Volunteering to Help Yardley the Best it Can Be

Chris Harding

Mayor (Term expires 2026)
charding@yardleyboro.com

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

Don Carlson Dcarlson@YardleyBoro.com
Term Expires: 1/1/2026

Caroline Thompson-Pres: CThompson@YardleyBoro.com
Term Expires: 1/1/2026

Jared Stump: jstump@YardleyBoro.com
Term Expires: 1/1/2026

Uri Feiner: ufeiner@YardleyBoro.com
Term Expires: 1/1/2026

David Appelbaum : dappelbaum@YardleyBoro.com
Term Expires: 1/1/2028

Kim Segal-Morris: KSegalMorris@YardleyBoro.com
Term Expires: 1/1/2028

Michelle Sharer: msharer@YardleyBoro.com
Term Expires: 1/1/2028

Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB)

A quasi-judicial body appointed by Borough Council. It hears and decides on appeals from a decision, or determination, of any administrative official in connection with the Zoning Ordinance, and grants Special Exceptions and Variances from the terms of the Zoning Ordinance. The Board meets the fourth Monday of each month, 7:00 PM, at Borough Hall, as needed. Its members serve a five-year term.

Agenda’s

Members

Sarah Jane Kennedy, Chair
Term Expires: 12/31/2026

Richard Edwards
Term Expires: 12/31/2025

Constance Webster
Term Expires: 12/31/2026

Kimberly Sharp
Term Expires: 12/31/2028

Tom Sims
Term Expires: 12/31/2028

Joseph Caracappa, Solicitor

Mary Ann McLean, Recording Secretary

Don Carlson, Council(Liaison)

Planning Commission

Working in conjunction with the Bucks County Planning Commission, the Borough Zoning Officer/Planner, and other Borough boards, commissions, committees and councils, advises Borough Council on all planning, zoning and traffic matters, reviews Conditional Use Applications and Land Development Plans, and examines traffic impact issues. The Commission meets the second Thursday of each month, 7:30 PM, at Borough Hall as needed. Its members serve a four-year term.

Agenda’s and Minutes

Members

Zachary Bark
Term Expires: 12/31/2026

Chuck Dolan, Secretary
Term Expires: 12/31/2027

Bob Bushar
Term Expires: 12/31/2027

Susan Taylor
Term Expires: 12/31/2025

Melissa Mertz
Term Expires: 12/31/2024

Richard Hodge, Chair
Term Expires: 12/31/2026

Matt Sinberg
Term Expires: 12/31/2026

Patrick Foley, Borough Engineer

Ernest Closser, Borough Solicitor

Caitlin Mest, Borough Zoning Officer/Planner

Mary Ann McLean, Recording Secretary

Uri Feiner, Council (Liaison)

Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB)

The HARB provides its recommendation to Borough Council regarding matters that are pertinent to the preservation of the historic aspect, and nature, of the structures located within the Borough’s Historic District. Its mission is to protect the integrity of that district, characterized by structures of significant age and architectural importance, by reviewing the appropriateness of proposed changes to the exterior of buildings in the Historic District. The Board meets the first and third Thursday of each month, 7:30 PM, at Borough Hall as needed. Its members serve a four-year term. 4 member residents required.

Agenda’s and Minutes

Members

Joy Harrington
Term Expires: 12/31/2025

Eli Dreyfus
Term Expires: 12/31/2027

Jerry Taylor (Architect), Chair
Term Expires: 12/31/2026

Dan Ward
Term Expires: 12/31/2025

Gail Posey
Term Expires: 12/31/2024

Rita DeMarco
Term Expires: 12/31/2024

Tim Foster
Term Expires: 12/31/2025

Caitlin Mest, Zoning Officer/Planner

Jeff Mahon, Building Inspector

David Appelbaum, Council(Liaison)

Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC)

Established to protect the natural resources within the Borough and create community awareness. EAC members work together to build an environmentally sustainable community by championing and promoting natural resource conservation, consideration of environmental impacts in decision-making, education and awareness of environmental issues in Yardley Borough. The Commission meets as needed. Its members serve a three-year term. 3 member residents required.

Members

Zachary Bark
Term Expires: 12/31/2025

Patricia Kleiner
Term Expires: 12/31/2024

Jesse Clark
Term Expires: 12/31/2026

Tracey Hemmerle
Term Expires: 12/31/2024

Ambika Namboodiripad
Term Expires 12/31/24

David Appelbaum, Council (Liaison) 

Parks and Recreation Board

Assesses parks, open space, and recreational needs of Borough residents and may also review development plans and provide recommendations to Borough Council whether open space should be dedicated to the Borough or if the developer should pay the Borough a "Fee-In-Lieu" of open space. The Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7:00 PM, in the Recreation Room in the rear of Borough Hall as needed. Its members serve a three-year term.

