Steve Walter

The council addressed significant concerns from local business owners regarding recent electric utility rate hikes, specifically the impact of demand charges and the lack of transparency in rate adjustments. Proposed solutions included re-evaluating the electric rate structure, exploring alternative funding like property taxes, and allowing extended payment arrangements for affected residents and businesses. Additionally, the council approved grant agreements for sewer projects, park improvements, and a community summer event. Personnel matters, including the resignation of a maintenance worker and a conditional offer for a police officer position, were handled in executive session. The council also authorized the advertisement of an ordinance to repeal a specific KWH rate increase.

The council adopted resolutions regarding management salaries, formal recognition of contributions, and updates to the police department policy manual. Actions included approving a developer's agreement for the school district's stadium project, authorizing various community event requests, and accepting a DCNR grant for park rehabilitation. The council declined a PENNVEST funding offer and awarded the Cherry Alley Sewer Replacement contract. Furthermore, agreements were finalized for Little League field usage and YMCA pool services, plans were initiated for a new police vehicle, and dates were set for the spring refuse drop-off. The meeting concluded with personnel actions, including the resignation of the Police Chief and the appointment of an interim replacement.

The meeting commenced with the Oath of Office Ceremony conducted by the District Justice for the re-elected Mayor and several Council Members. Key discussions focused on the election of the Borough Council President and Vice-President. Following these elections, the council debated readopting the Bylaws and procedures for conducting meetings, specifically concerning the adoption of Robert's Rules of Order versus Robert's Rules of Order for Small Boards, with significant discussion regarding the requirement for motion seconding. The council also addressed the reappointment of engineering firms (HRG, Inc. and Utility Engineering, PC) for a two-year term and the reappointment of the Borough Solicitor (McNerney Page Vanderlin & Hall). Furthermore, the council approved a list of official depositories and authorized specific personnel to sign Borough checks. Finally, Resolution No. 2026-01, approving a Tax Collector and Deputy Tax Collector, was adopted.

The regular meeting included a discussion regarding the preparation time for typing council meeting minutes. Key topics involved a significant financial discussion concerning the Mifflinburg Area School District (MASD) Sports Complex Project water metering, where options included installing three water meter pits, Borough ownership of existing water lines, or the MASD removing a water loop. The council decided to refer further discussion on water metering to a work session and direct the solicitor to draft a Developer's Agreement. Public visitor concerns were addressed regarding blighted properties, sidewalk conditions, and bicycle ordinances; the latter two items were referred to committees or slated for future ordinance amendments. The council authorized payment of Bill List # 2026-01, approved payment for the Central Keystone Council of Governments (CK-COG) Zoning Report, and adopted a resolution appointing a representative to CK-COG and another resolution appointing members to the Zoning Hearing Board. A lengthy discussion occurred regarding the proposed adoption of Resolution No. 2026-04 to amend the Police Department Policy Manual, specifically concerning section 306 on Vehicle Pursuits, which ultimately passed without bifurcation. The council approved requests for park usage by the First Evangelical Lutheran Church and WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital. Furthermore, the Borough Manager was authorized to solicit RFPs for 2025 Audit Services, and Supplement No. 2 from HRG, Inc. for the Water System Reliability Improvements Project was approved, as was authorization to solicit bids for the Cherry Alley Sewer Project. A proposal from Range Consulting Group for Health & Safety Consulting Services was approved, and the office postage meter was authorized for upgrade. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel matters and attorney advisement, following which the council voted on granting salary increases to key personnel and addressing a debt incurred from a water meter installation error.

The regular meeting involved several significant actions and discussions. Key topics included the approval of payment list #2025-12, public comment regarding the 2026 Budget and concerns over electric rate increase communication, and the rejection of Ordinance No. 2025-03 concerning the Occupational Privilege Tax/Local Services Tax. The Council adopted Ordinance No. 2025-04 related to amending electric rate structure, including capacity and transmission costs driven by PJM auction rates. Approvals were granted for Change Order No. 1 and final payment for the Woodland Estates Sewer Project, the 2026 Tentative Budget, and the adoption of resolutions establishing the purchased power cost adjustment and a policy on public comment. Furthermore, the Council addressed the sewage sludge disposal rate increase from Lycoming County Resource Management Services and appointed/reappointed members to the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and Shade Tree Commission, as well as reappointing key administrative personnel for 2026. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters and attorney advisement.