The Bradford City Council met on September 23, 2025, to approve budgets, move forward on community improvements, and support multiple upgrades across the city. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what happened.
Key Items Approved
1. Pension Funding for 2026
The City certified its Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) for next year’s police, fire, and non-uniform pension plans.
Total obligation for 2026: $585,628.
2. Public Comment
A resident raised concerns about the cost of maintaining city-owned vehicles and suggested the City consider switching employees to mileage reimbursement instead. Council stated it would require a cost-comparison study before any decisions.
3. Parks & Downtown Improvements
Several updates were approved to help improve city spaces:
- Callahan Ice Rink: A preventative maintenance agreement with Trane for $2,610.
- Five new street trees on Main Street through Graham’s Greenhouse ($3,320, split 50/50 between the City & OECD).
- Murals at The Friendship Table painted by Allegheny Mountain Arts, including a cornucopia and a patriotic “250 Years” design.
4. Building & Historic District Approvals
Certificates of Appropriateness were issued for:
- 3–5 Main Street (Jonathan Pingie) – new windows and doors
- 54 Mechanic Street (Mark Pessia) – installation of a 6-ft white vinyl fence
- AT&T site at 2 South Ave – telecommunications upgrades
- Friendship Table mural installations
All were recommended by the Historical Architectural Review Board.
5. Property Subdivisions & Consolidations
Council approved:
- Subdivision on Butternut Drive for land conveyance to Ronald & Bonnie Booth
- Consolidation of Guidance Center parcels on Campus Drive into a single 3.10-acre parcel
Both had full approval from the McKean County and City Planning Commissions.
6. Tuna Valley Comprehensive Plan
A major step forward:
Council authorized beginning a new Comprehensive Plan for the entire Tuna Valley region—Bradford included. The last plan was from 2009, and this update will guide long-term development, housing, infrastructure, recreation, and economic growth (pending MAP grant funding).
7. Housing Rights & Fair Housing Policy
Council adopted an updated Fair Housing Policy reaffirming protections for residents under the Federal Fair Housing Act and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
Highlights include:
- Prohibition of discrimination based on race, color, sex, gender identity, age, disability, religion, origin, familial status, ancestry, or use of support animals.
- Annual public education on fair housing rights.
- More visibility for filing complaints and accessing resources.
8. Police & Fire Department Funding
Several actions were taken to support emergency services:
- $1.2M grant application authorized for renovations to the new Bradford Police Station
- Previous September 9 grant resolution rescinded and replaced
- $62,479 from a State Fire Commissioner grant approved for a heating upgrade at Central Fire Station
- Permission granted to apply for 2025 Fire Company & EMS grants totaling $35,000
9. Additional Approvals
- Payments to BTU Supply for multiple facility upgrades
- Approval of an auger motor purchase for a Public Works plow truck
- A new lease agreement with LabelPack Automation for space in the Habgood Business Development Center
- A $5,000 T-Mobile Microgrant awarded to Triple A Nail for salon upgrades (four new pedicure chairs)
Final Vote
All resolutions passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned with no additional business.
