Barry J. Shughart

This Capital Plan for Dickinson Township outlines a comprehensive series of infrastructure and equipment investments from 2026 to 2030. Key strategic pillars include extensive road maintenance, bridge replacements, municipal campus stormwater management, Lindenwood Park improvements, and Barnitz Mill stabilization. Additionally, the plan details significant capital outlays for the replacement of vehicles and heavy equipment, such as mowers, dump trucks, and excavators, alongside technology upgrades including server and computer replacements, and a new township website. The plan specifies funding allocations and identifies potential grant opportunities for various projects.

The committee discussed agenda approval and considered a staff request to move future meeting times from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m., beginning in January 2026. New business focused heavily on planning events for 2026, including setting the date and initial plans for a bowling event scheduled for February 5, 2026, and preliminary discussions for a combined car show and ice cream social in August or September, and a May 9, 2026 event potentially featuring a corn hole tournament. The committee also reviewed the Neighboring Park & Recreation Contact List to explore potential cross-promotion opportunities for events.

This organization meeting focused on essential procedural items, including the administration of the Oath of Office for elected officials and the nomination and election of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Key agenda items involved the approval of the overall agenda and public comment period, followed by the Consent Agenda which covered motions to appoint or re-appoint numerous Township positions such as Manager, Officers, Solicitors, Engineers, and various representatives. Under new business, actions included the adoption of Resolution 2026-01 appointing the Sewage Enforcement Officer and alternates, and the appointment of members to fill vacancies or seek reappointment on several boards and committees, including the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, Vacancy Board, Park & Recreation Committee, Municipal Authority, Agricultural Security Board, and Auditor Board. The proceedings concluded with the Oath of Office for appointed officials and adjournment.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the nomination and election of the Chairperson and Secretary. Key new business involved a motion to approve the hourly wage for Board of Supervisors part-time employees at $16.00 per hour.

The meeting began with announcements regarding open volunteer positions for various Township boards and committees. The agenda was approved, followed by the consent agenda which included the approval of previous minutes and bills, and ratification of the engagement letter for the 2025 Financial Audit. During the Board Report, an update was given on state bills concerning Fire Protection and Rehabilitation (FPR) funds, noting that parental concerns regarding FPR spreading near an elementary school relate to water contamination and air quality. Three public hearings were held concerning Agricultural Security Area (ASA) additions for Merle & Sara Miller and Loren & Shirley Hoover, and for Ordinance 2025-03 establishing a Local Services Tax (LST). The Plan Review/Conditional Use Hearings focused on the John & Ursula Marks Final Subdivision Plan, which involved granting five waivers related to SALDO requirements, followed by conditional approval contingent upon recording drainage easements and payment of administrative fees. Key actions taken under New Business included adopting resolutions to approve the Miller and Hoover ASA applications, authorizing the advertisement of the 2026 Calendar, approving Aero Energy as the 2026 fuel provider, appointing Ryan Hoover as Zoning/Codes Enforcement Officer, and accepting the Fire & EMS Strategic Plan presented by ROBB Consulting LLC, along with adopting the corresponding resolution to support designated emergency medical services. Additionally, the Board adopted Ordinance 2025-03 for the 2026 LST, appointed the tax collection agency, adopted the 2026 Operating Budgets and 2026-2030 Capital Plan, and maintained the existing property tax rate for 2026.