Ephrata public meetings in 2022

Committee Meetings

The committee agreed to move a Pioneer Ladder Truck lease agreement forward to the next voting session. Members postponed a presentation from the Lancaster Harm Reduction Project until at least February 2023. No other formal votes were recorded.

• Approved meeting agenda as posted (unanimous)
• Agreed to move Pioneer Ladder Truck lease agreement forward to next voting session
• Postponed Lancaster Harm Reduction Project presentation until at least February 2023

Regular Meeting

The Authority adopted the 2023 Budget and Program of Services and approved a sanitary sewer request for Gables at Richard Avenue. The board also appointed legal counsel and authorized a GIS data-sharing agreement with Lancaster County.

• Adopted 2023 Budget and Program of Services (Resolution 2022-13) (unanimous)
• Approved Fulton Bank Requisition No. 10 for WWTF No. 1 Biosolids Project (unanimous)
• Appointed Law Firm of Salzmann Hughes, P.C. as Solicitor and James R. McManus, III as Assistant Solicitor (unanimous)
• Approved GIS data-sharing agreement with Lancaster County (Resolution 2022-15) (unanimous)
• Approved updating bank account signers and authorizations (Resolutions 2022-16 and 2022-17) (unanimous)
• Approved sanitary sewer request for Gables at Richard Avenue for 5,702.4 gallons per day (unanimous)

Voting Session

Ephrata Borough Council will consider adopting the 2023 budget and setting the property tax rate at 2.25 mills. They will also vote on a new five-year collective bargaining agreement with the Ephrata Law Enforcement Association and several other routine approvals.

• Adopt 2023 budget and set property tax rate at 2.25 mills
• Approve 2023-2027 collective bargaining agreement with Ephrata Law Enforcement Association
• Approve final land development plan for 1300 West Main LLC
• Authorize up to $1,500,000 for a new fire truck, with 36% from Lincoln Fire Company and 64% from the borough
• Appoint three police officer candidates: David Johnston, Evan Frees, and Joshua Hausler

Council adopted the 2023 Budget and Program of Services and set the 2023 property tax rate at 2.25 mills. They also approved a five-year collective bargaining agreement with the Ephrata Law Enforcement Association and authorized funding for a new Lincoln Fire Company truck.

• Approved 2023 Budget and Program of Services (Unanimous)
• Fixed 2023 property tax rate at 2.25 mills (Unanimous)
• Approved 2023-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement with Ephrata Law Enforcement Association (Unanimous)
• Approved funding for Lincoln Fire Company truck not to exceed $1.5M, split 64% Borough and 36% Company (Unanimous)
• Approved Final Land Development Plan for 30-unit building at 1300 West Main LLC
• Appointed police officer candidates David Johnston, Evan Frees, and Joshua Hausler (Unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 monthly retroactive stipend for Interim Borough Manager (Unanimous)
• Approved new Borough logo (Carried)

Work Session

Council unanimously approved the appointment of three police officer candidates. Several committee recommendations regarding the 2023 budget, tax rates, and land development were reviewed for future voting sessions. The Personnel Committee also established a monthly stipend for the Interim Borough Manager.

• Accepted Civil Service Commission certified list of police candidates (unanimous)
• Appointed David Johnston as police officer effective Jan 16, 2023 (unanimous)
• Appointed Evan Frees as police officer effective Feb 13, 2023 (unanimous)
• Appointed Joshua Hausler as police officer effective March 20, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 monthly retroactive stipend for Interim Borough Manager
• Approved amended meeting agenda (unanimous)

Committee Meetings

The Public Safety Committee accepted the Civil Service Commission's certified list of eligible police officer candidates. The committee then approved the conditional appointments of three individuals to the police department for 2023.

• Accepted Civil Service Commission certified list of eligible police officer candidates (unanimous)
• Appointed David Johnston as police officer candidate effective Jan 16, 2023 (unanimous)
• Appointed Evan Frees as police officer candidate effective Feb 13, 2023 (unanimous)
• Appointed Joshua Hausler as police officer candidate effective March 20, 2023 (unanimous)

Committee Meetings

The Special Projects Committee reviewed a new Ephrata Borough logo selected by the Task Force Committee. The committee recommended that Borough Council approve logo #2 during the December meeting.

