Thomas L. Day

The council discussed various community matters including public requests regarding trash collection, reports on upcoming events and community improvement projects, and a presentation on student case studies. Significant actions included the approval of the Keystone Signs Land Development Plan and the condemnation of a storage unit used as a living space. The council reviewed reports on police statistics, rental inspections, and building permits, and addressed a request for church bell ringings. Additionally, the council evaluated quotes for pedestrian safety signs and authorized the advertisement for bids to sell surplus borough equipment.

The council discussed various public and administrative concerns, including the 287g Memorandum of Agreement, which sparked extensive public debate regarding liability, financial responsibility, and community impact. Other key topics included a request to ring church bells, the approval of a bridge replacement project, authorization for fire police traffic control for a local race, and a 90-day extension for the Keystone Sign Land Development Plan. Additionally, the council addressed property maintenance issues, including condemning a rental property, and approved bids for 2026 stone and blacktop services. An executive session was held to discuss legal matters and personnel, resulting in the hiring of special counsel and approval of a settlement agreement regarding a court case.

The council meeting featured extensive public comment regarding the 287G ICE program, with residents debating police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The council reviewed financial reports and authorized a police vehicle repair payment. Additional discussions included updates on land development plans, building code changes, and upcoming bridge demolition and replacement on East Pine Street. The council also authorized the reinvestment of a matured Certificate of Deposit and approved the release of remaining EMS account funds to the local EMS service.

The meeting included a reorganization segment where the Mayor was sworn in, followed by the swearing in of several council members. Subsequent elections determined the Council President, Vice-President, and Council Pro Tem. Committee assignments were then distributed among the council members. The meeting transitioned into a Regular Session where the Tax Collector was sworn in, and appointments were approved for the Water & Sewer Authority and the Planning Commission. Key actions included the unanimous approval of the 2026 Borough Holidays schedule. During public comments, an update was provided regarding the structural status and insurance claim for the property at 2 Stuart Street, including arrangements for an escrow payment. The council unanimously approved the payment of bills and the December 2025 financial reports. Furthermore, the council unanimously approved Article IV, Ordinance 184 regarding Animal Noise, and a 5-year Lease/Rental Agreement with Mt Tabor AME Church. The council also discussed committee responsibilities and budget timing. In the Borough Manager's Report, updates were given on delinquent accounts collection, leading to the unanimous approval to express interest in the 287 G Program with ICE for traffic enforcement. The session concluded with an Executive Session where a pay rate increase for the Borough Manager, Jason Bonawitz, was unanimously approved.

The meeting addressed several zoning ordinance items for potential review and revision. Key areas of discussion included clarifying rules regarding the inclusion of street parking in business parking space calculations, amending the grass and weed ordinance concerning homeowner responsibility in sidewalk areas, and establishing regulations for CBD stores, as the municipality currently lacks specific ordinances. Additionally, revisions to the sign ordinance were noted as necessary to better define temporary versus permanent signs, particularly concerning sidewalk signage in the village district. The Comprehensive Plan discussion was tabled until a subsequent meeting.