[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6336760,"mediaKeyId","2281056-0090820d4348eadf41f6813e66a01fe5","parentId",2281056,"title","Votes at a glance: council approves truck outfitting, Rose Fire resolution, PSI payment, volunteer roster and apparel allowance","audioSeconds",366,"startMs",2365000,"endMs",2731000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2281056-0090820d4348eadf41f6813e66a01fe5&start=2365&end=2731","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2281056-0090820d4348eadf41f6813e66a01fe5/thumbnail_2365000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6336760/New-Freedom/York-County/Pennsylvania/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-truck-outfitting-Rose-Fire-resolution-PSI-payment-volunteer-roster-and-apparel-allowance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6336760-05b132f162f116bcdab7a10b08f3c70e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185873&Signature=evSZno2vxt~2RbLOlMw8ewFHLsLTta3O3LDpB~l8moQQOXh~kl1~ryKTl4fJt-2iJYFITYSXki9hi9Ir2vRD537K2xYglgYloxGBLr4gmxKgwhYzb9mbaECEVYys7pxby8~A7uPTTpwZh9dMI05CT09d~y5eAoB9kimR0I9Jg8jM~3QZiUhNOgmuuBnkvFn7JYoNtnC8QLmcRAYuxS92Kc6kQ2FbeXCaPg8ePR9UYn5wOThARECgIeKyyMLUSaS0NY3XWSEAulb5vZLjwIp1fXP~-OG4Gk7kSKAheKVDa-qsjzvJWYQ8XK~L1599ARvLS23BIao7w-645ItxU7QvHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Freedom Borough, PA","date","2025-02-11T12:54:58Z","article","At the meeting the council took formal votes on multiple agenda items. Below are the outcomes and key details recorded in the meeting minutes.

Truck outfitting and body purchase
- Motion: Authorize purchase of the truck body for a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado and related outfitting. The truck body amount listed in the agenda packet was \"in the amount of $29.01 50\"; council discussion noted an additional outfitting cost of about $30,000. Staff said both the vehicle purchase and outfitting were included in the approved budget. Outcome: motion approved (roll-call/voice: ayes recorded). Details: funding source stated as budgeted amounts; the purchase was through cooperative procurement. (Referenced in packet: state cooperative purchasing.)

Rose Fire Company resolution
- Motion: Approve resolution authorizing Rose Fire Company participation in certain activities and events (resolution number listed as 2025-— in packet; exact full resolution number not specified in the minutes). Outcome: motion approved (voice vote). Note: The resolution was described as an authorization for the volunteer company to participate in events under workers' compensation coverage; approval does not obligate the borough to direct participation in all listed events.

PSI Pumping Solutions — payment for aeration improvements
- Motion: Approve payment application No. 1 to PSI Pumping Solutions in the amount of $209,393 for aeration improvements at the borough wastewater treatment facility (RK&K project). Outcome: motion approved (voice vote). Notes: Project previously approved; some costs are recoverable by agreement with partner municipalities and grant funding.

Volunteer service credit roster — Rose Fire Company
- Motion: Approve volunteer service credit roster for 2024 for Rose Fire Company (used to prepare real-estate tax credits and York Adams Tax Bureau filings). The council discussed ensuring that roster entries exclude paid employees who do not qualify for volunteer credit; staff said they would verify before finalizing the refunds. Outcome: motion approved (voice vote). Staff to confirm no paid employees are claimed in the roster and to return any necessary corrections.

Elected-official apparel allowance
- Motion: Authorize elected officials to receive up to $100 every two years for New Freedom–logoed apparel (shirts/sweatshirts; excludes jackets). Vote: motion carried 4–3.

