Donald G. Karpowich

The meeting commenced with a reorganization session where Roseann Ervin was appointed Chairman, Joseph Zeller as Vice-Chairman, and Matthew Balliet as Secretary. The general meeting included a review of correspondence and discussion on Old Business concerning the Mill Mountain Major Subdivision, where aquifer testing plans were approved and testing was scheduled. In New Business, the commission voted to recommend approval to the zoning hearing board for Frank Ozbek's Special Exception Request for storage units, addressing concerns regarding buffer zones and lighting. The commission also recommended approval of proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance concerning notice requirements for adjoining landowners and the review of special exception applications. Finally, the commission recommended approval for the Apostolic Faith Church Special Exception Request to use the property as a house of worship, after reviewing attendance projections, parking, and sound control measures.

Key discussions focused on the Mill Mountain Major Subdivision, where the geologist presented updates on the pumping plan review, including methodology for testing private wells to determine groundwater recharge capacity for future housing density. The project was ultimately tabled pending further testing. The EMR RE Properties, LLC Minor Subdivision application was denied because a land development plan was required, and the applicant was instructed to resubmit. During the Hearing of the Citizens, inquiries were made regarding updates on Wawa or Sheetz submissions and the reason for the repeal of the Township Noise Ordinance, with comments also raised concerning the impacts of data centers.

A matter involving a Special Exception was discussed, and the Board voted to keep the matter open and refer it to the Planning Commission. The application and report will be sent to the Commission's Solicitor for placement on the January agenda, with a recommendation expected for the Board's January 20, 2026 meeting. Citizens spoke on topics unrelated to the agenda items during the open floor for hearing.

This Pollutant Reduction Plan outlines strategies for Butler Township to achieve mandated reductions in pollutant loads over a five-year period. Key objectives include a minimum 10% reduction of Sediment, 5% reduction of Total Phosphorus, and 3% reduction of Total Nitrogen. The plan details the implementation of various Water Quality Stormwater Management Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as sand filter basins, stream restoration projects, infiltration basins, and bioswales, prioritizing cost-effectiveness and utilization of township-owned properties near existing streams. The plan includes funding mechanisms and identifies responsible parties for operation and maintenance of the BMPs.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the Treasurer's Report and payment of invoices. Various departmental reports for April 2025 (Police, Zoning/Code Enforcement, Wastewater, Sewage Enforcement Officer, Recreation, Road Department, VRF&R Chief's and EMA, and VRF&R Financial) were accepted. New business involved awarding the 2025 Fuel Bid to Button Energy, granting a time extension for the Edgewood Resort Minor Subdivision review, and approving several Sewage Facilities Planning Module Resolutions for Blooming Dreams Development, LLC and Terra Investments. Approvals were also granted for the NEP Honey Hole / Verizon Wireless Land Development, including five waiver requests and final approval. The Supervisors authorized the Township Solicitor to advertise for a public hearing regarding the updated Stormwater Management Ordinance and to prepare an ordinance amendment to name Medvecky Road. Letters of support for Butler Township's Seniors were approved, and the use of township-owned property by State Rep. Jamie Walsh was denied. Several contract ratifications were approved, including extensions for Pitney Bowes and Ironton Global, and transfers for copier/printer and uniform contracts. The Township agreed to collaborate on next steps for funding the National Fitness Campaign and approved a $0.50 per hour pay rate increase for Summer Park Program employees, along with hiring one part-time Counselor. Resolutions were adopted supporting America250PA, objecting to a PPL Electric Utilities Project Plan, and opposing the potential closure of the Penn State Hazleton Campus. An ordinance regulating fireworks, pyrotechnics, and sky lanterns was adopted. Citizens raised concerns regarding a property swale violation, noise ordinance issues, and support for a local representative.