PROSPECT — Borough council began its new year with a brisk 20-minute meeting mostly about its ongoing sewer projects.

Council set the first sewage meeting of 2025 for 9 a.m. Jan. 15. Council President Brian Taylor said the borough has spent about $927,000 on sewer projects since 2019. Council member Sam Wagner compiled a list of all borough sewer projects since then to be submitted to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“And it needs another $2 million. That’s the worst of it,” Taylor said.

The list includes one 2019 project for Wilson Lane pump station improvements, two McNaughton pump station improvements in 2022 and 2023, and sanitary sewer line projects.

Before the most recent sanitary sewer line project, which cost about $379,482, another was completed in 2021 for $124,490 which included about 7,000 fewer linear feet. Both were meant for inflow and infiltration reduction, which prevents unwanted water from entering the sanitary sewer line.

Two KLH Engineers representatives updated council on ongoing sewer projects. The engineers are wrapping up a CIPP lining project with Insight Pipe fixing issues and collaterals. They also are working with the state Department of Environmental Protection to approve a lateral sewer extension to Stephenson Equipment in Franklin Township.

■ Council also approved an agreement with DeAngelo Contracting Services for vegetation services for three years. Council members were in agreement three years would be better than a one-year agreement to combat rising costs.

■ TNT Tree Service, which removes weeds, is unable to treat the borough for the next three months, so council opted to wait instead of finding another company.

■ Solicitor fees for Andy Menchyk of Stepanian & Menchyk LLP will rise $5 per hour, and KLH Engineers rate will increase 3%.

■ Council also recognized Wagner for his work as the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department president before retiring after 57 years of service.

■ Mayor James Butler thanked the fire department for its Santa and Mrs. Claus Come to Town event Dec. 14.

“I think, once again, it was a nice event for Prospect and also Franklin Township. Fun was had by all,” Butler said.

■ Council entered executive session for about eight minutes to discuss personnel before approving bills and adjourning the meeting. The borough has $294,545 available in its accounts.