Scott A. Chermak

The meeting included a review of the police force staff duties and reporting systems by the Police Chief. Key agenda items covered resolutions related to the appointment/reappointment of Borough Officials, the fixing of salaries and wages for Borough Officials and Employees (Resolution No. 2026-2), the establishment of a fee schedule (Resolution No. 2026-3), the amendment of the employee handbook to include sick leave for full-time Public Works employees (Resolution No. 2026-4), and the authorization to acquire 212 Duquesne Avenue from AVJSA (Resolution No. 2026-5). Additionally, the council authorized the preparation and advertisement of an ordinance adopting the 2021 IPMC. The proceedings included a period for budget and finance review (Bill list #01.26) and a subsequent executive session.

Key discussions during the meeting included the awarding of contracts for the North Highland Waterline Replacement project to two different responsible bidders for the waterline and paving portions, respectively. The engineer also provided updates indicating that plans for the Parkway waterline replacement project are nearing completion and that groundbreaking for Rachel Carson Park bathrooms is anticipated in the late summer. The Budget & Finance Committee reviewed Year-End Financials, and the General Office Administration committee adopted Resolution No. 2026-1 regarding the appointment or reappointment of Officials, Board Members, and Representatives. Updates were also received on the AVJSA Cheswick project completion.

The reorganization meeting focused primarily on the election and appointment of officers. Key actions included the election of Brad Yaksich as Council President, Adis Halimic as Council Vice President, and Frank Stanish as President Pro Tempore. Additionally, a motion was carried to appoint Adis Halimic to fill a vacancy on the Borough Council for a 2-year term seat.

The meeting addressed several key items, including authorizing representatives for the Allegheny Valley Joint Sewage Authority (AVJSA) Board. The Mayor reported a burglary and attempted ATM theft at Sheetz. The Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-12, authorizing a real property exchange. The Engineer's Report led to approval for LSSE to proceed with the Rachel Carson Restroom design and bidding. The Budget & Finance committee approved bill list #12.25 and adopted the 2026 Budget, along with Resolutions 2025-14 and 2025-13, which set water/sewage/refuse rates and fixed the 2026 tax rates, respectively. Furthermore, the Council extended the face-value period for 2025 Real Estate Tax bills. Administrative actions included advertising the 2026 Re-Organization Meeting, setting regular Caucus and Council meeting dates for 2026, and authorizing the advertisement of various board meeting schedules. The session concluded after a brief executive session.

The meeting included discussions on AVJSA Cheswick Board appointment, AVRPD report, resident complaints about renters' cars taking up parking spots, permit parking, zoning officer's/inspector's report, treasurer's report, solicitor's report, code enforcement, and preliminary 2026 Budgets. The council also adopted resolutions requesting local share assessment grants for a Roadway Reconstruction project and the Spruce Street Waterline project. Additionally, the council approved a service contract with Hoffman Boarding Kennels for dog law enforcement services.