Michael R. McKenna

The meeting included the approval of bills and acceptance of the Treasurer's Report for November 2022. A public hearing was held regarding Ordinance 868, amending the Local Tax Collection Law, which was subsequently adopted by Council. Organizational reports were presented for the Myerstown Vitality Partnership, Myerstown Water Authority, and Isaac Meier Homestead. Council addressed a request from the Library regarding book storage and a book sale, approving the request while waiving fees. A property owner presented a vision for his property on W. Carpenter Avenue, which is currently being reviewed by consultants and the Code Official. Resolutions were adopted concerning 2023 tax rates, authorized document signers, and appointments for the law firm, engineer, wastewater engineer, and auditor for 2023. Council also authorized advertisement for Ordinance 869 amending the Wastewater Treatment Ordinance, took action in opposition to a variance request for off-street parking for a property on S. Railroad Street, renewed the website sales agreement with Revize, and authorized advertising for bids for the Nutrient Sediment Box Project. Finally, 2023 employment wage rates were approved, and the lease renewal with Mission Church was authorized.

The meeting included a treasurer's report for November. Old business topics involved the Youth Volunteer Program, discussions on the Summer Concert Series 2025 planning being halted until January 2025, and motions related to moving the concert series to the Elmer C. Ebling Memorial Charity, and moving the Myerstown Carnival/Fair to the same charity. The Cornhole Tournament generated a net profit of $785.88 with positive feedback. Discussions regarding America250 were postponed until after a January meeting. Other topics included updates on the Issac Meier Homestead, the fact that Park Improvements were not approved by council, the status of Budget 2025 awaiting council discussion, planning for the Home Decorating Contest judging, general board direction, and the impending vacancy of two Board positions as one member is not renewing and another will be resigning due to a new job. Discussions also occurred regarding Room 244 and approved/pending events for 2024 and 2025.

The Work Session agenda included discussions on solicitor options, with a potential action planned, and deliberation regarding resignations and vacancies on the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) Boards of Appeals. Key topics also involved obtaining Council direction for the Lebanon County Tax Collection Committee (TCC) delegate concurrence process, discussion concerning the building code official position, and an overview of the monthly financial reports. Operational and logistical items for the 2026 pool season were slated for discussion, including rates and advertising for employment. Facility event requests included discussions for charity events, a 'Mommy Swap Shop', and the annual library book sale. The Council planned to discuss participation in the America250 Lebanon County Parade and the municipal sponsorship request. Infrastructure topics included discussion of parking restriction study findings for E. Richland Avenue, review of the 2026 roadway program bidding contracts, and policy direction for curb/sidewalk requirements related to the 2026 CDBG paving project. Further agenda items covered a revitalization proposal for the park pavilion, submission of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) application packets, finalizing details for a special meeting in February 2026, discussing a proposed policy for public comment structure, and reviewing the Public Works Highway Garage roof repair proposal from Moser Roofing Solutions. The meeting concluded with a provision for Executive Session to discuss sensitive matters.

The Borough of Myerstown's strategic plan and operations guide for FY2026 sets the direction for community development and operational efficiency, grounded in five core values: preservation, authenticity, service, sustainability, and diverse economy. It aims to achieve a vision of sustainable public services, economic vitality, compatible land use, open communication, enhanced infrastructure, and preservation of heritage and environment. The plan's priorities include maintaining fiscal responsibility without tax increases, advancing critical infrastructure projects such as road and stormwater improvements, building financial reserves for police services, and pursuing nine specific goals to enhance community well-being and operational effectiveness.

Key discussions during the meeting included a request for speed humps on S. Locust St., with a PennDOT traffic study recommending four humps for inclusion in the proposed 2026 budget. The Council accepted the October 2025 Treasurer's Report and paid bills. Reports were received from the Water Authority and the Isaac Meier Homestead Committee, which requested permanent outdoor electrical outlets and a more secure enclosure for portable toilets at the Homestead. Council discussed and authorized advertisement and public inspection for the Proposed 2026 Operating, Reserve, and Special Fund Budgets. Payment Applications #2 and #3 for the 2025 Road Project Alleys contract with Miller Soil Solutions were approved. Council approved updated fire box/run cards for emergency services integration. Facilities use requests for the Community Center, including one from the Elmer C. Ebling Memorial Charity and another from Mission Church Myerstown for a bi-weekly food pantry, were approved. Resolution 2025-14 appointing the Borough Manager as the Pension Plan Administrator was adopted. Resolution 2025-15 requesting an LSA Grant for plumbing improvements to the Community Pool bathhouse was adopted, and Resolution 2025-16 requesting an LSA Grant for Community Center improvements was adopted contingent upon future ratification of the final estimate amount. The renewal of Pollution Legal Liability insurance was approved. Design revisions for the 2025 S. Railroad St. road project were discussed, leading to a consensus to maintain a 32-foot cartway with curb placement adjustments. The Zoning Hearing Board application for a special exception at 425 South Railroad Street was reviewed, with Council deciding to discuss a potential position in Executive Session before making a public statement. Borough priorities for the Lebanon County Comprehensive Plan update, including traffic management and housing affordability, were established. An Executive Session was held to discuss personnel matters, lease negotiations, and the Zoning Hearing Board matter. Lease renewal agreements were authorized for drafting with Mission Church and Modern Gent Customs. A $1.00 per hour wage increase for David Schmidt, contingent upon verification of his operator certification, was approved.