Tyrone Borough Council Minutes of Regular Council Meeting

Meeting Overview

The Tyrone Borough Council held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Harlow, with a quorum of council members present.

Presentations and Recognition

• Irish Heritage Week: Mayor Harlow presented a proclamation to the Irish Heritage Committee recognizing March 11–15, 2026, as Irish Heritage Week in Tyrone Borough.
• Coach Recognition: A Certificate of Recognition was presented to former Coach John Franco for his years of service and dedication to the Tyrone Varsity Football program.

Public Comment

• Police Staffing: Linda Daniels inquired about the elimination of police officers and the K9 unit. Mayor Harlow clarified that no police positions were eliminated; only the K9 was retired.
• Agenda Review: Michael Westbrook requested more time to review the agenda. He was advised that agendas are posted at the Borough building on Fridays prior to meetings.

Approvals and Financial Reports

• Minutes: The minutes for the January 12 and February 9, 2026 meetings were unanimously approved.
• Financials: The financial reports for the period ending February 28, 2026 (Account Balance Report, Statement of Revenues and Expenses, and Cash Disbursement Journal) were unanimously approved.

Departmental Reports and Updates

• Library Request: The Council approved a request from the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library to use the Reservoir Park Amphitheatre for outdoor story time. Programs will run Thursdays from June 4 through August 1, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
• Police Car Donation: The Council voted unanimously to donate a 2020 Ford Interceptor police car to the Tyrone Area School District. The school is aware of the vehicle's mechanical issues.
• Parking Lots: A discussion on "Rental vs. Meters" for the new VFW parking lot was tabled until the April meeting. Staff will contact neighboring properties regarding rental interest.
• Reservoir Park Design: Lehman Engineering was proposed for the Reservoir Park Improvement Project at an estimated cost of $65,000. This would be funded via the Community Enrichment fund. The Council needs consensus to proceed with an Engineering Agreement.
• Rental Inspection Program: A pilot program for rental inspections was discussed. The third-party agency, Bureau Veritas, charges $75 per inspection. Mayor Harlow suggested a pilot on Pennsylvania Avenue and 10th Street. Solicitor Stants will research selective enforcement issues, and the matter was tabled for further discussion.
• Water Department: Superintendent Don Shultz met with the Altoona Water Authority regarding an interconnect to serve as a backup water source. This project is included in the 2026 budget.
• Highway Department: Superintendent Eric Desch reported that wood chips will be delivered to parks on March 16. Additionally, a portion of Route 453 will be closed for PennDOT paving from March through August.

Miscellaneous

• Historical Society: Robert Dollar announced the Museum will open for the season on Saturday, March 14.
• Saturday Parking: Council member Sarah Hunter suggested offering courtesy parking on Saturdays. Mayor Harlow proposed a white ticket system, but enforcement details need to be determined.
• Fire Hydrants: Council member Wills suggested a painted fire hydrant program. It was noted that the tops of hydrants must remain their original color to indicate flow capacity.
• Rainbow Bridge: Council member Wills suggested installing a "Rainbow Bridge" at Reservoir Park for pet memorials.

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM.