Bell Acres borough manager retires after 27 years of service

Retired Bell Acres borough manager Charles Kulbacki described his time as manager as “satisfying.”

“Bell Acres is full of nice people, and I was glad to be able to help them,” Kulbacki said.

The 71-year-old retired in December after serving as borough manager for 27 years. A lifelong citizen of Bell Acres, Kulbacki also has served as a volunteer firefighter, councilman and council president.

During his tenure, the police department grew from one full-time officer to five full-time officers, and Public Works grew from one person to three full-time employees. Kulbacki also is credited with obtaining grants for sewer and water lines for underserved areas in Bell Acres, according to a press release from the borough.

Kulbacki’s proudest moment was obtaining an $80,000 grant from the state for the borough park to install new slides and swings.

“I felt good knowing I had a part in something like that,” he said.

In March, Rep. Valerie Gaydos gave Kulbacki a congressional commendation recognizing his 43 years of community service. In April, he received a commendation from the Senate of Pennsylvania.

“I was very surprised. I never thought I would receive anything like that,” Kulbacki said.

Those who have worked alongside Kulbacki admired his work and knowledge of Bell Acres.

Lisa Fleming, current borough manager, credits Kulbacki for shaping the borough to what it is today.

“Charlie was instrumental in creating the footprint of the borough’s rural character and charm,” she said.

Christopher Abell, Bell Acres councilman, said Kulbacki being a longtime resident of Bell Acres helped him.

“When people would call him hysterically mad over an issue, he had the ability to defuse the situation because he knew everyone in the borough,” Abell said.

Mayor Ken Alvania said Kulbacki always had time for you. “He makes you feel like you’ve known him for a long time,” he said.

Moving forward, Kulbacki believes Bell Acres is in good hands with Fleming.

“We have an excellent new manager. She is very good at her job, and I can’t say enough good things about her,” he said.

Reflecting on his time, Kulbacki is appreciative of being able to serve his community and make it a better place.

While Kulbacki has retired as borough manager, his passion for helping out Bell Acres continues as he will appear on the Republican ballot in the November election to secure one of the four available seats on borough council.