Steven Bender

A Public Hearing was conducted to receive testimony and evidence concerning the Conditional Use Application submitted by Slate Hills Enterprises. The application sought approval to convert an existing building located at 412 W. Applegate Avenue, situated in the Borough's IL District, into apartments. Following testimony, the Council voted unanimously to grant the Conditional Use Approval to Slate Hills Enterprises, subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in the April 22, 2025 letter from Van Cleef Engineering. The document also notes future scheduled events, including a Workshop on April 29th and a Regular Council Meeting on May 6th.

The Special Meeting convened primarily to review and potentially vote on the separation and employment terms concerning the Incumbent Borough Manager and a Borough Manager candidate. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the Council entered an Executive Session to discuss Personnel matters, resuming open session later. Key actions taken included motions for the Solicitor to draft responses regarding the separation agreement for the Borough Manager's attorney and regarding employment terms for a manager candidate, with one Councilwoman abstaining from the latter vote. New Business involved a discussion regarding Borough Code CH 75-8.1 on noises, with a request for the Zoning/Code officer to address a complaint at the next meeting. Additionally, a letter expressing interest in a vacant 2026 Council seat was noted.

The meeting involved the discussion and final adoption of the Year 2026 Budget across various funds, totaling approximately $6.733 million. The Council also accepted and approved the Tax Structure for 2026, including the Real Estate Tax Millage of 14.00 Mills (with 1 Mill designated for fire tax) and associated fees. Several ordinances were adopted, fixing the millage rate, establishing the fire tax, and suspending residential garbage collection charges for 2026. Resolutions were passed to appoint tax collectors for LST and Earned Income Tax for 2026. Financial actions included transferring $126,198.78 from the Reserve Fund to the General Fund and approving the November Treasury Report. Operational items included tabling a request for a traffic study, approving a handicapped parking name transfer, accepting bids for gas/oil and the A.D.A. playground project, and approving a contract for feral cat neutering. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss potential litigation and personnel matters, resulting in motions to formally issue an Employment Separation/Consulting Agreement to the current Borough Manager and to direct the Solicitor to draft an Employment Agreement for the Borough Manager/Treasurer position, followed by directing an offer of employment to Brian Fenstermaker for that role.

The meeting addressed the resignation of Jessica Handelong and reviewed a letter of interest from Scott Brumbaugh. The Mayor administered the oath of office to newly seated Council Members, followed by the re-organization of Council to select the President, Vice President, and President Pro-Tem. Key actions included re-appointments and appointments to various boards and authorities such as the Planning Commission, Municipal Sewer Authority, and Zoning Board, alongside advertising for vacancies on the Disruptive Conduct Board of Appeals and Pen Argyl Vacancy Board. Other topics included setting the 2026 meeting schedule, considering Resolution NO. 2026-01 regarding sewage enforcement officer fees, reviewing monthly reports from Public Works, Zoning, Police, Fire Chief, and Sanitation/Solid Waste/Recycling, approving the employment agreement with Brian Fenstermaker, reviewing the Treasury Report, discussing community outreach items like the Feral Cat report, and planning for an Executive Session to discuss personnel and litigation matters.

The Borough Council held a special meeting on November 25th to tentatively adopt the 2026 Budget, which includes a 1 mil fire tax increase. The council also decided to waive the garbage fee for 2026. Sewer fees will remain the same as in 2025.