Richard Carey

The Ivyland Borough Council meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The council approved the treasurer's report, paid bills, and discussed correspondence, including paperwork for the Greenways grant and an accident at Chase and Jacksonville. Updates were provided on Park and Rec activities, such as the upcoming Concert in Park and the People, Parks and Community Foundation grant application. The engineer reported on the Ivyland Community Park Phase 2 completion, abandoned utilities at Ivyland Park, the Greeley Avenue Storm Sewer project, and inlet cleaning proposals. The solicitor discussed the Chicken Ordinance, which was approved. The council also discussed renewing the Zoom account and addressed police and code enforcement reports. Additional topics included trimming on Greeley Avenue, a historic project, and committee reports from Park and Recreation, Finance, Public Safety, Borough Property, Streets and Walks, Planning Commission, and the Fire Company.

The Council discussed the status of a local scholarship award and how to proceed given changes in the school district's administration of scholarship programs. Engineering updates were provided, including the Gley Avenue storm sewer project, electronic speed sign installation, and upcoming pole placement locations. The solicitor reported on right-to-know request outcomes and the pending expiration of the Comcast franchise agreement, recommending that the Council investigate renewal options, potentially through the Cohen Law Group or the local consortium.

Key discussions involved follow-up actions regarding snow plowing efficiency and resident compliance with parking restrictions. The Finance Committee provided an update on reviewing financial reporting, planning to contact a QuickBooks expert, and arranging a presentation from the mercantile tax collector. Under property matters, the completion of new street signs was noted, awaiting snow clearance for installation. A request was made to assess damaged porch buckling boards. The Fire Company reported on recent call volume, including activity during a snowstorm, and announced upcoming fundraisers and operational support duties. A significant portion of the meeting involved public comment from a representative of the Presbyterian Church regarding a variance request to avoid installing a Knox box, which is required due to fire code regulations concerning false alarms. The council discussed the variance request, the cost of a Knox box versus providing keys to emergency services, and determined to deliberate on the matter for a ruling at the next meeting. The meeting concluded with an announcement regarding an upcoming executive session.

The meeting commenced with a reorganization process, including the swearing-in of newly elected and re-elected council members, namely Highland Finanelli, Anthony Judas, J Todd Severise, Scott Holden, and Todd Foulson. Subsequent organizational actions involved the election of the President and Vice President of Council, and the appointment of the Chairman Pro Tem and the initial nominee for Vacancy Board Chair. Following procedural matters, the Pledge of Allegiance was added to the established forum. Discussions also covered committee assignments, with new appointments/retaining of positions on various boards such as Park and Recreation and Planning Commission. The council then addressed administrative matters, including the acceptance of the December meeting minutes (with some members abstaining) and review of the Treasurer's reports for December 2025 and January 2026, including the approval of prepaid bills lists for both periods. A question regarding budget line items for miscellaneous revenue and expense, specifically related to park grant money, was clarified.

The Ivyland Borough Council meeting included discussions on various topics such as a proposal for 1060 Greeley Avenue, Ivyland Community Park Phase 2, Greeley Avenue Storm Sewer Project, inlet cleaning, Greeley Avenue Inlet Settlement, and firehouse striping. The council also discussed the police report for April 2025, Park and Recreation, Memorial Day Parade, grants, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Money, streets and walks, and the Fire Company report. Additionally, a request for a toddler swing for the Ivyland playground was discussed, as well as the Borough's position on residents living in a trailer on their property.