In the minutes: York Minutes, public safety camera (Aug 8)

Council of the City of York, Pennsylvania
Edquina Washington, President of Council
Betsy Buckingham, Vice President of Council
Elizabeth Bupp, Member of Council
Teresa Johnescu, Member of Council
Ryan Supler, Member of Council

Office of York City Council
101 S. George St.
York, Pennsylvania 17401
Telephone: (717) 849-2246
Fax: (717) 812-0557

Dianna L. Thompson, City Clerk
Email: [email protected]

Website: www.yorkcity.org

MINUTES

August 18, 2026
6:00 p.m.

Council meetings are streamed LIVE for viewing only on the following social media platforms:
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2026 MEETINGS: Click here to view 2026 Council Meetings Dates
CALL TO ORDER: President Edquina Washington called the August 18, 2026, meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in
Council Chambers, 101 S. George St., York, PA, with the following members present: Ryan Supler, Elizabeth
Bupp, Teresa Johnescu, Betsy Buckingham, Vice President, and Edquina Washington, President, with President
Washington presiding.
Members of the Administration in attendance included: Sandie Walker, Mayor; Jim Gross, Interim Director of
Public Works; Tammy Harvey-Bethea, Interim Director of Economic & Community Development; Nancy Griffin,
Planner; Monica Kruger, Director of Health; Michael Muldrow, Police Commissioner; Capt. Matthew Irvin,
Police Dept.; and Gedd Sweikert, Assistant Solicitor.
City Council Staff in attendance included: Dianna L. Thompson, City Clerk.
I.

Public Comment:
Steven Bentz (Red Lion), applauded Council for its recent supportive vote on the affordable housing
initiatives. Mr. Bentz then requested that the Council consider drafting and adopting a TRUST
ordinance for York City. He explained that West Manchester Township signed a 287(g) agreement with
federal authorities. Consequently, within central York County, York City and Springettsbury Township
represent the only safe havens remaining for immigrant communities. Given that Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been steadily increasing its activity and presence across York County,
Mr. Bentz emphasized that it would be highly reassuring for York City to establish itself as a formal safe
haven. He said that such an ordinance would ensure that immigrants and other minority communities
can trust local law enforcement and feel fully integrated as valued members of the city.
There being no further comment, the public comment session adjourned at 6:01 p.m.

II.

Called Legislative Meeting to Order at 6:01 p.m.

III.

Roll Call

IV.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

V.

Moment of Silence was observed.

VI.

Action on previous meeting Minutes of July 21, 2026. Council dispensed with the reading of the
minutes and unanimously approved them as written.

VII.

Presentations, Awards and Announcements: None

VIII.

Meeting(s) Scheduled:
► Legislative Meeting: The next legislative meeting of Council will be held on Tuesday, September 1,

2026 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Agenda items are due by 12 noon on August 26th.
IX.

Reports of the Youth Council Committee:
President Washington announced that the first meeting of the newly convened Youth Council is
scheduled for September 1, 2026. She said we are excited to welcome the youth members to Council
Chambers and to hear their ideas, innovations, and creative proposals designed to benefit the City of
York.

X.

Legislative Agenda: (Order of Business – Action on Subdivision/Land Development & HARB Resolutions; Final
Passage of Bills/Resolutions; New Business)

Subdivision/Land Development/HARB:
1.

Resolution No. 56
- A Resolution
Approving a subdivision plan submitted by Joseph Musso on behalf of Chad Eisenhart. (View)
(844-852 E. Market St.)

