Blakely council signs off on grant authorizations, PennDOT agreements and 2026 appointments

Blakely Borough Council on Dec. 15, 2025 approved a slate of resolutions authorizing grant paperwork and PennDOT agreements, confirming appointments and administrative procedures for 2026.

Attorney Abrahamsen read several measures that the council adopted by unanimous voice vote: Resolution 29 of 2025 authorizing Borough Secretary Christopher R. Paone to sign Transportation Alternatives Set‑Aside Grant paperwork; Resolution 30 of 2025 authorizing Paone to sign PennDOT agreements and deed transfer paperwork; and Resolution 31 of 2025 authorizing agreements for plowing with PennDOT. The council also passed Resolutions 1–14 of 2026 covering a range of administrative items: setting the realty transfer and wage taxes at one‑half of one percent; naming Christopher R. Paone Secretary/Treasurer and Open Records/EMA Officer; designating People's Security Bank and Trust as borough depository; reappointing Northeast Inspection Consultants as construction inspectors and adopting their rates; scheduling pension meeting months and setting employee pension contributions at 5% for 2026.

Motions to adopt the resolutions were moved and seconded on the record and carried by voice vote. Council members noted routine nature of many items and that the approvals enable staff to complete grant paperwork, PennDOT agreements and routine administrative tasks required for operations in 2026.

Why it matters: the approvals empower borough staff to execute grant and highway agreements crucial for upcoming projects (including Transportation Alternatives grants and PennDOT work), establish administrative contacts for records and emergency management, and set the operational framework for contract inspections and banking.

The council adjourned after completing the organizational slate and routine business.