Cleona Borough Council approves police cruiser upfitting

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After months of discussion, the Cleona Borough Council approved the upfitting of the new borough police car. 

In November 2025, one of the borough’s police cruiser was involved in an accident that left the vehicle totaled. In April, council had approved the purchase of a new vehicle, but has been continuing the discussion of vendors and pricing for the vehicle upfitting. 

Police car upfitting is the process of taking a standard police vehicle and equipping it with specialized law enforcement equipment, including emergency lights, sirens, radios, computers, and other tools needed. 

Council reviewed three quotes: one from Elite Upfitters for $18,316 and two from B. Moyer Radio Communications, $10,892 if equipment from the old vehicle can be salvaged and reused, or $23,346 if all new components are installed.

Bob Moyer, owner of B. Moyer Radio Communications also serves on council, and stepped out of the room for a period of time during the discussion. During the initial period of deliberation Moyer was present in the room, however he left part way through in an assumed effort to avoid conflict of interest. 

Council ultimately voted to go with B. Moyer Radio Communcations, citing the proximity of the company to Cleona in compared to Elite Upfitters which is based in New Jersey, additionally noting the relationship they already have built with Moyer.  

“I feel like if there is a problem with this car, we can say Bob there is a problem with this car that needs to be fixed,” said council president Jim O’Connor. “That’s just how I feel about it.”

The final cost of the upfitting will be determined once a final lookthrough is done on what exact pieces from the old vehicle can be reused in the new vehicle. 

Moyer abstained from voting. 

Mayor Matt Zechman updated council on the Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon Project (RRFB) project, which aims to install RRFB signs as crosswalks throughout the borough. The project has now received $55,000 from local business donations, nearly reaching the goal of $60,000. 

Following last month’s meeting, which included several questions from councilmember Tricia Springer for Annville-Cleona Board President Dustin Sider, Sider updated council that he and Springer have met several times since then, describing their conversations as very productive.

“We all want a fire department that is responsive, stable, unified, and communicates well,” said Sider.  

Springer was absent from the council meeting. 

Sider also provided an update on the fire administrator position, reporting that the application period has closed and the top candidates have been selected to move forward in the interview process. 

Council then adjourned the meeting before entering an executive session to discuss a municipal agreement for emergency services. Springer was planned to be phoned into the executive session. 

In other business, the council: 

• Reviewed options to address ongoing erosion near the tube slide at the park, including removing rock and adding topsoil or installing stairs along the side. Councilmember Patrick Haley noted the council will consult with the insurance adjuster before deciding on a solution.
• Heard Zechman’s early planning ideas for an end of summer Cleona block party, to be hosted near the borough building on August 22.  
• Authorized the advertisement for a public hearing for the adoption of a comprehensive zoning ordinance and map changes for August 24 at 7:00 p.m.
• Heard an update on plans to introduce online billing for borough sewer accounts, with paper billing remaining available for residents.
• Heard an update that, at council’s direction, borough manager Michael Pieffer filed a complaint against Jim Shreve’s Landscaping for breach of contract after the company said it was unable to provide park mowing services this year. The borough had signed a two year contract with the company last year. They have until July 13 to respond. 
• Approved up to $5,000 for a Fire Department Steering Committee Consultant to help the current committee navigate to the formation of the fire commission, pending an agreeable scope of work.

Cleona Borough Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 3 at 7 p.m., at the Cleona Borough Building, 140 W. Walnut St. Meetings are open to the public.