Jeff Kerlin

The Planning Commission meeting included reviews of several land development projects. For the Tractor Supply Development Project, no update was available as the representative did not attend. For the Little Mates Land Development Project, engineering concerns regarding traffic flow and parking were discussed, requiring the developer to submit compliance letters from the Water and Sewer Authority. The commission also noted that the Glick Subdivision Project applicants have submitted a zoning board variance application. A key discussion involved reviewing proposed language for expanding the "Common Open Space" Requirement in SALDO and determining if the proposed plan aligns with the expectations of the upcoming Board of Supervisors. Other business included questioning the calculation method for fees in lieu of open space and beginning work on an ordinance for potential AI Centers projects.

The Planning Commission meeting addressed several plan reviews and other business items. Regarding plan reviews, the Tractor Supply Development Project presentation was postponed pending a response from the Conservation District. Input and clarification were provided for the Magnolia Greene Land Development and Subdivision project, including a motion to recommend approval of their extension request until February 17, 2026. The Glick Subdivision Project status was updated, noting the intent to submit for a variance. Other business included discussion on expanding the "Common Open Space" Requirement in SALDO, with requests for input from the Township Engineer and Zoning Officer regarding "Fee in Lieu" proposal language.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss personnel and legal issues. Key discussions covered zoning enforcement, including complaints regarding a property on West Main Street and issuing a Notice of Violation for a property on Blue Rock Hill Road, which involved board support for police assistance if necessary. The Supervisors reviewed reports from various departments. Significant actions included approving a ninety-day extension for the Glick Project and expressing displeasure with PennDOT's decision regarding a roundabout concerning the New Morgan Warehouses traffic study. The Board reviewed a new Supreme Court decision impacting agenda amendments. A Resolution was approved to transfer a $250,000.00 year-end surplus to the Township's Accrual account, allocated across various department funds. Key business involved discussing an ordinance amendment for snow/ice removal enforcement, adopting Ordinance 334 to amend fence regulations following a public hearing, granting escrow releases for Viwinco and Apartments on Main, approving the second payment for the Salt Shed Project, and approving 2026 tax rates and the 2026 Annual Budget via multiple resolutions. The Board accepted the resignation of Officer William Reppert, authorized advertisement for a full-time police officer, and discussed settlement agreements with Officer Reppert and Conestoga Christin Day School Association. Finally, the Board accepted the resignation of Supervisor Paul Whiteman, Jr. and scheduled a Vacancy Board Meeting to address the vacancy of Jack Hess' position, as Paul Whiteman, Jr. nominated himself for that spot.

The Reorganization Meeting involved the formal reorganization of the Board of Supervisors, including the unanimous election of Paul Whiteman, Jr. as Chairperson and Keith Fritz as Vice-Chairman for 2026. Key business items included the adoption of Resolution 2026-01 setting the Police Pension Fund member contribution rate at 5%. The Board reenacted the Real Estate Transfer Tax Resolution (Resolution 2025-02) without substantial change for 2026 and adopted the 2026 Fee Schedule (Resolution 2026-03), which included an updated stormwater plan review fee. The Supervisors also addressed multiple appointments and re-appointments to various boards and committees via Resolution 2026-04 and Resolution 2026-05. Further actions included setting the mileage rate at $0.725 cents per mile, appointing delegates to the Tax Collection Committee (CCTC), appointing PSATS as the CDL and Non-CDL Testing Agency, joining the Countywide UCC Appeals Board, authorizing Department Heads to expend up to $2,500.00, appointing Fire Police for 2026, delegating the Township Administrator for audits, delegating Supervisor Keith Fritz as the PSATs Voting Delegate, authorizing non-CDL operators for snow/ice removal, approving rules for recording devices, confirming the format for regular/special meetings, naming auditors for the 2025 Financial Audit, authorizing early payment of certain operating disbursements, and approving 2026 employee wage increases, which included adjustments for CDL/Non-CDL drivers.

The Regular Monthly Meeting included public comments from members of the Joanna Club regarding a proposed solar project, leading to the board inviting them to a future Workshop meeting for further discussion. Correspondence reviewed included the PSATS October Newsletter and a PennDOT notice. The board convened an Executive Session to discuss legal issues. Township reports covered updates from Zoning/Code Enforcement on various properties, new applications before the Zoning Hearing Board, steps to change the non-uniform retirement account structure, updates from the Fire Department regarding a new Tower delivery, and reports from the Police Department and Engineer. Business items involved approving the move of Officer Nicholas Nachurski to full-time status, settling a pending lawsuit against Mr. Cronan after compliance was achieved, approving escrow release for Morgan Corp Chassie Lot, approving plan review extensions for two different developments, approving the first payment for the Salt Shed, discussing tree clearing quotes for site visibility at an intersection, and scheduling/advertising a public hearing for the updated fence ordinance. The board also approved resolutions transferring funds and moved to advertise the proposed 2026 Budget. Finally, the board accepted the letter of resignation from Supervisor Jack Hess.