Borough Council authorized the purchase of a new WFD ladder truck, explored a data center ordinance, and considered the Transource Power Line Project impact during its July meeting
By Robb Helfrick
(July 15: Waynesboro)
Borough Council met at Town Hall for its monthly meeting, and all six council members were present, as well as the Mayor and Borough Manager. The assembly featured written reports and a few comments from staff and departmental leaders. New and unfinished business was discussed, and the council considered three permit requests for upcoming events. Several minor zoning changes were also discussed and later approved.
The meeting’s biggest development was the borough council’s authorization to buy a ladder truck for the Waynesboro Fire Department. The vehicle is a 2016 Pierce Ascendant Enforcer 107’ foot aerial apparatus.
At June’s meeting, Fire Chief Ray Griffin received council’s permission to travel to Alabama to inspect the truck. A deal was reached to purchase the vehicle for $779,000, pending council approval. Funding for the truck will come from Federal grant money, which is available to the borough until the end of 2026.
Griffin said the rebuilt truck will have a new powertrain with a 150,000-mile, 5-year warranty. “It’s a really good deal,” Griffin said about the purchase price. The Chief said he expected delivery of the ladder truck in the November/December timeframe.
Once the fire truck arrives in Waynesboro from Alabama, WFD will conduct in-house training for 3-4 months to adequately prepare local firefighters to operate it and master the necessary skill sets. Griffin’s goal is to have the vehicle in service by April 2027.
The Fire Chief expressed confidence in his crew. “We have guys who have extensive experience with this type of apparatus. I’m comfortable that we have the people in place to put this vehicle into service on schedule.”
While discussing other new business, the council weighed in on a potential data center ordinance. At present, the borough has no specific regulations in place for that type of land use. The Franklin County Planning Commission reached out to Waynesboro’s government about considering a potential change, as this type of development has been active along the I-81 corridor.
While Waynesboro has few industrial locations suitable for data centers (mostly sites located on 9th Street near the borough maintenance facility), the council agreed it would be prudent to proceed with an ordinance review. It voted unanimously to authorize that research.
Regarding the Transource Power Line, the council explored its potential impact on future development in Waynesboro. The proposed 29-mile power line with 130-foot-tall monopoles has drawn fierce opposition from a few local groups and has been the subject of various lawsuits.
The Franklin County Planning Commission is sponsoring a petition to oppose the project and has recommended that the borough participate in that fight to stop the Transource project. While the power line will pass through a small parcel of rural, undeveloped land in Waynesboro’s western section, the council was concerned about the 250-foot setback, which could impact future land uses. “That would take a big chunk of that development land,” Council President Jon Fleagle said. The council agreed to discuss the matter further at a special August 6 meeting.
The Recreation Board brought forward three requests to allow use of borough properties by various community organizations and sports teams.
The Waynesboro Police Department is participating in the annual National Night Out on August 4, and it requested Memorial Park for a block party, which would require closing a portion of Memorial Park Drive between 6 and 8 pm. The council approved that request.
They also signed off on allowing Memorial Park as the new home field for an adult baseball team (discussed by council at the June meeting) for 8 Sunday games in 2027.
The final event approved was the Paws 5K sponsored by the Waynesboro Humane Society, which takes place downtown and on various city streets on October 11.
Two agenda items were tabled for future discussion. The scheduled paving for North Potomac Street received only one bid since few local companies conduct the type of recycling work the borough requires for that project. The Head of Engineering Services was working with a governing agency to smooth out those details.
Council consideration of a Parental Leave Policy, brought to the agenda by the Personnel Committee, was also tabled for future discussion.
The meeting began with the recognition of a local student, Breanna McIllquham, for her athletic achievements. Mayor Royer presented a proclamation in her honor, which highlighted Breanna’s accomplishments.
She was the WASHS Female Athlete of the Year and Scholastic Athlete of the Year in 2024-25. McIlquham was a standout volleyball, basketball, and track and field player who earned multiple All-Star/All-District selections. Breanna also served as a team captain for the volleyball and basketball teams.
“Breanna’s achievements reflect her hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence,” Mayor Royer said. “She serves as an outstanding role model for the youth of our community.” Breanna’s parents were present to witness the award ceremony.
In other community news, Ashley Sonntag-Bottomley, the Executive Director at Renfrew Museum and Park, announced that the new grist mill was nearing completion after an exterior water wheel was recently installed. “We’re excited about that and hope to hire the Miller, the manager for that facility, next month.”
Mayor Royer expressed gratitude that Waynesboro’s July 4th events went off successfully, despite near-record heat. The annual parade, Firecracker 5K, Summer Jubilee, and fireworks took place as scheduled on the Fourth. The “Boro Bash,” designed to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, was postponed until August 22.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Holly Miller and the Summer Jubilee committee for once again organizing an outstanding community event,” Royer said. “And also to Sarah Stains for organizing the Firecracker races, and to Rodney Cool of Brio Coffeehouse for organizing the July 4th parade. Their dedication to our community and the many volunteers who make these events possible is greatly appreciated.”