Introduced by: Teresa Johnescu
Originator: Economic & Community Development (Planning)
Resolution No. 56, Session 2026, A Resolution approving a subdivision plan submitted by
Joseph Musso on behalf of Chad Eisenhart for 844-852 E. Market St., was introduced by
Johnescu, read at length, and on motion of Johnescu, seconded by Buckingham, Resolution No.
56 came up for discussion.
Councilwoman Johnescu raised concerns regarding the wording of the current resolution,
noting that the draft in front of them simply requested approval of a general "subdivision plan"
without any descriptive details. She pointed out that the previous version of the agenda
delivered to their homes specifically described the project as a "reverse subdivision of three
parcels into one". She stated she would feel much more comfortable acting on and passing a
resolution that accurately and specifically describes the actions being approved.
Vice President Buckingham asked for detail on the project.
Joseph Musso (Musso Development Services, LLC), and Chad Eisenhart (the owner and
developer of the properties) were present to discuss the project.
Mr. Musso explained that the properties were originally purchased in 1986 by Bell Socialization
Services and utilized as a congregate residential living facility. Bell Socialization physically
connected three separate buildings together and installed two large stairways in the middle,
creating a single physical structure. However, they never legally combined the underlying lots,
meaning the single building legally sat across three separate parcels. Mr. Musso explained that
consolidating these into one single lot is necessary to obtain building permits and satisfy
financing requirements. Additionally, the developer plans to expand the rear parking lot from 10
to 14 spaces to ensure there are adequate spaces for residents. Mr. Musso noted that Mr.
Eisenhart purchased the property in February 2026, a use variance has been approved by the
York City Council Minutes – August 18, 2026

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Zoning Hearing Board and building permit plans are actively underway. He then highlighted that
these properties have been off the city's tax rolls for forty years, and this redevelopment
represents the first time in four decades that the City of York will generate tax income from these
properties.
Councilwoman Bupp asked whether this development would be eligible for tax credits under
the ReTap or LERTA ordinances and if the developer anticipated utilizing them. Mr. Musso
responded that they are currently reviewing that with the city. He explained that since the project
is a residential use, he expects it will qualify for LERTA rather than ReTap, which typically applies
to commercial uses. He thanked the Council for recently passing clear, updated regulations
regarding LERTA, noting that previously the rules were highly ambiguous and no one knew what
the exact requirements were. He confirmed they would submit their LERTA application as soon
as the building plans are finalized and submitted.
Motion to amend. Councilwoman Johnescu made a motion to amend the resolution to add:
“Reversed subdivision of 3 parcels into 1”. The motion was seconded by Washington and passed
by the following vote: Yeas – Supler, Bupp, Johnescu, Buckingham, Washington – 5; Nays – 0.
There being no further discussion, Resolution No. 56, as amended, PASSED by the following
vote: Yeas – Supler, Bupp, Johnescu, Buckingham, Washington – 5; Nays – 0.
2.

Resolution No. 57
- A Resolution
Authorizing a land development plan by Site Design Concepts on behalf of Weaver Warehouse,
LLC. (View) (127 N. Broad St.)
Introduced by: Teresa Johnescu
Originator: Economic & Community Development (Planning)
Resolution No. 57, Session 2026, A Resolution authorizing a land development plan submitted
by Site Design Concepts on behalf of Weaver Warehouse, LLC, for 127 N. Broad St., was
introduced by Johnescu, read at length, and on motion of Johnescu, seconded by Buckingham,
Resolution No. 57 came up for discussion.
Neal Metzger (Site Design Concepts) explained that this is Phase 2 of a project to convert the
historic Weaver Warehouse, which originally manufactured pianos and was later used for
warehousing, into a multi-family residential building. Mr. Metzger stated that a devastating fire
occurred on the property in 2017 or 2018, and they have finally secured the funding necessary
to rebuild the portion of the structure that was destroyed. He noted that last summer, Council
granted a waiver of the land development requirement to complete the conversion of the
surviving section of the building, which has since been completed. Phase 2 involves constructing
a new four-story, 32-unit multi-family apartment building, offering a mix of one- and twobedroom apartments. He stated that the planned units exceed the minimum habitable floor area
required by the city's ordinances, and they hope to resolve remaining minor city staff comments
and begin construction in October 2026.
Councilwoman Johnescu asked the City Planner, Nancy Griffin, if she had any comments or
outstanding concerns regarding the plan. Mrs. Griffin stated she had none.
Steven Bentz (Red Lion resident) asked how many of the 32 units would be sold for individual
condominium ownership and how many would be operated as rentals. Mr. Metzger clarified that
there are no plans to sell individual units and that all 32 units will be rental apartments. Mr. Bentz
followed up by asking if the units would be market rate or designated for low-to-moderateincome tenants. Mr. Metzger replied that the developer was not present, so he could not answer
definitively, though he noted the developer owns other rental properties in the city.

York City Council Minutes – August 18, 2026

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There being no further discussion, Resolution No. 57 PASSED by the following vote: Yeas –
Supler, Bupp, Johnescu, Buckingham, Washington – 5; Nays 0.
3.

