Douglas Jones

The meeting began with the swearing-in ceremony for Zachary Robert Bubnes as a newly appointed police officer for the Township of Lower Salford, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Discussions included public comment periods, approval of the consent agenda, and committee reports from the Zoning Hearing Board and Park Board, noting new park board members. The Fire Chief provided reports detailing 36 calls for service in January 2026 and a summary of 2025 annual statistics, noting 2025 was the busiest year on record. The Communications Committee reported on plans to resume sending resident letters and update the resident survey. New Business included discussions and requests for waivers regarding the preliminary/final residential subdivision for 0 Hoffman Road, focusing on stormwater management pipe diameters and material requirements. The Board also reviewed and authorized advertising for Ordinance 2026-02, amending signage requirements for the AO zoning district. Finally, the Board reviewed Resolution 2026-04488 for the Charliesville Pike Preliminary Land Development Plan Approval, addressing zoning waivers, existing approvals (PennDOT HOP and NPDES permit), and resident concerns regarding trees and privacy barriers.

The committee discussed several recurring items, including township presence at the December Holiday Market, where development outcomes for the Allebach Farm property were illustrated using a "yield plan." The committee noted a focus on raising awareness about the farm preservation effort, as some residents were unaware of the required May referendum. Discussions also covered improving the placement of the Constant Contact newsletter signup on the website and establishing a standard operating procedure for snow emergency notifications. The performance of the interactive development map and outreach strategies for local informal online groups were reviewed. Unfinished business centered on Allebach Farm preservation planning, noting that Natural Lands Trust presentations are scheduled between February and April, and settlement timing is contingent on a successful May referendum. New business involved reviving a mailed welcome letter program for new residents, timed to avoid coincidence with the twice-yearly Township newsletter, and ensuring associated QR codes are updated. The committee also discussed upcoming reorganization and officer elections scheduled for the January meeting.

The meeting included the Annual Reorganization where the chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary were elected. The committee discussed alternating meeting facilitation for the following year. During the public comment segment, a Junior Supervisor requested an overview of the committee's advisory role and suggested potential avenues for sharing township information, such as through the local high school newspaper and Instagram. Key recurring items included discussing township presence at upcoming events, finalizing content for the early May physical newsletter, and improving resident compliance with snow emergency parking restrictions, including proposing physical fliers for enforcement. The committee also discussed improving the visibility of snow emergency routes online and setting resident expectations regarding snow plowing timelines. Unfinished business included planning community outreach for the Allebach Farm preservation and recommending a simplified, QR-code-based approach for restarting the new resident welcome letter program. New business involved reviewing prior survey results to inform a potential channel refresh and deferring action on an associate member application.

The meeting included the reaffirmation of the 2026 Authority Board positions, such as Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. The Board amended the agenda to include the appointment of professional service contractors and unanimously reappointed the Solicitor, Engineer, Energy Consultant, SCADA Consultant, Independent Auditor, and Depositories of Funds for the 2026 calendar year. The Treasurer's Report for December 31, 2025, detailing operating expenses, payroll, and capital requisitions, was approved. The Solicitor provided an update on outstanding PSAs and the Indian Creek TMDL case. The Plant Operations Report noted a generator running issue at the Tyson Road Pump station during a storm event. The Business Manager's Report included the approval of a sewer service application from Lewis Ennis, which involved connecting a parcel to the existing system and included approval for a reduction in the required PSA Escrow from $10,000 to $5,000. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to address a private matter.

The session included a public comment period where a resident expressed concerns regarding a development project (488 Harley'sville Pike). Specific concerns involved the safety of a proposed school bus waiting area on Route 113 adjacent to a bike lane, potential obstruction of view for residents leaving Meeting House Road, conflicts between project drawings (DM100, ARS print CG110) and local ordinances regarding grading setbacks and tree removal near property lines and floodplains, and inconsistencies in submitted data related to stormwater runoff and wetland protection. The Public Works Director provided updates on limited projects, noting delays in the Main Street sidewalk project due to utility coordination for a dentist office and standstill status for other sidewalk contractors. Updates also covered electrical reliability projects by Pico in Stormfield Development and Pioneer Circle, scheduled future work on Culp Road and a broader area including Yoda Road and Clemens Road, progress on the new public works facility design, and snow removal operations. Additionally, the department is dealing with ongoing salt supply issues and preparing bids for equipment rental, base repair, and pavement marking for award in March. New equipment, including a loader plow, has been delivered, and used office furniture was acquired for future departmental use.