Art Risley

The Work Session Meeting included an executive session regarding legal matters and real estate. Key discussions involved the approval of General Fund, Sewer Fund, and Recreation Fund check registers for the period of January 6-21, 2026. Action items included unanimous approval of Thornbury Township's participation in the Emergency Management Mutual Aid Agreement with several municipalities. The Board also approved extensions for several subdivision/land development cases (KCH, LLC, Daniels, Lawlor, and Gress lot line change). Approval was given for the temporary rehiring of Suzanne Howat to cover office duties during PSATS in April. Additionally, Resolution No. 4 of 2026 was unanimously approved, declaring a State of Emergency due to an impending major snowstorm. Staff reports covered the status of the 2026 audit, updates on the sanitary sewer grant application denial, implementation of new sewer billing software, and road conditions, including the indefinite closure of Station Road. The Solicitor's report mentioned a stipulated order reached in the Wills property legal matter and ongoing talks with the County Health Department. The Engineer's report detailed progress on the 2026 Road Program, Highway Dept Garage contract review, and updates on wastewater projects including the PennDOT Cheyney Road Culvert Replacement and Thornton Road Low Pressure Sewer Phases 2 and 3.

The work session included approval of check registers for the General Fund, Sewer Fund, and Recreation Fund covering the period of February 5-18, 2026. Key agenda items involved authorizing the Township Manager to place a municipal lien on properties with sewer balances of $1,000.00 or more, and approving a proclamation honoring National Engineer's Week. Staff reports were provided across multiple departments, including the Treasurer's Report for January 31, 2026. Discussions covered sewer lien reduction efforts, GIS training seminars, a potential partnership with Cheyney University for sewage treatment, and preparations for upcoming road program bids and capital improvement projects.

The meeting commenced with an executive session regarding legal matters. Key actions included the unanimous approval of General Fund, Sewer Fund, and Capital Improvement Fund check registers spanning January 22, 2026, through February 4, 2026. The Board approved advertising a hearing to amend Chapter 15 of the Township Code. The proposal from Mary Sue Boyle and Company LLC for HRP research, requested by the Historical Commission, was approved. Summer camp hires were approved, and the emergency purchase of a replacement salt spreader on January 26, 2026, was ratified. Resolution No. 5 of 2026 was approved to apply for County Liquid Fuel Tax Funds for the 2026 Municipal Roadway/Street Improvement Program. Payment for Certificate for Payment No. 1 to Steve Botella Construction and Excavation Inc. was approved. Reports were presented by various boards and commissions, including updates on trail clearings, a used book sale, and the annual stream cleaning schedule. The Engineer's report detailed coordination for a PennDOT culvert replacement, substantial completion of a Thornton Road sewer phase, ongoing planning module submissions, and the start of compiling annual Chapter 94 reports. The Solicitor's report addressed ongoing legal matters including an Easement Agreement review, a stipulation for a property matter, a new overdue sewer bill collection, and ongoing discussions with the County Health Department.

The meeting included the approval of check registers for the General, Sewer, Recreation, and Capital Improvement funds. Key agenda items included the adoption of resolutions regarding municipal records retention and disposition, the renaming of a high school scholarship to the Thornbury Township Joan Dehm Memorial Scholarship, and the approval of a proposal for pipe insulation at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Various board and commission reports were presented, including updates from Parks & Recreation, the Historical Commission, the Planning Commission, the Environmental Advisory Council, and the Library Board. Staff reports were submitted by the Township Manager, Roadmaster, Solicitor, and Township Engineer, covering topics such as road programs, basement renovations, and sewer maintenance issues. Public comment addressed a proposed recreational trail and local wildlife concerns.

The meeting included a reorganization where a chairman and vice-chair were nominated and elected. Discussions covered budget allocations, noting $8K designated for "Trees for a Ten" and approximately $1800 remaining for other projects, with a request for specifics in proposal requests regarding design details and cost estimates. The committee addressed the use of wood chips on trails, focusing on safety and the cost of spreading them, and the need for information regarding creek impact. A discussion on Beech Leaf Disease prompted action items for surveying and quoting treatment options for a specific beech tree. Other agenda items included taking photos or geolocating nominated trees, planning for the "Trees for a Ten" initiative including inventory tracking and ordering, and addressing trail issues such as downed trees around Bonner and beaver problems at Barretts. A proposal for a culvert ("Culvert 2.0") was slated for resubmission to Seagraves.