RENOVO — Meeting in July just four days after a fire that resulted in the leveling of three commercial properties as well as their own garage, Renovo Borough Council provided an update of what they lost in the early morning July 4 blaze.

Councilmember Dave Knauff reported the borough lost their bucket truck, ATV, assorted lawn care equipment, push snow blower and other equipment such as barricades used to close roads.

Quick actions of those first to arrive on scene did safely move the dump truck and backhoe to safety before flames prevented any more from being salvaged, he said.

The Pennsylvania State Fire Marshall is still investigating the fire, a first step prior to any insurance claims that the borough can file.

Chapman Township has offered the use of its zero turn mower and Smith Excavating and Lumber said items such as road block signage was also available to the borough.

A garage on the 600 block of St. Claire Avenue is set to be cleaned out so that the borough can have a place for storage after the loss of its garage.

A short update was given about the former WT Storey property which council hopes to sell and see a new commercial business open its doors. The prospective new owners want to install a 12 by 12 foot overhead door, of which the specs need to be approved by Code Enforcement Officer Joe Lyons, prior to the sale.

Councilmember Kristy Serafini-Brooks suggested the borough really tighten its budget moving forward. She reported nearly all tax revenue that can expect to be paid has already been collected, leaving the town with about $42,000 for the second half of 2026.

Several council members and Mayor Justin Lynn discussed guidelines that they feel should be put in place at the former railroad shops property to prevent an unrestricted data center.

No such plans are in existence, so the group wants to take a proactive approach on an industry that has proved troublesome across the nation, particularly to environments around the data centers.

All those that spoke on the matter agreed they have to become more educated on the topic, suggesting inviting different experts.

Council President John Simon noted Clinton County Government is working on something similar and suggested watching closely to see what they come up with.

Council passed two resolutions, the first putting a time limit on comments from the public and the second to officially adopt a Renovo Flag designed by Lynn.

The first resolution focuses on members of the public wishing to speak at the beginning of council meetings. It was noted the first hour can often be spent hearing from citizens, though it can include repetition of topics.

Those wishing to speak are to sign in prior to the meeting and will have a four minute time limit where they are to address council as a whole, not engaging in profanity and personal attacks on council members above other guidelines. “Orderly, respectful and efficient” is what is expected in comments moving forward.

It was noted that concerns can be addressed at any time by speaking with Secretary Midge Kramer and receiving a complaint form.

Meanwhile, the Renovo Flag has been in the works for several months, with Lynn, a professional artist, designing homage to the Renovo area and its history.

Simon said the flag reflects the community featuring a steam engine, two white-tail deer as well as citing Renovo’s inception in 1866. Lynn has seemingly dozens of other Renovo-themed references linked throughout the artwork.

Since the flags are custom made, it’s suggested that anyone wanting them contact Lynn or the council secretary so that they can be ordered with others. The flags are $25 each.

Council member and ordinance officer Dave Walker said they have successfully charged their first property owner whose yard was facing a weed violation. Council cut the property and charged the individual $60, which was paid after the bill was received, staving off further legal action.