Items Voted On at the November 13, 2025 Carlisle Borough Council Meeting
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The Borough Council addressed numerous motions during the November 13, 2025 meeting, primarily through the Consent Agenda and Regular Agenda committee reports, concluding with a contentious roll call vote on the Community Trust and Local Autonomy Ordinance.
List of Vote Topics
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- Consent Agenda (Routine Approvals)
- Elevator Repair Contracts
- Independent Auditing Services Contract
- Appointments to Boards and Commissions
- Water and Wastewater Chemical Bids
- PennDOT Agreement for ADA Curb Ramps
- Land Development and Community CARES Approvals
- Community Energy Resolutions
- Heated Debate Over the “Welcome Ordinance” – Citizen Statements related to the Community Trust and Local Autonomy Ordinance
Consent Agenda (Routine Approvals)
The Council approved the Consent Agenda in one motion, covering a wide range of routine financial and administrative actions. This included approving the Minutes from October 9, 2025, and over $4 million in expenditures across various funds, such as $1,552,420 for the General Fund and $815,661 for the Capital Project Fund. It also included Certificates of Appropriateness for signs and construction, accepting a bench donation for LeTort Park, and approving the 2026 Recreation Facility Fee Resolution. The motion carried unanimously.
Elevator Repair Contracts
Council approved two elevator repair projects with Otis Elevator Company for a total cost of $93,474.36. The work, secured through a state contract program, includes replacing doors, tracks, locks, and hangers, along with installing a new HydroEnhance control processing board. The motion carried unanimously.
Independent Auditing Services Contract
The Borough approved a contract with Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC (SEK) to provide independent auditing services necessary for completing the year-end financial statements and preparing the Borough’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The contract establishes an initial three-year term for fiscal years 2025 through 2027, with the option to renew for two additional years (2028 and 2029). The motion carried unanimously.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions
Council approved two key appointments under the ERCP Committee report. Mr. Martin Siefering was appointed to a partial term on the Carlisle Borough Planning Commission, expiring February 28, 2029. Additionally, Mr. Alvin Blitz was appointed to a partial term on the Pension Advisory Commission, effective immediately and expiring March 31, 2029. Councilor Mellen noted gratitude to Mr. Blitz, specifically, because that seat had been vacant for over a year. Both motions carried unanimously.
Water and Wastewater Chemical Bids
Under Public Works, the Council approved a motion to award the bids for the purchase of chemicals utilized at the Carlisle Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants. The bids were awarded to the lowest responsive bidders, and the annual contract term is set to run from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. The motion carried unanimously.
PennDOT Agreement for ADA Curb Ramps
Council adopted a resolution granting signature authority to the Mayor and Borough Manager for a Reimbursement and Maintenance Agreement with PennDOT. This agreement facilitates the construction of two new ADA curb ramps at the intersection of East High Street and Spruce Street, which is part of PennDOT’s Roadway Resurfacing Project on East High Street (SR0074). The motion carried unanimously.
Land Development and Community CARES Approvals
The Sustainable Community & Economic Planning Committee secured approvals for multiple development actions. This included approving waivers and the Minor Subdivision Plan for Dickinson College located on West High Street. Additionally, Council approved waivers and the Final Land Development Plan for expansion projects at 1285 Ritner Highway (Pilot Line Building, Research & Innovation Center, and Plant 5 Building). Finally, a 60-day time extension was granted to Community CARES for satisfying the conditions of plan approval on their Final Land Development Plan, setting a new deadline of January 13, 2026. All related motions carried unanimously.
Community Energy Resolutions
Two resolutions aimed at future energy stability and affordability were adopted. The first calls on the Pennsylvania Legislature to pass legislation that allows for the creation of community energy programs. The second authorizes the Borough to participate in the Pennsylvania Electricity Plan Collaborative, which aims to aggregate willing residents across municipalities to bulk purchase renewable electricity, control skyrocketing costs, and protect consumers from predatory sales practices. Councilor Childs noted that Pennsylvania is currently one of only five states without a single community solar project. Both resolutions carried unanimously.
Heated Debate Over the “Welcome Ordinance” – Citizen Statements related to the Community Trust and Local Autonomy Ordinance
The most significant and contested vote was the enactment of the Ordinance amending the Code of the Borough of Carlisle to uphold community trust, ensure efficient use of resources, and affirm the Borough’s Home Rule authority. After a long period of public comment for and against the measure, the motion was called. The motion carried via a roll call vote of 5 “I” (Yes) to 1 “No” (Councilor Mellen).
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