Clifton Heights council approves new solicitor, special counsel and $3.66 million escrow release; ratifies snow emergency spending

Clifton Heights Borough Council appointed Samantha Newell, Esquire, as borough solicitor and John McBlaine, Esquire, as special counsel and approved a series of routine and emergency measures at its Feb. 10 regular meeting.

The council voted unanimously to confirm the two legal appointments. Miss Biles moved to appoint Samantha Newell as borough solicitor; Miss Wiley seconded the motion and the roll call recorded affirmative votes from the chair and present members. A separate motion to appoint John McBlaine as special counsel also passed on roll call.

Why it matters: The appointments fill the borough’s chief legal advisory roles and put new outside counsel in place for ongoing municipal business.

Votes at a glance - Appoint Samantha Newell as borough solicitor (motion moved by Miss Biles; second Miss Wiley): approved by roll call (affirmative votes recorded). - Appoint John McBlaine as special counsel (mover and seconder recorded at the meeting): approved by roll call (affirmative votes recorded). - Approve minutes of Jan. 20 council meeting: approved by voice vote. - Accept financial advisor’s report and pay bills: approved (roll call/voice as recorded). - Accept police and fire department reports: approved. - Resolution 2026-01: authorize application to Delaware County Council for county liquid fuel tax funds for 2026 municipal road improvements: approved. - Ratify mayor’s January declaration of a disaster emergency related to severe weather: approved. - Approve emergency expenditures for January snow removal (approximately $41,000): approved; manager stated the expenditures used COSTARS vendors. - Approve GSL (Grama Success Lab) agreement ($36,000 for 12 months): approved following explanation of grant support services. - Escrow release No. 1 for school district stormwater work, $3,657,124.75: approved by roll call. - Accept manager’s report: approved.

Council recorded votes by roll call on several items and otherwise used voice votes for routine approvals. Where roll calls were recorded, the transcript shows affirmative responses from the chair and the present council members.

Key details and next steps - The escrow release relates to retainage on school district infrastructure work; manager noted typical retainage practices (5% retainage) and said the release was the first since the project began. - The emergency snow expenditures were presented as tied to the declared emergency and described as purchases through cooperative COSTARS vendors. - The manager said the GSL firm assists with grant applications and compliance, listing multiple active borough grant projects and crediting the firm with easing reporting burdens.

The council adjourned after public participation and directions for staff follow-up; items approved at the meeting will move forward under the terms discussed, and the solicitor and special counsel will begin their duties as recorded.