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Williamsburg Borough Council Regular Meeting Minutes

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Meeting Overview

The Williamsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025. The session was called to order at 7:00 p. m. by Ed Patterson.

Council Members Present:

  • Ed Patterson
  • Dakota Biddle
  • Paula Hamilton
  • Bruce Hamilton
  • Mathew Webb
  • Ted Hyle

Others Present: Adam Hauser, Myranda Isenberg, Natalie Gorsuch, Sue Houck, Allan Overdorff, and Steven Reckart.

Key Decisions & Motions

  • Minutes: The minutes from the April 2025 regular meeting were approved.
  • Financials: The Treasurer’s Report for April was approved, and bills were ratified and paid in accordance with Resolution #2018-2.
  • Banking Security: The council voted to sign up for "Mid Penn Positive Pay," a fraud protection service at Mid Penn bank that verifies checks before they are processed.
  • America 250: A resolution was adopted to support the creation of AMERICA250PA for America’s 250th anniversary.
  • Farm Show: A letter of support was approved for the 2025 Farm Show parade (scheduled for August 21, 2025).
  • Water Service: A motion was passed to deny water service at 315 High Street until necessary repairs are completed.
  • Pickleball Court: The council approved getting a quote to extend the existing small court with blacktop.

Borough Manager Updates

  • Rental Inspections: The council discussed non-compliant landlords. A plan was proposed to send letters giving landlords 30 days to comply before fines are issued.
  • Virginia Helsel (Chickens): The borough is seeking documentation from a doctor regarding why Virginia Helsel requires chickens specifically as an emotional support animal. If documentation is not provided within a week, the borough will proceed with standard ordinance violations.
  • Unfinished Business: No updates were provided for the Ellis Property (unsafe structure) or grants for Penelec property.
  • Summer Employment: The borough is seeking students aged 18 and older to help with summer work due to funding cuts in previous school-based programs.

Public Comment & Police Report

  • Rental Inspections: Resident Allan Overdorff stated he is moving forward with his rental inspections despite a difficult year. Council member Steven Reckart suggested inspections should occur every five years.
  • Electric Scooters: Concerns were raised regarding children riding scooters on roads and the lack of helmet laws. Council member Ted Hyle noted that Martinsburg prohibits kids 16 and under from riding on roadways. Chief Hauser and Sergeant Flaig will investigate local laws before any public messaging is sent via water bills.
  • Traffic Safety: Ed Patterson reported speeding at the intersection of 2nd Street and Plum Street. While a past traffic study did not warrant a four-way stop, the council suggested increasing police presence to deter speeding.
  • Code Enforcement: Patterson noted that some residents are neglecting their grass due to the weather. Chief Hauser acknowledged the issue but cited recent rain as a contributing factor.

Committee Reports

  • 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

Upcoming Events

  • SCCBA Meeting: The South Central Counties Boroughs Association meeting will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 5:30 p. m. at Marzoni’s. RSVP is required by May 12, 2025.
  • Next Council Meeting: Monday, June 2, 2025, at 7:00 p. m.
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