Geoff Hickman

Key discussions included the appointment of new officers, resulting in Jennifer Schauble being elected Chairperson, Charles Rossi as Vice Chairperson, and Elizabeth Jenaway as Secretary. Liaison reports covered Emergency Management preparations for inauguration day, updates from Fire and EMS including the expectation of two new ambulances by summertime, a municipal fleet study, efforts to address staffing shortages, the graduation of the first 13 EMTs, and Upper Merion Fire and EMS supporting the county SWAT mission. The Police liaison reported on two new officers graduating from the academy and beginning FTO, personnel moves to detectives, collaboration with Montgomery County Human Services for social service interactions, and various completed training sessions. The police department handled over 29,000 calls for service in 2024 and is currently accepting applications for new officers. The general liaison report indicated that the board is interviewing candidates for an open position and that comprehensive plan meetings will resume soon. A joint meeting with the Board of Supervisors is scheduled for April 24, 2025.

The meeting included liaison reports from Emergency Management, Fire and EMS, and Police departments, as well as a general report from the Township Supervisor. The Emergency Management report detailed successful handling of large events like the Queen of Prussia race and the Kings Head Regatta, noted a recent gas leak incident, and mentioned upcoming training, including preparation for the opening of the Netflix House. The Fire and EMS report highlighted expected delivery delays for two new ambulances and a new engine, discussed current staffing challenges countered by six new hires, and announced the commencement of the Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) operations, detailing its staffing and purpose. Concerns were raised regarding traffic incidents due to PA Turnpike toll plaza removal and 76 expansion plans. The Police report covered new hires completing the Police Academy, upcoming advanced training sessions including a radiological drill, and recent incidents such as pedestrian accidents and a mall robbery where bear spray was deployed. The Township Supervisor report addressed potential conversions of office buildings to apartments, a high office vacancy rate, potential construction of three hockey rinks, Amazon's interest in the area with associated electric demand concerns, and PennDOT's plans for 76. The general comments included scheduling the PSCAB meetings for 2026.

Liaison reports covered several significant updates. The Emergency Management report noted staffing of the high water rescue vehicle due to rain/tornado warnings, planning for upcoming regattas, and ongoing work on threat response procedures with Town Center management, as well as marking emergency access points along the Schykill River West Trail. The Fire and EMS report detailed a delay in new ambulance delivery until Q2 2026, the start of onboarding for the Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) which had its ribbon cutting on June 18, 2025, and commendations for staff performance during numerous recent vehicle accidents and mutual aid calls. The Police report highlighted achieving official PLEAC accreditation and Premier Agency status for the third consecutive cycle, the hiring of two new officers and a Records and Communications Supervisor, hosting a FEMA training, and plans for rolling out a new police accountability system. Future joint trainings are scheduled focusing on emergency incident response, including radiological issues. Supervisor Jenaway's report mentioned traffic safety officer input for the planning commission, Upper Merion's EV ordinances serving as an example for other municipalities, and the upcoming Firefighters Association conference in September.

The meeting commenced with a reorganization, maintaining current positions and establishing future meeting schedules for the second Monday of the month at 6:45 PM. Discussions covered children's programming, including drop-in sessions for PreK and middle schoolers. The Coordinator reported on new adult and teen programming, such as a Creative Vision Board Workshop and Teen Mindfulness sessions. Library resources updates included the ongoing transition from Amazon to Ingram for procurement. Staffing currently involves one open position while a new staff member begins training. The Supervisor Liaison provided updates on the book "Threshold to Valley Forge" and an upcoming author visit by Laurie Halse Anderson for America 250. New Business included the unanimous approval of a library closure request for staff training on February 16, 2026, a review of library card procedures, and the distribution of the Annual Report and Year in Review.

Key discussions and actions included the swearing-in ceremony for new Police, Fire, and EMS personnel. The Board heard a presentation from the Board of Community Assistance and proclaimed Black History Month. A Conditional Use Hearing was held regarding the Arden 252 Development, LLC project involving the creation of flag lots. The Board also addressed a motion to advertise a public hearing for a proposed ordinance on Data Center Regulations. Furthermore, Resolution No 2026-6 was considered for adoption to authorize a $250,000 grant application for the Town Center Road Right-of-Way and Lighting Project. The Consent Agenda covered multiple items, including approval of a payment application for Recharge Park services, extension of the EMS Fellowship Agreement with the University of Pennsylvania Health System, approval of a consultant fee increase for Neuman & Associates related to development services, supplemental budget appropriations funded by 2025 Verizon Grant Money for equipment, and authorization to lease/purchase new Public Safety vehicles.