MOUNTVILLE, Pa. — Mountville Borough Council covered a wide range of community issues during its June 8 meeting, addressing everything from code enforcement and traffic complaints to park improvements and future ordinance updates.

Council President Phil Kresge called the meeting to order before council members reviewed routine business, including approval of May meeting minutes and acceptance of the borough’s financial reports.

Fire Company Reports Successful Carnival Season

Iron Ridge Fire Rescue Chief Dean Gantz Jr. reported that this year’s community carnival generated approximately $13,000 in profit for the organization.

While the total was lower than the previous year, Gantz told council the event was still considered a success and provided valuable support for fire company operations.

West Hempfield Township Police Chief Jason Jay also presented the department’s monthly activity report.

Borough Moves Forward With Code Enforcement Action

One of the more notable actions taken during the meeting involved a long-running zoning issue at 14 Park Avenue.

According to council, zoning officials have been working with the property owner regarding structures and fencing located in the front yard associated with keeping rabbits. Officials reported the homeowner has refused to correct the violation.

Council unanimously approved legal action through the District Magistrate’s office after determining compliance efforts had been unsuccessful.

Delinquent Trash Accounts Sent to Collections

Council learned there are currently 12 overdue trash collection accounts for the second quarter of 2026.

Members voted unanimously to forward the delinquent accounts to Creditech for collection efforts.

In a separate sanitation matter, council approved participation in a joint refuse collection bid package with West Hempfield Township. The program will be administered by the township and is expected to streamline future trash collection services.

Speeding Complaints Reported on Locust Street

Public Works Chair Danny Good reported that borough officials are receiving complaints about speeding on Locust Street.

Council discussed examining possible traffic-calming measures or enforcement options in areas where residents have expressed concerns.

The issue resurfaced later in the meeting during public comment when resident Kenneth Campbell asked police to increase patrols in the Summit Hills neighborhood.

Campbell reported witnessing motorists running stop signs and failing to stop for school buses.

Chief Jay responded that he would address the concerns with officers and look at additional enforcement efforts.

Park Improvements Continue

Council received encouraging news regarding recreational projects within the borough.

Chairman Jonah Eastep reported that an application has been submitted for a DCED Greenways, Trails and Recreation Grant aimed at supporting the ongoing Borough Park Rehabilitation Project.

In addition, the Mountville Youth Athletic Association successfully received funding for new lighting at VMP.

While the grant will pay for the light fixtures themselves, the borough will be responsible for installation costs.

Council reviewed three contractor proposals:

• Hess Electric — $4,900 plus repairs
• Lapp Electric — $3,978 plus repairs
• Nolt Electric — $22,750 plus repairs

Members unanimously awarded the installation contract to Lapp Electric, the lowest responsive bidder.

The borough also plans to replace aging rope swings at the Woodworks playground area.

New Ordinances May Be on the Horizon

Manager Derrick Millhouse informed council that when officials begin work on a proposed rental ordinance, they may also consider updating other sections of borough code.

Potential future ordinances include:

• A marijuana ordinance modeled after West Hempfield Township regulations.
• A noise ordinance to improve consistency between the borough and township.

Millhouse said matching ordinances would give police officers more uniform enforcement standards when operating across municipal boundaries.

Questions Raised About Borough Equipment

Council also discussed concerns surrounding the borough’s KIOTI tractor.

According to the manager, the machine has not performed as expected and has experienced service-related reliability issues.

Council agreed to investigate the possibility of purchasing a used backhoe that could better meet borough operational needs.

Iron Ridge Officially Named Primary Fire Department

One of the evening’s most significant actions came with the adoption of Ordinance No. 312.

Council unanimously approved the measure formally designating Iron Ridge Fire Rescue as Mountville Borough’s primary fire department.

The move provides official recognition of the long-standing relationship between the borough and the emergency services provider.

Authority Board Appointment Filled

Council also filled a vacancy on the Mountville Borough Authority Board.

Longtime borough resident Peter Musser was unanimously appointed following submission of a letter expressing interest in serving.

Looking Ahead

Several ongoing projects remain in progress, including:

• The unresolved Spring Street legal matter.
• Coordination with Lancaster City’s Large Diameter Pipe Project.
• Planning and design work for the Borough Park Rehabilitation Project.
• Potential updates to borough ordinances regarding rentals, marijuana enforcement, and noise regulations.

Before adjournment, council voted to cancel its June 22 meeting.

The meeting concluded at approximately 8:45 p.m.