Resolution No. 58
- A Resolution
Denying a subdivision plan submitted by Site Design Concepts on behalf of the York City RDA.
(View) (N. Hartley St. & W. Philadelphia St.)
Introduced by: Teresa Johnescu
Originator: Economic & Community Development (Planning)
Resolution No. 58, Session 2026, A Resolution denying a subdivision plan submitted by Site
Design Concepts on behalf of the York City Redevelopment Authority for N. Hartley St. and W.
Philadelphia St., was introduced by Johnescu, read at length, and on motion of Johnescu,
seconded by Buckingham, Resolution No. 58 came up for discussion.
The primary issue under discussion was the RDA's proposal to consolidate five separate parcels,
two on the north side of W. Philadelphia St. in an EC zoning district, and three on the south side
in a UN2 zoning district. Combining these parcels would create a single lot that spans across a
public road and two distinct zoning districts.
City staff recommended denial because the consolidation would allow the developer to
combine the pervious and impervious surface calculations across all five lots. This would allow
the unimproved southern parcels (where the Philly Cafe once stood) to offset the impervious
surface on the improved northern parcels, thereby allowing the developer to bypass standard
city stormwater management, rate, and volume controls. Additionally, city staff opposed
bisecting a single parcel with a public road and a zoning boundary line, preferring that zoning
lines follow lot boundaries.
Neal Metzger and Jared Bodisch (Site Design Concepts) spoke on behalf of the RDA. Mr.
Metzger acknowledged that they proposed consolidating five separate tax parcels, noting that
the RDA currently holds all five parcels under a single deed. He stated that public roads
bisecting single deeded lots is common and legal in farmland and industrial properties within
the city. He explained that the primary purpose of consolidation was to lock in the proposed
parking lot on the south side of W. Philadelphia St. as accessory parking for the building on the
north side. By merging the parcels, they would guarantee that the parking lot cannot be sold off
in the future, which would leave the building without adequate support parking. He added that
any future sale of the parking lot would require a subdivision plan to come before City Council.
He requested that if Council intended to deny the plan, the resolution be tabled to allow for
further discussion with city staff.
Councilwoman Johnescu stated that she has never seen the Planning Commission deny an
application, making this situation unprecedented. She stated that the city's concerns were
significant and made logical sense, and she requested City Planner Nancy Griffin to speak on the
matter.
Nancy Griffin (City Planner) explained that city staff strongly prefers the project move forward as
two separate parcels divided by Philadelphia St. She noted that the three southern lots once
housed the Philly Cafe, which was demolished long ago. Because the site is not paved, it is
highly pervious, whereas the northern tract is nearly 100% impervious (fully cemented). Ms.
Griffin further explained that by combining the lots, the developer's land development plan
proposed no stormwater management facilities under the justification that there was a net
reduction in impervious surface across the combined lot. She stressed that the north and south
tracts have different drainage areas and discharge points and must be analyzed independently.
The northern parcel drains to a private storm sewer northeast of the building, while the southern
parcel drains to the southern gutter of Philadelphia St. and flows westward.

York City Council Minutes – August 18, 2026

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Vice President Buckingham asked if the physical project could still continue if the consolidation
were denied. Ms. Griffin confirmed that it could. She explained that the city and the developer
could enter into a written agreement ensuring that the three consolidated southern parking lots
are tied in perpetuity to the northern building and cannot be sold separately, thereby achieving
the developer's goal without creating a bisected lot or bypassing stormwater requirements.
Motion to abstain. Prior to the vote, Councilman Ryan Supler requested to abstain from
discussing and voting on the matter due to a conflict of interest regarding his place of
employment. On a motion made by Washington, seconded by Bupp, the Council voted
unanimously to approve Councilman Supler's abstention request.
Jared Bodisch (Site Design Concepts) stated that they had successfully gone through the zoning
hearing board process and obtained proper dimensional variances for both tracts. He said they
were complying with all dimensional requirements and that their goal was not to evade
stormwater management but simply to permanently join the accessory parking.
Councilwoman Bupp asked about the stormwater adequacy of the northern properties. Ms.
Griffin reiterated that the north side is completely impervious and has no stormwater controls.
Combining the lots was a mechanism to share the pervious percentage of the south side to
avoid building stormwater facilities. Councilwoman Bupp noted the applicant's request to table
the resolution. However, Council declined to table.
There being no further discussion, Resolution No. 58 denying said subdivision plan PASSED by
the following vote: Yeas – Bupp, Johnescu, Buckingham, Washington – 4; Abstain – Supler – 1;
Nays – 0.
4.

