BELLEFONTE — Bellefonte Borough Council unanimously approved an employment offer Monday night appointing David Pribulka as the borough’s new manager, formally removing his interim title after months in the role.
Council President Doug Johnson praised the effort behind the hiring process calling it a long-awaited step forward for the borough.
“It’s been a trying time for Borough Council the last year and a half, so we’re excited about this,” Johnson said.
Pribulka, who has served as interim manager for the past six months, thanked council and staff for their support.
“I’m extremely grateful to President Johnson, to Mayor Johnson and all of Borough Council for your confidence in me to serve as your next borough manager,” Pribulka said. “I look forward to continuing to support council in achieving your vision for the community in the years ahead.”
Council’s vote was unanimous.
Alongside the appointment, council addressed a range of municipal issues, including ordinances, infrastructure repairs and development plans.
During a work session preceding the regular meeting, Pribulka presented proposed amendments to the borough’s peddling and soliciting ordinance. The revisions aim to address constitutional concerns raised by the borough solicitor, particularly around First Amendment protections.
“The areas of concern pertained to activities that were protected by the First Amendment involving either solicitation or what we’re calling canvassing activities of a noncommercial nature,” Pribulka said.
Under the proposed changes, noncommercial canvassing — including political, religious and charitable outreach — would be exempt from permitting requirements while commercial solicitation would remain regulated. Council later voted to authorize advertisement of the amended ordinance for a public hearing.
Council also unanimously approved a new air pollution ordinance following a public hearing. The measure replaces a 1972 ordinance and focuses on nuisance-level enforcement within the borough’s authority.
“Due to changes in federal and state law over the last 50 years, the committee recommends retiring the current law and replacing it with this new ordinance,” Councilwoman Joanne Tosti-Vasey said.
The new ordinance addresses issues such as odor, visible particulate matter and recreational fires and allows the borough to restrict fires during poor air quality or drought conditions.
In infrastructure matters, council approved an emergency resolution to address a sinkhole and stormwater issue on West Bishop Street near South Spring Street. Pribulka said repairs could cost up to $42,000 depending on the extent of the damage.
“We hope to be able to authorize that work within the next day or so, and they’ll be able to mobilize and begin to do the repairs starting next week,” he said.
Council also approved participation in the Fly State College initiative, contributing $5,000 to support efforts to attract additional commercial air service to the region.
Mayor Gene “Buddy” Johnson also issued a proclamation recognizing April 19–25 as National Library Week, highlighting the role of libraries as community hubs.
“Libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination and inspire lifelong learning,” Johnson said while reading the proclamation.
The meeting concluded with council members offering updates on community initiatives, including volunteer recognition efforts and upcoming transportation planning work.
