Herbert Bender

The meeting commenced with the installation of incoming Commissioners Sharon Fehlinger-Ricker and Glenn Guanowsky, followed by the reorganization proceedings. Key actions included the nomination and election of Commissioner Jacob Roth as President and Commissioner Diane Kelly as Vice President. Several Township officials were reappointed, including Tricia Dickert as Township Secretary, Herbert Bender as Township Treasurer, and Thomas R. Petrucci as Township Manager. Resolutions were adopted to amend the Fee Schedule for various administrative and permit fees, establish compensation for the Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor, and approve the updated Blanket Purchase Order Listing. Furthermore, the Board appointed Jaryd Winkelbauer as Lieutenant and Haley Marouchoc as Sergeant for the Police Department. The Board also approved a security reduction for the Parkland School District Kratzer Elementary School project, noting the President's recusal due to a conflict of interest. A financial review for November 2025 presented year-to-date budget performance across multiple funds.

This document is a proposal presented by Greenawalds Fire/Rescue to the South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners advocating for the replacement of Rescue 11. It details the necessity of replacing the aging 2006 KME vehicle due to rising maintenance costs, wear and tear, and its inadequacy for an expanded operational mission that now encompasses a wider range of technical and heavy rescue incidents. The proposal outlines research into manufacturers, the benefits of a new 'Walk-In' Rescue, its alignment with the Township's 2025 apparatus priorities through 2037, and Greenawalds' financial investment through grants and fundraising. The plan targets a 2030 delivery for the new vehicle, which is projected to have a 20-year service life, providing enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and long-term cost-effectiveness.

Key discussions and actions taken during the meeting included a Police Department Badge Pinning Ceremony promoting two officers. The Board adopted an ordinance establishing a Sewer Lateral Inspection Program requiring inspection at every property sale to mitigate inflow and infiltration issues at the Kline's Island Treatment Plant. An ordinance was approved to advertise the vacation of an unopened alley known as Orator Street. Numerous resolutions were adopted, including the appointment of an Assistant Township Secretary and reappointments to various Township boards and commissions such as the Pension Committee, Civil Service Commission, Environmental Advisory Council, and others, with one reappointment being tabled pending review by new staff. Significant motions addressed capital expenditures, including the approval of a $1,847,976.00 expenditure for a replacement Fire Apparatus (Rescue 11), the second installment payment for TASER 10 devices, the purchase of four Chevrolet Tahoes for the Police Department fleet upgrade, and the purchase of replacement vehicles and heavy equipment for Public Works (Ford F-600 dump truck, Leeboy Tack Tank, Ford F-350 utility truck, and John Deere Back Hoe). The Board also approved resolutions related to police and public works pension contribution rates and settlement stipulations regarding property assessment appeals involving Parkland School District. Consideration of a Pre-development Tree Clearing Agreement was tabled due to unresolved public safety concerns regarding potential unexploded ordnance on the property.

The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda included reviewing the financial performance for December 2025 Year-to-Date across various funds, including the General Fund, Fire Tax Fund, Water Fund, Sewer Fund, Refuse/Recycling Fund, Capital Fund, and State Highway Aid Fund. Key legislative actions involved motions to advertise three draft ordinances: one amending the Deferred Compensation Plan to reestablish and restate it consistent with SECURE 2.0 Act requirements; a second adding a new article regarding Towing from Private Property; and a third establishing a procedure for Street Vacations. Additionally, the Board considered a resolution appointing Kent Baird as the Zoning Officer and another granting Preliminary/Final Approval to the "Tilghman Holdings LLC" major plan. Motions were also planned to proceed with advertising bids for Road Building Materials and Roadway Asphalt Milling, and to approve purchases for a zero-turn mower and two mobile data terminal computers.

The meeting included a police department badge pinning ceremony for promotions to Lieutenant and Sergeant. Key agenda items involved the adoption of an ordinance amending Chapter 274 regarding the Sewer Lateral Inspection Program and an ordinance providing for the vacation of an unopened alley known as Orator Street. Numerous resolutions were adopted, including appointments to several boards and commissions such as the Assistant Township Secretary, Pension Committee, Civil Service Commission, Environmental Advisory Council, Landscape and Shade Tree Commission, Parks and Recreation Board, Planning Commission, and Public Safety Commission. Resolutions also authorized the Chief of Police to execute a speed enforcement Inter-Governmental Agreement with the Pennsylvania State Police, approved the Township Standard Construction Specifications, approved a Grant of Right-of-Way Agreement with PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, and established reduced contribution amounts for the Police Pension Plan and set the required contribution for the Public Works Union Pension Plan for 2026. Additionally, the Board approved settlement stipulations related to tax assessment matters involving Parkland School District. Several motions were passed authorizing significant capital expenditures, including the purchase of a replacement Rescue apparatus, Taser units, four Chevrolet Tahoes, a Ford F-600 dump truck, a Leeboy Tack Tank, a Ford F-350 utility truck, and a John Deere Back Hoe.