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Ephrata Borough Council approves routine development agreements, $40,000 fire police payment and orders new East Fulton speed sign
Summary
At its May 11 meeting, Ephrata Borough Council approved consent items including land‑development and stormwater agreements for 839 South State Street, released financial security for 2‑8 Tricia Lane, authorized $40,000 in unbudgeted payments for fire police units, conditionally approved an IBEW apprentice MOA, and directed Public Works to install a 25‑mph sign on East Fulton Street after a resident reported speeding.
Ephrata Borough Council on May 11 approved a package of routine consent and committee recommendations, authorized a $40,000 unbudgeted expenditure to fund fire police units, and directed Public Works to install an additional 25‑mph speed limit sign on East Fulton Street following a resident’s complaints of repeated speeding.
The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m. in Borough Council Chambers. Mayor Thomas Reinhold presented proclamations recognizing National Police Week and National Public Works Week. School Resource Officer John Hirneisen summarized the borough’s "Every 15 Minutes" program at Ephrata High School, describing a two‑day simulated crash scenario and associated outreach to students and families; Council Member Nancy Aronson asked how the program is funded, and Hirneisen said community sponsors and the school district cover costs.
During public comment resident Nathan Carter asked the council to install an additional 25‑mph speed limit sign in the 200 block of East Fulton Street, saying police speed monitoring documented multiple speeding incidents and that the street is being used as a bypass to East Main Street, creating hazards for pedestrians and his son. Solicitor Isaac Wakefield confirmed the referenced section is on the borough’s speed limit schedule and that a sign may be installed without further action; President Greg Zimmerman asked Public Works to install the sign.
Council accepted multiple committee reports and approved a consent agenda that included execution of a Subdivision and Land Development Agreement and a Stormwater Operation & Maintenance Agreement with Oak & Co Holdings, LLC for 839 South State Street, and several recording time extensions for developers. The Development Activities Committee recommendation to release remaining financial security in the amount of $29,834.20 for work at 2‑8 Tricia Lane was approved.
The Budget & Finance Committee’s recommendations also passed. Council adopted Resolution No. 2026‑20 appointing an individual to boards and commissions and authorized an unbudgeted $40,000 expenditure from the Capital Reserve Fund to provide $20,000 to each fire department for their fire police units. Council ratified the engagement of PFM Financial Advisors, LLC, to proceed with financing work related to fire apparatus purchase.
Other approvals included: adoption of Resolution No. 2026‑19 approving an intermunicipal liquor license transfer to Jakob’s, LLC (124 East Main Street); acceptance of an $11,200 park and recreation fee‑in‑lieu from W. Main St Associates, LLC; authorization of an additional Lake Street closure for Mainspring’s November 27, 2026 event; and conditional authorization for the Borough President and Secretary to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1600, concerning an Electric Department Apprentice Program, contingent on IBEW approval.
Council ratified payment of checks #59058 through #59293 and the ACH Register dated May 5, 2026, totaling $4,577,015.60. All listed motions and committee recommendations carried unanimously.
The meeting closed with announcements about upcoming community events and safety reminders. President Greg Zimmerman adjourned the session at 8:11 p.m.
