Michael Gable

The Active Transportation Plan for Denver Borough, Lancaster County, serves as a roadmap to foster an active, connected, and safe community. It focuses on developing and implementing a comprehensive network of active transportation facilities including sidewalks, bike lanes, and multi-use paths. Key priorities include connecting destinations such as schools, parks, and businesses; improving public health; reducing reliance on motorized transportation; and enhancing safety for all users. The plan outlines a phased approach for short-term, medium-term, and long-term improvements, emphasizing projects like the 'Borough Loop Trail' and the Washington Street Extension, and details strategies for funding and collaboration.

The meeting addressed citizens' concerns, including safety issues on North 5th Street. Updates were provided on the Main Street Project and Police Department activities, including notable arrests and training programs. The Denver Fire Company reported on their year-to-date calls and community involvement. Public Works updates included leaf collection, the Denver Park Waterline Extension Project, and the status of the North 3rd Street and Main Street Project. The council discussed the Adamstown Area Library's programs and the potential impact of losing passport sales. A proposed ordinance for inspecting and repairing private sanitary sewer laterals was discussed, along with the 2026 Draft Budget, including potential tax and rate increases. Additionally, the council approved invoices, a resolution for law enforcement services, a video surveillance system purchase, fund transfers for the Denver Community Pool Pickleball Court and Pathway Project, and a reduction of a stormwater management plan letter of credit. The meeting also included an update on the Borough Council meeting room tables.

The Denver Borough Council meeting included discussions on the 2026 Draft Denver Borough Budget, covering the timeline for review and approval, potential increases for water and sewer rates and real estate taxes, and funding for a new Recreation Maintenance Laborer position. The council also discussed and approved the bid for the Denver Community Pool Pickleball Court and Pathway Project, contingent upon approval by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and review by the Borough Solicitor. Updates were provided on the Main Street Pedestrian Access Safety Improvement Project and a proposed Change Order #1 for the Denver Memorial Park Water Main Extension Project, which was subsequently approved.

The council discussed concerns about vehicles not stopping at a four-way stop sign, potential improvements at the Fairview Cemetery, and a missing cover for a connection box in the Denver Park Annex. Reports were given on police activity, including notable arrests and speed enforcement details, as well as the Denver Fire Company's responses and activities. Updates were provided on the rental status of apartments at 336 Main Street, the Denver Fair 5K Run, and a request for a speed bump on Sunrise Circle. The council also discussed the appointment of a Zoning Hearing Board Attorney, the sale of a parcel of land, the installation of a camera at the Weaver Road Bridge, a draft Sewer Lateral Inspection Program Ordinance, potential grant projects, and a revised Memorandum of Understanding Agreement with the Lancaster County Planning Department. An executive session was held to discuss Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.

The council discussed police contract negotiations with East Cocalico Township, Elm Street and Maple Street Project, Denver Community Pool Pickleball Court and Pathway Project, a change to the Borough's Financial Software Package to QuickBooks Enterprise Gold Software, use of Community Development Block Grant Funding for the Spruce Street Water Line Replacement Project and an agreement between Denver Borough and the Lancaster County Planning Department for Expedited Reviews of Qualified Subdivision and Land Development Plans. The council also discussed permitting archery hunt on the Borough's Smokestown Well Property.