Andrew D.H. Rau

The Parks & Recreation Commission meeting included a financial review for Valley Day 2025, noting expenditures of $12,267.37 against an allocation of $18,000. Key discussions focused on improving communication practices, reviewing the successful Children's Holiday Party, and planning future events including Dine & Donate tentatively scheduled for March, Designer Bag Bingo, a Recreational Program expansion, an Art Show, and the Easter Egg Hunt confirmed for April 3, 2026. Master planning for Valley Day 2026, scheduled for September 19, 2026, established using the airport venue, requiring vendor Certificates of Insurance, and exploring DJ options for the Summer Concert Series.

The meeting included an Executive Session prior to the regular meeting to discuss litigation regarding unpaid trash bills. Key items approved under the Consent Agenda included payments, the Treasurer's Report for November 2025, and proposals for preemption equipment for Airport Road and a Change Order for the S. Park Ave Bridge project. Emergency Service Reports detailed call volumes for Fire/EMS and Police for November. The Board tabled the G. O. Carlson Airport Preliminary Land Development Plan Approval Request, which involved extensive discussion on phasing, sidewalk installation, and funding contributions for a traffic signal related to the Valley Square Development. The Board adopted Resolution 2025-15 setting the 2026 tax rates (with no proposed increase), adopted Resolution 2025-16 for the 2026 Budget (noting minor adjustments to Workers Comp and Liability premiums), and adopted Resolution 2025-17, which increased the quarterly solid waste charge to $93. The Board also adopted the 2026 pay/wage rates. New business addressed the declaration of a vacancy for an elected auditor position and the subsequent appointment of Joanne McCoy to a 6-year term contingent on the outcome of write-in votes, and the execution of an Agreement for Property Tax Collection Services with Chester County.

The meeting involved several key actions and discussions. Prior to the public session, an Executive Session was held to discuss litigation regarding code enforcement matters. The Consent Agenda included the ratification of year-end bills, approval of current bills, approval of a payment application for the S. Park Avenue Bridge project, ratification of an agreement for Chester County to collect real estate taxes, and approval of the annual contract for the traffic light at Airport Road. Significant public comment was received regarding the ongoing South Park Avenue construction, specifically concerning contractor conduct, driveway access issues, generator exhaust, and coordination with PECO for utility relocation prior to bridge work. The Board moved to designate the Daily Local News, Township Building Bulletin Board, and Website for 2026 non-emergency public notices. Attendees were authorized for the PSATS Annual Conference, and Janis Rambo was appointed as the voting delegate. Several yearly resolutions were adopted, including waivers for Police and Non-Uniform Pension Contributions, the setting of 2026 Engineering Fees, and designating Emergency Services Providers. A resolution setting the Permit Fee Schedule was tabled, while the 2026 Non-Permit Fee Schedule was adopted with increases for mattress/box spring and bulk trash pickup. The Safety Committee members were reappointed. Finally, after a tied vote, the Board ultimately moved forward to have the Solicitor draft and advertise an amendment to increase Township Supervisor compensation relative to Act 94 changes.

The meeting focused on the annual organization agenda, including the election of officers. Patrice Proctor was unanimously elected as Chairperson and Casey Max Leidy as Vice Chairperson. A slate of appointments for various official positions was unanimously approved, including the Manager, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief of Police, Solicitor, and Engineer. Furthermore, reappointments were confirmed for several commissions and boards, such as the Vacancy Board, Emergency Management Coordinator, Fire Marshal, Planning Commission, Environmental Sustainability Advisory Council (ESAC), Western Chester County of Governments delegate/alternate, and Parks & Recreation Commission. Specific resolutions were adopted for the Zoning Hearing Board reappointment and the appointment of the Auditor. The Board also designated bank depositories, set the Treasurer's Bond amount at $5 million, and established the 2026 regular meeting schedules for the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, and ESAC.

The meeting commenced with an announcement regarding the presentation of a life-saving award to three Westwood EMS crew members prior to the main session. The consent agenda was approved, which included the adoption of Resolution 2026-08 designating ReadyChesCo.org as the primary emergency alert method. Key discussions centered on the G. O. Carlson Airport waivers, concept master plan, and preliminary land development plan approval request, specifically concerning the funding and construction of a traffic signal and sidewalk placement, including discussions on grant applications and cost-sharing agreements. Furthermore, the board discussed the advertisement of a draft ordinance amendment for supervisors' compensation, with discussion on tying compensation to meeting attendance. Old business included setting dates for May 2026 meetings and declaring a vacancy for an elected auditor (four-year term). Committee reports included updates on the Planning Commission's review of a zoning map amendment application.