Ending: Several measures were approved; staff will implement payments and follow-up verifications as discussed and will add the library funding and solar decommissioning drafts to future agendas.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","New Freedom Borough Council Meeting - February 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved several items including authorization to outfit a 2025 Chevy Silverado, a resolution authorizing Rose Fire Company participation in events, payment to PSI Pumping Solutions for wastewater aeration work, the Rose Fire volunteer credit roster, and a $100 biennial apparel allowance for elected officials.","taxTitle","New Freedom, York County, Pennsylvania","taxId",74526,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6336764,"Manager warns MS4 urbanized-area designation would add stormwater volume and monitoring requirements",131,5123000,5254000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2281056-0090820d4348eadf41f6813e66a01fe5&start=5123&end=5254","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2281056-0090820d4348eadf41f6813e66a01fe5/thumbnail_5123000.jpg","/articles/6336764/New-Freedom/York-County/Pennsylvania/Manager-warns-MS4-urbanized-area-designation-would-add-stormwater-volume-and-monitoring-requirements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6336764-6c5bbcef52c2d912407c839386df3745/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185873&Signature=joj2MYaj5vWcsdDatBGIlsdtaU~57VVaGbWmFGfvDUXXEBD2EvpcM5EppSg-veNQZjsO~aT~cCXpdsniTutkWb7kUN40goUWzLnfDCX67Kdv81y-hnnLhwa75TWTTdeq5A-w0TnAfgz3Ll1bBFSQLVmWFKNOTdG3rN9wic5DVKus03yFk6doKfiUSQ1F6-~QZwN4jzssAktNWdUVljnIAVRMkLXNT5GTcJyWT-JWw6JWCX6YNmXnn-Eb~pbMjd9v3jR40I7CkIzaZqfZlxcmkxkaS7rdEZi9QdeTrViOt2SFJVyaE9ELPYELDIMmAf46wE3hC0itOWZ474rKNShrIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The borough manager briefed council members on the implications of recent census changes that classify New Freedom as part of an urbanized area, which could bring new MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit requirements focused on volume reduction and expanded outfall monitoring.

Staff said the draft state permit language shifts emphasis from nutrients and sediments to reducing stormwater volume reaching waterways and that monitoring requirements will likely increase, potentially including more frequent sampling and lab analysis. The manager said New Freedom’s mapping and stormwater ordinance updates were proactive steps to prepare for these obligations.

Councilors asked whether the permit’s volume targets are attainable in a developed borough; the manager noted an example draft target (reported in discussion) that could be constraining for built areas. Councilors and staff discussed that additional monitoring and compliance work will carry costs and that municipal governments are downstream recipients of state and federal regulatory changes; the manager urged residents to contact legislators about local impacts.

Ending: Staff will continue preparing mapping, outfall information and education for residents and will report back as the state permit process advances; councilors said they may consider additional ordinance or capital planning actions if the permit is finalized as currently drafted.","Council was briefed on how the 2020 census urbanized-area designation could trigger Pennsylvania MS4 requirements, emphasizing additional volume-reduction measures and outfall monitoring with financial implications for the borough.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6336768,"Council considers zoning amendment to add decommissioning bond rules for solar arrays",401,3058000,3459000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2281056-0090820d4348eadf41f6813e66a01fe5&start=3058&end=3459","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2281056-0090820d4348eadf41f6813e66a01fe5/thumbnail_3058000.jpg","/articles/6336768/New-Freedom/York-County/Pennsylvania/Council-considers-zoning-amendment-to-add-decommissioning-bond-rules-for-solar-arrays","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6336768-a076d1ac8e738dcabf3f2f07e34936f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185873&Signature=Wgux4fmQSk2lY9BDM8bojEWIUMi8FevUptaCAfM0Vm2cXcWOO~meH94bqTy3wdAKeQVJq709jUaoEBCoxtimhdkvnt82u-X34x5i4MjnQOoHO394GOLDCGISEh8UwYRrq0~NXjg8ZTzNojWdc4OEp6~5rTNUyA9WrDk~2ww767CucO2aVx5rzvg8HtzgLBdpdUjCKKiAsubWDQmAwd4zAfzS7WHJzZHkU7n-QAVLWAeMJYom~EO3vEmd3cmKqfjgToYhyQf7lGzx~PNz-gSf90tep99BIZwleNCiVtnXNzBfNP29qvW7F6I0po38F39xn9xeWxn48~vRwPvrBbOqOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilors discussed adding decommissioning and bond requirements to the borough zoning ordinance for large solar-energy projects after members noted the current code lacks explicit removal and financial assurance language.