Resolution No. TABLED
- A Resolution
Approving a land development plan submitted by Site Design Concepts on behalf of the York
City RDA. (View) (N. Hartley St. & Philadelphia St.)
Introduced by: Teresa Johnescu
Originator: Economic & Community Development (Planning)
President Washington said that agenda item #4 will be tabled since agenda item No. 3 was
denied.

Final Passage of Bills/Resolutions
5.

Final Passage of Bill No. 15, Ordinance No. 13
- A Bill
Amending the FY2026 Budget. (View) (Amending the FY2026 City Budget for Bureau of Health as follows: (1)
Updating revenue and expenditures for the Health Bureau’s WellSpan allocation in the amount of $368,000; (2)
Appropriating revenue and expenditures within the Family Planning Program in the amount of $6,966.00; and (3)
Allocating revenue and expenditures for Family Health Council of Central PA (FHCCP) for Women’s Health Services in
the amount of $47,320.00.)

Introduced by: Teresa Johnescu
Originator: Economic & Community Development (Health)
Final Passage of Bill No. 15, Ordinance No. 13, Session 2026, A Bill amending the FY2026 City
Budget for Bureau of Health as follows: (1) Updating revenue and expenditures for the Health
Bureau’s WellSpan allocation in the amount of $368,000; (2) Appropriating revenue and
expenditures within the Family Planning Program in the amount of $6,966.00; and (3) Allocating
revenue and expenditures for Family Health Council of Central PA (FHCCP) for Women’s Health
Services in the amount of $47,320.00, which was introduced by Johnescu at the July 21, 2026
meeting of Council and read by short title, came up for final passage. On motion of Johnescu,
seconded by Buckingham, Bill No. 15 came up for discussion.
York City Council Minutes – August 18, 2026

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Monica Kruger (Director of the Bureau of Health) explained that the amendment creates the
necessary budget lines for grant funds that were not previously budgeted, thereby making those
funds available for operational spending
Councilwoman Bupp asked whether the Bureau of Health receives the full $14,000 (referencing
the Family Health Council funds) upfront, or if the funds are disbursed on a reimbursement or
expense request basis.
Director Kruger explained that for the Family Health Council, they typically receive a specific
grant amount upfront, and sometimes the council adds additional funding later in the year. She
noted that because most of their grants operate on a fiscal year rather than a calendar year, midyear adjustments are very frequent. She added that the current fiscal year would be particularly
challenging because several major multi-year grants ended in June 2026. Consequently, for the
remaining six months of the year, the bureau must work to anticipate and project its budgets.
There being no further discussion, Bill No. 15, Ordinance No. 13 PASSED by the following vote:
Yeas – Supler, Bupp, Johnescu, Buckingham, Washington – 5; Nays – 0.
6.

Final Passage of Bill No. 16, Ordinance No. 14
- A Bill
Amending the FY2026 Budget. (View) (Amending the FY2026 Budget for the York City Police Department by
reallocating funds budgeted for the purchase of a vehicle to the purchase of a Knight Watch mobile camera and
funding additional officer overtime in the total amount of $432,000.00.)