• Approved meeting agenda as posted (unanimous)
• Recommended Borough Council approve logo #2

Committee Meetings

The Community Services Committee agreed to cover additional dog park sign manufacturing costs up to $1,000. The committee decided that Mainspring of Ephrata will manage Whistle Stop Plaza rentals, provided the Borough receives a Certificate of Insurance. A recommendation was made to add the Grater Park Restroom Floors Capital Project to the 2023 budget.

• Approved covering dog park sign manufacturing costs exceeding $2,535.75 (not to exceed $1,000)
• Decided Mainspring of Ephrata shall manage Whistle Stop Plaza rentals with a Certificate of Insurance naming the Borough as additional insured
• Recommended adding Grater Park Restroom Floors Capital Project to the 2023 budget
• Approved meeting agenda as posted (unanimous)
• Agreed to cancel the December 27, 2022 meeting unless urgent matters arise

Committee Meetings

The Highway Committee reviewed property improvement requirements for 2023 street work and Comcast's plans for underground cable installation. The committee will recommend that Borough Council authorize staff to notify property owners of sidewalk and curb requirements and conditionally approve Comcast's installation plans.

• Approved meeting agenda as posted (unanimous)
• Recommended Borough Council authorize staff to notify property owners of curb, sidewalk, and tree removal requirements
• Recommended Borough Council conditionally approve Comcast's installation of 505 linear feet of underground cable on Tom Avenue
• Recommended Budget and Finance Committee accept the proposed 2023 Budget and Program of Services
• Cancelled the December 27, 2022 meeting

Committee Meetings

The Development Activities Committee recommended that Borough Council approve a land development plan for a 30-unit multi-family building at 1300 West Main Street. The recommendation includes approving three waiver/modification requests subject to specific signage and comment requirements. The Committee also recommended acceptance of the proposed 2023 Budget and Program of Services.

• Recommended Borough Council approve 3 waiver/modification requests and final land development plan for 1300 West Main Street
• Recommended Budget and Finance Committee accept the proposed 2023 Budget and Program of Services
• Approved meeting agenda as posted (unanimous)
• Decided to cancel December meeting unless urgent needs arise

Committee Meetings

The Committee reviewed several resolutions and ordinances for Council approval on December 12, including the 2023 Budget and Program of Services. They recommended a tax rate of 2.25 mills and the appointment of Ms. Aronson to the public library board. The Committee also recommended updates to bank signers and the appointment of the Borough Treasurer.

• Recommended Resolution 2022-37 appointing Ms. Gerhart as Borough Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
• Recommended Resolution 2022-38 and 2022-39 through 2022-46 updating bank signers
• Recommended Ms. Aronson for the vacant Ephrata Borough Public Library board position
• Recommended Resolution 2022-47 for the 2023 Budget including $30,000/year for police training range and $63,665 for park maintenance
• Recommended Ordinance 1571 fixing the 2023 tax rate at 2.25 mills
• Recommended Resolution 2022-48 setting Police Pension Fund contributions at 5% of gross pay
• Recommended Resolution 2022-50 appointing Lancaster County to collect 2023 real estate taxes
• Recommended Resolution 2022-51 appointing Solicitor and Assistant Solicitor

Committee Meetings

The Committee recommended that Borough Council authorize the School Resource Officer Agreement. It also proposed adding $30,000 annually to the Capital Budget for 2023, 2024, and 2025 for a police firearms range.

• Recommended Borough Council authorize the School Resource Officer Agreement
• Recommended adding $30,000 to the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Capital Budgets for the Police Firearms Range
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)

Committee Meetings

The Committee reviewed the proposed 2023 Budget and Program of Services and will recommend its acceptance to the Budget and Finance Committee. Members requested staff develop guidelines for free electric accounts and provided guidance on holiday lighting. No formal action items were decided.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Recommended acceptance of proposed 2023 Budget and Program of Services
• Requested staff recommendations for free electric account guidelines
• Directed that holiday lights remain lit through February
• Agreed to hold December meeting only if urgent matters arise

Committee Meetings

The Committee reviewed proposed logo designs but determined they require further refinement. QNTM will revise the designs for presentation at a future meeting.

