[0:25] Okay.

[0:28] Good evening, everyone.

[0:29] I'd like to call this session of the Landsdale Bureau Council business

[0:34] meeting to order

[0:36] for December 17th, 2025.

[0:40] Can I please ask everyone to rise to say the Pledge of Allegiance and then

[0:43] a moment of silent meditation?

[0:44] Can I please ask everyone to rise to say the Pledge of Allegiance and then

[0:46] a moment of silent meditation?

[0:48] [silence]

[1:18] Thank you.

[1:20] Stacy, roll call, please.

[1:22] Rachel Golmans. Present.

[1:24] BJ Brash.

[1:26] Andrew Carroll.

[1:27] Andrew Rich Di Gregoria Jr.

[1:29] Here.

[1:30] Mary Fuller. Here.

[1:31] Carrie Olesby. Present.

[1:33] Raffy Raza. Here.

[1:35] May Curio. Present.

[1:36] Michael Yetter. Here.

[1:38] Mayor Gary Herber. Here.

[1:41] Thank you.

[1:42] Uh, all present and accounted for. We like that.

[1:44] Uh, I will mention that uh council did meet in a some uh marathon type

[1:48] session executive session prior to tonight's meeting.

[1:51] Uh, I will mention that uh council did meet in a some uh marathon type

[1:55] session executive session prior to tonight's meeting.

[1:58] Uh, no action will be coming out of that executive session this evening.

[2:04] Uh, no action will be coming out of that executive session this evening.

[2:11] Uh, no action will be coming out of that executive session this evening.

[2:17] Uh, no action will be coming out of that executive session this evening.

[2:23] Uh, no action will be coming out of that executive session this evening.

[2:29] Uh, no action will be coming out of that executive session this evening.

[2:36] Uh, no action will be coming out of that executive session this evening.

[2:42] Um, and it was a matter of personnel, two matters of personnel.

[2:48] Uh,

[2:49] that said, I will uh I'd like to defer my President's comments till

[2:51] later this evening.

[2:52] that said, I will uh I'd like to defer my President's comments till

[2:55] later this evening.

[2:56] And with that, I will open the floor and ask if there is anyone who would

[2:59] like to present a petition this evening.

[3:01] And with that, I will open the floor and ask if there is anyone who would

[3:04] like to present a petition this evening.

[3:06] And with that, I will open the floor and ask if there is anyone who would

[3:09] like to present a petition this evening.

[3:11] [silence]

[3:46] Anyone who wants to present a petition?

[3:48] [silence]

[3:51] Seeing none,

[3:53] we'll move into the presentations and I will turn either microphone or

[3:55] podium, but certainly the floor over to Councilman Carroll to give us a

[3:57] presentation on the Economic Development Committee.

[3:59] we'll move into the presentations and I will turn either microphone or

[4:01] podium, but certainly the floor over to Councilman Carroll to give us a

[4:03] presentation on the Economic Development Committee.

[4:06] [silence]

[4:11] [silence]

[4:16] Thank you very much.

[4:17] Is this one?

[4:18] [laughter]

[4:19] Got me and also.

[4:20] I never spoken from here before.

[4:21] Thank you very much, Madam President.

[4:23] Um, I will keep this relatively brief, but I think this is important,

[4:25] uh, coming into our 2026 calendar year with the addition of a main

[4:27] street manager.

[4:28] Um, I will keep this relatively brief, but I think this is important,

[4:30] uh, coming into our 2026 calendar year with the addition of a main

[4:31] street manager.

[4:32] Where we're really looking to throttle down on our economic

[4:33] development in the Bureau of Landsdale with the addition of a Main

[4:35] Street manager, and uh, starting to find some better efficiencies within

[4:36] our current economic development committee.

[4:37] Where we're really looking to throttle down on our economic

[4:38] development in the Bureau of Landsdale with the addition of a Main

[4:39] Street manager, and uh, starting to find some better efficiencies within

[4:40] our current economic development committee.

[4:41] Want to take a moment to kind of look back on what we've done in the past

[4:43] few years and just show you some of uh the projects that our dollars have

[4:45] actually gone to in the bureau.

[4:46] Want to take a moment to kind of look back on what we've done in the past

[4:48] few years and just show you some of uh the projects that our dollars have

[4:50] actually gone to in the bureau.

[4:51] So,

[4:58] So,

[5:04] sign on their end. The sign was not part of the uh

[5:05] of the uh facade granted would have exceeded it anyway.

[5:06] So,

[5:11] But this was a full match here.

[5:12] Um, it really lifted up the storefront

[5:13] and as you see Comic Zen still there

[5:14] and because of the virtue of our ordinance with that and of

[5:15] So,

[5:18] the program, Comic Zen is still eligible

[5:19] because they're a separate business

[5:20] even though it's one property.

[5:21] So,

[5:24] So we've we've set a nice precedent so far of

[5:25] taking it per business and not

[5:26] necessarily per landlord if you will. So,

[5:27] So,

[5:31] there's still opportunity for more development right there.

[5:32] Next up,

[5:33] so this is the former Shan and Pepper Candle Company

[5:34] So,

[5:38] signage that you can see there.

[5:39] But on the second story of this building is now SK SIM racing.

[5:40] So,

[5:44] Uh if you haven't been there, I highly, highly recommend

[5:45] checking it out.

[5:46] It is the most intense 30 minutes of driving you'll ever do

[5:47] So,

[5:51] in your life and you're not actually even in a car.

[5:52] So, go check them out sometime if you haven't already.

[5:53] You'll know where they're at because of their new lovely sign.

[5:54] we'll kick it off with, this is a previous Main Street consignment.

[5:55] SK or SIM racing. So,

[5:56] This is a legacy company that was recently purchased in the bureau.

[5:58] um, this is another example of where they could have just put up

[5:59] Uh, they've been in operation since sometime in the 80s, I don't know

[6:01] a very basic box sign, back lit sign.

[6:02] They they went a little bit further with it.

[6:03] exactly.

[6:04] Uh, but a new owner came in and loved the business, saw all the value in

[6:06] The reason they were able to go further was because of the

[6:07] burrow's participation in the project. So,

[6:08] the business, saw all the value in the town.

[6:09] Lovely sign there. And if you go by there now, there's a

[6:10] Didn't quite see the value in this store front.

[6:12] Christmas tree above it as well.

[6:13] So, up on the rooftop.

[6:14] So,

[6:15] they applied for facade grant improvement.

[6:16] Next up,

[6:17] uh so you may recognize this property. It's over on Broad

[6:18] Came in with a beautiful design in my opinion, very complex sign that they

[6:20] Street, four square realty, 415 North Broad.

[6:21] could have, they could have cheaped out and spent less, but,

[6:22] Um, this is kind of a different project for us or at least in

[6:24] changed the whole facade of that and started to lift up that, that little

[6:25] my tenure where

[6:26] section of Main Street there just before the train tracks that really

[6:27] it wasn't necessarily beautification but practicality.

[6:28] could use a little bit of love.

[6:29] changed the whole facade of that and started to lift up that, that little

[6:30] They were looking to upgrade the facility to make it ADA compliant.

[6:32] section of Main Street there just before the train tracks that really

[6:33] could use a little bit of love.

[6:34] And this is kind of start what started getting the ball rolling in

[6:35] And this project far exceeded the match amount we had.

[6:36] that area for others to to chime in and and uh take notice.

[6:37] It was a much larger project

[6:38] Next one was the former Pennsylvania rail uh offices there.

[6:42] but we were happy to participate in our small way

[6:43] for the changes here.

[6:44] Was purchased by a uh insurance company that was previously down the

[6:47] You can see there's now a full poured ramp up the side.

[6:48] and what you can't quite see as well, there's also changes

[6:49] Hillcrest shopping center.

[6:50] that were made up on the actual patio.

[6:51] They wanted to move into town because they didn't feel like they were part

[6:52] So the uh person with a disability is able to get a

[6:53] of the town in Hillcrest and I can kind of see where they're coming from

[6:54] wheelchair all the way directly into the building. So,

[6:55] there.

[6:56] They wanted to be a part of our core district.

[6:57] another righteous project, not just our typical helping a new

[6:59] Um, so they purchased this building, which also has uh Comic Zen as part

[7:01] business get a sign.

[7:02] or helping a a legacy business improve their old sign

[7:03] of it.

[7:04] It was one of their tenants and there's some residential above it.

[7:05] but this was something that served more of a functional

[7:06] Um, so they brought in new glass storefront, which was part of the

[7:10] and uh practical measure.

[7:11] Happy to be a part of it.

[7:12] facade grant.

[7:13] I don't know if you've heard, there's a brewery on Madison

[7:14] Also they have that new entry way if you see there uh for their upstairs

[7:15] called well crafted.

[7:16] tenants.

[7:17] They always were the brewery in the basement.

[7:18] And then they, they did the

[7:19] And if you know me, you know, I have a unique connection

[7:20] to this brewery and after five and a half years of working

[7:21] there very proudly,

[7:24] I was very sick of hearing people say, where is this place?

[7:27] It must be in some kind of a basement.

[7:30] Uh also recognition from the train is something that was

[7:32] important to them. So,

[7:34] they presented a multi-faceted project that

[7:37] included not only the top signage up there with the

[7:40] lighting above it.

[7:43] There's also a sign just above that gray doorway.

[7:45] That gray doorway is their elevator entry for their ADA

[7:48] compliance. And that signage above it is, so

[7:51] people walking down the sidewalk can actually see where

[7:53] well crafted is.

[7:55] You'll also see they included a menu box out front where they

[7:58] put up not only their menu but their uh

[8:00] upcoming events and you know, way to draw an eye to the

[8:03] building and I think it was done very well. So,

[8:05] I may be biased on that one and I also did not vote on

[8:08] that one for the record.

[8:10] Neither did Doug. So.

[8:13] And then finally, this is one that came across our plate

[8:15] just a month and a half ago or so.

[8:17] This is Elm Terrace Garden if you're not familiar.

[8:21] Uh located at seventh and Broad.

[8:23] Elm Terrace is the former Landsdale Hospital for most

[8:25] of you that know that already.

[8:27] Um, they're looking to to kind of revamp and bring themselves

[8:30] into their next generation as a business and

[8:33] this facade improvement is far, far exceeded the match.

[8:36] Uh this is a a million plus dollar project that you're

[8:39] coming up on

[8:42] where it's going to totally revamp that whole corner

[8:44] at seventh and Broad.

[8:46] Um, we have since tabled that discussion because

[8:49] we're going to hold off their project's not kicking off

[8:51] until 2026.

[8:53] So, that will be coming up for uh the Economic Development

[8:56] Committee in uh calendar year 2026 and we look forward to

[8:58] hopefully approving them as well

[9:00] for $5,000 match on a $1.2 million project. So.

[9:06] Um, I'm very proud of the work that we've done in the bureau.

[9:09] Another one especially is McQuillen Studio.

[9:13] So McQuillans is another one that's going to be rolling

[9:15] into 2026.

[9:17] Um, if you see in the picture here on the Broad Street

[9:19] side of their building,

[9:21] they did paint that side of the building and they have

[9:23] mural work which has since expanded since this photo is taken, I believe.