Staff provided two model examples: a Dover Township section on decommissioning and a York County Planning Commission model dated April 2022. Solicitor and planning discussion focused on whether the decommissioning requirement should be placed in the zoning ordinance or in subdivision/land-development regulations; staff said zoning amendment is the likeliest mechanism.

Councilors raised timing and enforcement questions: whether a decommissioning requirement should trigger at project approval or upon transfer of ownership; whether a 6-month inactivity threshold is appropriate for presuming abandonment; and whether the bond requirement should be imposed at development so the municipality has security if an operator abandons panels. One councilor said a six-month inactivity window could be too short in cases where owners attempt to sell damaged equipment; others noted examples in the borough where properties were in poor condition for years.

The solicitor advised drafting an amendment now to apply prospectively to future projects; requiring decommissioning at the time of land-development approval would be typical. Council directed staff and solicitor to draft a zoning amendment that consolidates model language for council review at the next meeting.

Ending: Staff will prepare a draft zoning amendment based on sample ordinances for consideration at a future council meeting.","Following installation questions for a Pleasant-area solar array, council members discussed drafting a zoning amendment to require decommissioning plans and bonds for future commercial solar projects.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6336770,"Solicitor briefs council on limits of public comment after resident files federal complaint",3482,605000,4087000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2281056-0090820d4348eadf41f6813e66a01fe5&start=605&end=4087","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2281056-0090820d4348eadf41f6813e66a01fe5/thumbnail_605000.jpg","/articles/6336770/New-Freedom/York-County/Pennsylvania/Solicitor-briefs-council-on-limits-of-public-comment-after-resident-files-federal-complaint","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6336770-03033cbb58cf0593a39e490cb72e55a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185873&Signature=kP1i-dcApnc2HqmfYXW5NwPSG643jHH~IF2IglWD0Te-ehr55lgLrKSpia29rysjgngM721XAIJUZ1C1sBBufsZBX9Fosau96vsOld8A9-WfirN9HXbwybvJQlGgE5I1mlU2N72cmPW7wlz3BiHwqZcyV4uuGE9gKAQUXzxjTm6gXuWpvhIdWK5Oqrlx5yu--cC-WB3u7SG7pzqFfiwMSFpK0DyuIMVU30330kt5NwzyiNCxtLqkydtaDuhCI50V7sZtveY2Op1dslMt-YeVX1SvdR~hzl~0mmOYuHhtAHdapEYMtkUHnR9GB6qe9ltelosl12YRTm4-K1RMP-pahg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The borough solicitor briefed New Freedom Borough Council on court rulings that permit councils to limit public comment to matters germane to the meeting and to enforce decorum, and read a prepared statement from the borough’s regular solicitor addressing an ongoing suit filed by a resident.

At the start of public comments, resident Devin Taylor said he would file an amended complaint in federal court alleging multiple state statutes and open-meetings violations; he delivered a copy of his amended complaint for the record. Taylor named individual council members and listed alleged violations of several Pennsylvania statutes and other references he intended to include in court filings.

The solicitor told the council that federal appellate guidance treats municipal business meetings as a limited public forum: governments may require comments be germane to matters before the council and may impose reasonable time and decorum restrictions. The solicitor also advised that Title 18 (Pennsylvania Crimes Code), Title 53 (municipalities code) and Title 65 (public records/minutes) are Pennsylvania statutes and that Title 5 of the U.S. Code governs federal agencies, not municipal meetings. He explained that if Taylor files only state-law claims without a viable federal claim, a federal court could decline to exercise jurisdiction over the state claims.

The solicitor also summarized the borough’s posture: the borough has counsel assigned by its insurance carrier to defend the named council members; the district attorney previously declined to prosecute private criminal complaints Taylor filed, citing lack of evidence; and the borough does not intend further comment while litigation is pending. The solicitor warned that recovering litigation costs from a plaintiff after defense is costly and often impractical.

