Williamsburg

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Williamsburg Borough Council Regular Meeting Minutes

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Meeting Overview

The Williamsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, April 6, 2026. The session was called to order at 7:00 p. m. by Dakota Biddle.

Attendees:

  • Council Members Present: Karyn Shaw, Mathew Webb, Ed Patterson, Jim Price, Dakota Biddle, and Ted Hyle.
  • Late Arrival: Steve Niebauer (arrived at 7:03 p. m. ).
  • Others Present: Myranda Isenberg, Natalie Gorsuch, Kody Detwiler, Alana Isenberg (Jr. Council Member), Mike Fay, Scott Bush, Marty Steach, Cordell Ebersole, and Ken Rhodes.

Public Comment: Rental Inspections

Ken Rhodes, a former landlord, addressed the council regarding a court case in Pennsylvania that could impact rental inspections. He requested the Borough consult its solicitor to ensure compliance with tenant privacy laws.

  • Inspector Response: Marty Steach (CCIS Inspector) clarified that inspections are scheduled by the landlord, who is responsible for notifying tenants.
  • Council Discussion: Council members discussed adjusting the inspection frequency. It was suggested that landlords who consistently comply could be moved to a 3-year inspection cycle, while those who fail or do not schedule inspections would remain on a 2-year cycle.
  • Action: Lansberry will contact the solicitor to determine if the ordinance can be adjusted to allow for this tiered inspection schedule.

Financial Reports

  • Treasurer’s Report: A motion to approve the March Treasurer’s Report was made by Price and seconded by Shaw. Carried.
  • Bills Due: A motion to ratify bills and intervening payroll per Resolution #2018-2 was made by Patterson and seconded by Webb. Carried.
  • Payment: A motion to pay the bills due was made by Webb and seconded by Niebauer. Carried.

Borough Manager Updates

  • Summer Help: The Borough is seeking recommendations for workers over 18. Hours will be under 30 per week.
  • Blair Planning Commission Vacancy: Dave Bigelow is interested in the Region 4 vacancy. He would represent Catharine and Woodbury Townships as well as the Borough.
    • Decision: Shaw made a motion to appoint Dave Bigelow to the Region 4 vacancy. Niebauer seconded. Carried.
  • Vendor Show: Approved for June 27th at Biddle’s on W. 2nd St. Part of West 2nd Street will be closed for the event.
    • Decision: Price made a motion to approve the show and street closure. Niebauer seconded. Carried.
  • America 250 Parade: Approved for June 27th at 7:00 p.m.
    • Decision: Shaw made a motion to approve the parade. Niebauer seconded. Carried.
    • Action: Lansberry will contact Maggie Merritts to discuss route options.
  • 2025 Audit: The audit was completed with no issues.
    • Decision: Price made a motion to accept the auditor’s report. Webb seconded. Carried.
  • Credit Card Purchase: Approval was granted for a brush kit for street cleaning (total slightly over $500).
    • Decision: Niebauer made a motion to approve. Patterson seconded. Carried.
  • Biddle’s Shop Local, Parade, and Tree Lighting: Approved for December 5, 2026. Part of West 2nd Street will close from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    • Decision: Niebauer made a motion to approve. Shaw seconded. Carried.
  • Liquid Fuels Audit 2024: The report was shared via email.
    • Decision: Webb made a motion to accept the report. Shaw seconded. Carried.
  • It was noted as a worthwhile program for high school students.

Engineering and Property Updates

  • Stormwater Project: New Enterprise has begun tree trimming and stump removal. DEP requires a permit ($8,000–$10,000) to knock down walls at the pit by Cenveo.
    • Discussion: Ebersole suggested filling the pit without demolishing walls to avoid permit costs. Lansberry will look into this option.
  • Skills Machines: The Borough is considering charging a fee for skills machines, similar to Ebensburg ($250 per machine/year). Funds could be used for park mulch or community projects.
    • Action: Lansberry will check with the solicitor on how to implement this fee.
  • Terry Stahl Property: The solicitor was contacted regarding rental inspections and potential zoning violations. It may be difficult to prove the resident is a tenant as they do not pay rent but maintain the property.
  • HALAS Agreement: Resolution 2026-02 regarding the agreement between the Borough and HALAS was adopted.
    • Decision: Webb made a motion to adopt. Price seconded. Carried.

Unfinished Business

  • Morris Property, America 250 Celebration, LEMC Coordinator, License Agreement with Cenveo: No updates.
  • Grants for Penelec Property: Biddle is working on securing grants.
  • Ellis Property (Unsafe/Dangerous Structure): The owner pleaded guilty and paid fines for missing deadlines. The Borough must decide whether to force compliance or demolish the structure.
    • Plan: The Borough will attempt to force compliance first. If the owner fails to comply, the Borough may pay for demolition and lien the property to force a Sheriff’s Sale. County funds may be available if the owner turns over ownership.
    • Action: Lansberry will get price estimates from contractors.
  • Pickleball Court: A system has been ordered using donated funds and will ship soon.
  • Virginia Helsel (Chickens): As of April 6, it is unknown if chickens are still on the property; police are investigating.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p. m. by a motion from Shaw, seconded by Webb.

Next Council Meeting: Monday, May 4, 2026 @ 7:00 p. m.

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