The November 25th Bradford City Council meeting included key votes on grants, home repairs, insurance agreements, tax parcel decisions, and the appointment of a new council member. The meeting also featured the resignation of longtime Councilman Fred Proper, who offered a reflective farewell after nearly 16 years of service.
Below is a clear breakdown of the major actions.
Key Highlights from the Meeting
Departmental Reports & Meeting Notes
Council began with approval of the previous meeting minutes and noted an executive session held before the meeting regarding potential real estate matters.
Public Comments
Residents raised concerns about:
- Communication from departments
- Meeting transparency
- Bridge conditions
- Late-night traffic safety
Council explained ongoing efforts to improve public communication — including an upcoming information-only City Facebook page — and clarified which bridge projects fall under city responsibility.
Major Votes & Resolutions
Amendments to Ambulance Rates
Council passed an ordinance updating ambulance service rates.
2026 Budget, Tax Rate & Wage Ordinances (First Readings)
Council approved first readings of:
- 2026 Budget Ordinance
- 2026 Tax Millage Ordinance (no increase at this time)
- 2026 Wage Ordinance
These may change before final adoption later in the year.
Certificates, Payments & Grants Approved
Council approved several financial items, including:
- Certificate of Appropriateness for downtown improvements
- Payment to MT Carpet Cleaning
- Payment to Mercury Inc. for Parks
- Payment to Northwest (OECD)
- $10,690 emergency home repair grant to a resident at 24 Constitution Ave
- $1 million statewide Local Share Assessment grant filing for the OECD
- $5,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant addition for downtown improvements
- Change Order #4 for Callahan Park Improvements
Decisions on Tax Parcels
- Some parcels were declined for sale from the McKean County Tax Repository
- Some parcels were approved for sale
Approval for Construction Work at City Hall
Council approved appropriations for renovations to Suite 101 at City Hall.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2025 Contract Approved
Council authorized execution of the 2025 CDBG program contract.
Health Insurance Agreement (Pending Negotiations)
Council approved renewing the 2026 health insurance agreement with Highmark PPO, noting that negotiations are ongoing and improvements may still occur.
Mortgage Subordination Approved
A mortgage subordination was approved for a property at 200 West Washington Street.
Renewal Agreement with BRMC Occupational Health
Council approved the 2026 renewal of third-party administration services.
Councilman Fred Proper Announces His Resignation
Councilman Fred Proper delivered a heartfelt farewell, resigning after nearly 16 years of service due to his upcoming swearing-in on the Bradford Area School Board.
In his remarks, he highlighted key community priorities:
- Access to medical care
- Tackling blight and maintaining fair code enforcement
- Homelessness and the need for compassionate solutions
- Continuing to improve available housing
- Strengthening cooperation among local governments
Council members thanked him for his leadership and longstanding service to Bradford.
Mark Young Appointed to City Council
Because the term vacated by Proper begins in January and Mark Young had already been elected, Council voted to appoint Mark Young immediately to fill the Parks seat.
Mark was sworn in during the meeting.
Have a question? Get in touch
