Michael Fosse

Prior to the regular meeting, an executive session was held to discuss the Martz legal matter, and a special Council meeting was scheduled for June 3, 2024, regarding the zoning rehaul. Key actions during the regular session included the approval of several proclamations: Poppy Day (May 24, 2024), Emergency Medical Services Week (May 19-25, 2024), and Gun Violence Awareness Day (June 7, 2024). The Council unanimously approved multiple financial and legislative actions, including fee resolution 05.13.2024.01 and resolution 05.13.2024.02 for the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. Ordinances were adopted amending Chapter 24 (Amusement Tax) and Chapter 2 (Animals), and repealing sections concerning open alcohol containers. Council also approved the removal of an individual from all financial accounts at Journey Bank, approved the April list of bills, authorized the release of Fire Escrow Funds for repairs at 10 West Main Street, and approved payment of membership dues to the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce. Furthermore, the Council approved advertising for crossing guards, discussed the proposed tennis light project with the School District with lights remaining a bid alternative, approved various quotes for work at the recycling center, and approved the sale of street light poles and a pool lift. Finally, project recommendations for the 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) were approved, along with the associated professional services agreement with SEDA-COG, and the proposed modification of the "Shangri-La at the Mills (Parcel C)" site plan. An allocation of up to $450 was approved for National Night Out.

The regular meeting addressed several public requests and administrative actions. Permission was unanimously granted for the Susquehanna Valley United Way to place black ribbons on Main Street meters for substance abuse/overdose awareness week. Discussions occurred regarding the town potentially curtailing grass maintenance at the Ft. McClure/DAR house, with Council members Kressler and Garman tasked to negotiate a future agreement. Concerns were raised by a resident regarding the Human Relations Commission's handling of an anonymous parking dispute scenario, citing bias and improper conduct toward residents and the police department. The Council approved payment of the January bills across various funds, accepted the resignation of a member from the Civil Service Commission, and approved the appointment of a new member to the Historic Architectural Review Board. Further approvals included a Certificate of Appropriateness for property modifications at 440 Iron Street, payment for services from SEDA-COG, an agreement for MARC to groom the Streater Field pathway after the next significant snowfall, approval for cyber coverage from Tokio Marine HCC, appointments to the Police Pension Committee and Employee Pension Plan Representatives, approval to continue denying several listed grievances, changes to Civil Service regulations, advertising a civil service search for the Police Department, advertising an ordinance amendment for parking regulations, and adopting a snow removal policy for specific Main Street and East Street areas following an 8-inch snowfall or more. The Council also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Columbia County Conservation District, engineering service reviews for pickleball courts, billing a property owner hourly for traffic study review fees, retaining legal counsel for obtaining engineering files, and approving a resolution and local support letter for the 7th Street project. Action on payment applications and a change order for court repairs was tabled.

The workshop meeting focused on developing a comprehensive, connected, and long-term multi-use path plan for the Town of Bloomsburg as part of ongoing infrastructure improvements. Key discussion points included identifying existing paths (BART, Streater Field, Town Park, County Rails to Trail, Market Street), addressing existing gaps such as road crossings, connecting trails, and grocery access, and discussing potential railroad paths and their specifications. Maintenance and operations were also debated, specifically regarding winter maintenance philosophy and the utilization of millings in grass areas versus creating additional sidewalk infrastructure.

The meeting included the administration of the oath of office for newly elected or re-elected council members. Key discussions involved a water supply issue for the Bloom Heights townhouse project, leading to potential stop work orders. The council proceeded with the nomination and election of the Vice President of Council, President Pro Tem of Council, and a member for the Vacancy Board. Appointments were confirmed for the Town Manager/Secretary/Treasurer, committee chair positions, and numerous municipal boards, commissions, and officer roles for the upcoming year. Major approvals included the fee resolution, 2026 pay wages, utilizing Zoom for public meetings, accepting the Strategic Management Planning Program (STMP) grant of $64,000, releasing financial security for an automotive tire repair shop addition, and granting a waiver request for a detention/infiltration basin slope. The Council tabled action on payment applications and a change order related to court work pending further review.

The reorganization meeting covered several key actions. The Council granted permission for Kate Magni to coordinate a pet fundraiser for the TNR program at the Town Park. Payments for the December bills across various funds totaling $959,704.31, including payroll, were approved. The probationary period for Brady Brink as Director of Public Works was officially ended. Three Council members were appointed to the negotiation committee for Police and Public Works & Recycling contracts. The Council accepted Michael Mertz's resignation from the Planning Commission and appointed Kristen Barrett to the commission. They approved a 90-day extension for the Midland Pointe land development plan and incorporated new tables and comments into the Zoning Ordinance amendment. The Council also approved minutes from several 2025 committee meetings and authorized the use of two external law firms. Appointments and continued service on the Zoning Hearing Board were confirmed. The Council approved the 2025 tax remittance from Beverly Deitrich, the 2027 Community-Based Employer agreement with Commonwealth University, and allowed the Columbia Child Development Center to make building adjustments up to $5,450. An engagement letter for actuarial services was approved, and a plaque for 'Outstanding Participation' in the 2025 National Night Out event was recognized. The Council accepted proposals for the Strategic Management Planning Program (STMP) grant and appointed two members to the steering committee. They approved moving forward with a project concerning the Market Street Monument and initiated a Main Street study regarding sidewalks and related infrastructure. Approval was granted for staff to investigate grants for streetlights and curbs/sidewalks on Market and Main Streets. Public work sessions were scheduled for February 2026 to discuss a multi-use path layout. Motions regarding payment applications and a change order for a project were tabled. The meeting concluded with an executive session concerning codes, police litigation, and a parking personnel matter.