Waynesboro's government honors first responders and an athlete, adopts AI policy, and finalizes the Northside Pool renovation at its May 20 Borough Council meeting
By Robb Helfrick
The May 20 Borough Council meeting hosted a variety of presentations and discussions that honored local first responders and a high school athlete, formally approved the use of Artificial Intelligence for local government, provided an update on the Northside Pool renovation, and authorized the purchase of a new police vehicle.
Community Awards and Recognition
The meeting began with Mayor Royer recognizing a group of highly trained individuals who came to a citizen’s rescue during a medical emergency this past February. Royer thanked “an exceptional team of first responders, whose swift actions, professionalism, and coordinated efforts resulted in the saving of a life.”
The Mayor asked Brandon Benedict of the Waynesboro Police Department, Robert Doverspike, Collen Drenning, and Joshua Hinson of the Waynesboro Fire Department, Tim Willard and Olivia Chappell of the Waynesboro Ambulance Squad, and Ethan Logsdon, a dispatcher from Franklin County 911, to come forward to be recognized.
When the group assembled, Royer said: “Your swift response during a medical emergency on February 5, 2026, directly contributed to saving the life of a Borough resident. Your professionalism and commitment to public service and steadfast dedication to the safety and well-being of our community are sincerely recognized and deeply appreciated.” The mayor presented each honoree with a framed award.
Steven Howard was the meeting’s next honoree. Howard was given an Outstanding Athletic Achievement Award for his participation in WASHS football and wrestling. As an Indians defensive player, Howard led the Mid-Penn District 3 6a Conference in interceptions, earning him 2nd Team All-Conference honors. Excelling as a wrestler, Steven qualified for the state tournament by finishing 3rd in the District 3 competition.
Royer read a Mayoral Proclamation that stated: “Steven’s discipline, determination, and character have brought pride to his school, teammates, family, and the greater Waynesboro community. His achievements serve as an inspiration to others and reflect the values of hard work, integrity, and excellence.” Howard’s family and coach were present for the ceremony.
Adoption of Artificial Intelligence Policy
Borough Manager Jason Stains introduced a Personnel Committee item by proposing a new Borough of Waynesboro policy for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Stains said he recently attended a conference where he conferred with other municipal leaders who had already adopted AI usage guidelines.
Stains felt now was the proper time for Waynesboro to follow suit by adopting specific protocols and practices for responsible AI use. “It’s necessary that we have a policy,” he said. “This will allow our staff to use AI tools for research, information gathering, summarizing, and analyzing documents for data, drafting correspondence, emails, reports, agendas, assisting with meeting minutes, note-taking and transcription, brainstorming, and other administrative functions.”
Stains mentioned that AI is a valuable tool but wouldn’t replace the expertise of trained staff and Borough leadership. He stated that the new AI policy would require that “human review occurs for accuracy, so we’re not going to accept everything that AI spits out. Our staff will be required to view it for accuracy, confidentiality, and security.”
Waynesboro’s government will not use AI for legally protected personnel matters, borough financial data, law enforcement situations, or otherwise restricted or sensitive information, Stains said. AI wouldn’t replace professional judgment or decision-making authority. “We will have ongoing training and updates to the policy as the technology changes,” Stains said. “This is evolving fast, so this document is going to be quite fluid.”
Borough Manager Stains promised to keep the staff and the council up-to-date on all future changes. The panel authorized Stains’ AI policy proposal.
Later in the meeting, Stains said the agenda for the May meeting was produced using an AI software program called ClerkMinutes, and the council approved a $1200 fee for that product. According to the company’s website, over 1300 municipalities utilize its software.
Upcoming Events and the Need for Flaggers
As the council approved plans for upcoming Waynesboro events, which include the annual downtown Father’s Day Car and Truck Show on June 20, the Firecracker 5k Road Race, Summer Jubilee celebration and fireworks, and the July 4th parade, Borough Manager Stains mentioned that these events required certified flaggers to ensure public safety. Some events require as many as 25 of these trained individuals.
The borough has recently updated its policies for holding public events to comply with state regulations. Flaggers are required to fulfill the legal and community responsibility to protect citizens and participants in these events. The borough sponsors periodic classes for individuals who want to become certified, and it encourages volunteers to come forward to help the borough.
Other events approved for the summer schedule include allowing the Pennsylvania Special Olympics to use the Memorial Park softball field on June 7, a “Worship in the Park” event hosted by Jesus Alive Ministries on July 12, and permission for the YMCA to host Summer Competitions at the Northside Pool on June 20 and 27.
Update on the Northside Pool Renovation
Borough Manager Stains updated the council on the status of the Northside Pool and its scheduled reopening after major winter renovations. He described the $2 million improvements as “a good project, kudos to our water and engineering departments.”
Regarding the pool’s opening: “Everything is cooperating on our end,” Stains said. The borough had two more inspections scheduled and was waiting for a water sample to be approved. The pool is scheduled to open on Saturday, May 30.
Stains said the pool contractor remarked that the borough had the “cleanest water we’ve ever experienced.” Stains mentioned that the water clarity was excellent and the pool was filled. The renovation fixed a prior leak, and the water level was holding steady. The chemical feed was functioning properly to complete the pool preparation.
A new pool slide has not been delivered yet, with a scheduled arrival of June 19. To install this large feature, the borough will have to close the pool for a week since a crane will be needed, the pool will have to be partially drained, and staff will have to be adequately trained.
The pool has a new pump room and circulation system. Stains said the crew was tweaking some minor issues with those elements, but added, “All in all, we’re in pretty good shape.”
During the project, Stains noted that the New Jersey contractor’s costs had increased (for steel, cement, and fuel) and there may be a Northside Pool project shortfall, which he estimated at $27,000. However, Stains stated that money was left over from the stormwater project on King Street, and the Northside project’s engineering fees might also come in under budget, which will help bridge the gap. The council approved change orders to finalize the project.
New Equipment for Waynesboro Police and Fire Departments
Conducting Unfinished Business, the council approved the purchase of fire hoses and nozzles for the Waynesboro Fire Department from Witmer Public Safety Group for $40,700, a grant-funded purchase.
During his monthly report, Mayor Royer said the borough had acquired two drones for the Police Department, and they should be operational within 30-60 days.
Police Chief Ramsey introduced an innovative suggestion to purchase a new Ford Explorer unmarked police vehicle for $38,000. This purchase would offset the borough’s estimated $30,000 cost of temporary housing for three new police officers who will start Police Academy training in July. Using that new vehicle, the trio will commute to Harrisburg daily, instead of staying away from home in a hotel or a rental unit.
Other Agenda Items
The Borough Council approved Resolution 2026-09 to donate abandoned and unclaimed bicycles to a local church, and that organization will restore the bikes and give them to community children.
The panel gave the go-ahead for the Director of Utilities to work with the Borough Solicitor to develop a grease trap ordinance, since the community does not currently have one in place.
The council also authorized preparation of an amendment to Ordinance Number 1213 to require the installation of separate water and sewer service laterals in any subdivision.
The request to subdivide a 13-acre parcel owned by Ronnie and Mary Martin at 66 State Hill Road was approved.
Nick Shank will perform pesticide applications on Main Street and borough-owned parks at the rate of $50 per hour.
An agenda item was added to consider allowing trailers (used for business purposes only) to park short-term on streets in industrial zones. The current borough ordinance does not allow it. The panel agreed to look into the details to possibly change that policy.
Fire Chief Griffin and Mayor Royer reminded the firefighting community that a special training seminar will be presented at a local church on June 6, and all local paid/volunteer firefighters are welcome to attend at no cost.
