Tyrone Borough Council Minutes of Regular Council Meeting

Meeting Overview

The Tyrone Borough Council held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building. Mayor Latchford called the meeting to order, and Pastor Ron Baker provided the invocation.

Attendance:

• Present: Council members Robert Dollar, Ken Patterson, David Snyder, Tammy Wills, William Wiser, and Mayor Latchford.
• Absent: Council members Sarah Hunter and Rob Poust.
• Staff Present: Interim Borough Manager Kim Gurekovich, Solicitor Dan Stants, Chief of Police Jessica Walk, and various department superintendents.

Public Comment

Residents Elizabeth Detwiler, Traci Winters, and Jay Young addressed the council regarding community improvements and safety.

• Tyrone Improvement Group (Elizabeth Detwiler):

  • Discussed the 2025 "Lights in the Park" event.
  • Requested funding for additional electrical work at the park. While the group funded $1,700 in upgrades last year, they currently lack a cost estimate for new work.
  • Decision: Council unanimously approved up to $2,000 for the requested electrical improvements.
  • The Borough Engineer suggested applying for an LSA grant for future park improvements, noting that the application window opens in October.

• Water Safety (Traci Winters & Jay Young):

  • Following a recent drowning in the Little Juniata River, residents suggested that all Borough vehicles be equipped with "throwbuoy" rescue devices.
  • Jay Young, a flood safety expert, supported the motion and also raised concerns regarding property maintenance, rental inspections, crosswalks, and privacy on water bills.

Personnel & Resignations

• Borough Manager: The Council accepted the resignation of Borough Manager Ardean Latchford, effective September 12, 2025.
• Council Member: The Council accepted the immediate resignation of Councilmember Rob Poust.
• Interim Manager: Ordinance No. 1489 was passed to officially appoint Kimberly Gurekovich as the Interim Borough Manager.

Financial Reports & Ordinances

• Financials: The Council unanimously approved the monthly financial reports for the period ending August 31, 2025, including the Account Balance Report, Statement of Revenues and Expenses, and Cash Disbursement Journal.
• Pension Plans: The Council approved the 2026 Minimum Municipal Obligations (MMO) for pension plans:
  • Uniform (Police) Plan: $128,688
  • Non-Uniform Plan: $157,640
• Personnel Policy: Ordinance No. 1488 was passed to approve revisions to the Borough’s personnel policy.

Departmental Updates

• Police Department: Chief Walk reported on the homeless population camping at Railroad Park. The Borough will install signs prohibiting overnight camping in parks.
• Sheetz Land Development: Council approved three waivers for Sheetz’s plan to install electric charging stations, contingent on other approvals.
• Highway Department: Superintendent Desch met with Schulthies Electric regarding underground electricity at Reservoir Park.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM.