Shannon Berkey

The meeting began with the Borough Council President stepping down due to irregularities from the reorganizational meeting, followed by the unanimous election of Bilenky Trahan as the new President and Comas as the new Vice President. Key agenda items included a public comment regarding concerns about a Conditional Use request for 235 South Second Street, which was conditionally approved subject to further review by the HARB committee and CK COG. The Planning and Public Works Committee motion approved a HARB recommendation for a sign at 520 Market Street. The Administrative and Public Safety Committee approved monthly reports, a large payment of bills, approved the use of a street light image on reunion coffee mugs, and authorized the purchase of a 2026 Air Sweeper/Vacuum. The Solicitor presented actions to enact an ordinance amending the Traffic Ordinance concerning parking restrictions in municipal lots and adopting a resolution imposing service fees for credit/debit card transactions. Council also directed the Borough Secretary to record attendance at all official Borough meetings and committees. Legal and personnel matters were discussed in executive session.

The reorganization meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to the Mayor-Elect and newly elected Councilmembers serving four-year terms. Key procedural items involved the election of Council Officers; David Heayn was elected as President of Council after a tie vote on the first two roll calls, and Bina Bilenky Trahan was unanimously elected as Vice President of Council. Leo Armbruster was unanimously elected as President Pro Tem. Official appointments were made for several key positions, including William Lowthert as Borough Manager/Treasurer, Kathy Wendt as Borough Secretary, Shannon Berkey as Community Development/Grant Manager, and Andrew D. Lyons as Borough Solicitor. The Council also appointed solicitors for the Zoning Hearing Board and labor matters, members for the Vacancy Board, the Borough Auditor, and sewage enforcement officers. Additionally, the Council approved paying expenditures in advance for the period of 01/01/2026 through 12/31/2027. Committee appointments for Administrative/Finance/Public Safety and Community Development/Planning/Public Works were announced. The Borough office closure for Martin Luther King Jr. Day was announced.

The meeting included a Public Hearing regarding a Conditional Use Request at 235 South Second Street, which concluded without a final vote following an Executive Session. Key discussions involved public comment on an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) request, with various residents expressing support or concern regarding ADU policies, zoning, and infrastructure needs like stormwater management. The Planning and Public Works Committee received approval for several HARB items concerning new construction, demolition, and signage. The Council also approved design plans and awarded an engineering change order for the South Eighth Street/White Pine Alley RAB project, along with approving CDBG Subrecipient Agreements for FFY 2022, 2023, and 2024. The Administrative and Public Safety Committee approved bill payments and authorized the Solicitor to prepare a resolution regarding credit card service fees. The resignation of a member from the Shade Tree Commission was accepted with regret. The Mayor provided community updates, and the Council approved an agreement with AFSCME, Local 3133.

The agenda for the reorganization meeting included several key administrative actions. These actions encompassed the administration of the Oath of Office to the Mayor and prospective Councilmembers for new terms. The meeting also addressed the election of the President and Vice President of Council, and the appointment of a President Pro Tem. Further items involved the official appointments and motions to retain key personnel, including the Borough Manager/Treasurer, Borough Secretary, Community Development/Grant Manager, Borough Solicitor, Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor, and the Attorney for labor-related matters. Motions were also proposed for the appointment of the Vacancy Board member and the Borough Auditor for Fiscal Year 2026, along with the appointment of Sewage Enforcement Officers and the Borough Engineer. Finally, the agenda included a motion to approve paying expenditures in advance for the period of 2026 through 2027, and the designation of Council Committee appointments.

The council meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The HARB items were approved, and the Lewisburg Borough Winter 2025-2026 Snow Removal Equipment Bid was awarded. Resolution 25-18 was adopted, requesting PennDOT approval for the 2026 Market Street Banner Placements. The council directed the Borough Solicitor to advertise the amended 2026 Lewisburg Borough Meeting Schedule. Appointments were made to various boards, authorities, and commissions. The Borough Solicitor was directed to prepare and advertise ordinances for parking regulations in MPL4 and MPL5 and to amend parking permit rules. The final 2026 budget was adopted, and Resolutions 25-19 and 25-20 were approved, addressing refuse collection charges and real estate tax rates. The council also approved a side agreement for an hourly wage increase for an employee and employment agreements for key staff members.