East Greenville Council elevated its new police chief Monday. Mayor Stephen Wescott swore in Josh Halteman during its first public meeting of 2025.

            Halteman, a seven-year veteran of the Borough of East Greenville Police Department, expressed his appreciation for the promotion. He told the members he would do everything possible to make sure the department continues moving in the right direction.

            "I look forward to continue working with you," Halteman said after the ceremony that included him receiving a new badge. "It's been a long journey, even though it's only been seven years."

            The first officer hired by the department, and its third chief since its reconstitution eight years ago, was promoted from sergeant last month. Halteman, 34, joined the department as a part-time officer in August 2017 and was made a full-time officer two months later. He accepted a promotion to sergeant two years later.

            Noah Mascio, an officer with the department, described the new chief as "selfless." He told the members that Halteman has the East Greenville police pointed in the right direction.

            "Congratulations, Josh. We have your back," said Mascio, who has worked with Halteman for three years. "I'm optimistic about the future of this department."

            Halteman – who was working as a DeSales University officer before joining the borough's police force – succeeds Morris, who has led the department for six years. Morris carried the title of chief from September 2019 until Jan. 1.

            Council is planning to repair the roof at Borough Hall, located at 206 Main St. It voted to advertise the work to complete the project.

            John Dingler, chair of the borough's property committee, said the work is necessary due to the age of the roof. After the meeting, he estimated the total cost at approximately $30,000.

            The member said he expects the work to be completed in the spring "before the rainy season."

            Municipal officials were hoping not to have to bid the work. However, a local contractor provided a price above the required bid threshold of $23,800, according to Manager Jim Fry.

            The members also moved forward on a plan for repairs on approximately one mile to Washington Street. They voted to advertise a proposal to mill and overlay 5,400 feet between Bank and Fourth streets.

            Administrators estimated the cost of the work at $61,408. Cowan Associates, the borough's appointed engineer, provided the figure, according to Dingler.

            In personnel news, council reappointed Gregory Gaudreau to a five-year term to the UMJA Board of Directors. Gaudreau also received a one-year term as the borough's vacancy board chair.

            The members also voted to appoint Jacqueline Porterfield to the borough's zoning hearing board for three years. They also named Jeromy Schulz-Arnold to complete Porterfield's term as an alternate on the board. Stephen and Diane Granger both received a four-year appointment to the borough's planning commission.

            In December, the borough's police department responded to 78 total incidents, according to information displayed on a bulletin board outside the meeting room. The list includes 24 for traffic, 11 for public services, four assists, three for parking, two for an animal and one theft.

            The document, collected by Halteman, includes 32 incidents characterized as "other". The information does not include ongoing investigations.

            East Greenville's next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3.