[9:27] And uh it's going to continue around the front of the building

[9:30] and paint the entire front

[9:31] of the building and in case you don't know, McQuillen's

[9:34] also is the landlord for uh

[9:36] Winsnip's, uh clock repair shop

[9:40] and uh White Jasmine Tie. So,

[9:43] again, as I said earlier, the other two businesses would be

[9:46] available once the new building's painted

[9:48] and and updated out front, they would be able to come in

[9:50] with with some signage

[9:52] and look for a grant for us for that as well

[9:53] and we'd be very happy to hear that request when the time

[9:56] comes. So.

[10:00] That concludes my my slideshow there,

[10:02] but I just wanted to end with thanking Borough Council,

[10:07] Borough staff for seeing the vision in Landsdown and seeing that the time

[10:09] has come to invest and put our money where our mouth is.

[10:12] Uh we have a lovely town full of wonderful residents.

[10:15] And we we can't stop there. We need to continue to grow

[10:18] and build this into a place that's very happy and healthy town to be in.

[10:23] And I look forward to your continued support.

[10:25] Thank you very much.

[10:29] Thank you, Councilman Carol. Nicely done.

[10:32] Uh, the facades really do make a difference,

[10:37] and love, I've said it before, but I'll say it again.

[10:40] I love the direction that EDC has been going in the past year or two.

[10:46] It it it really shows.

[10:47] So thank you for your leadership there.

[10:50] Thank you, Madam President.

[10:52] Uh, with that, I'll open the floor and ask,

[10:56] uh, any resident who wishes to be heard, to come to either microphone,

[11:01] state your name and address, and then state your business.

[11:05] Up to five minutes.

[11:08] Anyone?

[11:11] .

[11:13] Okay.

[11:15] Then we will go right into the action items.

[11:18] Uh, motion A, Councilwoman Oglesby.

[11:21] Thank you, Madam President.

[11:22] I move that Borough Council approve the Treasurer's report for the month

[11:26] of November 2025, which shows the expenditures listed on the

[11:28] attachment.

[11:30] Second.

[11:31] We have a motion and a second.

[11:33] Questions or comments?

[11:37] Seeing none, all those in favor?

[11:39] I.

[11:40] Any opposed?

[11:41] Motion carries.

[11:43] Motion B, Councilwoman Oglesby.

[11:45] Thank you, Madam President.

[11:46] I move that Borough Council approve the check warrant as per the

[11:50] attachment for December 17th, 2025.

[11:53] Second.

[11:54] We have a motion and a second.

[11:56] Questions or comments?

[12:01] Seeing none.

[12:02] All those in favor?

[12:03] I.

[12:04] Any opposed?

[12:06] Motion carries.

[12:07] Motion C, Councilwoman Oglesby.

[12:10] Thank you again, Madam President.

[12:11] I move that Borough Council approve the following meeting minutes.

[12:15] Work session November 5th, 2025, business meeting November 19th, 2025.

[12:21] Second.

[12:22] We have a motion and a second.

[12:24] Questions or comments?

[12:27] Seeing none.

[12:28] All those in favor?

[12:30] I.

[12:31] Any opposed?

[12:32] Motion carries.

[12:34] Motion D, Councilwoman Oglesby.

[12:36] Thank you, Madam President.

[12:37] I move that Borough Council adopt the budget for fiscal year 2026, which a

[12:42] copy is attached here too.

[12:44] Second.

[12:46] We have a motion and a second.

[12:47] Questions or comments?

[12:52] Seeing none.

[12:53] All those in favor?

[12:54] I.

[12:55] Any opposed?

[12:56] Motion carries.

[12:58] Motion E, Councilwoman Oglesby.

[13:01] Thank you, Madam President.

[13:02] I move that Borough Council adopt the attached ordinance 1994, fixing the

[13:04] real estate tax rate for the Bureau of Lasedale for fiscal year 2026,

[13:06] I move that Borough Council adopt the attached ordinance 1994, fixing the

[13:08] real estate tax rate for the Bureau of Lasedale for fiscal year 2026,

[13:10] for general burrow purposes, fire safety, library and debt service,

[13:14] said tax amounting to 8.5 mils.

[13:16] Second.

[13:17] We have a motion and a second.

[13:19] Questions or comments?

[13:22] Seeing none.

[13:23] All in favor?

[13:25] I.

[13:26] Any opposed?

[13:27] Motion carries.

[13:29] Motion F, Councilwoman Oglesby.

[13:31] Thank you again, Madam President.

[13:32] I move that Borough Council adopt attached resolution 25-29,

[13:35] re-establishing the schedule of fees and charges for services rendered

[13:37] by the Bureau of Landsdale.

[13:39] Second.

[13:40] We have a motion and a second.

[13:42] Uh, thank you for giving Andrew a break there.

[13:44] [laughter]

[13:46] Uh, questions or comments?

[13:49] Seeing none.

[13:50] All in favor?

[13:51] I.

[13:52] Any opposed?

[13:54] Motion carries.

[13:55] Motion G, Councilwoman Oglesby.

[13:58] Thank you, Madam President.

[13:59] I move that Borough Council authorize the Borough Manager to advertise the

[14:02] work session meeting dates and the business meeting dates per the

[14:04] attachment.

[14:05] Said meetings to be held at the municipal complex, One Vine Street,

[14:09] Landsdale, PA.

[14:11] We have a motion and second.

[14:13] We'll give that one to Rachel.

[14:16] [laughter] Thank you.

[14:17] Uh, any

[14:19] uh, questions or comments?

[14:23] Seeing none.

[14:24] All those in favor?

[14:26] I.

[14:27] Any opposed?

[14:28] Motion carries.

[14:29] Uh, Stacy, I'll defer to you to whomever you heard.

[14:32] [laughter]

[14:34] Uh, motion H, Councilwoman Oglesby.

[14:37] Thank you again, Madam President.

[14:38] I move that Borough Council reject all bids received for the turf

[14:42] maintenance contract, per the recommendation of the Borough

[14:44] Solicitor

[14:45] and hereby authorizing the rebuilding

[15:00] for this contract.

