Michael T. Italia

The meeting included amendments to the agenda to add a resolution for appointing a Borough Auditor for three years and to include discussions on Zoning Ordinance amendments related to Sober Living/Recovery Houses and Outdoor Bars. Key reports covered the September police activity, noting traffic stops and vandalism damages, and the Solicitor's progress on the eCode360 project. The Council discussed the Preliminary Draft Budget and scheduled a Special Budget Meeting. Significant action was taken regarding the 2019 Roadway Improvement Program progress and requests for 25 MPH speed limit signage on N. Congress Street. The Council approved Certificates of Appropriateness for property improvements, including a porch and an iron gate, while tabling garage construction pending Joint Historic Commission review. The Council appointed Bee Bergvall & Co, LLC as the Independent Auditor for fiscal years 2019-2021 and accepted the September Consolidated Expenditure Report. Zoning discussions resulted in authorizing the Solicitor to send amendments regarding residential parking and attached garages, and an ordinance regulating Outdoor/Open Air Bars, to the Planning Commission for review. An ordinance amendment allowing sober living facilities by special exception in the B-1 Business Gateway District was also authorized for advertisement. New business included discussions on a potential bike trail connection and protecting larger Borough properties from subdivision.

The regular semi-monthly meeting covered several key areas. During the public comment section, residents raised concerns regarding a long-standing dumpster removal request and presented detailed questions regarding the proposed 2022 budget, specifically concerning cash reserves, fund allocations, and the desire for audited financial data. A major action was the unanimous authorization to sign the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Newtown Borough Police Officers' Association for the years 2022-2025, which included details on phased salary increases and improved benefits. The Council also unanimously approved a conditional offer of employment for a part-time police officer. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation of preliminary fire services report by a Municipal Fire Planner, outlining options for an equitable cost-sharing agreement with Newtown Township for 2022 fire protection services. Furthermore, the Council unanimously approved several Certificates of Appropriateness related to property renovations and signage. In committee reports, the Council accepted the November expenditure report, approved the 2022 Proposed Budget of $4,555,915 (with some opposition), and adopted resolutions setting the 2022 Tax Rates and Fixing 2022 Salaries. The Environmental Advisory Council reported progress on the Open Space Plan, and the Planning Commission update involved a discussion about advertising the Comprehensive Plan. Finally, the Council approved a $8,000 proposal for a tree survey and adopted a resolution defining rules and procedures for the UCC Board of Appeals.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session regarding potential litigation. Key discussions included the allocation of $300 to the Bucks County Tour of Honor. The council addressed a public concern regarding an obstructed sidewalk on Jefferson Street, which the Police Chief agreed to investigate. In the Mayor's report, the contribution for the Tour of Honor was approved, and reminders were given for upcoming 'Music on the Street' and 'Movies in the Park' special events. The Police Chief's report detailed May statistics, including DUIs and a significant incident involving terroristic threats, along with commendation for an officer administering NARCAN. The Solicitor's report covered recent legal activity. A resolution was unanimously passed adopting the 'Young Lungs at Play' initiative to educate the public about the dangers of vaping, which will be implemented via signage rather than an ordinance initially. The council also unanimously approved following the Historic Architectural Review Board's recommendation to sign Certificates of Appropriateness for sign installation at 110 S. State Street and for a residential addition/renovations at 446 E. Washington Avenue. Committee reports involved accepting the May Consolidated Expenditure Report, passing a resolution calling on the U.S. Congress to address Climate Change, and discussing proposed state regulations for recovery houses, resulting in the approval to draft a response and send a Zoning Ordinance Amendment draft regarding sober living facilities to the Planning Commission. Old Business included preliminary discussion regarding future amendments to the Zoning Ordinance in anticipation of recreational marijuana legalization.

The Work Session included discussions regarding the 2022 Road Program, detailing street repairs and cost reimbursement from the Newtown Artesian Water Company, and agreeing to move the vote forward to the next Council Meeting. Council ratified acceptance of a proposal and adopted a resolution to apply for a Local Share Account (LSA) Grant for a Comprehensive Trail and Sidewalk Study. The Mayor reported on discussions regarding valet parking for a local business and promoted a fundraising event. Reports included updates on Fire Service Committee negotiations, ratification of the purchase of salt due to depleted inventory, and ratification of a proposal to apply for a Keystone Historic Grant for Borough Hall repairs. The group reviewed proposed agenda items for the subsequent Council Meeting, including an extension of the Outdoor Dining Resolution. The Environmental Advisory Council discussed the single trash hauler issue, noting that a prior survey showed equal support and opposition, and reviewed criteria for consideration. The Traffic/Pedestrian Safety Committee announced the selection of the name "Walk Friendly Newtown." The Recreation Board updated the status of the Arbor Day event, and administrative matters concerning meeting locations and committee collaboration were addressed.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Service Plan outlines proposed changes to the agency's Service Standards and Process. It also details making permanent experimental adjustments to specific routes, including Route 40, Route 73, Route 104, and Route 131, aimed at improving service, addressing congestion, and enhancing access for riders.