• Approved meeting agenda as posted (unanimous)
• Deferred logo selection pending further refinement by QNTM

Committee Meetings

The Personnel Committee decided against hiring a consultant for the Borough Manager vacancy, opting instead for an in-house search. The committee also held an executive session to evaluate the Police Chief, with a recommendation to be provided to the full Council.

• Decided against hiring a consultant for the Borough Manager search
• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)

Regular Meeting

The Board approved several payments for the WWTF No. 1 Biosolids Project and authorized a $12,000 pumping station capacity evaluation. A sanitary sewer request for 21 West Locust Street was approved, and the Board adopted a resolution to update ENB Wealth Solutions account access.

• Approved Fulton Bank Requisition No. 9 for WWTF No. 1 Biosolids Project (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-12 to update ENB Wealth Solutions account signers and access (unanimous)
• Approved sanitary sewer request for 21 West Locust Street for 237.6 gallons per day (unanimous)
• Authorized $12,000 unbudgeted expenditure for Becker Engineering pumping station evaluation (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of 2012 Ford F350 dump truck to Ephrata Recreation Center, contingent on Borough Council approval (unanimous)
• Tabled Lancaster County Water and Sewer GIS Data-Sharing Agreement until December meeting
• Ratified payment of bills (unanimous)
• Received and filed financial reports (unanimous)

Voting Session

Ephrata Borough Council will consider several action items including approval of a preliminary land development plan for the Zimmerman Subdivision, authorization for zoning ordinance text amendments, adoption of a new dog park ordinance, and a $298,879 purchase of a 2023 Case 721G wheel loader. The meeting also includes approval of various reports and committee recommendations.

• Preliminary Land Development Plan for Zimmerman Subdivision (1 sheet, dated Aug 26, 2022, by DH Enterprises)
• Authorization to move forward with zoning ordinance text amendments
• Reimbursement to Ephrata Recreation Center for HVAC repairs ($9,748.03)
• Purchase of 2023 Case 721G Wheel Loader ($298,879.00) from Groff Tractor and Equipment
• Adoption of Ordinance No. 1570 to add Chapter 223, Dog Parks, to Borough Code

Borough Council approved several capital purchases, including a new wheel loader and library lighting. The council also adopted a new ordinance establishing rules for public dog parks and approved a preliminary land development plan for the Zimmerman Subdivision.

• Approved purchase of 2023 Case 721G Wheel Loader for $298,879.00 (Unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 1570 establishing rules and regulations for public dog parks (Unanimous)
• Approved $46,612.11 bid to Facility Solutions Group for library LED lighting (Unanimous)
• Approved Preliminary Land Development Plan for Zimmerman Subdivision (Unanimous)
• Authorized $9,748.03 reimbursement to Ephrata Recreation Center for HVAC repairs (Unanimous)
• Approved transfer of 2012 Ford F350 Dump Truck to Ephrata Borough Authority (Unanimous)
• Authorized Change Order #3 for Gross Run project not to exceed $20,000 (Unanimous)
• Approved Extraordinary Give event at Whistle Stop Plaza for Nov 18, 2022 (Unanimous)

Voting Session

The Board approved a GIS data-sharing agreement with Lancaster County for infrastructure planning. It also authorized up to $15,000 for professional services to address the New Joy Auto Flusher issue. Additionally, the Board updated bank account authorizations and established a monthly bill payment limit.

• Adopted Resolution 2022-7 updating ENB Wealth Solutions account signers (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-8 updating Peoples Security Bank account signers (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-9 limiting monthly bill payments between meetings to $165,000 (unanimous)
• Approved GIS data-sharing agreement with Lancaster County Planning Department (unanimous)
• Approved unbudgeted expense not to exceed $15,000 for New Joy Auto Flusher professional services (unanimous)
• Approved October 13, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Ratified payment of bills (unanimous)

Work Session

The Borough Council held a work session to review committee recommendations. No final votes were taken on substantive items, as the committee reports were presented for future action at the November Borough Council meeting.

• Approved meeting agenda as posted (Unanimous)

Committee Meetings

The Community Services Committee recommended awarding Bid #22-6 to Facility Solutions Group for lighting replacement at Ephrata Public Library at $46,612.11, with a Keystone Grant covering half. They also recommended approving Mainspring's Extraordinary Give event at Whistle Stop Plaza on November 18, 2022, and adopting Chapter 223 (Dog Parks). No final decisions were made; all items will go to Borough Council in November.