[15:01] Motion and second? Questions or comments?

[15:07] Seeing none, all those in favor, aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.

[15:13] Motion I, Councilwoman Opelsby.

[15:16] It's my last one.

[15:17] I thank you, Madam President.

[15:20] I move that Bureau Council authorize the Bureau Solicitor to prepare and

[15:26] the Bureau Manager to advertise an ordinance

[15:30] amending the bureau

[15:31] code relating to the police pension plan to reflect the legal

[15:32] language of Act 600.

[15:33] Second.

[15:34] We have a motion and a second.

[15:35] Questions or comments?

[15:37] Seeing none, all those in favor, aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.

[15:43] Motion J, Councilwoman Rozak.

[15:47] Thank you, Madam President.

[15:48] I move that Borough Council adopt attached resolution 25-30 granting

[15:51] preliminary and final land development approval

[15:52] I move that Borough Council adopt attached resolution 25-30 granting

[15:54] preliminary and final land development approval

[15:56] for the property located at 215 South Broad Street.

[16:00] Second.

[16:01] We have a motion and a second.

[16:02] Questions or comments?

[16:03] Seeing none, all those in favor, aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.

[16:04] Motion K, Councilwoman Rozak.

[16:05] Thank you, Madam President.

[16:06] I move that Borough Council grant a license grant a license to Joe Medaro

[16:07] 7th Street Lansdale to operate at said site for the year 2026

[16:08] Recycling and incorporated located at 316 West

[16:09] by the order of the bureau of Landsdale.

[16:10] Second.

[16:11] We have a motion and a second.

[16:12] Questions or comments?

[16:13] Seeing none, all those in favor, aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.

[16:14] Motion L, Councilwoman Ballins.

[16:15] Thank you, Madam President.

[16:16] I move that Borough Council approve payment number one final in the

[16:17] completed on the West 5th Street Playground Rehabilitation Project

[16:18] amount of $117,000 and uh $92.50 to Cousins Inc. for work

[16:19] per the recommendation of Remington and Vernick Engineers.

[16:20] Second.

[16:21] We have motion and seconds.

[16:22] Any questions or comments?

[16:23] Seeing none, all those in favor, aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.

[16:24] Motion M, Councilwoman Ballins.

[16:25] Thank you, Madam President.

[16:26] I move that Bureau Council approve payment number three final in the

[16:27] Corporation for work completed on the 2025 Trail Paving Project

[16:28] amount of $20,236.75 to JNS Paving and Excavating

[16:29] per the recommendation of Remington and Vernick Engineers.

[16:30] Second.

[16:31] We have a motion and a second.

[16:32] Questions or comments?

[16:33] Seeing none, all those in favor, aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.

[16:34] Motion N, Vice President Currio.

[16:35] Thank you, Madam President.

[16:36] I move the Bureau Council adopt the attached ordinance 1995 amending

[16:37] the Bureau Code to add a handicap parking space at 891 Wedgewood Drive.

[16:38] sections 370-24, vehicles and traffic provisions of

[16:39] Second.

[16:40] We have motion and seconds.

[16:41] Any questions or comments?

[16:42] Seeing none, all those in favor, aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.

[16:43] Motion O, Vice President Currio.

[16:44] Thank you, Madam President.

[16:45] I move the Bureau Council adopt the attached ordinance 1996 amending

[16:46] Bureau Code to add parking to a portion of the East Main Street

[16:47] sections 370-5, vehicles and traffic provisions of the

[16:48] as set forth in the ordinance.

[16:49] We have a motion and a second.

[16:50] Questions or comments?

[16:51] Seeing none, all those in favor, aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.

[16:52] Motion P, Vice President Currio.

[16:53] Thank you, Madam President.

[16:54] And just a point of clarification, Mr. Solicitor, can I amend this on

[16:55] making the motion. Okay, great.

[16:56] the fly to correct the

[16:57] Um, just for clarification, the street name in question was left out

[16:58] of the original ordinance, so,

[16:59] um, I move that Bureau Council authorized the Bureau Solicitor to

[17:00] prepare and the Bureau Manager to advertise an ordinance

[17:01] amending the vehicles and traffic code to change the current speed

[17:02] limit of and this is what was omitted West Main Street

[17:03] from 35 miles to 25 miles per hour from Canada Avenue to Valley Forge

[17:04] Second.

[17:05] Road.

[17:06] [laughter] Motion and everybody seconds.

[17:07] Uh, any questions or comments?

[17:08] Seeing none, all in favor, aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.

[17:09] Motion Q, Councilman Brysh.

[17:10] Thank you, Madam President. I move that Borough Council approve change

[17:11] order number one in the amount of $14,267.25

[17:12] in addition for the West Third Street Sanitary Sewer Rehab.

[20:00] ...

[20:01] additional work included new sanitary sewer trap installations at various

[20:03] properties along

[20:04] additional work included new sanitary sewer trap installations at various

[20:07] properties along

[20:08] West Third Street as directed by the manager.

[20:09] Second.

[20:10] Motion and a second.

[20:11] Questions or comments?

[20:14] Seeing none. All in favor? Aye.

[20:17] Any opposed?

[20:19] Motion carries.

[20:20] Motion R, Councilman Brash.

[20:23] Thank you, Madam President.

[20:24] I move that bureau council approve payment number three, final payment

[20:29] in the amount of $43,995

[20:30] and 86 cents to TD Construction Company for work completed on the

[20:32] West Third Sanitary sewer rehabilitation for the recommendation

[20:33] of Remmington and Vernick Engineers.

[20:34] and 86 cents to TD Construction Company for work completed on the

[20:36] West Third Sanitary sewer rehabilitation for the recommendation

[20:37] of Remmington and Vernick Engineers.

