City Council Meeting:
Board of Health Meeting:
Bradford held two key public meetings on August 26, 2025 — the Board of Health and the City Council — both of which covered issues of public interest ranging from animal control to infrastructure and community development.
Board of Health Meeting
The Board of Health convened with members Gall, Lopez, Riel present alongside the Board President Proper. No correspondence or public petitions were presented.
The main focus of the meeting was an application from the Chestnut Street Feederery (115 Chestnut Street), initially filed under the city’s livestock ordinance. Upon review, however, officials clarified that the applicant’s business involves breeding and selling rats, which are classified as vectors under property maintenance code rather than livestock.
Because of this distinction, there was no permit to approve or deny. Instead, the applicant must keep the facility “vector-proof” to prevent escapes and public health issues.
Key discussion points:
- Facility improvements: Photographs showed progress, including lined walls, sealed doors, reinforced cages, and proper waste storage.
- Past complaints: Inspectors noted prior violations involving unsanitary conditions, odors, and rat escapes, but acknowledged significant improvements in recent months.
- Waste disposal: Carcasses and waste are now sealed in locked barrels before disposal at a Lafayette Township property.
- Inspections: The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture already performs annual/random inspections, and city code allows periodic unannounced inspections to ensure compliance.
Ultimately, the application was withdrawn as unnecessary, and the facility will remain under city and state oversight moving forward.
City Council Meeting
Later that evening, City Council met with Mayor Riel and council members present (with some excused absences). The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of prior minutes, and a reminder that executive sessions may be scheduled between now and the next meeting.
Public Comment:
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Jeff Carr of Sherman Street raised concerns about a semi-truck repeatedly parking and idling in a residential driveway during the early morning hours, producing heavy diesel fumes and damaging the street. Council confirmed that this likely violates ordinances and committed to addressing the matter.
Council Actions:
The following resolutions were unanimously approved:
- Resolution 38051 – Accepted bid for a 2001 Chevrolet parts vehicle.
- Resolution 38052 – Approved payment to Gorman Enterprises (Finance).
- Resolution 38053 – Approved payment to A&H Equipment Co. (Streets).
- Resolution 38054 – Accepted quote and approved payment to Pillarpac (Finance).
- Resolution 38055 – Granted certificate of appropriateness for a project at 3943 Mechanic Street.
- Resolution 38056 – Granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to Rubinov Group LLC at 14 Pine Street .
- Resolution 38057 – Approved a rehabilitation grant of $69,400 to Deborah Lucky for 17 Colegrove Avenue.
- Resolution 38058 – Authorized a $30,000 Enterprise Loan with She Pickall (OECD).
- Resolution 38059 – Approved payment to Closest (OECD).
- Resolution 38060 – Awarded a contract to Weber Murphy Fox for architectural and engineering services for the new police station.
What is a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)?
A COA is required when making exterior changes to buildings or sites within locally designated historic districts or landmarks. It ensures that modifications preserve the historic character and meet local design guidelines. COA applications typically undergo review by a historic preservation commission or staff, and must be approved prior to issuing building permits .
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Takeaway
The Board of Health emphasized strict compliance with vector-proofing requirements for animal-related businesses, while City Council advanced several infrastructure, finance, and community development measures — including a major step forward on the new police station project.
Both meetings highlighted the city’s ongoing effort to balance public health, resident concerns, and investment in Bradford’s future.