Introduced by: Ryan Supler
Originator: Police
Final Passage of Bill No. 16, Ordinance No. 14, Session 2026, A Bill amending the FY2026
Budget for the York City Police Department by reallocating funds budgeted for the purchase of
a vehicle to the purchase of a Knight Watch mobile camera and funding additional officer
overtime in the total amount of $432,000.00, which was introduced by Supler at the July 21,
2026 meeting of Council and read by short title, came up for final passage. On motion of Supler,
seconded by Washington, Bill No. 16 came up for discussion.
Police Captain Matt Irvin explained that the department received grant funds from WellSpan
Health. At the beginning of the year, they anticipated purchasing four vehicles, but ultimately
purchased three and determined that the fourth vehicle was not needed. Because of this, they
are reallocating the leftover vehicle funds to purchase a Knight Watch mobile camera system,
which can be deployed to high-crime hotspots or special public events. Since the mobile
camera system is less expensive than a vehicle, the remaining surplus funds will be transferred to
the overtime budget specifically to fund operations for the Violence Intervention Unit, which
works in tandem with the city's Group Violence Initiative (GVI).
Manuel Gomez (City Resident) asked if the department's operational and logistical planning for
these mobile cameras had changed. He recalled previous Council discussions where the Knight
Watch cameras were described as highly cumbersome to relocate, prone to physical damage
during transport, and logistically difficult to manage. He stated that at the time, purchasing
multiple units was not considered a priority or the best use of funds, and asked what had
changed to prompt this about-face. He supported allocating funds toward GVI overtime.
Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow responded that the simplest answer was that the
department had gotten significantly better at operating and deploying the equipment. He
explained that the deployment team, which consists largely of detectives and the violence
intervention team, has spent considerable time learning how to properly manipulate, relocate,
and deploy the cameras. He recalled that they experienced initial equipment and lens failures
with their first unit, which required them to be very demanding with the manufacturer, sending
York City Council Minutes – August 18, 2026

6

equipment back repeatedly and ultimately bringing a company technician to the city. He stated
that the heavy initial investment of time and quality control paid off, and the team is now highly
proficient. He then explained that the department is slowly and prudently trying to add cameras
because they have proven to be highly efficient and effective. He identified three specific crime
hotspots where the department is hard-pressed to remove cameras those being Foundry,
Cherry Lane, and East Market St. He noted that whenever a camera is moved from these
locations, the department immediately receives community complaints and criminal activity
spikes. Having an additional unit will allow them to respond to other neighborhood complaints
without stripping these three critical areas of coverage. Regarding the overtime budget,
Commissioner Muldrow reassured the Council that they are currently well under 50% of their
projected overtime spending, and these reallocated dollars are a responsible and proactive
measure to support specialized patrols and details.
Vice President Buckingham said her recollection of the previous camera debate was that some
had suggested using mobile cameras instead of a permanent public safety camera system. At
the time, staff advised that mobile cameras could not be moved easily enough to serve as a
replacement.
Commissioner Muldrow agreed but explained that the deployment team has become excellent
at finding optimal angles, coordinating solar requirements, and working with public lots and
private property owners.
Mr. Gomez asked if the cameras' operation involved interagency cooperation. Commissioner
Muldrow confirmed that it is entirely cooperative and highly secure. He noted that access is
restricted to a select group of licensed individuals, and even within their own agency, they do
not have blanket access for all personnel.
There being no further discussion, Bill No. 16, Ordinance No. 14 PASSED by the following vote:
Yeas – Supler, Bupp, Johnescu, Buckingham, Washington – 5; Nays – 0.
New Business – Introduction of Bills
7.

Introduction of Bill No. 17
- A Bill
Amending the FY2026 Budget. (View) ($500,000 for a PennDot grant for the York Bike Share Program)
Introduced by: Betsy Buckingham
Originator: Public Works
Introduction of Bill No. 17, Session 2026, A Bill amending the FY2026 Budget in the amount of
$500,000 for a PennDot grant for the York Bike Share Program, was introduced by Buckingham,
read by short title and deferred to the September 1, 2026 meeting of Council.

8.

Introduction of Bill No. 18
- A Bill
Amending the FY2026 Budget. (View) (As follows: (1) Appropriating additional revenue and
expenditures in the amount of $5,395.00 for the Tuberculosis (TB) program; and (2) Appropriating
revenue and expenditures in the amount of $20,000.00 for Family Health Council of Central PA (FHCCP)
for the Personal Responsibility Education Program -PREP)

Introduced by: Teresa Johnescu
Originator: Economic & Community Development (Health)
Introduction of Bill No. 18, Session 2026, A Bill amending the FY2026 Budget as follows: (1)
Appropriating additional revenue and expenditures in the amount of $5,395.00 for the
Tuberculosis (TB) program; and (2) Appropriating revenue and expenditures in the amount of
$20,000.00 for Family Health Council of Central PA (FHCCP) for the Personal Responsibility
Education Program -PREP, was introduced by Johnescu, read by short title and deferred to the
September 1, 2026 meeting of Council.
York City Council Minutes – August 18, 2026

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New Business
9.

