Quarryville Council Restructures, Approves Ordinances at First Meeting of 2024
New Year, New Ordinances: Addressing Fireworks and Rental Inspections
The Quarryville Borough Council commenced its 2024 schedule with a reorganization meeting followed by the first regular meeting of the year on January 2nd. These gatherings brought forth significant developments, including the approval of two new ordinances: one updating fireworks regulations and the other exempting Oak Bottom Village from rental unit inspections.
Igniting Change: Revising Fireworks Ordinance
The proposed fireworks ordinance seeks to modernize the borough’s regulations, aligning them with the latest state guidelines. This revision ensures compliance with evolving laws governing the use and handling of fireworks, providing clarity and consistency in enforcement.
Exemption Granted: Oak Bottom Village Rental Inspections
The second ordinance addresses rental unit inspections in Oak Bottom Village, a section of the borough covered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Recognizing HUD’s twice-yearly inspections, this ordinance proposes to exempt Oak Bottom Village units from the borough’s rental inspection requirements, eliminating duplication of efforts.
Rental Inspection Code and Oak Bottom Village: A Closer Look
Quarryville’s rental inspection code, currently in its second year of implementation, divides the borough into three sections for annual inspections. Oak Bottom Village, however, undergoes regular inspections by HUD, making the borough’s inspections redundant.
Borough Manager Scott Peiffer’s Perspective
Explaining the rationale behind the Oak Bottom Village exemption, Borough Manager Scott Peiffer stated, “We saw no point in having both the borough and HUD conducting inspections in the same area. This ordinance streamlines the process, eliminating unnecessary duplication and ensuring efficiency.”
Next Steps: Public Review and Final Adoption
Both ordinances will undergo the formal advertising process before being brought back to the council for final adoption. This procedure allows for public review and feedback, ensuring transparency and community involvement in decision-making.
Quarryville Council Reorganization: Maintaining Stability and Leadership
The reorganization meeting witnessed the retention of Joy Kemper as borough council president and Susan Noel as vice-president. The remaining council members, Diane Hastings, Cheryl Bowman, Brian Braightmeyer, Jim Kreider, and Gerald Hassel, completed the seven-member council, ensuring continuity in leadership.
Council Meeting Schedule: Setting the Pace for 2024
Regular council meetings will be held on the first Monday of each month at the borough hall, commencing at 7 p.m. An additional meeting, if necessary, will be scheduled for the second Monday of the month. This schedule allows for flexibility in addressing urgent matters that may arise between regular meetings.
Conclusion: A Year of Progress and Collaboration
The Quarryville Council’s first meeting of 2024 set the stage for a productive year ahead. The approval of the fireworks and rental inspection ordinances demonstrates the council’s commitment to public safety and efficient governance. The council’s reorganization ensures stability in leadership, while the meeting schedule facilitates effective decision-making. As the year unfolds, residents can expect continued progress and collaboration in shaping the future of Quarryville.