Christopher J. Clause

The Regular Business Meeting agenda included announcements for several upcoming township events such as the Environmental Advisory Council Educational Hike, the Hop and Hunt Event, Spring Leaf Pick Up, and Spring Clean Up. Key considerations involved the consent agenda, which included approval of the Bill Pack totaling $120,316.78. Reports were expected from Emergency Services, Solicitor, Engineer, Township Manager, Environmental Advisory Council, and Supervisors. New Business focused on the consideration of approving surveys for the Smithfield Sewer Authority SR 0209 Expansion Project.

Key discussions during the meeting focused on several items related to ongoing projects and communications. The council addressed minor edits to previously distributed meeting minutes. Significant time was spent planning for future environmental events, including the Mount Evo Park hike and the Thunder Swamp Educational Hike, with plans to coordinate promotion via local radio and press releases, framing discussions around Earth Day. The council also reviewed progress on the 2025 annual report, agreeing to divide the work and establish internal deadlines for review. Additionally, the committee reviewed a draft Right to Know request concerning permit-related documents for the municipal wastewater treatment plant, concluding with a motion to recommend approval to the supervisors. Finally, the development of a trifold document was discussed, focusing on creating an official mission statement for the EAC and determining appropriate, timeless content, such as volunteer sign-up QR codes, to ensure longevity of the printed material.

The meeting addressed the approval of the November 13, 2025 minutes. Old business included discussions regarding the Smithfield Township Data Center Update Amendment to the ordinance, specifically focusing on updating decommissioning language to include bonds or letters of credit, and complex noise and sound provisions, including low-frequency hums and the application of narrow band analysis versus octave band analysis. The commission decided to move forward with recommendations similar to those provided by Fen Future as a starting point while deferring detailed modification. The committee also reviewed the draft Sign Ordinance Update, which incorporates updated definitions, provisions for prohibited and non-conforming signs, temporary sign criteria, and edits regarding zoning districts. This draft ordinance is being sent for county and TNM review, with an in-depth analysis scheduled for the January meeting. New business featured a sketch plan presentation for the Smithfield Gateway data center development, detailing engineering, acoustical studies, and power commitment, emphasizing that the project is in the early stages awaiting further study completion before engaging end-users.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions involved the consent agenda, which included approval of the January 28, 2026 regular meeting minutes and a bill total of $123,674.11 between general and federal escrow funds, as well as approval of the PMRS agreement extension. Legal counsel provided an update on municipal work, including preparations for the water gap appeal enforcement notice hearing and the review of the revised sign ordinance. The engineering report covered reviews of data center materials and discussions regarding the Post Office Road bridge, which was officially opened following communication with PennDOT regarding weight restrictions. A significant portion of the meeting focused on updates regarding the Route 611 project with PennDOT, noting a slower timeline due to an environmental analysis process, and correspondence regarding the Gateway Community Explorer Act pilot program, where public comment was submitted. Furthermore, a detailed update was provided concerning the Amtrak project's Step 2 study, which requires comprehensive environmental reviews, and the board was informed of a public comment opportunity scheduled for February 19th.

The meeting commenced with audio checks for virtual attendees and a call to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A significant portion of the discussion involved the designation of 'Doctor' in meeting minutes for members who have earned doctorates, resulting in a motion to include the designation moving forward. Key old business involved the update on the Benwalamink wastewater treatment plant, specifically confirming the Environmental Advisory Council's support via a letter requesting a public hearing. Edits to this letter included adding context regarding chlorine toxicity to aquatic life and noting declorination as an alternative to upgrading to UV technology. The council approved submitting the amended letter. New business covered upcoming EAC events, including the Mount Nebo Park Educational Hike scheduled for March 28, 2026, and planning for the 'Pick Up The Poconos' event, where the council discussed three potential locations (Buttermilk Falls Road, Seven Bridge Road, and East Brown Street Park) and ultimately leaned toward Buttermilk Falls due to parking and logistical considerations, including potential assistance from the township for trash collection.