Borough Council Meeting Minutes - April 9

Meeting Overview

The Borough Council convened on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Vice President Brady Leahey called the meeting to order. A quorum was present, including Council members Jeffrey Ketner, David Jacobs, Clay Gingrich, Walter Kalista, and William Kitt. Mayor Chad Repko was also in attendance.

Public Comment

Several residents spoke regarding proposed Slinky exhibits at the Reiser House:

• Support: Rebecca Morris (208 Leaf Lane) and Steve Albright (421 Bedford Street) spoke in favor of the exhibits.
• Opposition: Joel Koss (420 Wayne Street), Clara Burke (517 North Juniata Street), Brennan Nale (204 Leaf Lane), and Regis Nale (202 Spruce Street) spoke against the exhibits or provided petitions opposing them.
• Other Topics: Shawn Leydig (407 Beaver Street) discussed a water bill at Legion Park. Stan Neal (142 Beaver Street) requested the Gaysport stormwater management project remain on the agenda.

Key Resolutions and Motions

• Resolution No. 2026-18 (Consent Agenda): Approved Bill List Number 4 ($188,230. 69) and Certificates of Appropriateness for 311 Mulberry Street and 315 Allegheny Street. The motion carried 6-0.
• Slinky Museum Resolution (2026-16): Initially moved to remove this resolution from the table, which passed 6-0.
• Slinky Exhibits Motion: A subsequent motion was made to install Slinky exhibits in 50% of the first floor of the Reiser House, while keeping 50% for canal era history. It also mandated that existing canal exhibits remain on display and allowed for removal if the National Park Service takes ownership.
  • Vote: The motion carried 4-2 (Jacobs and Kitt voted No; Kalista, Leahey, Gingrich, and Ketner voted Yes).
• Police Officer Candidate Eligibility: Approved the candidate eligibility list. The motion carried 6-0.
• Resolution No. 2026-19 (HPD K-9 Polices): Approved HPD K-9 polices. The motion carried 6-0.
• Dangerous Structure Investigation: Authorized an investigation at 201 Walnut Street due to potentially dangerous living conditions. The motion carried 6-0.

Reports and Updates

• Mayor’s Report: Mayor Repko introduced K-9 Dea for swearing-in and ceremonially swore in Sergeant Allen Fochler, who began duties on March 30, 2026.
• Manager’s Report: The updated Town Crier is nearly complete for mailing. Negotiations with the police union will begin soon as their agreement expires at the end of 2026.
• Gaysport Stormwater Mitigation: Surveys and applications have been completed and submitted.
• East Side Stormwater Update: The Borough engineer is working on easements for the stormwater line.
• Blight Committee Update: Discussion held regarding a proposed vacant property ordinance.
• Parking Committee Report: The committee recommended entering a contract with "Just Park" for mobile app parking services. Council directed the committee to develop a contract to present at a future meeting, where parking rates and violation costs will also be discussed.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM by Vice President Brady Leahey.