[20:39] Second.

[20:40] We have a motion and a second. Questions or comments?

[20:44] Seeing none, all in favor? Aye.

[20:47] Any opposed?

[20:49] Motion carries.

[20:51] Motion S, Councilman Brash.

[20:54] Thank you, Madam President.

[20:55] I move that bureau council approve payment number two, final payment in

[21:00] the amount of $29,950 and 61 cents to

[21:02] Doly Construction Corporation for work completed on the Edgemont Avenue

[21:04] Sanitary Sewer rehabilitation for the recommendation of Remington and

[21:05] Vernick Engineers.

[21:06] Doly Construction Corporation for work completed on the Edgemont Avenue

[21:07] Sanitary Sewer rehabilitation for the recommendation of Remington and

[21:08] Vernick Engineers.

[21:10] [silence]

[21:11] We have a motion and a second.

[21:13] Questions or comments?

[21:15] Seeing none, all those in favor? Aye.

[21:18] Any opposed?

[21:20] Motion carries.

[21:21] Motion T, Councilman Brash.

[21:24] Thank you, Madam President.

[21:25] I move that bureau council authorized bureau manager to accept the proposal

[21:29] from Entech Engineering to provide professional

[21:31] engineering services to manage and coordinate with Penvest to apply for

[21:33] project funding for sewer improvement projects located on Canon Avenue and

[21:34] Popular Street

[21:35] engineering services to manage and coordinate with Penvest to apply for

[21:36] project funding for sewer improvement projects located on Canon Avenue and

[21:37] Popular Street

[21:38] not to exceed $24,800.

[21:43] Motion and a second.

[21:45] Questions or comments?

[21:48] Seeing none, all those in favor? Aye.

[21:50] Any opposed?

[21:52] Motion carries.

[21:53] Councilman you or Councilman you.

[21:56] How about motion you?

[21:58] Councilman Brash.

[21:59] I like it.

[22:00] Councilman you.

[22:01] I like it.

[22:02] Thank you, Madam President.

[22:04] I move that bureau council authorize the bureau manager to accept the

[22:05] proposal from Entech Engineering to provide professional engineering

[22:06] services to

[22:07] I move that bureau council authorize the bureau manager to accept the

[22:09] proposal from Entech Engineering to provide professional engineering

[22:10] services to

[22:11] manage and coordinate with Penvest to apply for project funding for storm

[22:13] water improvement projects located on the Shamny Creek as required under

[22:14] the bureau's

[22:15] manage and coordinate with Penvest to apply for project funding for storm

[22:17] water improvement projects located on the Shamny Creek as required under

[22:18] the bureau's

[22:19] MS4 permit not to exceed $24,800.

[22:21] Second.

[22:22] We have motion and a second.

[22:24] Questions or comments?

[22:26] Seeing none, all those in favor?

[22:28] Aye.

[22:29] Any opposed?

[22:31] Motion carries.

[22:32] Motion V, Councilman Brash.

[22:35] Thank you, Madam President.

[22:36] I move that bureau council authorize the bureau manager to accept the

[22:38] proposal from Keystone Engineering Group to provide inspection and

[22:39] construction management

[22:40] I move that bureau council authorize the bureau manager to accept the

[22:42] proposal from Keystone Engineering Group to provide inspection and

[22:43] construction management

[22:44] services for the White Road pump station chemical feed upgrade not to

[22:48] exceed $42,250.

[22:50] Second.

[22:51] Motion and seconds.

[22:52] Questions or comments?

[22:55] Seeing none, all those in favor?

[22:57] Aye.

[22:58] Any opposed?

[23:00] Motion carries.

[23:01] That concludes our action items for this evening. We'll go right into

[23:04] information items and start with

[23:07] the mayor's report.

[23:09] Thank you, Madam President.

[23:10] On November 21st, I joined most of our community as we celebrated our

[23:14] annual Marty Graw parade.

[23:15] I would like to congratulate L on winning this year's Mayor's Choice

[23:18] award for their exceptional costumes and float

[23:21] honoring the holiday, the Day of the Dead.

[23:23] I would like to of course thank Discover Lansdale and the whole

[23:26] parade committee for their hard work on bringing our parade to life every

[23:28] year.

[23:30] On December 5th, I helped MC our annual Christmas tree lighting as we

[23:33] gathered in Railroad Plaza to welcome

[23:35] Santa to our community.

[23:36] As usual, the event was beautiful and filled with holiday joy.

[23:40] I would like to thank Courtney and the Parks team for their hard work

[23:43] and bravery in kicking off a new Christmas tradition in our community.

[23:47] Uh, also I would like to thank our electric department for their hard

[23:49] work throughout the holiday season and helping our community look so

[23:51] beautiful

[23:52] and joyful this season.

[23:54] So all the decorations of the lighting.

[23:55] all of those things.

[23:57] Um, on December 13th, I joined our local chapter of the Daughters of the

[24:00] American Revolution for their annual wreaths across

[24:02] America event at Wench Church.

[24:04] Each year, this event is one of my favorites as it gives us a chance to

[24:06] not just remember the lives of those who served our nation, but it also

[24:07] reminds

[24:08] Each year, this event is one of my favorites as it gives us a chance to

[24:10] not just remember the lives of those who served our nation, but it also

[24:11] reminds

[24:12] how involved and immense the commitment was for those who

[24:14] participated in our revolutionary war and the impact

[24:16] that it continues to have on our daily lives.

[24:18] On December 14th, I joined hundreds of people at Well Crafted for our

[24:21] annual Manora lighting.

[24:22] This particular event has grown dramatically over my tenure as Mayor,

[24:24] I'm thrilled to be able to share that with everyone.

