Michael Melvin

Key discussions included updates from the Engineering Committee regarding the WWTP NPDES Permit compliance and plans for the Memorial Park Pavilion Project retaining wall and parking lot improvements. The Police Department report detailed citation statistics, calls for service, and plans for a traffic enforcement shift to address speeding. The Sanitation report addressed garbage collection issues. The Buildings Committee reviewed and approved a $4,000 quote from Rhyno Construction for an office safety enclosure. The Water & Sewer report noted that past due accounts over 90 days totaled $1,958.68, necessitating shut-off notices. Parks & Recreation noted a successful concert at Harmony Hall and upcoming Christmas in the Park event. The Zoning report highlighted permit activity, and the Solicitor suggested updating the zoning ordinance, last revised in 1996. Financial matters included the approval of the Treasurer's report, bills, salaries, receipts, and the motion to approve Rhyno Construction's quote.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss a personnel issue. Key communications involved the acceptance of Officer Michael Melvin's formal resignation, effective October 10, 2025, and a subsequent motion to appoint Officer Kotwasinski as the officer in charge, effective October 13, 2025. Consideration of garbage bids was tabled until the subsequent budget meeting scheduled for October 15th. Engineering committee reports covered compliance with new Water Quality-Based Effluent Limitations (WQBELs) for the WWTP NPDES Permit, the PADEP service line inventory, and updates on the 2025 Road Program, which concluded with a final walk-through and payment processing. The Police Department's September report detailed citations and mileage logs. The Sanitation Committee addressed issues regarding residents placing inappropriate heavy debris in garbage cans and approved reimbursements for contractors who were incorrectly charged extra garbage fees. Water & Sewer reported that past due accounts exceeding 90 days totaled $2,700, prompting the commencement of shut-off notices. Parks & Recreation confirmed the date and time for Halloween trick or treating. The Zoning report noted the issuance of two UCC permits and four Zoning permits. Financial reports, including bank balances for multiple funds, were approved, as were the bills, salaries, and receipts. Citizen comments included complaints regarding traffic congestion and excessive noise levels on Swamp and New Streets.

The meeting included reports from various committees. The Engineering report addressed compliance with new Water Quality-Based Effluent Limitations (WQBELs) under the NPDES Permit, ongoing service line inventory inspections, and noted that work on the Memorial Park Pavilion Project will proceed with a retaining wall and parking lot improvements in the spring of 2026, while the sidewalk and maintenance shed components are deferred. For Street Improvements, the 2025 Road Program contract work was completed, and final processing is underway. The Police Department reported on October activities, including issuing citations and handling various incidents, and also applied for a Local Share Account (LSA) grant for new digital handheld radios. Sanitation reported routine issues with garbage and recycling collection. The Water & Sewer report noted overdue accounts and discussed water quality issues, potentially leading to a water boiling advisory. The Zoning report detailed the issuance of quality of life tickets and permits. New business included motions to change the return check fee from $35 to $50, approve a support letter for Common Ground Ministries, and approve the treasurer's report, bills, salaries, and receipts.

The meeting included an Executive Session concerning a personnel issue. Engineering reports covered several items, including compliance with WWTP NPDES Permit WQBELs, PADEP Service Line Inventory updates, preparation of the PADEP Consumer Confidence Report, and planning for the Memorial Park Pavilion Project. A professional engineering services proposal for the 2025 Road Program, detailing paving and manhole improvements on New Street and Second Street, was reviewed and accepted with a modification regarding the number of manholes to be replaced. Committee reports included updates on police activity, sanitation resolution of recent issues, plans for lock repairs at Harmony Hall, high past-due water accounts necessitating shut-off notices, positive feedback on a concert in the park, and the issuance of Quality of Life (QOL) violations. New business involved ratifying the hiring of an individual to operate borrowed equipment, approving engineering services for Harmony Hall retaining wall and sidewalk bid specifications, advertising a noise ordinance and parking ordinance, and approving changes to garbage specifications for bidding.

Key discussions involved engineering reports detailing the submission of a grant application for the PA Small Water and Sewer Program, covering proposed water and sewer line replacements on Hazle, Broad, Depot, and New Streets, and the need for compliance with new Water Quality-Based Effluent Limitations (WQBELs). Street improvements, including Church Street speed humps and New Street repairs utilizing CDBG grant funds, were noted. The police department provided an April activity report detailing various incidents, citations, and court outcomes. Financial matters included addressing delinquent water accounts, which will prompt the issuance of shut-off notices, and the approval of the treasurer's report and bills/salaries. The council also addressed zoning issues concerning property violations and initiated the drafting of a parking ordinance amendment based on Hazleton's model.