Resolution No. 59
- A Resolution
Appointing a member to the York City Planning Commission. (View) (E. Ershad Sarabi)
Introduced by: Teresa Johnescu
Originator: Mayor
Resolution No. 59, Session 2026, A Resolution appointing Ehsan Ershad Sarabi as a member of
the York City Planning Commission to serve until January 1, 2028, was introduced by Johnescu,
read at length, and on motion of Johnescu, seconded by Buckingham, Resolution No. 59 came
up for discussion.
Councilwoman Johnescu said she was pleased to see someone with formal planning experience
join the Commission, noting that she has worked closely with Mr. Sarabi on York City’s Complete
Streets initiative and has been highly impressed by his professional work.
There being no further discussion, Resolution No. 59 PASSED by the following vote: Yeas –
Supler, Bupp, Johnescu, Buckingham, Washington – 5; Nays – 0.
City Clerk Thompson administered the oath of office to Mr. Sarabi.
Mr. Sarabi thanked the Mayor and City Council for the opportunity to serve.
President Washington thanked Mr. Sarabi for his willingness to serve and all individuals who
choose to serve on city boards, authorities, and commissions. She encouraged interested
residents to apply online to serve on our many boards, authorities and commissions.

10.

Resolution No. 60
- A Resolution
Authorizing an agreement with Real Services, Inc. (View) (ARPA - $1,227,177.00 for renovations to
the Sylvia Newcombe Center)

Introduced by: Betsy Buckingham
Originator: Public Works
Motion to read by short title. A motion was made by Buckingham, seconded by Washington to
read Resolution No. 60 by short title. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution No. 60, Session 2026, A Resolution authorizing an agreement with Real Services, Inc.
utilizing ARPA funds in the amount of $1,227,177.00 for renovations to the Sylvia Newcombe
Center, was introduced by Buckingham, read by short title, and on motion of Buckingham,
seconded by Washington, Resolution No. 60 came up for discussion.
Vice President Buckingham thanked Interim Public Works Director Jim Gross for submitting
comprehensive supporting bid documentation, which made the scope of work clear.
Councilwoman Bupp asked whether Real Services would act as the prime general contractor
and whether they would be subcontracting any of the work. Director Gross confirmed that they
are acting as the general contractor and will utilize subcontractors under them.
There being no further discussion, Resolution No. 60 PASSED by the following vote: Yeas:
Supler, Bupp, Johnescu, Buckingham, Washington – 5; Nays – 0.

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11.

Resolution No. 61
- A Resolution
Authorizing an agreement with General Recreation, Inc. (View) (ARPA - $80,150.00 for purchase of
playground equipment at Bantz Park)

Introduced by: Betsy Buckingham
Originator: Public Works
Motion to read by short title. A motion was made by Buckingham, seconded by Johnescu to
read Resolution No. 61 by short title. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution No. 61, Session 2026, A Resolution authorizing an agreement with General
Recreation, Inc. utilizing ARPA funds in the amount of $80,150.00 for purchase of playground
equipment at Bantz Park, was introduced by Buckingham, read by short title, and on motion of
Buckingham, seconded by Washington, Resolution No. 61 came up for discussion.
Vice President Buckingham stated that this and the subsequent three playground resolutions
were previously presented to Council and are funded through the ARPA reallocation process.
Councilwoman Johnescu added that these improvements are part of the city's Park Master Plan
using allocated ARPA funds.
Motion to amend. Councilman Supler stated that based on communications from Operations
Manager Charly Forrest, the account number needed to be corrected to 29-43701-425-00462.
He clarified that this same correction would apply to Resolutions No. 63 and 64, while the code
in Resolution No. 62 was correct. As such, Supler made a motion to correct the budget line item
to read “29-43701-425-00462”. The motion to amend was seconded by Bupp and passed
unanimously.
There being no further discussion, Resolution No. 61, as amended, PASSED by the following
vote: Yeas – Supler, Bupp, Johnescu, Buckingham, Washington – 5; Nays – 0.
12.

