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Council approves Hometown Hero banner program and agreement with First Energy for pole use
Summary
The council voted to proceed with a Hometown Hero banner program proposed by New Freedom Heritage and approved an agreement with First Energy to use utility poles for installation; the program will be administered by the borough with a selection committee and a separate ledger for receipts and expenditures.
New Freedom Borough Council approved a Hometown Hero banner program proposed by New Freedom Heritage and authorized a borough agreement with First Energy for use of utility poles for banner installation.
Jim Holly, president of New Freedom Heritage, presented the proposal and cost estimates: banners, brackets and shipping about $175 per unit, plus an optional $25 administrative charge to cover minor replacement and maintenance costs. Heritage proposed an initial phased rollout (about 20 banners first year on a two-year cycle, with targeted corridors on Main Street and Constitution Avenue). The group recommended a selection committee that would include members of New Freedom Heritage and representatives from the borough.
Council discussed logistics (installation windows to make public works scheduling efficient, compatibility with existing Christmas lighting and other pole-mounted fixtures, and options for handling applications and funds). Staff described setting up a separate checking account to receive banner revenue and to maintain separation from general-borough funds. The council also approved an agreement with First Energy to permit the banner program to proceed on permitted poles; approval of that agreement was conditioned on First Energy's consent and final installation specifications.
Council members volunteered to support outreach and administration; the program will return to staff for an implementation timeline, a final cost-recovery schedule and a public announcement once First Energy gives written permission. No appropriation from the general fund was authorized at this meeting; the program will be funded from banner sales.
