2026 Biennial Reorganization Meeting Summary: New Deputy Mayor, Juneteenth Plans, and the Hot Dog Drop
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What Happened at Our Borough Reorganization?
On January 5, 2026, our local government held its reorganization meeting to set the stage for the year ahead. It was a night of gratitude and planning for our community. Here are the key takeaways for us residents:
- Mayor Schultz Opened with Thanks: The Mayor honored families and staff.
- A New Deputy Mayor Was Chosen: Councilor Perry stepped into a new role.
- Key Jobs and Rules Were Set: Important borough positions were filled.
- Our 2026 Schedule is Live: We know when to attend meetings and holidays.
- Council Shared New Year Wishes: Leaders spoke about serving our town.
Mayor Schultz Thanks Family and Staff
Mayor Schultz started our 2026 reorganization meeting by thanking everyone who supports our town officials. He gave a special shout-out to Judge Scavage for swearing people in and thanked his own family for their patience with his busy schedule. He even shared a personal story about his wife, Amy, letting them get a new dog named Sweet Pea despite her allergies, showing how supportive our families can be. The Mayor also praised our public works crews, firefighters, and police officers for working late nights and holidays to keep our water running and our streets safe.
Councilor Perry Elected as Deputy Mayor
One of the biggest moments for us was picking a new Deputy Mayor to step in if Mayor Schultz is ever unavailable. Councilor Perry was nominated for the job, and the vote was unanimous in her favor. After being elected, Deputy Mayor Perry thanked her family and friends for pushing her to serve our community, admitting she was a little nervous but very excited to take on this new leadership role. She reminded us that the council is part of the community and is here to do their best for all of us.
Filling Key Positions and Setting Rules
To keep our borough running smoothly, the council appointed several key people to important jobs during a single motion. This included appointing Susan Armstrong as Borough Manager, Jason Cohen as Treasurer and Tax Collector, and Keith Brenamman as Solicitor, among others. After getting the right people in place, the council also voted quickly to adopt the official rules of order that will guide how our local government functions for the 2026 and 2027 term.
The 2026 Calendar and Juneteenth Holiday
We also learned when public meetings will happen this year so we can all stay involved. Regular business meetings were set for 6 PM on the second Thursday of each month, while workshop meetings will usually be the first Wednesday. Additionally, Deputy Mayor Perry made a motion to officially recognize June 19, 2026, as a borough-observed holiday for Juneteenth. This motion was seconded and passed with a “yes” vote from everyone on the council.
Council Comments and Community Spirit
Before adjourning, council members took turns sharing their hopes for the new term. Councilor James mentioned how welcoming Carlisle has been since she moved here, while Councilor Shiles shared how much he enjoyed seeing the community at our local “Hot Dog Drop” on New Year’s Eve. Borough Manager Armstrong closed the night by reminding us that our town staff works hard not for themselves, but because they are passionate about serving the people in this community.
Conclusion: Ready for 2026
It was a productive start to the year for Carlisle. In this meeting, we saw Mayor Schultz express gratitude to his family and our town staff. We watched Councilor Perry accept the role of Deputy Mayor, and we saw the council fill essential jobs and set the calendar. With plans to celebrate Juneteenth and fond memories of our New Year celebrations, our local leaders are organized and ready to serve us in 2026.
Watch the full meeting here:
