Ralph Touch

The meeting agenda covers financial reporting, including the review of spending, loan status, audits, and the 2026 budget. Engineering reports detail projects such as sewer lining, water main replacements, rate studies, grant applications for tank rehabilitation, and utility infrastructure updates. The authority will also address municipal solar projects, ten-year capital plans, solicitor reports on legal agreements and IRS issues, and operational updates regarding ongoing development projects in the borough.

The meeting commenced with a roll call of the Council members. Public comments were solicited, followed by a discussion regarding emergency services, though the Chief was absent. A representative provided an annual report detailing performance metrics, including 650 calls responded to in the previous year, with over 4,700 individual responses. The report highlighted significant assistance provided to 21 different municipalities, especially for fire police duties, and noted the department maintains an ISO rating of four. Updates were provided on securing funding for a new ladder truck, estimated to arrive in late 2026 or early 2027, and the financial health of the department regarding apparatus replacement. The discussion also covered the disposal plan for the aging current ladder truck. The Police department provided its January report, noting 187 incidents, 11 crash investigations, five arrests, and 11 vehicle stops within Fleetwood Borough. Personnel updates included the hiring process for a part-time officer and ongoing background investigations for full-time officers, confirming that officers involved in an early January shooting had been cleared and returned to duty. Concerns were raised about the increasing volume of mental health-related calls. Finally, an update was provided on the DCD study, which is in its initial phase, emphasizing communication and optimization as core priorities for the project, with Richmond Township releasing corresponding information simultaneously.

The council meeting addressed a variety of operational and administrative matters. Key topics included the review of police incident and personnel reports, updates on engineering projects such as the Willow Creek construction and pool restroom upgrades, and authorization of payments and contract approvals. Discussions also covered the planning of a stormwater system workshop, modifications to the pool area fencing, and the dedication of water lines for the Willow Crest development. Furthermore, the council approved the sale of surplus items via auction, reviewed financial reporting updates, and received a report on an application for a mill facility renovation.

The council reviewed reports from the Fire Company and Police Department, including updates on staffing and hiring. Key approvals included pay applications for the Pool Restroom Project and Spruce Street adjustments, and the awarding of a bid for the Willow Creek Phase #3 project. The council discussed fencing for the community pool and authorized up to $42,000 for the work. Further actions included approving a memorandum of understanding for an evacuation plan, the American Legion's Memorial Day parade route, an animal control contract, and the repair of the Poplar Street bridge deck. The council also authorized listing items for sale on Municibid and discussed future planning committee events.

The meeting commenced with a Re-Organization segment, including the swearing-in of the Mayor and re-elected Council members, followed by the election of the President of Council (Ralph Touch), Vice President (Pete Merkel), and President Pro Tem (Jim Meals). Various re-appointments were approved for committees and professionals, including members for the Zoning Hearing Board, Recreation Board, Borough Authority, Planning Commission, and Civil Service Commission, as well as re-appointments for the Borough Engineer (Barry Isett & Associates), Water/Sewer Engineer (Entech), Solicitor (Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys), and Auditor (Cherry Bekaert / Herbein). During the regular council meeting, the Police Department reported receiving a $374,495 grant for equipment and planning oral interviews for a new officer. Contracts for police services in Ruscombmanor Township and Richmond Township were approved. Discussions included addressing electric bike safety rules and updates on the DCED Fire Study Phase 2. Motions were passed to approve the purchase of a new Public Works truck/dump body, a new BobCat side-by-side unit with a trade-in, payment of $90,000 to DESCCO for the Pool Restroom Project, signing the 2026 UCC Intergovernmental Agreement, and releasing fire escrow funds for 312 E. Washington Street. Public Works motions approved the renewal of four handicap parking spaces and ratification of December 2025 invoices. An executive session was held at the conclusion of the meeting.