[24:26] I would like to thank our Landsale Police Department for committing

[24:28] resources to ensure Hanakah be celebrated in our community with ease

[24:29] in spite of the horrible events

[24:30] I would like to thank our Landsale Police Department for committing

[24:31] resources to ensure Hanakah be celebrated in our community with ease

[24:32] in spite of the horrible events

[24:33] that have taken place in Australia.

[24:35] Also, I would like to thank Well Crafted for helping us move the event

[24:39] indoors to avoid the cold.

[24:40] That was no small feet for them.

[24:43] Uh if you happen to be there that night, you would see Doug running

[24:45] around like a chicken with his head cut off.

[24:46] So.

[25:00] Um, it was great. It really was a great event.

[25:03] Um, and finally, this is my last report as mayor.

[25:06] Um, so

[25:08] Yeah, there's some, yeah, yeah.

[25:13] Um, you know, I just want to say I've been trying to find the words all day

[25:16] that I want to say and it really starts with thank you.

[25:20] Um, this particular job is poorly defined.

[25:24] I'm going to turn to the lawyer for a second.

[25:25] It is poorly defined in in the borough code.

[25:28] It tells you what you can't do. It doesn't tell you what you can do.

[25:32] Did I get that right? I agree. Yeah.

[25:34] Um, and so it really is a role that is defined by the person that's in

[25:38] it.

[25:39] And the way they intend to approach it

[25:41] and the way they intend to work with council.

[25:43] And so over eight years, uh, we've worked great together.

[25:46] I'm very proud of the way we've worked.

[25:48] It's not always been easy. It has not always been agreeable.

[25:51] Um, but that's the way it's supposed to be.

[25:54] That's the way this job is supposed to work.

[25:56] Um, you are supposed to be an accelerant on the community, you're

[25:59] supposed to

[26:00] fight for things that the community needs and push back when necessary.

[26:03] Or even pull the brakes if needed.

[26:06] Um, and so I'm really proud and thankful

[26:09] for the work that I've done with all of you.

[26:11] and and the borough manager and all of the staff.

[26:14] It cannot be easy, in fact, I know it's not easy.

[26:16] For a tenth person to show up on your door and say, 'Hey, I've got really

[26:20] strong opinions and I'm about to tell this to the world and I don't

[26:24] necessarily have to listen to you and you don't necessarily have to listen

[26:27] to me,

[26:28] but here we go.

[26:29] Um, and I want to thank you all for entertaining that and being a part

[26:32] of it.

[26:33] And holding on to the things that I fought for

[26:36] and helping me achieve them.

[26:37] And also not being afraid to push back on me either because sometimes I

[26:40] have

[26:41] crazy ideas and sometimes they need to be reined in and that's okay.

[26:45] Um, I really look forward to transitioning to to chairs that way.

[26:50] Um, and joining you all on council and defining a different decade of my

[26:54] public service.

[26:56] Um, and I've learned a lot.

[26:58] When I started this job I had no kids.

[27:00] I now have two kids. Um, and two kids is a lot more than no kids.

[27:04] Um, and then you do all of this and and your wife gets frustrated because

[27:08] you're trying to do other things and so I'm thankful for all of you.

[27:12] I have spent eight years trying to be the person in the arena.

[27:17] Getting my face marred with dust and blood and trying to make sure that

[27:21] things change and bring about progress to our community.

[27:24] And I think we've done that and I look forward to keep doing that.

[27:27] And I'm thankful for all of you.

[27:31] Does that conclude your final Mayor's report?

[27:36] Thank you. Nice words

[27:39] and the other thing nobody tells you is

[27:42] uh, two kids are more than double the work.

[27:46] Like, I don't know how that is, but

[27:48] it's a lot more difficult.

[27:50] Um, you would think you'd have one down and but no.

[27:54] Not the case. Um, so, thank you.

[27:58] Uh, we'll I'll keep looking this way in the direction of the solicitor.

[28:04] [Did you buy me time?] You did, thank you.

[28:06] Uh, and that'll be one thing I'm going to miss, Mr. Mayor. Uh, your

[28:08] reports

[28:09] always give me plenty of time and make my report even seem more dull

[28:12] and boring.

[28:13] [laughter] Uh, but for the month of November of 2025, the solicitor's

[28:17] office provided various legal services that included the following.

[28:21] One, communications with Borough staff and related follow-up work

[28:23] regarding

[28:24] zoning and land development matters, approximately 2.6 hours.

[28:28] Two, communications with Borough staff and follow-up work relating to

[28:31] sewer

[28:32] and electric department matters, approximately 4 hours.

[28:35] Three, communications with Borough staff and follow-up work regarding

[28:37] police

[28:38] department matters, approximately 2.4 hours.

[28:41] Four, communications with Borough staff and follow-up work regarding

[28:43] right-to-

[28:44] know requests, approximately 2.5 hours.

[28:47] And then finally, five, communications with Borough staff

[28:50] and related follow-up work regarding miscellaneous matters that included

[28:53] compliance, personnel, library, litigation, and resolution drafting,

[28:57] approximately 6.7 hours.

[28:59] Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Mr. Solicitor.

[29:03] I will look over to my left to the borough manager

[29:07] and ask Mr. Arms to deliver his report.

[29:10] Oh, thank you, Madam President. Just a couple of items this evening.

[29:14] First, I want to congratulate the library and Mindy,

[29:17] Lansdale Public Library has successfully maintained its PA

[29:22] forward gold star

[29:23] library status through December of 2026.

[29:28] A distinction earned by only about 140 libraries statewide.

[29:34] This peer reviewed recognition from the Pennsylvania Library Association

[29:39] reflects the library's delivery of high quality literacy programming

[29:44] aligned

[29:45] with PA forward's five literacies, which are basic, information, civic

[29:52] and social, health and financial.

