Katie Daniels, Mt. Holly Springs Borough Council

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Mount Holly Springs, PA
Katie Daniels, Mt. Holly Springs Borough Council

I will listen more and engage in conversations with you to help move the community's agenda forward. I ask you to share what you know, show up, and speak up.

I will share information on this page that I feel helps make better decisions. My business is KSD Communications, a sole proprietorship. I develop communications plans, edit and proofread written materials, and build web content for small and large companies. I’ve been doing this work since 1996, mostly out of my home. Two non-profit boards, Friends of Kings Gap and First Night Carlisle, have hone

d my community skills. I have implemented new, successful ideas, and have learned from experienced board members. I step in where needed to help with fundraising, event planning, and marketing, and thrive on social media and website content development. I am No. 4 of 6 children. Three of my siblings live and work in and around Mt. Holly Springs, and all graduated from Carlisle High School. My mother still lives on our farm in Gardners (we moved there in 1968 when my father was an Army War College student). In 2003, I moved to Yates Street at the south end of Holly with my wife Sally, a Carlisle native. We love living in the woods and appreciate the benefits of being close to downtown and surrounding, small communities.

Address

200 Harman Street
Mount Holly Springs, PA
17065

Telephone

+1 717-486-7613

Website

www.mhsboro.org

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How I got here and where we’re going

In 2017, the land behind our home was rezoned from Conservation to Residential, opening the steep-sloped, wooded and marshy area to possible development. We learned of the proposed changed as many in our position do: by U.S. Mail, too late to make an impact on the the outcome.

I realized the only way I could have a real impact, or make improvements to Borough communication, was to run for office. As council member, I’ve pledged to increase communication and open channels for residents to make their complaints know. And to let them know those complaints are heard and addressed.

Communication Successes

One and 1/2 years into a 4-year term, this volunteer position, which accounts for a substantial part of each work week, has seen some challenges, but more successes. Four Council members attended “Boot Camp,” an intense 2-day seminar taught by the Pennsylvania Association of Boroughs for newly elected members of municipalities. We learned that we should have a public comment policy, ALL meeting minutes should be taken and available to the public once approved, and agendas are more meaningful when prepared in advance and publicized. Thanks to Council members’ and residents’ participation, and with the support of our Borough secretary, our committee proposed a Public Comment Policy resolution, which passed in 2018. The resolution and each agenda alert the public that they can comment on any topic that will or might require Council action. Effective late 2018, Thursday Committee meetings are now fully documented and minutes posted on www.mhsboro.org. Agendas for Council meetings are now generally published the Friday before the meeting, but are always available at the meeting. Agendas indicate items that may be voted on. In addition, our Borough Secretary makes an effort to keep the Borough website up to date and meaningful, and she has stepped up the content and quality of the twice-yearly newsletter, which has been well-received.

Public Works Work

With the backing of our Borough Manager, we created a Holly Days information and children’s “Make and Take” booth on Storm Water Management, with 50 mini rain gardens created and a water management demonstration by the Penn State Extension. To encourage adults to come and learn, the Borough gave away rain barrels to four lucky folks who entered the give-away.

A persistent resident, concerned with safety on her street, brought misdirected truck traffic to our attention, and with her trucking background, we partnered with a local business to fund new directional and warning signage. In a “Trucks, Trash and Trine” Public Works committee meeting, residents had an opportunity to voice concerns and suggest solutions to persistent problems. Residents eagerly participated and have continued their participation to drive solutions and become more active.

Council and Committee Openings

Although not required by Municipal Code, Council announced the 2019 mayoral opening (mid-term resignation) to qualified residents, receiving four letters of interest and holding an informal interview process prior to appointing an interim mayor. Thanks to good research by an interested resident, Council learned that this position will be on the ballot in November 2019. The mayor-elect will serve in 2020 and 2021. Following that strong showing for mayor, we also had two strong candidates submit letters of interest for a mid-term Planning Commission opening this year. (The last opening was vacant for 2 years.) People are #showingup to be part of solutions. That feels great.

Enjoying Our Parks

After enjoying outdoor yoga at Kings Gap, when I served on their Friends board, I proposed Take 5 at Trine, a month-long Saturday yoga class at Trine Park, taught by a local business owner. Parks and Rec is off to a good start, breaking even on costs, introducing new folks to Trine, and putting peaceful smiles on participants’ faces (including mine!). Proceeds go to their Trine Park Maintenance fund, and I’m hoping we can gain sponsorship to continue the program through the summer.

Greater Working Together

To quote General George S. Patton, “Don’t tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.” In the past 18 months, I have gained a particular appreciation for collaborative results, made possible by simply asking the public for their help in governing this small borough. We are greater, working together.