Summit Hill Borough Council President David Wargo put five large blank posters on the wall in council chambers Monday night.

One of the posters was titled strengths, another weaknesses, another opportunities, another threats and the fifth goals.

For two and a half hours, council members brainstormed how they could make the borough better this year.

They also discussed the various committees council members will serve on, and the goals of those committees.

Some of the strengths identified were: Council members working together, the community’s residents, community support, great events, a great history, great recreational facilities, a vital food bank, and it’s a small town that’s very scenic.

“We need more businesses,” said Councilwoman Lacey Gonzalez Horan, as one of the weaknesses. “We’ve got to support small businesses, like the new bakery opening in town. People need places to be employed.”

Other weaknesses identified were poverty, high school taxes, and entertainment opportunities - including the lack of the ability to promote events.

Opportunities not being capitalized on include attracting tourists, filling empty storefronts, and working with neighboring communities.

Wargo said the borough’s new zoning ordinance - which will be coming before council soon - is an opportunity.

“The sewer project could create opportunities for development, because we are in a sewer moratorium,” Wargo said. “Changing the zoning code could help. We could design ordinances to encourage development.”

Some of the threats to the borough identified were: Crime, drug abuse, affordable housing, Uniform Construction Code costs for businesses, predatory landlords and a lack of volunteers.

“People get great ideas for events, but then nobody wants to volunteer to do them,” Wargo said,

Getting the new zoning code adopted was identified as one of the goals. Other goals were maximizing the Local Services Tax, finding funding for Christmas lights and updating ordinances.

Another goal is erecting an electronic sign that can better promote community activities.

Committees

New committees being formed are an ordinance committee and a handicapped parking committee. These committees will meet monthly.

“We have to look at the ordinances, particularly ordinances where we have to adjust fees that are out of whack,” Wargo said.

Councilwoman Marlene Basiago has been working on a new ordinance for handicapped parking, Wargo said.

Committees that council members felt should meet bi-monthly are: Streets and lights, building and personnel, and economic development. Committees that will meet quarterly include the police, recreation, emergency services, and sanitation committees.

Wargo said any complaints brought before council by the public will be referred to the proper committee for a recommendation for the appropriate action. If any issues arise between committee meetings, that committee can meet aside from the regular schedule.

No action will be taken at the work sessions, which will be held the fourth Monday of each month. Action will be taken at the regular council meetings the second Tuesday of each month.