Stephanie Schwoegl

Discussions during the regular meeting included the approval of bank balances, monthly bills, and the Tax Collection report. Council President Mr. Hoover acknowledged the recent passing of several notable borough figures, including a former barber, a dedicated community member, a council member's mother, and the Mayor's wife who served the borough in various roles, concluding with a moment of silence. Key actions involved the approval to pay a credit card invoice for new council nameplates. In Permits and Ordinances, updates showed two new cases opened and 38 closed in November, with one building permit and one dumpster permit issued. For Roads and Public Works, authorization was granted to transfer funds from the Highway Aid Account to cover the total street lighting costs for 2025. Public Safety and WHEMS sections reported on calls and transfers of collected taxes. Significant financial action included transferring funds from the Sewer Line Fund to cover 2025 sewer expenses, including fees and salaries. The community engagement segment announced the date for the annual Light up the Borough night. Finally, the council unanimously passed Resolution 586, adopting the 2026 Budget and Tax Levy with no tax increase, approved payment for a plaque honoring Mayor Perry's service, and approved the 2026-2027 contract with Hoffman Kennels.

Key discussions and actions during the regular meeting included approving monthly bills, the Tax Collection report, and the PSAB UC 2026 solvency fee. The Solicitor reported no issues with the proposed Public Works contract with North Braddock. Finance actions involved a transfer to cover November invoices. The Council approved signing the 2026 Turtle Creek Valley Council of Governments Code Enforcement Collaborative Membership Agreement, noting several code enforcement cases opened and closed in October. A joint municipal agreement for Public Works services with North Braddock for 2026 was approved, along with a multi-year joint agreement for Law Enforcement Services with Forest Hills Borough. An invoice for storm inlet replacement was approved for payment, funded by a transfer from the Sewer Line Fund. Community engagement topics included announcing the annual 'Light up the Borough' night and actions taken to prepare the park for winter. A proposal to install a professional-grade, wireless security system at the Community Center was accepted. New Business included advertising the 2026 Budget and Tax Levy (with no tax increase), advertising caucus and regular meeting dates, and passing a resolution authorizing a cable franchise agreement with Verizon Pennsylvania LLC. A $100 contribution was approved for the Allegheny County Boroughs Association's 2025 beneficiary, Presents from Police.

The Work Session, which preceded the Regular Meeting, concluded at 8:48 p.m. The Regular Meeting covered several key administrative and operational topics. The Solicitor reported on summary appeal hearings for two properties, noting fines imposed and a potential agreement to accept property instead of a fine for one case. Finance matters included a transfer between checking and money market accounts to cover October invoices, and the approval to advertise the availability of the completed 2024 municipal and DCED audits. Permits and Ordinances reported on September activity, including 15 new cases opened and the issuance of five certificates of occupancy. Roads and Public Works involved completing the DPW list and advertising requests for proposals for 2026 DPW services due to a significant cost increase proposal from Forest Hills. Public Safety addressed a transfer of collected tax money and discussed the 2025 Volunteer Fire Relief Association allocation check to the Forest Hills Volunteer Fire Department. Council members highlighted Fire Safety Week and the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. Further actions included a fund transfer related to the West St. Storm Sewer Relocation, scheduling Trick or Treat for October 31st, and approving payments for plumbing repairs, fire extinguisher servicing, and reimbursement for a park shed padlock. Council also addressed the removal of damaged park equipment, planning to seek grants for replacement. A Crime Watch meeting was canceled. The Tax Collector reminded residents about the October 31st deadline for the first installment of the Woodland Hills School District tax. Citizen participation raised serious concerns regarding escalating incidents, noise, and property damage near the Tugboats establishment, prompting a discussion about nuisance declarations and the need for documented police reports. New business included appointing a new voting delegate to the Allegheny County Boroughs Association and approving reimbursement for the Tax Collector to attend a state conference.

The meeting included discussions on a range of topics, including the acceptance of Mr. Lilac's resignation, police department activities, preparation of a newsletter, permit and ordinance updates, and public works projects. The council also discussed vacating a portion of Brighton St., WHEMS tax transfers, community support, landscaping bids, crime watch activities, and tax collection. Residents raised concerns about streetlights and traffic issues. The council addressed old and new business, and Mr. Hoover commented on Mr. Lilac's resignation.

The Borough of Chalfant held a work session and a regular meeting. The Mayor reported on 911 calls, including EMS calls, domestics, parking complaints, and animal complaints. The council discussed paying the TCVCOG invoice, Liberty Mutual's invoice for bond renewal, and the borough Citizen Bank credit card invoice. They also discussed signing the 2025 Turtle Creek Valley Council of Governments Code Enforcement Collaborative Membership Agreement. Snow removal progress was noted, and an ordinance related to street openings and restoration was discussed. A transfer of funds was approved for the WHEMS MM Account. The Forest Hills VFC expressed their gratitude for being included in Chalfant's Light Up the Borough Holiday Decorating Contest and expressed interest in future events. The council also discussed catch basin repair, a gas line upgrade at the Community Center, and on-street parking. A resident was appointed to the Churchill Area Environmental Council Board. The council wished everyone a happy New Year and expressed excitement for the upcoming year.