Resolution No. 62
- A Resolution
Authorizing an agreement with Shiloh Paving & Excavating. (View) (ARPA - $356,359.00 for
basketball court improvements at Hudson and Bantz parks)

Introduced by: Betsy Buckingham
Originator: Public Works
Resolution No. 62, Session 2026, A Resolution authorizing an agreement with Shiloh Paving &
Excavating utilizing ARPA funds in the amount of $356,359.00 for basketball court improvements
at Hudson and Bantz parks, was introduced by Buckingham, read at length, and on motion of
Buckingham, seconded by Johnescu, Resolution No. 62 PASSED by the following vote: Yeas –
Supler, Bupp, Johbnescu, Buckingham, Washington -5; Nays – 0.
13.

Resolution No. 63
- A Resolution
Authorizing an agreement with General Recreation, Inc. (View) (ARPA - $83,505.00 for purchase of
playground equipment for Arles Park)

Introduced by: Betsy Buckingham
Originator: Public Works
Motion to read by short title. A motion was made by Buckingham, seconded by Johnescu to
read Resolution No. 63 by short title. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution No. 63, Session 2026, A Resolution authorizing an agreement with General
Recreation, Inc. utilizing ARPA funds in the amount of $83,505.00 for purchase of playground
equipment for Arles Park, was introduced by Buckingham, read by short title, and on motion of
Buckingham, seconded by Johnescu, Resolution No. 63 came up for discussion.
York City Council Minutes – August 18, 2026

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Motion to amend. Councilman Supler stated that based on communications from Operations
Manager Charly Forrest, the account number needed to be corrected to 29-43701-425-00462.
As such, Supler made a motion to correct the budget line item to read “29-43701-425-00462”.
The motion to amend was seconded by Bupp and passed unanimously.
There being no further discussion, Resolution No. 63, as amended, PASSED by the following
vote: Yeas – Supler, Bupp, Johnescu, Buckingham, Washington – 5; Nays – 0..
14.

Resolution No. 64
- A Resolution
Authorizing an agreement with Willow Playworks. (View) (ARPA - $168,664.50 services related to
upgrades at Arles Park)

Introduced by: Betsy Buckingham
Originator: Public Works
Motion to read by short title. A motion was made by Buckingham, seconded by Johnescu to
read Resolution No. 64 by short title. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution No. 64, Session 2026, A Resolution authorizing an agreement with Willow Playworks
utilizing ARPA funds in the amount of $168,664.50 services related to upgrades at Arles Park,
was introduced by Buckingham, read by short title, and on motion of Buckingham, seconded by
Johnescu, Resolution No. 64 came up for discussion.
Motion to amend. Councilman Supler stated that based on communications from Operations
Manager Charly Forrest, the account number needed to be corrected to 29-43701-425-00462.
As such, Supler made a motion to correct the budget line item to read “29-43701-425-00462”.
The motion to amend was seconded by Bupp and passed unanimously.
There being no further discussion, Resolution No. 64, as amended, PASSED by the following
vote: Yeas – Supler, Bupp, Johnescu, Buckingham, Washington – 5; Nays – 0.
15.

Resolution No. 65
- A Resolution
Authorizing an agreement with Telco Group, LLC. (View) ($154,010.00 for the Green Light Go
Project – Rt. 30 signalized intersection upgrades)

Introduced by: Betsy Buckingham
Originator: Public Works
Motion to read by short title. A motion was made by Buckingham, seconded by Johnescu to
read Resolution No. 65 by short title. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution No. 65, Session 2026, A Resolution authorizing an agreement with Telco Group, LLC,
in the amount of $154,010.00 for the Green Light Go Project – Rt. 30 signalized intersection
upgrades, was introduced by Buckingham, read by short title, and on motion of Buckingham,
seconded by Johnescu, Resolution No. 65 came up for discussion.
Councilwoman Bupp said her recollection is that Public Works had originally requested
permission to apply for this PennDOT grant in January 2025. She congratulated the department
on successfully securing the grant to improve traffic flow along Route 30. She stated that there is
a 20% local matching requirement and requested that Director Gross speak to how the match
would be funded.
Interim Director Gross explained that the 20% match was fully budgeted within the 2026
building and electrical budget. He stated that the city is purchasing the physical traffic signal
heads directly out of electrical supplies and providing them to the contractor, which will satisfy
the city's matching obligation.
York City Council Minutes – August 18, 2026

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There being no further discussion, Resolution No. 65 PASSED by the following vote: Yeas –
Supler, Bupp, Johnescu, Buckingham, Washington – 5; Nays – 0.
XI.

