Carolyn Matalon

Key discussions included the 2026 Road Projects budget and proposals, which necessitated reviewing options to manage costs, resulting in a motion to approve the purchase of steel plates for Yeatmans Station repairs. The Board also authorized a bid not exceeding $30,100 for a used International Dump truck. Under New Business, the Board agreed to formally communicate concerns to the County regarding the lack of funding for Conservation grants and authorized advertising bids for the 896-flasher project. Old Business included acknowledging revisions to the Mason-Dixon/Arc Corner Heritage Interpretation and Connectivity Plan, reviewing the planned bamboo reduction/removal costs for Chesterville Road property owners, and confirming the process for addressing property issues at 126 Penn Green Road. The Land Trust provided an update on the Pigliacampi Building, outlining requirements for the owner to submit formal plans for the art studio. Additionally, progress on the Township office building renovations was reported, and efforts to secure a $100,000 grant for the Yeatmans Station Road Culvert were detailed.

The Board reviewed the road report and authorized gathering stormwater data. Discussion included the approval of a new mower purchase and various zoning reports, including updates on property complaints and permit investigations. A presentation was held regarding the Historical Commission's 2025 review and 2026 objectives. The Board agreed to participate in a coordinating committee for the MDHIP plan, approved an audit engagement letter, and reviewed subdivision plans for the Stoltzfus property. Other topics addressed included tree trimming concerns, office renovations, grant opportunities, and addressing bamboo issues on private property.

The meeting included several oaths of office being administered to a Township Supervisor, the Tax Collector, and a scheduled oath for an Auditor to be administered later. The Board unanimously adopted Resolution #26-3, appointing various officials and consultants for one-year terms, including the Zoning Officer, Roadmaster, and legal counsel. Resolution #26-4 was also adopted, appointing members to the Planning Commission, Vacancy Board, Zoning Hearing Board, Park and Recreation Board, Historical Commission, and other boards with terms specified through 2029. Resolution #26-5 confirmed fire protection, ambulance, and police service providers. Resolution #26-6 established the 2025 mileage reimbursement rate at $0.725 per mile. Department reports included road and park updates for December 2025, and zoning matters such as permit reviews and ongoing work regarding code violations. New business covered scheduling discussions related to MS4 requirements with engineers and an upcoming DEP inspection, review of grant applications, and updates on water sampling results for the Windsor WWTP. Old business included updates on the Chesterville Road bamboo issue, HOA trails mapping, PECO tree trimming, and researching Township Right-of-Way (ROW) deeds.

The New Business section addressed several items, including approving the outstanding balance payment for the County's Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program for 2025 and confirming commitment to the 2026 budget. The Board promulgated the Emergency Operations Plan, adopted under Resolution #25-20. Outcomes from the MS4/Grant meeting with Pennoni were discussed, noting an upcoming inspection and the creation of a new Stormwater Management landing page, alongside discussions about future grant possibilities for Yeatmans Station Rd culvert work. Contracts for West Grove Fire & EMS Company, Avondale Fire Co. and Ambulance, SCCEMS, and Red Tail Restoration were reviewed and unanimously approved. In Old Business, the Board supported applying for a grant to fund culvert repairs at Yeatmans Station. Financial reports were presented, and various fund transactions, including ACH payments, check approvals, and transfers between the General Fund and other designated funds (Park, Open Space, Capital, Sewage, Highway), were authorized.

The Board discussed the 2025 year-end report from the Avondale Fire Company and future merger plans. Road projects for the upcoming year were reviewed, including striping and paving work, for which bids were authorized. The Board considered potential accessory use ordinances, including solar and wind, and received updates on various township maintenance projects, including bamboo remediation, office renovations, and a successful DEP audit. New business items included the authorization of document shredding services, a proposed joint session with the Planning Commission, participation in the Chester County flood spotter initiative, and a visit from a local scout troop regarding local government operations. The Board also conducted a financial review and authorized various fund transfers and bill payments.