Volunteering to Help Yardley be the Best it Can Be

Caroline Thompson

Mayor (Term Expires: 2030)

The Mayor is elected to a four-year term. The prime responsibility of the Mayor is to direct the police department. The Borough code authorizes the mayor to preserve order, enforce ordinances and resolutions, remove nuisances, exact a faithful performance of the officers appointed, and perform such duties as assigned by law or ordinance. In preserving order, he or she directs the activities of the police department. The mayor's responsibility for ordinance enforcement is limited only to the power of directing the police. Mayors in Pennsylvania may declare a local disaster subject to approval by Borough Council and may declare a state of emergency in situations involving mobs or riots. Mayors have not been able to vote in council since 1893. The only exception is the power to break ties to enable council to take action or request a special meeting of council be held to resolve the matter.

Borough Council

Yardley Borough is a municipality of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The governing body is the seven person, Borough Council. Each Council Member is elected for a four-year term. The Borough operates under the "Borough Code," local ordinances and the Council-Manager form of organization. Council members serve on a part-time basis. They enact Ordinances and Resolutions, issue Proclamations, approve land development plans and other land use applications, approve annual budgets and all expenditures, levy taxes, affirm hiring and termination of Borough employees, make appointments to advisory boards, committees, commissions and task forces which serve the Borough. Council elects its President, and Vice President, and appoints the Borough Secretary and Borough Treasurer. The Borough Manager administers and operates the daily functions of government. Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, 7:30 PM, in Council Chambers at Borough Hall. Its members serve a four-year term.

The first Council meeting of the month will be a regular meeting and the second meeting will now be a work session. We will have an abreivated agenda for consent agenda and public comment and any must act on items then continue into Committee meetings.

The working session will rotate as follows: 

Even Months: Public Safety & Public Works lead discussions.

Odd months: Community Outreach, CE&D, General Government lead discussions.

Members

David Appelbaum - President
Term Expires: 1/3/2028

Michelle Sharer - Vice President
Term Expires: 1/3/2028

Martha Howlett ‍ ‍
Term Expires: 1/1/2030

Jason Goldstein ‍ ‍
Term Expires: 1/1/2030

Paul Mencel ‍ ‍
Term Expires: 1/1/2030

Jonathan Woodring ‍ ‍
Term Expires: 1/3/2028

Kim Segal-Morris ‍ ‍
Term Expires: 1/3/2028

Christine Ventresca

Tax Collector (Term Expires: 2030)

Christine Ventresca serves as Yardley Borough's elected Tax Collector. In this role, she is responsible for collecting Borough, County, and school property taxes, administering the Borough's Business Privilege Tax program, maintaining accurate tax records, issuing tax certifications and duplicate bills, and assisting residents and businesses with tax-related questions and payments. She is committed to providing responsive, accessible service while ensuring the accurate and efficient administration of the Borough's tax collection responsibilities.

General Government Committee

Works with the Borough Manager/Treasurer in preparation of the annual budget and the finances of the Borough. Serves as Council Liaison to: Borough Tax Collector. Ensures required bonding is in place for the Constable, Tax Collector and Borough Manager. On an as needed basis, oversees, and coordinates the selection process for Borough Manager, Borough Solicitor and Borough Engineer. The General Government Committee meets on odd months(January, March, May, September, November), during the scheduled work session on a as needed basis.

Members

Martha Howlett, Chair mhowlett@yardleyboro.com
Term Expires: 2030

Jason Goldstein, Member jgoldstein@yardleyboro.com
Term Expires: 2030

Public Safety Committee

Implements Emergency Management training and holds Emergency Management Mock Drill(s) with the Emergency Management Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator, the police and fire departments, the emergency unit and all others involved in an actual emergency. With the Borough Police Chief and Mayor, prepares recommendations for hiring part and full time police officers. Serves as Council Liaison to: Police Department, Emergency Management Coordinator, Civil Service Commission, Yardley-Makefield Fire Company, and Emergency Unit. Reviews existing ordinances pertaining to public safety. On an as needed basis, reviews all uniformed employee job descriptions, all uniformed employee benefits, and makes recommendations to Borough Council regarding salary, hourly wages and benefits for uniformed employees. As needed, oversee and coordinate the selection process for Police Chief. The Public Safety Committee meets on even months(February, April, June, October, December) on an as needed basis.

Members

Kim Segal Morris, Chair KSegalMorris@yardleyboro.com
Term Expires: 2028 m
Paul Mencel, Member pmencel@yardleyboro.com Term Expires: 2030

Caroline Thompson cthompson@yardleyboro.com‍ ‍Term Expires: 2030

Community Outreach Committee

Actively recruit candidates to fill vacancies on Boards and Commissions and present candidates to Council for appointment consideration. Serve as Council liaison to: Yardley Business Association, Recreation Board, and Neighborhoods. Prepare recommendations for Council consideration regarding special community events such as Canal-O-Ween, Harvest Day, Canal Festival, Ye Old-Fashioned Christmas, etc. The Community Outreach Committee meets on odd months(January, March, May, September, November), during the scheduled work session on a as needed basis.

Members

Michelle Sharer, Chair msharer@yardleyboro.com
Term Expires: 2028
Paul Mencel pmencel@yardleyboro.com
Term Expires: 2030

Public Works Committee

Facilitates implementation of long term public works improvement plans (streets, storm drains, sidewalks, etc.). Reviews trash & recyclables collection, street light maintenance, and snow removal contract specifications. Presents recommendations to Council concerning any changes to the above noted specifications. Review existing ordinances pertaining to public works matters. The Public Works Committee meets on even months(February, April, June, October, December) on an as needed basis.

Members

Jonathan Woodring, Chair jwoodring@yardleyboro.com
Term Expires: 2030
Martha Howlett mhowlett@yardleyboro.com Term Expires: 2030