Members

Jill Doran
Term Expires: 12/31/2026

Kevin Elvey
Term Expires: 12/31/2026

Akvile Montvilaite, Chair
Term Expires: 12/31/2026

Elise McGrath
Term Expires: 12/31/2026

Carol Such
Term Expires: 12/31/2025

Samantha Willinger
Term Expires: 12/31/2025

Emily Davis
Term Expires: 12/31/2025

Susan Schneck
Term Expires: 12/31/2024

Lisa Kuliczkowski
Term Expires: 12/31/2024

Jared Stump, Council (Liaison)

Shade Tree Commission

The Shade Tree Commission has the authority to plant, remove, maintain and protect shade trees on public streets and highways of the Borough. In addition, the commission reviews applications for the removal of significant shade trees on private properties to assure that such removals are justified and, if so, to mitigate the impact of the removal on the community. Meetings are held as needed at Borough Hall. Its members serve a five-year term, and terms expire on the first Monday of the year.

Members

Chris Thomas
Term Expires: 12/31/2025    

Jack Scratchard
Term Expires: 12/31/2026

Derek Bilick
Term Expires: 12/31/2026

Caitlin Mest, Zoning Officer/Planner

Michelle Sharer, Council (Liaison)

Vacancy Board

Casts the tie-breaking vote if there is a resignation from Borough Council and a majority of the remaining six Council members are unable to agree on the appointment of a replacement. The Vacancy Board Chairman is appointed each year and serves a one-year term.

Members

Roger Crook
Term Expires: 12/31/2024

Human Relations Commission

The Yardley Borough Human Relations Commission was established by the Council Members of Yardley Borough on March 6, 2018, by the enactment of the Yardley Borough Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, in order to ensure that all persons, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, gender, religion, ancestry, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, familial status, marital status, age, mental or physical disability, use of guide or support animals and/or mechanical aids enjoy the full benefits of citizenship and are afforded equal opportunities for employment, housing and the use of public accommodations, and to have equal access to post-secondary educational institutions.

The Yardley Borough Human Relations Commission shall consist of no fewer than three and no more than five members, appointed by Borough Council, who shall serve three year terms.  Members shall be residents of the Borough or individuals who work full-time within Yardley Borough.  No voting members shall hold any office in any political party.

Members of the Commission shall attend training and/or educational seminars or sessions as deemed necessary to serve on the commission, and to also familiarize themselves with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

The Commission will meet on an as needed basis.

Members

Akvile Montvilaite
Term Expires: 12/31/2024

Emily Davis
Term Expires: 12/31/2025

Lou Casaby
Term Expires: 12/31/2024

Jesse Clark
Term Expires: 12/31/2025

Patricia Kleiner
Term Expires: 12/31/2024

Michelle Sharer, Council (Liaison)

Sewer Authority

The Yardley Borough Sewer Authority was formed in 1962, in compliance with the Municipality Authorities Act of 1945 and adopted by the Borough Council of Yardley Borough, as Ordinance No. 159. The Authority owns and operates a wastewater collection system serving 898 residential and commercial Yardley Borough customers. The system includes 9.37 miles of sewer mains in the Borough and one pumping station. Wastewater from Yardley is treated at the wastewater treatment plant owned by the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Morrisville. Meetings are held at 7:00pm on the second Wednesday of most months in Council Chambers, in Borough Hall. The Municipalities Authorities Act provides that terms begin & expire on the first Monday of the year. Its members serve a five-year term.

Agenda’s, Minutes and Budget

Members

Dave Collins
Term Expires: 1/1/2025

Mark McDevitt
Term Expires: 1/1/2027

Barry Sharer
Term Expires: 1/1/2028

Carl Perella, Chair
Term Expires: 1/1/2026

David Johnson
Term Expires: 1/1/2029

Don Carlson, Council (Liaison)

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

Don Carlson, Chair
Term Expires: 2026

Kim Segal-Morris
Term Expires: 2028

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
Term Expires: 2028

Michelle Sharer
Term Expires 2028

Chris Harding

Term Expires: 2026

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

Jared Stump, Chair
Term Expires: 2026

Michelle Sharer
Term Expires: 2028

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

Uri Feiner, Chair
Term Expires: 2026

David Appelbaum
Term Expires: 2028

Alternate- Jared Stump