Documents

Williamsburg Borough Council Regular Meeting Minutes

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

Treasurer’s Report: The council approved the Treasurer’s Report for March.
Bills & Payroll: Bills and intervening payroll were ratified in accordance with Resolution #2018-2, and payment was authorized.
Credit Card Purchase: A motion was passed to approve a credit card purchase of slightly over $500 for street cleaning brushes.
Audits: The 2025 Audit was accepted with no issues found. The 2024 Liquid Fuels Audit Report was also accepted.

Summer Help: The borough is seeking recommendations for workers over 18 for summer employment (under 30 hours/week).
Planning Commission Vacancy: Dave Bigelow was appointed to the Blair Planning Commission Region 4 vacancy, representing Catharine and Woodbury Townships and the Borough.
Upcoming Events:
- Vendor Show: Approved for June 27th at Biddle’s on W. 2nd St. Part of West 2nd Street will be closed.
- America 250 Parade: Approved for June 27th at 7:00 p. m.
- Biddle’s Shop Local/Tree Lighting: Approved for December 5, 2026. West 2nd Street will close from 10:00 a. m. to 8:00 p. m.
HALAS Agreement: Resolution 2026-02 was adopted to formalize the agreement between the Borough and HALAS.

Stormwater Project: New Enterprise has begun the stormwater project with tree trimming and stump removal.
Cenveo Pit: DEP requires a permit ($8,000–$10,000) to knock down walls at the pit by Cenveo. Council discussed filling the pit without demolition to avoid permit costs; Lansberry will investigate this option.
Skills Machines: The council discussed charging a fee for skills machines (similar to Ebensburg’s $250/machine/year) to fund park projects. Lansberry will consult the solicitor on how to implement this.

Legal Concerns: Ken Rhodes raised concerns about a Pennsylvania court case that might affect rental inspections.
Inspector Clarification: Marty Steach (CCIS Inspector) clarified that the lawsuit mentioned by Rhodes challenges the use of warrants, not the inspections themselves. He confirmed CCIS inspections remain unaffected.
Inspection Frequency: Council discussed changing the inspection cycle from every 2 years to every 3 years for compliant landlords. Lansberry will check with the solicitor if the ordinance can be adjusted to allow this.

Ellis Property (Unsafe Structure): The owner pleaded guilty to fines but did not fix the structure. The Borough may need to spend its own funds to demolish it and then lien the property to recover costs. County money may be available if the owner turns over ownership.
Pickleball Court: A system has been ordered using donated funds and is shipping soon.
Virginia Helsel (Chickens): Police are investigating the status of chickens on this property.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p. m. The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, at 7:00 p. m.