Councilors discussed options for handling disruptive public comments, including issuing a point of order, asking a speaker to stop, or removing a disorderly attendee; the solicitor said profanity and personal attacks that are not germane to the agenda may be regulated. The solicitor recommended exercising judgment on a case-by-case basis to preserve meeting decorum while protecting First Amendment rights.

Ending: Councilors accepted the solicitor’s guidance and the borough’s regular solicitor’s statement was placed in the record. The council directed the manager and solicitor’s office to coordinate with the borough’s insurer and assigned counsel regarding defense of the complaint.","Council solicitor explained legal standards for public-comment limits and read a statement from the borough’s regular solicitor after a resident said he would file or had filed a complaint naming council members.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6336771,"Council weighs conditional support as Paul Smith Library faces possible cuts from York County",662,1353000,2015000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2281056-0090820d4348eadf41f6813e66a01fe5&start=1353&end=2015","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2281056-0090820d4348eadf41f6813e66a01fe5/thumbnail_1353000.jpg","/articles/6336771/New-Freedom/York-County/Pennsylvania/Council-weighs-conditional-support-as-Paul-Smith-Library-faces-possible-cuts-from-York-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6336771-736eafc116568dc4d6bbc8029526a5a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185873&Signature=XbZTYjasT~LiqduLh~kBYaUuaAlKrcWUzmDSn9fFmbX8IxE5BzQn41Z6FTLiWwyFIdPsUCgrzgwAgPLVkQ5c7vcgBj-I~rveKkbeyYQz0qJ2s3vMX-ZCtryvwJWCbv2FkbVWgVzWkZFl~g2LHA21fPBFUr~pwln1fW9A6JrZyx~iWrIqCMluzyIyqfwNmK-o5CuT-zhXLO3aADNLxh3eMU0bslbI4OFCYtPEeOELMZiV-yVGlXAuu5n6ahjzsIGhgcnlKoJyFNiO77N5jBod~Ze-bCv9TUiuH7ihjUGGLO1gt~~-0n8xy76mS6c9ulEk0XjIro9Ehk0cKnln7PurvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","New Freedom Borough councilors and residents discussed possible changes to Paul Smith Library’s relationship with the York County Library System and whether the borough should continue annual donations.

Supporters said Paul Smith provides substantial service to New Freedom residents and that losing member status could mean lost county funding and services. Council members said they will not finalize any additional payments until the library’s membership and hours are resolved with York County Library System.

The discussion grew from a letter the council received reporting that the county system plans to reduce hours at some member libraries and that the county’s budget showed large increases in professional services in 2022–23. Council members and residents said the county’s operating deficits and the library system’s decision-making timeline prompted urgency. One council speaker said Paul Smith currently receives roughly $80,000 annually from the county system and that becoming a branch would forfeit county funding and shared services such as the catalog and interlibrary loans.

Speakers urged the borough to coordinate with neighboring municipalities; a council member recommended discussing a joint municipal donation and asked staff to add a library funding item to next month’s agenda so the council can set a proposed 2026 donation amount with two caveats: that Paul Smith retain its membership status and not reduce operating hours.

Councilors and residents described options the library board might consider, including retaining volunteer governance and negotiating with the county commissioners. The council’s manager said municipal funds already covered some parade and recreation expenses in the past and that any future donation would be discussed formally before being disbursed.

The council did not vote on funding at the meeting; members directed staff to place the topic on the next meeting agenda and to attempt to confirm whether municipal representatives will be allowed to attend the February 13 York County Library meeting referenced by the library board.

Ending: The council left the funding question open pending the county-library meeting and a follow-up agenda item next month that will include proposed donation amounts and conditions for disbursement.","New Freedom Borough council and residents discussed whether to continue annual donations to Paul Smith Library while York County Library System considers changes that could reduce branch hours and oversight.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: council approves truck outfitting, Rose Fire resolution, PSI payment, volunteer roster and apparel allowance

Manager warns MS4 urbanized-area designation would add stormwater volume and monitoring requirements

Council considers zoning amendment to add decommissioning bond rules for solar arrays

Solicitor briefs council on limits of public comment after resident files federal complaint

Council weighs conditional support as Paul Smith Library faces possible cuts from York County