Requests for Future Meetings: None

XII.

Council Comment
Council President Washington congratulated the community on National Black Business Month. She
encouraged residents to patronize, shop, eat at, and celebrate black-owned businesses in the city,
emphasizing that these businesses historically face greater obstacles in accessing capital. She stated
that local spending directly impacts the culture and serves as a vital investment in the City of York,
urging residents to continue this support throughout the entire year.
Vice President Buckingham acknowledged receiving numerous community requests to support the
TRUST Act. She stated she was proud to have voted for the Trust Act and assured residents that the
issue remains on Council's radar. Second, she shared that community advocates working with
immigrants had requested she arrange a meeting with the Police Commissioner to discuss ICE activity
in the city. She reported that they had a very productive meeting with Commissioner Muldrow. She
explained that there had been operational confusion because the city's specialized officers wore
uniforms that were the exact same color as ICE agents. To eliminate this confusion, the department
changed the uniforms to burgundy, which has successfully resolved the issue. She officially reaffirmed
that York City police continue their policy of non-participation with ICE. Lastly, Vice President
Buckingham shared information from a meeting regarding a resident's question about reporting
unplated vehicles. She said the police commissioner clarified that federal vehicles are not plated,
noting that even mail trucks do not carry plates, and explained that unless such vehicles are near a
federal building, the department does not pursue them.
Councilman Supler thanked all residents who step up to serve the community on boards and
commissions. As the school year begins, he reminded residents to look out for school children, student
pedestrians, and school buses. He stated that the school board of directors and the Redevelopment
Authority board are both meeting this week, with the RDA session scheduled for Wednesday at 4:00
p.m. He also encouraged residents to support local arts by attending the upcoming 3rd Friday
activities and local art openings across downtown in the WeCo district.
Councilwoman Bupp expressed respect for the long public service of the City Controller, including his
time on Council, noting that the Controller's job is difficult and has been made harder by past
administration failures and turnover in the finance department. She thanked the new administration for
initiating summary monthly financial reports but urged the Controller to provide more detailed
documentation. She stated that failing to share detailed financial information with Council or the public
serves no benefit, adding that it should not take repeated requests to obtain the backup information
required for Council to perform its budget review and oversight work. She stated that in July 2025,
Council was prepared to issue a public press release regarding the previous administration's failure to
comply with financial reporting. She said Council should have been pushing for audits since they went
outstanding in 2019 and demanded a continued push for updates on their status, stating that Council
must receive financial reports per city ordinance to make informed decisions and tighten belts for the
upcoming budget season.
Councilwoman Bupp then asked the administration to elaborate on the plan to bring school crossing
guards in-house, noting she had seen a video outlining the program. She congratulated the
administration on the decision, stating she hopes it saves money and looks forward to hearing how
they will manage the 60-day termination clause with the current private contractor. Finally, she
applauded the news that York Academy was ranked as the number one school in York County.

York City Council Minutes – August 18, 2026

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XIII.

Administration Comment
Mayor Walker highlighted several upcoming community initiatives and provided an update on
bringing school crossing guards in-house. She reminded residents that the Senior Rehabilitation
Program application deadline is September 1, 2026, and thanked Council for approving the ARPA
park funding reallocations. To celebrate National Black Business Month, the administration is
partnering with the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) to compile a city directory, and local
owners are encouraged to email their details to [email protected]. Additionally, she invited
the community to the College Avenue dedication to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on August 28, 2026,
starting at 10:00 a.m., and noted that Labor Day Festival vendor recruitment is still active via
[email protected].
Addressing the school crossing guard transition, Mayor Walker confirmed the program is moving
entirely in-house following operational concerns identified in February. Developed in coordination
with Police Commissioner Muldrow, the transition is projected to save the city at least $100,000
annually while improving student safety through direct municipal hiring, vetting, and oversight. She
reassured Council that the transition plans underwent thorough legal review and carry no contract
repercussions or legal liabilities.

XIV.

Adjournment: There being no further business, the August 18, 2026 meeting of Council adjourned at
7:16 p.m.
______________________________________
Dianna L. Thompson, City Clerk

York City Council Minutes – August 18, 2026

______________________________________
Edquina Washington, President of Council

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