December Meeting Minutes 2025

Meeting Overview

The Williamsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025. The session began at 7:00 p. m. , called to order by Ed Patterson, and concluded with an adjournment at 7:21 p. m.

Attendees:

• Council Members Present: Dakota Biddle, Paula Hamilton, Bruce Hamilton, Jim Price, Karyn Shaw, Mathew Webb, Ed Patterson, and Ted Hyle.
• Others Present: Myranda Isenberg, Natalie Gorsuch, Adam Hauser, Maggie Merritts, and Alana Isenberg.

Financial Reports & Bills

• Treasurer’s Report: The council approved the Treasurer’s Report for November and ratified bills and intervening payroll in accordance with Resolution #2018-2.
• HALAS Donation: A payment of $100 was made for ambulance membership service for 2026. Additionally, the borough will provide a donation of $400 to HALAS, consistent with the 2025 contribution.
• Solvency Fee: M. Isenberg noted the borough has the option to pay a $735. 95 solvency fee for 2026 unemployment compensation. However, no motion was made to pay it because the borough has not had a history of unemployment claims.

Borough Manager Updates

• Millage: Resolution 2025-7 was adopted to maintain the same millage rate in 2026 as it was in 2025.
• Meeting Dates: The council approved and advertised meeting dates for 2026.
• Budget: The proposed budget for 2026 was adopted.
• Loan to WMA: The Water Authority requested a $50,000 loan to cover bills related to the 866 water/sewer utility relocation project. The Authority expects a state reimbursement of 75% of total costs within six to eight weeks and will repay the borough upon receipt. The loan was approved pending verification by the solicitor that it is permissible.

Personnel & Appointments

• Junior Council Member: Alana Isenberg was appointed as a junior council member for a term lasting until May 31, 2027.
• Health Insurance: Sergeant Flaig inquired about the cost of adding his family to the borough's health insurance plan. The borough covers 70% of employee costs but has not historically covered family costs; pricing will be looked into.

Community & Operations

• Donations: The council approved a $2,000 yearly donation split between the library and the historical society ($1,000 each).
• Equipment: A motion was carried to purchase a new floor jack for the garage.
• Service Agreement: The 2026 service agreement with Stiffler McGraw was accepted and signed.
• Hometown Hero Banners: The borough will not take down the "Hometown Hero" banners for the winter. They will remain up until spring when new, correctly spelled banners are printed. This change aims to save on labor costs associated with annual removal and reinstallation.

Unfinished Business

• Virginia Helsel (Chickens): Shaw moved to have Chief Hauser move forward regarding chickens found at the Virginia Helsel property. The motion carried.
• Ellis Property: M. Isenberg and Lansberry will consult with the solicitor regarding next steps if Mr. Ellis does not meet the December 31st deadline for the unsafe/dangerous structure.
• Other Items: No updates were provided for Morris Property, America 250 yr. Celebration, School Resource Officer, Bill Deters Resignation, License Agreement with Cenveo, or Grants for Penelec Property.

Committee Reports

• Personnel and 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

Next Council Meeting: Monday, January 5, 2026 @ 7 pm