Robert Goshen

The meeting included a reorganization session where bylaws were adopted, and a Chairperson (Josh Deering) and Vice Chairperson (Brian Dolphin) were nominated and approved. Public input was provided concerning the Rettew review letter for the 400 E. Main St. project, specifically regarding underground BMP liner and waterproofing concerns. The Zoning Codes & Stormwater Administrator presented the December 2025 report. Key old business involved the review and discussion of the PC25-07 400 E. Main St. Preliminary Final Land Development Plan, resulting in recommendations for waiver approvals for Street Reconstruction, Sidewalks, Curbing, and Stormwater, and conditional recommendation for final plan approval pending satisfaction of outstanding requirements. An update was also provided on the Donegal Comprehensive Plan Update status and financial commitments. Further public input addressed submission deadlines for plan reviews.

The Administration & Finance Committee meeting agenda was approved, and a correction was made to the minutes of the previous meeting regarding the term 'mute' being changed to 'moot'. The Community & Economic Development Coordinator reported on Winterfest statistics, noting a slight decrease in attendance but an increase in average length of stay. The Codes, Zoning, & Stormwater Administrator provided an update on a property complaint at 955 W. Main St., confirming that immediate corrections for non-life safety issues were underway. Key financial discussions included concerns from Gus's Restaurant regarding loss of street parking and its impact on their lot expansion, and updates on the Manheim Central Comprehensive Plan Final Draft, which had been approved by Penn Township and was awaiting action from Rapho Township. The committee approved motions to recommend to full Council authorizing the issuance of Earned Income Tax Credit/Real Property Tax rebates for Volunteer Fire Service personnel, a resolution appointing/reappointing members to various Boards and Commissions, a resolution closing out a DCNR Grant for the Little Chiques Park Master Site Plan, and Memorandums of Understanding for the employment terms of the Borough Manager and the Chief of Police (with an amendment to the Chief's start date). Finally, approval was given to recommend selecting a candidate to fill the vacant Florin Ward Councilor position in January 2026. Updates were provided on the New Municipal Services Building, including a substantial completion date of April 16, 2026, and approval was given to recommend moving forward with a retainage reduction for eci Construction and approving the quote from Corbett, Inc. for office furniture.

The meeting agenda was approved, followed by a public input period where concerns were raised regarding grant listings, specifically the 902 Grant for the compost facility, and a detailed inquiry about the DEP's response timeline concerning the Florin Hill major permit amendment and associated deficiency letters from engineers. During the Community & Economic Development review, updates were given on submitted grants and planning for the 175th Anniversary celebration. The Codes, Zoning, & Stormwater report noted a notice of violation sent to Florin Hill/Charter Homes. Sketch plan reviews were conducted for Guardian Barrier (1040 E. Main St.) regarding curb, sidewalk modifications, and traffic impact, and for 1087 Wood St. concerning the re-zoning from light industrial to medium density residential for townhomes. The committee approved sending the request for re-zoning of 409 W. Main St. to Neighborhood Commercial to full Council for owner occupancy by a property management group. Discussions on Administration, Budget, and Finance included a presentation on potential health insurance broker savings, the commencement of drafting a response letter to the Manheim Central Comprehensive Plan Final Draft, an update on the Florin Hill permit issue deadline, and approval to extend the tax rebate deadline for Volunteer Fire Fighters/Support. The committee also approved moving the decision regarding closing the office on December 26, 2025, to full Council. A significant portion of the discussion involved the high quote received for office furniture for the new Municipal Services Complex, resulting in a motion to have full Council discuss the furniture expenditure further.

The Public Works Committee reviewed several items of business, primarily focusing on streets, alleys, and stormwater management. Regarding street planning, the Committee recommended to Council to bid Contract 1 for Paving, estimated at $750,000, and decided to re-evaluate the Seal Coat contract at a later date. For the S. Market Ave. project, the Committee recommended a two-year approach, addressing stormwater improvements in 2027 and roadway improvements in 2028, given the estimated total cost of $960,900 exceeds the 2027 budget. In stormwater matters, the Committee voted to forward a violation letter concerning Florin Hill to Council and directed staff to meet with DEP regarding an appeal to permit approval. Discussions also covered follow-up actions regarding repairs from the July 2025 storm event and updating the Five Year Stormwater Plan philosophy. The Grants Update included noting the completion of a DCED MTF grant and awaiting notice for a $300,000.00 DCED application.

Key discussions during the meeting included the finalization of the Master Site Development Plan, which satisfied all grant requirements. An update on the Streambank Restoration Project indicated that Phase III is out to bid, with an alternate bid addressing creek flooding from July. The Board discussed the Malmedy Memorial project, estimated to cost around $37,000.00, and fundraising efforts involving selling pavers with veteran names. Discussions also covered park inventory reviews for Westview Park and Lakes Park, and a proposal for an Adopt a Park program. A motion was approved to change the regular Advisory Board meeting date from the second Tuesday to the fourth Tuesday of the month, effective January 2026. Additionally, mapping for a potential nine-hole disc golf course between Rotary Park and Cove Outlook Park was mentioned.