussed an LSA grant application on behalf of the Tri Area Historical Society and Museum, focusing on the scope of repairs covered by the grant. The treasurer's report was approved, and there was a discussion regarding an outstanding invoice. The council approved the payment of bills and reviewed the Laurel Municipal Inspection Agency's property maintenance report. Updates were provided on the Hometown Hero banner program and municipal authority financial documents. The borough secretary is working with an energy consultant. The council ratified approval of a service authorization for property service. Trick or Treat was scheduled, and the Nanty Glo Fire Department was permitted to hold a Halloween Parade. Dates and times for a budget workshop were discussed, and the borough's burning ordinance was put on the borough's website.