[29:56] Gold Star status demonstrates that the library is meeting statewide.

[30:00] best practices and serving as more than a book lending facility.

[30:04] providing impactful educational programs, community engagement and

[30:07] lifelong learning opportunities for Lansdale residents.

[30:09] providing impactful educational programs, community engagement and

[30:12] lifelong learning opportunities for Lansdale residents.

[30:14] So congratulations, Mindy.

[30:15] Well done.

[30:17] [clears throat]

[30:22] I also want to take a minute and thank the Landsdale residents for

[30:25] their patience and cooperation during last weekend's snow alert.

[30:30] Uh, it seems that every year the first snow event of the season serves

[30:33] us as a reminder for all of us on how to respond to measurable snowfall.

[30:35] Uh, it seems that every year the first snow event of the season serves

[30:38] us as a reminder for all of us on how to respond to measurable snowfall.

[30:41] Everyone's efforts, especially moving vehicles off of the plow routes are

[30:43] essential in helping our public works team clear snow safely and

[30:45] efficiently.

[30:46] Everyone's efforts, especially moving vehicles off of the plow routes are

[30:48] essential in helping our public works team clear snow safely and

[30:50] efficiently.

[30:51] We will continue to use social media ahead of approaching storms to share

[30:54] important information on how we plan to respond.

[30:55] We will continue to use social media ahead of approaching storms to share

[30:58] important information on how we plan to respond.

[30:59] We encourage everyone to stay informed about future snow alerts and

[31:02] other burl emergencies, the most effective way to do this

[31:05] is by visiting the Landsdale Bureau website and signing up for text

[31:11] messages.

[31:13] These alerts ensure you will receive timely updates about weather events,

[31:15] road closures, and other important public safety information.

[31:17] These alerts ensure you will receive timely updates about weather events,

[31:19] road closures, and other important public safety information.

[31:22] Thank you again for your continued support and cooperation.

[31:25] It truly makes a difference in keeping Landsdale safe and accessible

[31:28] for everyone.

[31:31] And then finally, I'd like to take a minute to thank Bureau Council for

[31:33] its careful review and approval of the 2026 budget.

[31:34] And then finally, I'd like to take a minute to thank Bureau Council for

[31:36] its careful review and approval of the 2026 budget.

[31:39] This year's budget continues a commitment to fiscal responsibility

[31:43] and long-term planning.

[31:45] Even as even as it includes difficult but necessary adjustments, notably a

[31:48] half mill increase in taxes and a 15% increase in electric rates.

[31:50] Even as even as it includes difficult but necessary adjustments, notably a

[31:53] half mill increase in taxes and a 15% increase in electric rates.

[31:57] These decisions were not made lightly, and I recognized the

[32:02] thoughtful

[32:03] These decisions were not made lightly, and I recognized the

[32:09] thoughtful

[32:10] These decisions were not made lightly, and I recognized the

[32:15] thoughtful

[32:16] These decisions were not made lightly, and I recognized the

[32:22] thoughtful

[32:23] These decisions were not made lightly, and I recognized the

[32:28] thoughtful

[32:29] These decisions were not made lightly, and I recognized the

[32:35] thoughtful

[32:36] These decisions were not made lightly, and I recognized the

[32:41] thoughtful

[32:42] deliberation and conversation that went into balancing the needs of the

[32:45] community with the realities of rising costs and aging

[32:46] infrastructure.

[32:47] deliberation and conversation that went into balancing the needs of the

[32:50] community with the realities of rising costs and aging

[32:51] infrastructure.

[32:54] The approved budget positions Landsdale to maintain our high

[32:56] quality services, invest in critical capital improvements,

[32:58] The approved budget positions Landsdale to maintain our high

[33:00] quality services, invest in critical capital improvements,

[33:02] and ensure the continued award-winning reliability of our

[33:06] electric utility.

[33:07] Thank you to Council for your leadership and partnership as we work

[33:10] together to build a stronger, more resilient community.

[33:13] And then, really, finally,

[33:16] I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season and a

[33:19] wonderful New Year.

[33:20] It's been a pleasure working with everybody.

[33:22] Thank you.

[33:24] Thank you.

[33:26] Uh, comments for the Good of Borough Council.

[33:30] Councilman Carroll.

[33:32] Who who made the cookies?

[33:34] Why there are many cookies.

[33:36] What cookies?

[33:37] Thank you very much, Mindy.

[33:38] And thank you to everybody on staff and on council and have a very happy

[33:42] and healthy holiday season.

[33:44] Cheers.

[33:46] Thank you.

[33:47] Uh, Councilman Di Gregorio?

[33:49] Yes, thanks for the cookies. I want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas,

[33:51] Happy New Year.

[33:53] Um, and can't wait to work with you guys next year.

[33:58] Thank you.

[33:59] Anybody else to my right?

[34:02] To my left?

[34:04] Anyone?

[34:05] Councilman Price?

[34:06] Thanks, Madam President, I'll go.

[34:08] Um, first and probably the most significant thing.

[34:12] Um,

[34:14] uh, I'm glad tonight we heard that as

[34:16] uh, our mayor transitions over to join us as a councilman, uh, he has

[34:19] publicly stated that his ideas are crazy.

[34:20] uh, our mayor transitions over to join us as a councilman, uh, he has

[34:23] publicly stated that his ideas are crazy.

[34:26] I want everyone to remember that.

[34:30] Um, but I just wanted to

[34:31] and I'm I might not be the best one to to to mention this.

[34:34] So maybe somebody can can follow me on this comment.

[34:37] But

[34:38] uh, I understand we're still accepting applications for our junior

[34:41] council person.

[34:42] Um, and we had liked to maybe fill that in the new year and and start

[34:44] 2026 with a junior junior council person up here at the table.

