Village of Newberry

The council meeting covered various operational and financial items, including the review of monthly payables and upcoming bond payments. Key topics discussed included updates on capital projects such as the wastewater treatment plant storage tank, the Green Energy Program, and electrical infrastructure improvements. The council also addressed follow-up responses to public concerns regarding fire hydrant maintenance, street lighting, and utility billing issues. New business items included the decision regarding the PA95 electricity program opt-in and the implementation of a new utility bill payment system.

The Council received a post-storm update from the Village Manager and addressed various financial items, including the approval of monthly bills and upcoming bond payments, as well as the acceptance of the Treasurer's report. Reports were submitted by village officers, leadership, and several committees regarding infrastructure, planning, and utility operations. Unfinished business included the tabling of a service extension request for Pentland Township and updates on the WWTP vehicle purchase, storage tank project, Green Energy program, and electrical repairs. New business involved the authorization to opt into the PA95 electricity program for 2026-2027 and a review of a new utility bill payment system.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Public comments addressed concerns regarding fire hydrants. Key financial discussions included the approval of monthly bills for the period of January 17, 2026, through February 13, 2026, totaling $374,161.83, and the approval of March 1, 2026, bond payments for the 2005 and 2009 Water Bonds. The Treasurer's Report for January 2026 was accepted, and the status of the Save the Bells Fund was noted. Unfinished business centered on the 2026 CWSRF Bond Requirements, where the Council approved engaging Miller Canfield Municipal Finance attorneys and Bendzinski Municipal Finance Advisors, and adopted the CWSRF Notice of Intent Resolution. Approval was also granted for rate structure number two for the EWR Green Energy Program and for a quote of $11,071.00 for Well 7 cleaning and parts replacement. New business involved sending the Pentland Township Request for Service Extension and the Safe Routes to School Letter of Support to the Infrastructure Committee for review, and approving the Village Manager to purchase a WWTP vehicle not to exceed $35,000.

Key discussion points for the Council Regular Session included follow-up questions regarding the W&L substation pump-out, updates on Village Manager training and conferences, and notification of upcoming payroll reports and employee leave schedules for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Unfinished business involved requesting approval for a partnership agreement with VON/Luce County Sheriff, which includes naming the Village Manager as administrator, and a proposal for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan with a corresponding $5.00 rate increase for 2026. Other unfinished items included moving the Zoning Ordinance enforcement date to February 1 and reviewing the Village Manager contract. New business concentrated on accepting EPA Sewer Overflow & Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant funds, adopting resolutions for MPPA Associate Membership and Public Act 152, updating NFD personnel files, scheduling the 2026 Budget Hearing, and addressing snow removal zones and winter parking bans.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda and public comments regarding the Safe Routes to School project. Key discussions included the presentation of a letter of appreciation for a local Fire Department member and the approval of monthly bills totaling $180,390.69, as well as acceptance of the December 2025 Treasurer's Report and the current balance of the Save the Bells Fund. Under unfinished business, the Council approved the C2AE updated engineering contract for the CWSRF project and assigned the Village Manager as the project manager. Updates were provided on the EWR Green Energy Program, Wells 6 & 7 Cleaning, the upcoming activation of the Zoning Ordinance, and the Sheriff/Village Partnership. New business involved a review of the Snow Removal Priority Listing.