Vincent Tarantella

The council discussed various operational and administrative matters including code violations, permit activity, police reports, and correspondence from municipal authorities and commissions. The Mayor addressed proposals for RV parking, future police staffing and funding, the 125th anniversary of the Roosevelt train ride through the borough, and potential rezoning of the Industrial Park to encourage investment. The committee reports touched on street maintenance. New business items included renewing a salt contract, approving staffing changes, authorizing the sale of a police vehicle, amending the fee schedule, permitting a tree planting workshop, authorizing police car financing, and approving the purchase of crime watch boxes and cameras. An executive session was held regarding personnel issues.

The meeting addressed several administrative and project matters. Key actions included accepting the resignation of Council Member Michael Kelley and appointing Theodore Hill to fill the vacant seat. The Council approved the payment of bills presented. Discussion with the State Police Sergeant focused on staffing updates. Significant attention was given to the Hazard Mitigation Grant with FEMA concerning the demolition of properties on 14th Street, where the purchase of several repository sale properties was recommended to facilitate grant progress. The Tax Collector presented the final 2025 tax report. The Council discussed the DCNR ATV Trailhead Memorial Park Campground grant, including concerns about usage assurance. Updates were provided regarding blight reduction efforts, a forthcoming Rental Inspection Program, and the status of a new police vehicle grant/loan. In new business, the Council approved the purchase of five 14th Street properties at the upcoming repository sale, approved the Memorial Park ATV Trailhead and Campground Project Assurance Letter, accepted an agreement with Girad Pension Services, and authorized a letter of authorization for the 2026 For Inceptor USDA grant/loan.

The agenda for the meeting includes addressing a letter of resignation from a Council member and the subsequent appointment and swearing-in of a new member. Key administrative items involve the approval of bills and payments across various departments, and reviewing monthly correspondence. Unfinished business includes approving the repository purchase of specific Tax Parcels C-14-0015 and C-14-0014. New business covers the purchase of repository properties at the upcoming February 1, 2026 sale, the Memorial Park ATV Trailhead and Campground Project, an overview of blighted properties, the Girard Pension Services Agreement, and a letter of authorization for grant/loan paperwork. The session is scheduled to conclude with an Executive Session to discuss personnel issues.

The meeting addressed monthly financial matters, including the approval of bills for payment. Key discussions involved addressing rumors regarding the EMS ambulance services, which were deferred to an Executive Session for further discussion related to an ongoing investigation. Updates were provided concerning the Capital Area Project by the State Policy Director of BHE GT & S. In new business, the Council opened bids for two Repository properties, accepting a $3000 bid for 348 Erie Avenue and awarding 149 4th Street to C. Winkleman contingent on solicitor approval. The Council adopted the proposed 2026 Budget, Ordinance 820 fixing the Real Estate Assessment Tax at 12.51 mills, Ordinance 821 for a Rental Inspection Ordinance, Resolution 18-2025 for the Chapman Police Service Contract, and a Consulting Agreement with PennCore for a Memorial Park DCNR Grant. Additionally, Baker-Tilly was appointed as the auditor for 2025 accounts, and future meeting schedules, including the Reorganization meeting, were advertised. The renewal of the Police MSA with Murgas LLC for 2026 was approved. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session regarding personnel issues.

The meeting focused on organizational matters following the swearing-in of council members. Key actions included the election of John Simon as Council President, the election of David Knauff as Vice President, and the election of Kristy Serafini-Brooks as President Pro Tem. Several appointments were made, including Patti Rauch as Vacancy Board Chair, Mary Kramer as Secretary/Treasurer, Stuart Hall as Borough Solicitor, and various other officers and board members for committees such as Zoning Hearing Board and Quality-of-Life Hearing Board. Under New Business, the council accepted a resignation from the Zoning Hearing Board and appointed a replacement to fill the remaining term. Resolutions were adopted to waive employee contributions to the police pension fund for 2026 and to authorize the payment of bills prior to monthly meetings to avoid penalties. A resolution amending the 2026 Fee Schedule was tabled.