Stewart will serve his final day in the office as Bellefonte’s borough manager on Friday, March 28.

“If we could keep him as long as we could, we’d be better off,” said Councilmember Randy Brachbill, who made the motion to accept Stewart’s retirement letter. Councilmember Joanne Tosti-Vasey seconded the motion.

Stewart, who joined the borough in July 1994, has over 30 years of experience in local government. He became borough manager at the end of 2000 and credits his success and longevity in the role to those around him.

“There’s so many people that have been good to me and helped me be successful, so I want to thank everyone who has reached out to me over the years and helped me along the way,” Stewart said, expressing gratitude to the council members, mayors, coworkers, staff, borough employees and residents who have supported and encouraged him throughout his career.

PHOTO PROVIDED The ribbon cutting at the Penn Highlands Centre County location in Bellefonte on Aug. 16, 2024, is pictured, showing Ralph Stewart, Borough of Bellefonte Manager, third from left.

“It has been a blessing to be the borough manager for Bellefonte and to serve in such a beautiful community,” he said. “I can’t believe how fast time has gone.”

With reluctance and visible sadness, council unanimously accepted Stewart’s letter of retirement. After the motion passed, council and those in attendance gave Stewart a standing ovation in recognition of his service.

Several council members shared kind words and meaningful goodbyes, agreeing that Stewart has been an invaluable resource to both them and the borough.

“You’ve taught me a lot,” said Councilmember Doug Johnson, wishing him the best. “I hope you stay in touch. I appreciate your insight on lots of things that go on in town, so don’t go too far away.”

Councilmember Rita Purnell also thanked Stewart for his help and insight over the years. “You’ve been an invaluable resource, and we’ll miss you,” she said.

PHOTO PROVIDED Solicitor Jeffrey Stover speaks at Dec 19, 2018’s meeting about the future of Centre Crest. Also pictured are Bellefonte Borough Council president Joanne Tosti-Vasey, Bellefonte Borough Council Manager Ralph Stewart and Zoning Officer Shannon Wright.

According to Stewart, the search for his replacement is already underway.

“The council is working diligently to try to look at what the next step might hold,” said Stewart who noted there may be an interim borough manager while they find a permanent replacement for his position.

Though his time at the borough is coming to a close, Stewart said he isn’t ready to take it easy just yet.

“I feel like I’m too young to officially retire,” he said.

In other business, council:

— Shared announcements related to Sunday’s storm. On behalf of Mayor Johnson, Council President Barbara Dann encouraged community members to reach out to the Mayor with any concerns or issues stemming from the weekend’s storm. Borough Manager Ralph Stewart announced that the Musser Lane compost facility will be open daily until 4 p.m. this week, with additional hours on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. He also noted that the borough will collect brush left at the curb through next week.

— Announced Clearwater Conservatory Watershed Clean Up Day is Saturday, April 12, 2025.

— Approved the consent agenda.

— Proclaimed March 16-22, 2025, as 4-H Week in Bellefonte.

— Approved allowing council’s Finance and Administration Committee to review requests for proposals received for grant writing and administrative services and come back with recommendations to council.

— Appointed Councilmembers Deb Cleeton as Bellefonte’s PSAB Annual Conference delegate and Doug Johnson as the alternate for voting.

— Approved a legal review of the Borough’s Peddling and Soliciting “Do not Disturb” Ordinance.

— Heard public comment from Elliot Killinger who asked council to consider opening the first floor of the Central Business District to non-commercial use.