Henry T. Fownes

The workshop meeting addressed several significant items. A proclamation recognizing a generous donation to the Memorial Park Improvement Project Phase II was tabled. The board rescinded the approval for the Barger and Henry Side Lot Addition and unanimously appointed Todd McKee to the vacant 2-year Board of Elected Auditors position. Signers were appointed for all township accounts. Contracts were approved for a dumpster service and the purchase of a vacant lot in Linds Crossing. The board accepted the low bid from Guyer Brothers Excavating, Inc. for the Sylvan Heights Drive Sewer Extension Phase 11 project. Discussions included the status of the Martin Subdivision sketch plan, and the authorization for document submission to DEP for the West Loop Culvert Repair. Department updates covered road work performance, submission of grant applications for the Park Project targeting a 2027 construction start, the purchase of a new office laptop, and a follow-up meeting scheduled regarding the Logan Blvd Tree Project. The Zoning Officer provided an update on the expired compliance deadline for the Bryan Hummel duck issue.

Key discussions included an update on HALAS calls and the upcoming membership drive. Concerns were raised by a resident regarding increased testing requirements from the DEP for subdivisions greater than 1 acre. The Board approved a contract for Yingling Tree Service to remove a tree from Hickory Hill. Under subdivision and land developments, updates were provided on Canoe Creek State Park review, Winsome Farms status, Glass Bagging permit amendments, Perry's Orchard paperwork, Sylvan Heights Drive Sewer Extension bidding schedule, and filing of the West Loop Culvert Repair DEP General Permit. The Board unanimously approved resolutions authorizing the submission of the Biltz Small Flow Treatment System planning module. Manager Fownes reported on the LSA grant application, Blair Planning hours, and plans to discuss making rental houses the owner's responsibility in January. The Road Foreman reported on leaf collection completion and winter preparations. The Sewer Inspector noted the Rolling Hills sewer project punch list items and a recent camera repair. The Zoning Officer reported on coded permits and noted an upcoming executive session regarding a "duck issue" complaint.

The meeting included discussions and motions related to several key items. These included the approval of the November Financial Statement, passing and adopting Ordinance No. 20251202-1, which amends the MANUFACTURING-FARMING Zoning District to the MANUFACTURING-FARMING AND PRINCIPAL SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM Zoning District. Additionally, the board considered approving a PennVest Reimbursement Pay Request for the Rolling Hills & Old Town Village Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project, approving the engineer to prepare and advertise the Bid for the Sylvan Heights Drive Sewer Extension Project, and approving Resolution No. 2025-1202-1, which establishes the compensation of the Township Manager and approves the employment agreement.

The meeting included discussions on ambulance services, with Hollidaysburg Ambulance reporting on their service and concerns about Jet Response soliciting services. Jessica Ulery from Ameriprise discussed the Township's portfolio and suggested opening a U.S. Money Market account for accrued interest on CDs. Updates were provided on the Rolling Hills/Oldtown Village project, with issues needing to be addressed before final payment. Subdivision and land development matters were reviewed, including the Norris Subdivision and Barger/Henry Side lot Addition. Stormwater complaints were addressed, and discussions were held regarding the Sylvan Heights Drive Sewer Extension. The Frankstown Memorial Park Phase 2 project was discussed, including letters of support and potential private donations. Revisions to the Zoning Ordinance regarding Solar Energy Systems were discussed, with a focus on setback and glaring concerns. Legislative updates were provided, including HB 502 and HB 1291. The closure of the DCNR Grant for Phase 1 was announced, and employee recertification for the Safety Committee was noted. Roadcrew activities and sewer-related issues were discussed, including PennDOT paving Reservoir Rd. Zoning Officer activities were reviewed, including a civil action related to a duck farm. A draft ordinance for Supervisor's Pay was mentioned for future review.

The meeting agenda primarily focused on organizational matters for the year 2026. Key actions included the election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and the appointment of various township officials such as the Secretary, Treasurer, Solicitor, Code Enforcement Officer, and Township Engineer. Appointments for the Zoning Hearing Board for 2026 and the determination that all three Supervisors will serve as Road Master were also addressed. Administrative items covered supervisor eligibility for the Township-paid insurance plan, the amount of errors and omissions insurance coverage, and the schedule for future public meetings. Furthermore, the Township's banking institutions and the selection of Health Force for employee physical examinations and pre-employment drug testing were reviewed. The Board also addressed the adoption of the revised Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual, including the per-mile reimbursement rate, and considered a motion to approve a 4% pay raise for eligible employees effective January 1, 2026.