Sunbury City Council approves renovation contracts, PennDOT resolution and multiple appointments

Sunbury City Council on an evening agenda approved two renovation contracts, adopted a PennDOT-related resolution for use of grant funds on a state road project, and confirmed a series of appointments and financial abstracts.

The actions affect city property renovations, the city’s participation in PennDOT’s South Second Street project, and the membership of multiple local boards and commissions. Council also voted to approve the meeting minutes and reports and to certify voucher abstracts covering general, grant and payroll spending.

Votes at a glance

- Contracts: Council approved two renovation contracts for the city facilities: HESCO Construction, $148,927; and Selsun Electric, $35,700. Motion to accept the contracts was made during new business and was approved. (Motion/second not fully specified in the record.)

- PennDOT resolution: Council adopted Resolution 2025-1 to permit city grant funds to be used as a contribution for PennDOT’s South Second Street construction project. The resolution used language supplied by PennDOT and was approved after staff and solicitor review.

- Property-list resolutions: Council approved a resolution (referenced as 2025-2 in the record) to add 720 North Fifth Street to the public list and approved a related resolution to remove 434 Fremont Avenue (resolution number referenced in the record as 125.003). Motions carried.

- Minutes and reports: Minutes from Dec. 9 and Dec. 23 and reports from departments (fire, police, treasurer, controller, code, health, parks & rec, planning commission) were approved on a motion and second.

- Appointments: The council confirmed multiple appointments across boards and authorities including: Michael Whitenite (Housing Authority); Chris Reese (Zoning); David Mertz (Redevelopment Authority and Planning, as recorded); Jerome Alex (Municipal Authority); Kurt Karlovich (Civil Service); Julie Brocious (Shade Tree); Ron Pratt (Parks & Rec); and additional names added to various committees as recorded in the meeting packet. One Redevelopment Authority nomination (Robert Hauck) did not receive a second and was not advanced.

- County representative: Council appointed a city representative to participate under Title 72 §551.1133 for determination of salaries for third-class city treasurers and deputies. City administrator Derek Backer (recorded as “Derek”) was nominated and the appointment was approved.

- Financial abstracts: Council approved voucher abstracts for the period as recorded: General Fund $134,756.74; Private Grants $400,574.11; Payroll $69,400.71.

Why it matters

Approving the renovation contracts moves city facility work forward and commits local funds. The PennDOT resolution is a required municipal affirmation to allow the city’s grant contribution to be applied to a state-managed street project; that enables PennDOT to proceed with the South Second Street construction with the agreed local match. The variety of appointments fills seats on bodies that oversee redevelopment, planning, public safety and other municipal functions.

Details and process notes

- Staff said PennDOT provided the resolution language; the city solicitor reviewed the wording before the council vote.

- One Redevelopment Authority nomination did not receive a second and therefore was not voted on; several other appointments passed by voice votes recorded during roll call.

- Several motions were moved and seconded from the dais; specific mover/second names for a few items were not clearly captured in the audio transcript and are marked as not specified in the record.

Next steps

Council packet materials indicate some of the appointments will require onboarding by city staff and that the redevelopment authority and related committees will present final annual reports at subsequent meetings.