Craig Kologie

The meeting commenced with the review of the 2026 West Nantmeal Township budget, which was subsequently approved in the amount of $1,071,687.00. Other new business included a review of the Reorganization agenda. Finally, the scheduled bills for payment were reviewed and approved for disbursement.

The Planning Commission meeting addressed new business, specifically reviewing the conditional use application for the Fairview Road Subdivision. The Commission voted on three motions recommending actions to the Board of Supervisors concerning this subdivision: prohibiting wetlands on individual lots, mandating an effective visual buffer screen along Fairview Road maintained by an HOA, and assigning responsibility for all perimeter buffers to an HOA. Additionally, it was noted that no plans have yet been received for the Arbor's Edge subdivision on Chestnut Tree Road.

The meeting included a public comment period with no input received on the agenda items. Key discussions involved the Treasurer's Report and detailed fund balances across operating, designated, and investment accounts. Updates were provided on ongoing engineering projects, specifically the Yoder Road widening and issues with as-built plans for a culvert. The Zoning Officer reported on enforcement efforts, and the Planning Commission reviewed the draft anaerobic digester ordinance, providing recommendations, and noted the comprehensive plan is nearing finalization. Road maintenance activities, including the evaluation of a new Mack truck for salting and drainage ditch cleaning, were also reported. The EMS committee secured a grant for AEDs. New business centered on approving the 2026 contract with Twin Valley Fire Department. Old business addressed the anaerobic digester ordinance, resulting in the approval to advertise one ordinance related to food processing residuals storage and the approval of a 2500' setback for the regional biodigester use ordinance, which will then be sent for county review. The 2026 budget was approved for advertising, and outstanding bills were processed for payment.

The meeting included a reorganization where new officers, including the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, were elected. The Commission announced that the start time for future meetings will change to 7 p.m. During the Citizens Forum, attendees discussed concerns regarding a co-digestion anaerobic digester in a nearby township, requesting the Township establish an ordinance and amend the Comprehensive Plan to protect local soil, home values, and water resources. New Business involved a favorable recommendation for a Conditional Use Hearing for the Hammell-O'Donnell Business Park, addressing specific points from a consultant's review letter. The Commission also supported the Preliminary/Final Approval, subject to conditions, of the Ford-Rigg Minor Subdivision Plan to divide an existing lot into two residential lots. The Comprehensive Plan Review was noted as Old Business.

The Planning Commission discussed a sketch plan for single-family detached homes in the C1 Zoning District, focusing on emergency access, density, buffering, and parking. Concerns were raised by the public regarding density, buffering, and traffic. The Commission also reviewed a zoning hearing application for a privacy fence and changes to operating hours and pork processing. Additionally, members reviewed the Future Land Use segment of the draft Township Comprehensive Plan.