Summary of September 2026 Carlisle Borough Council Meeting: Free Skateboards, a $1 Police Car, and a 275th Birthday Bash
The latest September 2026 Carlisle Borough Council Meeting was packed with updates that show how Carlisle is moving forward while taking care of its residents. From new youth programs to infrastructure repairs, here’s everything that happened in the latest Borough Council Meeting:
Key Highlights
- Honoring 9/11: Town leaders held a moment of silence to observe the 25th anniversary of September 11th.
- Federal Grants: The Borough successfully used $310,040 in grant funds to improve local parks and assist residents.
- Youth Skateboarding: The “Skate to Empower” initiative is providing free skateboards and weekend guidance for local kids.
- Smart Finances: The council approved plans for a 2027 debt issuance and fully funded the municipal pension budget.
- Vehicle Transfer: A decommissioned 2020 police vehicle was sold for just $1 to support regional health services.
- Street Upgrades: The town approved a new handicap parking space and a $19,460 traffic signal pole replacement.
- Commercial Growth: A warehouse expansion project on Ritner Highway received land development approval.
- Student Ambassador: A new Dickinson College student was welcomed to help connect the campus with the local community.
- Park Reminders: The municipal pool is closed for the season, and dogs must remain on leashes at LeTort Park.
- 275th Anniversary: Carlisle is throwing a massive three-day birthday festival at the local fire and rescue lot.
Honoring September 11th
The meeting kicked off at 6:00 PM with Mayor Schultz and Counselor James joining the session virtually. Before diving into the official agenda, leaders paused to hold a moment of silence in honor of the 25th anniversary of September 11th. Mayor Schultz asked everyone in attendance to remember the victims, first responders, and emergency personnel from that day. This solemn tribute will also carry over to the upcoming 275th anniversary carnival, which will pause on Friday evening for a special memorial ceremony and wreath-laying at the firefighters’ monument.
Federal Grant Funds Local Upgrades
Federal funds are making a massive impact right here in Carlisle. The council approved the annual report for the Community Development Block Grant, revealing that $310,040 in federal funds went entirely toward helping low-to-moderate-income residents between July 2025 and June 2026. These dollars paid for upgrades at Helel Palmer and Fairground Linear Parks, fixed dangerous sidewalks for four homeowners, and funded Hope Station public services for 157 people. Local nonprofit leader Gina S. was thrilled about the report, stating, “I was delighted to read about the services… so that possibly maybe we could even apply next year for that funding”.
Skate to Empower Brings Free Gear to Youth
Local kids have an exciting new reason to get outdoors thanks to the “Skate to Empower” initiative at Carlisle Skate Park. Resident Jason Turner shared how the “Se Love Skates” program secured a grant from UPMC’s Partnership for Better Health to buy 20 skateboards for children who need them. The group meets every Saturday and Sunday for two hours, teaching skateboarding tricks alongside park etiquette and community pride. Turner expressed his long-term vision perfectly, saying he hopes to create “one local spot that everything kind of can be directed through and ultimately to build a strong community that shows the kids that they have a way to contact and work with their borough to build something that they want”.
Smart Financial Planning for 2027
Deputy Mayor Perry led the charge on securing the town’s financial future with several unanimous votes. The council set up a 2027 debt issuance for capital improvements, officially bringing on Davenport and Company LLC as the financial advisor and Eckert Seamans as bond counsel. They also took care of town employees by approving $614,084 for the 2027 municipal pension budget. Rounding out the financial updates, leaders authorized an arbitrage rebate payment of up to $854,484.48 from 2021 bonds and established new budget guidelines for outside agencies.
$1 Vehicle Transfer Supports Health Services
In a fantastic display of community partnership, the council voted to sell a decommissioned 2020 Ford Police Interceptor. The buyer was Penn State Health Life Lion LLC, and the final approved price tag was just $1. By transferring this surplus vehicle directly to this organization, the borough is supporting regional emergency and health services. It is a smart, creative way to repurpose town property for the greater good of Carlisle residents.
Traffic and Parking Upgrades
Navigating Carlisle is getting a bit easier and safer following two key public works approvals. First, the council updated the borough code to add a brand new on-street handicap parking space located at 55 West North Street. Next, they approved a $19,460 contract with Atlantic Transportation Systems Inc. to replace a damaged traffic signal pole. This new mast arm pole will be installed at the busy northeast intersection of High and Hanover Streets.
New Warehouse Expansion Approved
The local economy is seeing more growth with a new commercial development approval. Council members granted requested waivers and gave land development approval to Akens Engineering Associates Inc., who submitted the application on behalf of Wolf and Tiger LLC. This agreement paves the way for an expansion of the existing paved area at 1625 Ritner Highway. The expanded site will support warehousing, distribution, and storage operations, provided the developers meet all standard engineering conditions.
Welcoming a New Student Ambassador
The borough is making sure younger voices are heard in local government this year. Dalton Cyrier, a student at Dickinson College, was officially welcomed as the new student ambassador for the upcoming school year. His role is specifically designed to strengthen the relationship between the college campus and the broader Carlisle community. Dalton expressed his enthusiasm during the meeting, saying, “I just want to say thank you for having me and I’m looking forward to working with you all this year and learning more about the Carlisle community”.
Park Updates and Pool Closure
As summer fades into fall, there are a few seasonal reminders for anyone using our outdoor public spaces. The municipal pool is officially closed for winter maintenance following the Labor Day holiday. If you are visiting LeTort Park, officials issued a friendly reminder that all dogs must be kept on a leash. Finally, if you want a say in future park upgrades, please take a moment to fill out the Parks and Recreation survey that is currently available on the borough website.
Happy 275th Birthday, Carlisle!
Carlisle is getting ready to celebrate a massive historical milestone. Mayor Schultz shared the final details for the town’s 275th-anniversary festival, which will take place at the Carlisle Fire and Rescue lot on Carlisle Springs Road. The huge birthday bash runs all weekend, starting Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., continuing Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and wrapping up Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Bring the whole family out to enjoy the carnival and celebrate our incredible community.
Looking Ahead in Carlisle
From investing in local youth programs and honoring our history to improving our sidewalks and traffic lights, Carlisle continues to grow and adapt. These public meetings prove that getting involved and voicing your ideas truly shapes the future of our town. Make sure you stay engaged, fill out the town surveys, and we will see you at the 275th birthday celebration!
