Council adopts electric time‑of‑use ordinance, approves consent resolutions and $9.01 million in vouchers

At its Feb. 26 meeting, the Madison Borough Council took several formal actions during the budget hearing and consent agenda vote: it adopted an ordinance on electric department time‑of‑use rates, approved consent resolutions (85–95) and authorized vouchers totaling $9,005,885.91.

Ordinance adoption Ordinance 4‑2025, “an ordinance of the Borough of Madison amending chapter 94 appendix A of the borough code entitled electric department rules and Regulations regarding time of use rates,” was opened for public hearing, received no public comment, and passed on second reading by roll call vote. The roll call recorded “yes” votes from Council President Ehrlich, Council Members Landrigan and Range, Miss O'nehan, and Council Member Forte; the mayor declared the ordinance finally passed and ordered publication in accordance with law.

Consent agenda and resolutions The council moved a consent agenda covering resolutions numbered 85 through 95, which the governing body enacted with a single roll‑call vote. Items listed for public comment earlier in the meeting included: - Resolution 85: retroactive film permit for Winger Productions (Garfield and local roads, Feb. 18) — proof of insurance was discussed in council questions and staff confirmed coverage on the record. - Resolution 86: appointment of Nicki Foriello as mechanic in Public Works, annual salary $66,683 (probationary period specified). - Resolution 87: appointment of Albert Gregorio to Public Works laborer, annual salary $41,157 (probationary period specified). - Resolution 88: reappointment of Robert Vogel as part‑time site inspector at $50/hour. - Resolution 89: release of a performance bond to HS Investors LLC for 306 Main Street (Starbucks location). - Resolution 90: authorizing Friends of the Madison Public Library to hold a “Touch a Truck” fundraiser on July 20, 2025. - Resolution 91: appointment of Pastor Carol Howard as a police chaplain. - Resolution 92: award of professional services contract to Helena Reumann, RA, for rural-related capital projects ($175/hour). - Resolution 93: approval of a raffle license for Madison High School ETSO. - Resolution 94: approval of the Jacob Henry Perkins trust disbursement of $1,039.14. - Resolution 95: appointment of Andre Fernandez as part‑time arts and events assistant at $22.50/hour (up to 29 hours/week).

Vouchers and bill list The council approved vouchers totaling $9,005,885.91. The staff read fund-by-fund totals into the record: Current Fund $7,437,890.10; General Capital Fund $474,936.25; Electric Operating Fund $685,889.97; Water Operating Fund $53,615.78; Water Capital Fund $302,896.00; Trust $50,657.81. Earlier in the meeting council members noted several unusually large bill-list items informing the total: a $3,100,000 payment to the county (first-quarter taxes and open-space assessment), a $4,067,724.33 payment to the Board of Education (monthly share of property taxes), a $340,000+ payment for Cook Avenue parking lot work, a $94,000+ payment for a sewer lift-station pump replacement, and a $266,000+ payment for repairs at a water well.

Votes and procedure Roll-call votes were used for the ordinance second reading and for the consent agenda/voucher approvals; each recorded roll call in the transcript showed unanimous “yes” among those present. The meeting opened with one member absent (Council member Tom Haren Poudis excused).