• Recommended awarding Bid #22-6 to Facility Solutions Group for library lighting replacement at $46,612.11 (unanimous)
• Recommended approving Mainspring's Extraordinary Give event at Whistle Stop Plaza on Nov 18, 2022, subject to insurance certificate (unanimous)
• Recommended adopting Chapter 223, Dog Parks (unanimous)
• Discussed but tabled decision on additional dog park sign fees pending cost estimate
• Discussed zoning for temporary shelters at churches; no action taken
• Discussed 3rd Quarter Budget Report; no concerns raised
• Discussed requesting Ephrata Public Library report on Concerts by the Creek; no formal action

Committee Meetings

The Development Activities Committee reviewed proposed zoning text amendments adding a definition for 'short term rental' and recommended Borough Council authorize the approval process. The committee also recommended approval of the Zimmerman Subdivision preliminary land development plan subject to comments, and reimbursement of $9,748.03 to the Ephrata Recreation Center. No final decisions were made; all actions are recommendations to Borough Council.

• Recommended Borough Council authorize zoning text amendments including short-term rental definition
• Recommended Borough Council approve Zimmerman Subdivision preliminary plan subject to HRG and Lancaster County Planning comments
• Recommended Borough Council reimburse Ephrata Recreation Center $9,748.03 for contractor payment
• Authorized payment of four repair bills for Ephrata Recreation Center, each $640 or less

Committee Meetings

The Budget and Finance Committee discussed the proposed 2023 budget and is willing to consider a tax increase to help balance the deficit. Staff will review capital projects for possible deferral. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• No action items were presented
• Committee will consider a tax increase for 2023 budget
• Staff to review capital projects for possible deferral
• Meeting time for Sept–Nov 2023 set to 7:30 PM

Committee Meetings

The Highway Committee voted to recommend Borough Council approve the transfer of a 2012 Ford dump truck to the Ephrata Borough Authority and the purchase of a 2023 Case 721G Wheel Loader for $298,879. The committee also discussed a parking kiosk presentation, reviewed the third-quarter budget with no concerns, and noted a PennDOT letter deferring bridge railing replacement.

• Recommended approval of asset transfer of 2012 Ford F350 dump truck to Ephrata Borough Authority
• Recommended approval of $298,879 purchase of 2023 Case 721G Wheel Loader from Groff Tractor via CoStars contract
• Noted PennDOT letter changing Oak Street Bridge railing replacement to Priority Code 3, deferring to next major improvement
• Removed bridge railing item from future Highway Committee agendas

Voting Session

The Ephrata Borough Council is meeting to vote on land development plans, street closures for community events, and financial disbursements. The session includes decisions on public safety grants and traffic regulations for Railroad Avenue.

• Preliminary Land Development Plan for Morgan Truck LLC
• Release of $12,560.00 for land development at 40 and 44 Bethany Road
• Biannual disbursement of $86,347.00 to Mainspring of Ephrata
• Resolution No. 2022-35 for experimental traffic and parking in the 300 block of Railroad Avenue
• Street Opening and Gas Service Extension Agreement with UGI for 98 Highland Avenue

Voting Session

The Borough Council will meet for a special session to appoint an interim Borough Manager and Secretary. The body will also consider updating authorized signers for the ENB Money Management Group and Ephrata National Bank.

• Appointment of Interim Borough Manager / Secretary
• Resolution to update ENB Money Management Group Authorized Signers
• Resolutions to update Ephrata National Bank Authorized Signers

Voting Session

The Council will vote on several committee recommendations including gas main extensions, vehicle purchases, and new ordinances. Items include updates to stormwater management, tree regulations, and dog park rules.

• Reimbursement of $4,271.66 to the Rec Center
• Lease with option to purchase a 2016 Ford Transit Van from Apple Ford of York
• Gas main extensions along North Academy Drive and Fairview Avenue via UGI
• Sale of a 1997 Ford L-8000 Dump Truck via public auction
• Ordinance No. 1569 regarding Stormwater Management

Voting Session

The Council will vote on several committee recommendations including land sales, zoning amendments, and construction contracts. Items include a road work bid, gas service extensions, and temporary street closures for local organizations.

