Williamsburg Borough Council Regular Meeting Minutes

Meeting Overview

The Williamsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, August 4, 2025. The session was called to order at 7:00 p. m. by Ed Patterson.

Council Members Present:

• Ed Patterson
• Dakota Biddle
• Karyn Shaw
• Paula Hamilton
• Mathew Webb
• Ted Hyle

Others Present:

• Myranda Isenberg
• Tina Brantner
• Natalie Gorsuch
• Elva Fay

Financial Reports and Bills

The council approved the Treasurer’s Report for July and ratified bills and intervening payroll in accordance with Resolution #2018-2. A motion was also passed to pay all bills due.

Borough Manager Updates

Borough Manager Joseph Lansberry provided updates on several key issues:

• 2nd Street Bridge: Lansberry met with Dave Kessling regarding the bridge. The county would like to make the new bridge wider, but Lansberry prefers to keep the channel width the same. The borough will set up a meeting with interested council members but will not involve borough engineers at this stage.
• DCNR Master Site Plan: The plan is not yet ready for approval due to minor changes required. Cheri Matter from DCNR will send the necessary information.
• Discover Blair County: The council adopted Resolution 2025-03 to certify Discover Blair County after the previous certification (Explore Altoona) was decertified.
• Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy: The council voted to advise solicitor Nathan Karn to vote "yes" on the bankruptcy plan.
• Bill Deters Resignation: The fire company is seeking a replacement for Bill Deters as Local Emergency Management Coordinator (LEMC). The council will accept his resignation once a replacement is found.
• Tree on W. 2nd St: A letter was sent to the homeowner regarding a tree; no response has been received yet. Lansberry will begin getting estimates for removal.
• LSA Grant for F550: The borough may start the grant process in September.
• Cats on Plum St. : No updates from Chief Hauser regarding this issue.

Rental Inspections (200 High Street)

Elva Fay attended to discuss the inspection of the Yeager building. Key points included:

• The building has a leaky roof requiring replacement (estimated cost ~$50,000).
• Apartment #4 is currently not being rented due to a past stipulation.
• Water from the leak drips into an occupied apartment, causing mold concerns.
• Decision: The council passed the building with a stipulation that the leak must be fixed by the next 2-year cycle.

Public Safety and Property Issues

• Virginia Helsel (Chickens): Council confirmed chickens are present at the Helsel residence. Chief Hauser will investigate further.
• Basketball/Pickleball Court: Work began last week with help from the Prough family, but progress is slow.
• License Agreement with Cenveo: The council is still waiting for revisions from Cenveo.
• Ellis Property (Unsafe Structure): Tina Brantner raised concerns about lead-based paint falling from the property next to her home. Lansberry will contact Marty from CCIS regarding lead paint abatement.
• Grants for Penelec Property: No updates; the council is waiting on EPA results regarding an ash pile.
• Race Track Cleanup: The county cleaned out the race track, removing six truckloads of debris. Ted Hyle noted the Union Street track also needs cleaning, though Lansberry believes it belongs to PennDOT.

Unfinished Business

• Morris Property: Council members noted a vehicle parked in the driveway. Lansberry will monitor the situation and potentially post it again as an unsafe structure.
• Sidewalk Hazards: Paula Hamilton noted that bikes are blocking sidewalks, creating hazards.

Committee Assignments

• Personnel, Finance: Ed Patterson, Dakota Biddle, Mathew Webb
• Property, Equipment, and Streets: Paula Hamilton, Bruce Hamilton, Mathew Webb
• Fire and Police: Ed Patterson, Karyn Shaw, Paula Hamilton
• Recreation and Community Affairs: Bruce Hamilton, Dakota Biddle, Jim Price

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p. m.

Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 @ 7 pm