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Bellefonte council approves code and policy updates, tables Shade Tree appointment pending legal review
Summary
At its business meeting council approved moving sign rules to a separate code chapter, amended vehicle and traffic code to add green EV lane markings, adopted Civil Service Commission rules and a use‑of‑force resolution, and tabled a Shade Tree volunteer appointment to obtain a solicitor opinion.
Bellefonte Borough Council approved several municipal code and policy changes at its Feb. 3 business meeting and tabled one volunteer appointment pending legal review.
Council voted by roll call to move a signs provision (Article 21) out of borough zoning into a separate chapter of the borough code. Councilors said the change is intended to clarify sign regulations by placing them in a standalone chapter. The motion passed by roll call vote.
Council also approved Ordinance No. 02032025, an amendment to Chapter 530 (Vehicle and Traffic) that adds green curb‑line designation for electric‑vehicle charging spaces. The change was described as a simple addition to the traffic code to clarify that green lines indicate electric‑vehicle parking and charging. Council adopted the ordinance by roll call vote.
In other business, council approved the Civil Service Commission’s revised rules and regulations and separately approved Resolution 02032025‑1, adopting a use‑of‑force policy supplied by the borough police. Councilors were asked to review the documents before voting; both measures passed by roll call vote.
The council tabled an appointment to the Shade Tree Commission. A council member moved to delay the appointment so the borough solicitor could review whether the volunteer’s status as a borough employee creates a conflict of interest; council voted to table the appointment until the next meeting.
Consent agenda items, including amended minutes requested by a councilor, were approved by roll call vote earlier in the meeting. The council also discussed committee assignments and scheduling for subcommittees, and heard communications from local groups including the Chamber, BHCA and HBI about upcoming events and outreach.
Votes at a glance
- Move sign rules (Article 21) out of zoning into its own chapter — approved by roll call vote (unanimous). Context: to reorganize sign regulations into a standalone code chapter.
- Ordinance No. 02032025 (amend Chapter 530, Vehicle and Traffic) — approved by roll call vote (unanimous). Context: adds green curb‑line designation for electric‑vehicle charging spaces.
- Civil Service Commission rules and regulations (revisions) — approved by roll call vote (unanimous). Context: revisions presented and approved; council asked members to review prior to vote.
- Resolution 02032025‑1 (use‑of‑force policy) — approved by roll call vote (unanimous). Context: adopts updated policy for the borough police department.
- Shade Tree Commission volunteer appointment (Jason Ostroski) — tabled for solicitor review because volunteer appears to be a borough employee; motion to table approved by roll call vote.
Council members and staff declined to take additional formal action on Missoula Park lighting at the meeting and directed staff to return with cost estimates and police input before any further vote.
