Jeff Gentile

The agenda for the Township Council Meeting includes several key items. Presentations will cover a Drone Presentation by Detective Sergeant G. Moore. Reports will be provided by the Solicitor, Township Engineer, Township Manager, Finance Director, and Police Chief. Under Zoning, Subdivision, and Land Development, there is a Conditional Use Hearing scheduled for 1900 N. Providence Road regarding an SLMS Track and Field. Unfinished business involves a Capital Projects Status review and the first reading of Ordinance 571 concerning a stop sign on Meadowbrook Lane. New Business items include considering the voucher list, authorizing a traffic/parking study for Cherry St Park, a donation request from Media Little League, considering the purchase of two police vehicles, soliciting bids for demolition at 1401 N. Providence Road, presentation and selection of a design option for the new public works facility, and a Ballot Drop Box License Agreement with Delaware County.

The Reorganization Meeting involved the installation of elected officials for various districts. Key actions included the election of the Council Chairperson (Ms. Peterson) and Vice Chairperson (Mr. Akarsoy) for 2026. The Council adopted several resolutions, including rules of procedure, appointments for Finance Director/Assistant Secretary, Township Treasurer/Secretary, and the appointment of Carl Ewald as Township Solicitor. Administrative Committee appointments were established for Fiscal, Public Safety, Public Works, Community Development, and Administration. Resolutions were also passed to set the holiday schedule and designate 2026 depositories for Township funds. Appointments were made for Township Engineer, Code Enforcement Official, Road Master, and various other officers including inspectors and the Fire Marshal. Other counsel and the 2026 Auditors were appointed. The Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 567 authorizing temporary debt up to $5,000,000, Ordinance 568 fixing the 2026 tax levy at 2.1 mills, and Ordinance 569 amending stop signs at specified intersections. Ordinance 570, authorizing the purchase of 1401 N. Providence Road for the Public Works Department, was also approved pending an environmental study. Finally, reappointments were made to the Sewer Authority, Zoning Hearing Board, and Environmental Commission.

The Zoning Hearing Board meeting agenda included the review of minutes from the previous Reorganization Meeting held on January 28, 2026. The Old Business section concerned Case # 25-11, involving a variance request by Moa Biftu for a recreational accessory structure setback at 2 Steeplechase Dr. The applicant seeks to permit a rear yard setback of 37.04 feet where a 50-foot setback is required by Zoning Code Section 1258.01 and Table B for B-1 single-family use in the R-2 Zoning District. There were no items listed under New Business.

The Council meeting commenced with a Public Forum covering resident requests regarding a handicapped parking spot, issues with bamboo encroachment and fencing at Weldon Street Tot Lot, and speeding concerns. Awards and announcements included recognizing National Law Enforcement Day and noting the upcoming closure for MLK Day. The Solicitor reported on pending litigation and a redistricting hearing scheduled for February 2026. The Engineer provided updates on the road program fieldwork, selection of a cost-effective system for the Ridley Creek retaining wall, and forthcoming sidewalk upgrade proposals for Providence Road, in addition to scheduling a stop sign study. The Township Manager noted the satisfactory performance of the new trash disposal company and progress on summer camps. Finance reported the start of a new 457 provider and the amount of the 2025 EIT. The Police Chief reviewed statistics, body camera training, a successful Elves campaign, and the receipt of a speed calming grant. New business included approving the December 2025 voucher list, approving a donation to the Penncrest AM Prom Committee, denying a donation to the Penncrest Basketball Boosters, approving a line of credit reduction for Woods at Rose Tree, appointing the 2026 Township Tax Collection Agency, and appointing the Actuary for the 2026 pension plans. The Council also approved a one-year AV Service Agreement with IMS Technology Services.

The Council Business Meeting included several key discussions. Residents addressed the public works efforts after a snow event, a proposed ban on lawn equipment, a request for lithium battery recycling, and concerns regarding road salt use and classified wetlands. The Environmental Commission provided a presentation on 2025 accomplishments and 2026 goals, and announced the awarding of a $604,000.00 multi-modal grant for sidewalk infrastructure. Media Little League discussed initiatives for their 75th year, including starting a challenger league and pursuing ADA compliance. Action items included the appointment of Michael Geise to the Environmental Commission, approval of a voucher list totaling $560,282.74, presentation of municipal complex design options, authorization for engineering studies for the public works facility at 1401 N. Providence Road, and approval of a Letter of Understanding concerning EMS reorganization. The Council also accepted a contribution offer for road repair on Weldon Ave and approved the Snow Emergency Declaration related to the January 25, 2026, snowstorm. Items regarding the RFP for Architectural Services and Electrical Supplier were tabled.