Paul Gruber

Key discussions during the workshop included strategies for fining speeding drivers, with residents encouraged to report incidents using license plates or video evidence. The Mayor announced he will take over the Neighborhood Watch Program, and efforts will continue to promote the Hometown Heroes Banners Program for the 250th Anniversary. Council reviewed current and proposed permit fees, planning to offer individual feedback. Zoning determination for 398 Main St. involved discussion on drainage and potential erosion control, while a ruling was noted for 140 Main St. regarding impervious coverage and parking. A change in the laundry mat water bill process to use actual meter readings was announced. New business featured discussions on committee consolidation, the approval of quotes for annual supplies and service agreements for the water and wastewater plants, and consideration of disbursing the fire company's annual allotment quarterly or monthly instead of a lump sum. Future topics included a presentation on the Blue Mountain Wildlife Master Plan, discussions regarding the Kernsville Dam Recreation Area, and finalizing crossing guard rates at $21/hr. for a minimum of one hour per session, retroactive to January 19, 2026. Old business noted that borough staff have managed snow plowing effectively.

The meeting began with a reorganization where the temporary chair was appointed, followed by nominations and unanimous approvals for the President and Vice President of Council, and the appointment of a President Pro Tem. A public hearing was held regarding the proposed liquor license transfer for Star City Diner & Pizza Parlor, Inc. Following the hearing, the Council recessed into executive session to discuss the transfer before reconvening and unanimously adopting a resolution to approve the license transfer. Additionally, appointments were made to the Recreation Board for five-year terms. In reports, the Engineer sought authorization to put the Borough Hall ADA Improvements project out for bid. The Fire Chief provided statistics for 2025 calls and discussed the temporary housing of a Northern Berks EMS ambulance due to staffing shortages. New business included the approval of bills payable for January 5, 2026. Old business involved a discussion about the positive morale and creative repurposing of equipment by utility staff at the sewer plant.

The meeting covered several administrative and operational topics. Discussions included the scheduling of a public hearing for a liquor license transfer application for Star City Diner at the January 5 reorganization meeting. The Engineer's Report addressed specifications for Borough Hall ADA Improvements and the status of the LSA Grant for Park Stormwater Upgrades. Key financial actions included the unanimous approval to purchase Trac Vac parts for $2,777.72, the unanimous approval of the 2026 budget, and the unanimous adoption of Ordinance 471-2025 setting the 2026 real estate tax at 8.5 mills, with discussion clarifying the use of one mill for fire-related services. Additionally, the Council unanimously adopted a resolution setting employee contributions for the non-uniform pension plan at 0% for 2026. The Council also approved advertising the 2026 meeting list, including provision for meetings on both November 3 and November 4. New Business included a discussion regarding rewarding staff for savings achieved during the wastewater plant utility water conversion project.

The workshop of the Shoemakersville Borough Council addressed several key areas. Approval was sought for concrete work estimates at the pool and floodgate repairs at the wastewater plant. The disinfection process at the wastewater plant is utilizing 100% utility water. A notice will be sent regarding a stormwater violation and repairs to handicap doors. The council authorized the replacement of the water heater at the wastewater plant. Met-Ed will upgrade non-LED lights to LED, with the borough noted as a priority. Renegade has begun alarm upgrades at the water plant, and ARRO is drafting a PSA for an engineering analysis regarding water production. The council approved a quote to repair the concrete at the pool. The Lion's Club moved the Santa holiday event to the fire company. The council reviewed options and quotes for park mulch. The Holiday Decorating Contest will be the week of December 15. ARRO's Opinion of Probable Construction Cost for park drainage improvements was reviewed, and authorization was given to submit the LSA grant application for these improvements. An executive session was held for employee relations matters. The 2026 budget was advertised. The council reviewed the TNR contract with No Nonsense Neutering and authorized the Council President to execute it. Packets were prepared for newly elected officials, including information on Robert's Rules, the Sunshine Act, and borough official manuals.

The workshop included a Fire Chief's Report, and reports from the Manager, Property/Streets/Sanitation, Sewer, Water, Parks & Recreation, Law/Planning/Zoning, Employee Relations, and Community Outreach. The board also held a budget workshop.