Phil Clark

The council received presentations regarding a sister city trip to Letterkenny, Ireland, and local support for the United States Semiquincentennial celebration. Actions included approving multiple payment requests for infrastructure and restoration projects, directing staff to draft an ordinance for parking improvements on E High Street, and approving a five-year funding agreement for GEARS. Furthermore, the council extended the plan review period for the Railroad Ridge Land Development Plan, approved a resolution to close out a C2P2 grant, passed a resolution supporting the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, and authorized the sale of surplus municipal equipment through Municibid.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the oath of office to newly elected councilmembers. Key agenda items included the nomination and election of the Council President and Vice President, both requiring a vote by the Mayor to break a split decision. The Council unanimously approved numerous staff and consultant appointments for calendar years 2026-2027, including the Borough Manager, Solicitor, and Auditors. Appointments to various Borough Boards and Commissions were also approved, though one appointment received a dissenting vote. Furthermore, the public meeting schedule for calendar years 2026-2027 was confirmed. Under old business, an extension for the Railroad Ridge Land Development Plan review period was approved. New business involved the approval of Resolution 2026-1 to authorize an additional bank account for PENNVEST funds related to the Radio Road Interceptor Project, Phase 2, and the subsequent approval to submit Payment Request No. 1 to PENNVEST for the same project.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence for the recently deceased resident Richard Sheidy. A proclamation recognizing March 2026 as DeMolay month was presented. Key reports covered January 2026 financial performance, police activity, and operational statistics from MESA and the Fire Company. In Old Business, Council approved Payment Application #9 for the Parking Management System Project and discussed potential projects for the C2P2 Park Grant Application, focusing on improvements at an area behind the Elizabethtown Mennonite Church and parking upgrades. In New Business, Council unanimously rejected a request to waive a late payment penalty for a property and awarded the 2026 Concrete Repair Project to SM Johns & Sons Construction, LLC. Staff also reported on preparations for a Community Development Block Grant application for ADA ramp and stormwater improvements. Finally, Council approved the monthly bills payable across several funds.

The meeting commenced with a conditional use hearing regarding an application by Inch's Properties, LLC, to create a 10-unit apartment building in the R-3 High-Density Residential Zoning District. Borough Council unanimously approved the conditional use request with specified conditions, including posting property manager contact information and adding EMS wayfinding signs. During the public comment period, several residents expressed concerns regarding the Borough signing a memorandum of understanding with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while others voiced opinions on specific resolutions. In Old Business, the Council failed to appoint one candidate to the Elizabethtown Area Community Services Authority but unanimously approved the appointment of Kristy Moore. New Business included discussions on potential revisions to the fee schedule, specifically false alarm fees, and feedback on sidewalk improvement letters to property owners ahead of 2027 paving. The Council approved Pay Application #1 to Wexcon Inc. for the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project and approved special events for the LIV-Etown 2nd Friday events and a Hope Community Church event.

The meeting commenced with a presentation where GEARS thanked sponsors and participants of the 2025 Holiday Parade and presented category awards. During public comment, citizens raised concerns regarding a decision on the property at 56 N Market Street and the impact of smoke and vape shops. Reports included the unanimous approval of the December 2025 Financial Report and the Police Department's monthly report showing a decrease in vehicle break-ins. Operational reports for Code Enforcement, Fire Company, MESA, and EAWA for December 2025 (or Annual 2025 for some) were presented with no significant questions. Old Business involved updates on parking, including data analysis and discussions on electronic payments and a temporary parking permit for residents on W High Street due to Radio Road Phase 2 construction; the Council directed staff to gather more information. New Business included the approval of Resolution 2026-02 authorizing the Borough Manager as a signatory on various bank accounts. The meeting concluded with the unanimous approval of the monthly Bills Payable for the General, Sewer, Capital Reserve, Sewer Capital Projects, and Subdivision Escrow Funds.