[34:46] Um, and we had liked to maybe fill that in the new year and and start

[34:48] 2026 with a junior junior council person up here at the table.

[34:51] And, uh, I've been giving it a lot of thought.

[34:52] I've been thinking about like how can we make sure that there's a lot of

[34:55] interest and and we're really getting the word out there about this.

[34:58] And I really don't know the best way to do that.

[35:00] body and I look forward to hopefully working with with somebody

[35:04] Um, I know when I was in high school,

[35:05] um,

[35:06] uh in 2026 in that capacity.

[35:07] I I would have needed something like this opportunity explained to me.

[35:08] [silence]

[35:12] Um,

[35:13] uh,

[35:14] you know, because I wouldn't have understood it. I I actually wasn't

[35:15] Uh, anyone, Counselman Yada?

[35:16] Um, I just wanted to quickly uh thank

[35:17] much later in life that I realized how important

[35:18] um, paying attention to, you know, local service and, uh, these

[35:21] Counselman Carroll for the presentation from EDC, um,

[35:22] those of you who know I I joined

[35:23] positions uh is.

[35:24] EDC before I was appointed to council,

[35:25] So,

[35:26] um, I'm happy to talk to anybody in the community about this.

[35:27] Um, I I think that the facades really represent just a

[35:28] a piece of what was achieved this year and uh

[35:31] Um, if anybody's listening or or wants to talk more about it,

[35:32] but I wanted to encourage

[35:33] a strong direction that has been set

[35:34] our youth to, uh, consider applying, uh, for the junior council person uh

[35:35] for uh EDC to be even more impactful going forward.

[35:37] position because I think it'd be a great opportunity for someone.

[35:38] our youth to, uh, consider applying, uh, for the junior council person uh

[35:39] so I just wanted to thank Councilman Carroll for his uh leadership

[35:40] position because I think it'd be a great opportunity for someone.

[35:41] in that capacity as well.

[35:42] Uh, and then also just a thank you to Mayor Herbert for your service

[35:45] and congratulations on eight years well served.

[35:47] [silence]

[35:50] Thank you. Anyone else?

[35:53] Wait, can I break the [pause] Go ahead.

[35:55] Um, and it's not about me, I swear, I'm going to still be

[35:57] here, so I don't want to talk about that.

[35:59] Um, but I I went and served a shift over at the Women's Shelter.

[36:03] Um, it's if you haven't done it yet, Code Blue, sorry.

[36:06] Code Blue Women's Shelter here in Lansdale.

[36:08] Um, I encourage everyone, I wish we could encourage everyone to

[36:11] sign up for like one shift a month, it's just three hours.

[36:14] Um, it's time well spent, uh it stays with you all week,

[36:17] it's really impactful.

[36:19] Um, and there are shelters that are closing or not opening rather

[36:22] because they're they don't have enough volunteers

[36:24] and then those people come here.

[36:25] I believe the Norristown one is many nights, it's just not opened.

[36:29] Um, so they are needing volunteers, you can go online

[36:31] and sign up, there's a spreadsheet where you can pick your hours.

[36:33] Um, you can go with a friend, two people can go, you can bring

[36:36] a book and sit there if you're doing an overnight shift

[36:38] um, uh so I would just encourage folks to check that out, please.

[36:42] Thank you.

[36:43] And it is meaningful and there are different shifts, so if

[36:45] you're not an overnight person,

[36:47] Uh, you can do an intake shift or if you're an early morning

[36:49] person, you can do a breakfast shift.

[36:52] [silence]

[36:53] and you have two opportunities, not just at the Wissahickon Park

[36:56] for women, but also at Trinity Lutheran for men.

[37:02] So, Um,

[37:04] I do recommend it if you have the time to to take a shift

[37:07] if you can. [pause]

[37:10] Uh, anybody else?

[37:13] [silence]

[37:14] Then I'll bat cleanup. Uh, I said I'd defer some comments

[37:16] till the end.

[37:19] I just wanted to take an opportunity uh to first thank

[37:22] uh all the department heads uh for,

[37:26] you know, as I wind down year 16 for me,

[37:31] and uh another year of doing what we do here in the Borough of Lansdale.

[37:37] uh thank all the department heads for your uh dedicated service

[37:40] to this Borough,

[37:43] Um, and you know, helping me with some of my crazy follies and

[37:48] ideas as well, particularly as it comes to events.

[37:53] Uh, certainly your professional services, uh,

[37:57] we appreciate you and all the work and guidance,

[38:00] uh, and professional things you do for us.

[38:04] Uh, thank my colleagues on council for another great year.

[38:07] It's an honor and a privilege to serve you

[38:11] and the community at large.

[38:14] So, especially thanks to the community

[38:17] and the uh Borough of Lansdale residents

[38:20] for uh coming together,

[38:24] when we gather as community, whether there's beer there or not,

[38:27] plenty of things to do and fun to be had, and it's just great to

[38:32] gather as a community.

[38:34] And uh, that was evidenced by the tree lighting.

[38:39] That was really awesome. All the feedback was positive.

[38:43] And uh, I love our little tree that could.

[38:46] And and it will grow to the to the mighty pine,

[38:50] uh, but it is it was uh all beautifully done.

[38:54] And I'm just really proud to be part of this community and and

[38:57] serve on this council.

[38:59] So, happy holidays to everybody, Merry Christmas and of course,

[39:02] go Birds.

[39:04] [cheering noise] Wow. [pause]

[39:06] Uh, with that, I will ask if there is any old business.

[39:09] [silence]

[39:11] Any new business?

[39:13] [silence]

[39:15] We're adjourned for 2026? Or five?

[39:18] Getting ahead of myself, right?

[39:19] [laughter]

[39:21] Wishful thinking. Thank you. [chuckle] Yeah.

Borough Council Business Meeting (December 17, 2025)

Transcript