William J. Reppy

The Reorganization Meeting commenced with the swearing-in of newly elected Council members. Key actions included the unanimous adoption of the final meeting agenda, the election of Rick Bubeck as Council President and Kerry Mariano as Council Vice President. The Council unanimously adopted twenty-three annual resolutions, covering topics such as establishing 2026 wages, authorizing Fire Company and Fire Police activities, appointing various officers (Zoning Officers, Code Official, Sewage Enforcement Officers, Engineer, Consultant, Auditor, Solicitor), authorizing fund transfers and signatory authority, and establishing fee schedules for Water, Sewer, Sanitation, CIA, Zoning Permits, and SALDO.

The agenda includes public comments, approval of minutes from previous meetings, treasurer's and tax collector's reports, and a tax exoneration list. The police report and solicitor's report will be reviewed, including updates on various properties and cooperation agreements with other municipalities. Engineer's updates cover permitting, code enforcement, rental properties, and ongoing projects such as Lehigh Street Storm Water Improvements and the Long Avenue Culvert. The planner will discuss the RACP update for the Veterans' Memorial Building, flood mitigation efforts, and zoning ordinance changes. Water/Sewer updates include lead and copper service line replacement, sewer line refurbishment, and sewer plant reviews. The Borough Manager will provide a report, including ARPA funds and tree harvesting updates. Committee reports will cover finance, personnel, communication, economic development, water/sewer, streets, recreation, planning, safety, bargaining, and COG matters. The agenda also includes approving bills and discussing community activities and events.

The meeting agenda includes discussion and potential action on various financial reports, tax exoneration, and building permits. There are also police and committee reports covering finance and budget (including end-of-year resolutions and the 2023 budget), personnel (Borough Boards and Commissions, Borough Manager's Contract), communication and technology (Community Essentials software and tablets), economic development (Industrial Drive ARC grant), water, sewer, and sanitation (new copper limits, sewer inflow monitoring, lead and copper service line replacement, Schuylkill Haven Interconnect, DRBC Docket, SCADA Study Report, water system looping project). Further agenda items involve streets and lights, parks and recreation (Veterans' Memorial Building, Ridge Road Park, community organization requests), property code safety, planning and zoning, safety and policy, Teamsters' Bargaining, SCMA Coordinating Committee, and reports from the Police Department, Solicitor, and Borough Manager. The agenda also includes new business, common items such as correspondence and bills, community activities/events, and a potential executive session.

The water fund budget proposal includes revenue from metered water sales, projected water sales, and miscellaneous revenues. Expenditures include salaries and wages, materials and supplies, fuel oil expense, clothing and uniforms, general expenses, water analysis, computer expenses, equipment purchase, vehicle operating expenses, electricity, maintenance and repairs, salaries and wages - admin, mayor compensation, elected officials compensation, employee medical reimbursement, hospital insurance expense, pension plan expense, social security expense, unemployment comp expense, auditing services, engineering, legal, water plant operations, communication expense, property liability insurance, workmen's comp insurance, public officials liability insurance, equipment loan payments, contracted expense, debt interest, debt principal, and transfer to capital reserve fund.

The resolution addresses water and sewer rates and fees, including minimum quarterly charges for occupied and unoccupied units, rates per 1,000 gallons, and flat rates for non-metered usage. It also covers water and sewer system tapping fees, garbage collection fees, and penalties for late payments. Additional fees are outlined for dumpster permits, peddler's permits, certifications by the borough secretary, research work, annual alarm permits, and handicap sign installations. Costs for using the fax machine and copier are also detailed.