Documents

Williamsburg Borough Council Regular Meeting Minutes

Meeting Overview

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

Council Members Present:

Mathew Webb, Ed Patterson, Maggie Merritts, Steve Niebauer, Jim Price, Dakota Biddle, and Ted Hyle.

Others Present:

Alana Isenberg (Jr. Council Member), Adam Hauser, Scott Bush, Tina Brantner, Wayne Baker, Dylan Baker, Janelle Stiffler, Solomiya and Dave Flaig, Jacob Flaig, Jeff and Lauren Ellis, Alfreda Hite, Attorney Joe Addink, Attorney Kaitlyn Edmiston, Nichole Nagle, Kody Detwiler, and Natalie Gorsuch.

Rental Inspections: Kody Detwiler and Alfreda Hite inquired about the status of rental inspections. Councilman Lansberry noted they are finishing their first cycle. It was confirmed that noncompliant landlords will be fined.
Fire Ordinance: Solomiya Flaig asked for updates on the fire ordinance. Councilman Niebauer is researching ordinances from other municipalities to suggest changes, particularly regarding recreational fire pits. The committee will meet to discuss proposed changes before presenting them to the council.
HALAS Report: Nichole Nagle, representing Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service (HALAS), reported 151 calls for Williamsburg Borough in the first six months of the year. Woodbury Township had 143 calls, and Catharine Township had 32.

Treasurer’s Report: A motion to approve the June Treasurer’s Report was made by Niebauer and seconded by Webb.
Bills Due: A motion to ratify bills and intervening payroll per Resolution #2018-2 was made by Price and seconded by Webb. A subsequent motion to pay the bills due was made by Webb and seconded by Merritts. All motions carried unanimously.

USDA Grant: The council discussed a USDA grant for a police car. Isenberg noted that community support evidence is required for the application. Biddle suggested a low-interest loan might be needed to cover any remaining balance. Niebauer moved to approve the pre-application and application process; motion carried.
Officer Resignation: Dave Flaig announced his resignation as a full-time officer, effective August 4, 2026. He will remain on as a part-time officer to handle pending cases.
New Hiring: Chief Hauser will change his schedule to 5 days a week (8 am–4 pm). A motion was made by Patterson and seconded by Webb to advertise for a new full-time officer.
Property Complaints: Hyle reported complaints regarding property maintenance in the borough. He proposed working with the solicitor to amend ordinances to allow for automatic fines after a first warning letter.

Park Bench: A request from a Williamsburg High School class to install a memorial bench at the park was approved.
The council approved allowing the church to look into installing one, potentially inside the restrooms to avoid vandalism issues.
Banner Brackets: Jeff Ellis’s family requested to use brackets from previously ordered "home town hero" banners. Lansberry clarified that the brackets belong to the Civic Club, and the family must contact them directly.
Rental Inspections: There are 10 properties currently out of compliance. Two are scheduled for inspection next week, and 'Order to Vacate' plaques have been posted on the properties.

Litigation: Joe Addink, attorney for the Ellis property, attended to discuss an injunction filed by the Borough. He noted the house is appraised at $30,000 and suggested a solution to avoid high legal fees and demolition costs.
Decision: After an executive session, the council decided to continue moving forward with litigation.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p. m. The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 3, 2026, at 7:00 p. m.