• Award $81,535.00 bid #22-5 to H & P Construction, Inc. for areas 1, 2, 3, and 4
• Rezone a portion of 183 South Market Street from Residential Medium Density to Residential Low Density
• Approve street and parking lot closures for Ephrata Pioneer Fire Company on August 27, 2022
• Authorize natural gas service line installation at 226 West Pine Street via UGI
• Approve Boy Scout Troop 38 request to use parking lots during the 2022 Ephrata Fair

Voting Session

The Ephrata Borough Council will vote on several committee recommendations, including infrastructure projects and financial consulting. The meeting includes decisions on sidewalk requirements, parking lot use for fundraisers, and the appointment of a board trustee.

• Award Bid #22-3 for dog park construction to CPA Pavement Services, Inc. for $225,000.00
• Proposal for Finance Director Assistance from Government Finance Solutions at $150 per hour
• Exit audit of outgoing Finance Director by Maher Duessel for a cost not to exceed $5,500
• Reduction of sidewalk improvement requirements by 410 square feet at 664 Pointview Avenue
• Approval of natural gas service line installation to 200 Terrace Avenue

Voting Session

Borough Council will consider several land subdivision waivers and a final plan for 219 E. Fulton Street. The body is also reviewing requests for street closures and a natural gas main extension on West Franklin Street. Various committee recommendations regarding appointments and consulting services are on the agenda.

• Authorization of $357,464 in American Rescue Plan expenditures for public safety, technology, and legal fees
• Final Land Subdivision Plan for 219 E. Fulton Street
• Payment of $53,624.42 from UGI Utilities, Inc. in lieu of pavement restoration for West Franklin Street gas main extension
• Consulting agreement with Government Management Services, LLC at $3,000 per month through December 31, 2022
• Conditional approval of requests for the 103 Ephrata Fair and a closure of West Chestnut Street

Voting Session

The Borough Council will consider a final land development plan and several code waivers for 1300 West Main Street. The meeting also includes decisions on dog park planning, road closures for construction, and an amendment to the employee retirement plan.

• Final Land Development Plan and four code waivers for 1300 West Main LLC at 1300 West Main Street
• Ordinance No. 1567 to amend the retirement plan for employees not represented by collective bargaining
• Stormwater management plan and planning waiver for the dog park
• Lane closure on northbound Bethany Road between East Fulton Street and East Main Street for B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc.
• Release of $3,000 for grant application fees for the Gross Run Streambank Restoration Project

Voting Session

Borough Council is meeting to vote on several municipal contracts, ordinances regarding parking and electric vehicles, and funding requests. The session includes decisions on public event permits and personnel changes within the utilities department.

• Street Crack and Joint Sealing contract awarded to CriLon Corporation for $49,995.80
• Traffic engineering services contract for Rettew Associates, Inc. in the amount of $16,975.00
• Funding of $67,503.75 for Mainspring of Ephrata
• Ordinance No. 1566 establishing regulations and penalties for Electric Vehicle Parking spaces
• Release of $24,440.00 for completed storm water improvements at 300 West Chestnut Street

Voting Session

The Borough Council will vote on several action items including land development escrow releases, equipment purchases, and cultural arts grants. The session also includes discussions regarding street closures for events and water system construction detours.

• $70,044.50 escrow fund release to Cloister Associates, LP for 130 North Reading Road
• Purchase of a John Deere 2025R Compact Utility Tractor for $22,511.00
• Trade-in of a 2003 John Deere 4110 tractor for $8,000.00
• $10,500.00 in total Cultural Arts Grant Awards to local organizations
• Street detours on West and East Fulton Streets and Bethany Road for water system improvements

Voting Session

The Borough Council is meeting to vote on a new collective bargaining agreement with IBEW Local 1600. The session includes the appointment of individuals to boards and commissions and updates to bank account authorizations. Council will also consider the ratification of various borough policies and guidelines.

• Conditional approval of collective bargaining agreement with IBEW Local 1600
• Resolution 2022-04 appointing individuals to Boards and Commissions for 2022
• Resolutions 2022-05 through 2022-10 updating bank account signers and access at Ephrata National Bank
• Ratification of 11 council documents including By-Laws, Telecommunications Policy, and Code of Ethics
• Approval of checks 46942 through 47209 and the ACH Register dated December 29, 2021