Jennifer Maull

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Public comments addressed the Truewood Senior Living CAR-NIVAL event and significant concerns regarding the safety and sanitation of a local homeless encampment situated on Main Line Health property, leading to discussions on coordinated clean-up efforts with State Police and Riddle Hospital Security. A resident also raised awareness regarding the 85% rule for setting speed limits for Council's future consideration. Reports included an update from the Director of Public Safety/Fire Chief on the forthcoming service readiness of a new ambulance, adjustments to the volunteer duty engine staffing schedule to better cover school dismissal hours, the installation of a diesel exhaust removal system funded by a FEMA grant, and the initiation of a fire inspection program based on the 2018 Fire Code, including pre-planning building information collection. Chief Rigby also reported significant increases in both fire responses and EMS calls compared to the previous year, attributing the rise partly to the hospital closure and rapid response capabilities. The 2025 Township Paving Program commencement was postponed by one day due to rain, with resident guidance on driveway access forthcoming. Key items for approval included the formal denial of the Preliminary Land Development Application by Outrigger Industrial for a warehouse construction, the extension of the Emergency Declaration Resolution related to the Crozer Health System closure, approval to join the Delaware County Consortium of Governments Joint Road Salt Bid at a favorable rate, and authorization for a new three-year agreement with Suburban Deer Management for herd management at the Darlington tract, noting an explosion in the deer population and a serious tick issue. Finally, the August 20, 2025, Bill List was approved, and the Environmental Advisory Committee announced a member resignation vacancy.

The regular meeting included public comments primarily focused on objections to the Outrigger, Inc. warehouse proposal, citing concerns regarding health risks, quality of life impact, and the developer's conduct toward objectors. The Council continued the consideration of Ordinance 871 regarding the Comcast Franchise Renewal Agreement to the next meeting. Key approvals included the final payment for Mint Trail Segment No. 1 and the general bill list for July 2025. In reports, the Middletown Free Library Director updated the Council on increased activity, successful fundraising efforts that will lead to extended library hours, and community partnerships. The Engineer's report covered ongoing projects such as Lenni Park, Roosevelt Community Center, and various subdivision and land development reviews.

The Township Council meetings involved discussions and actions on various topics. Key issues included the Outrigger Industrial warehouse proposal, which faced strong public opposition and was ultimately denied. Public safety was addressed through updates on the new ambulance, fire department activities, and concerns about homelessness and street safety. The council also reviewed and approved payments for infrastructure projects like the Mint Trail and discussed ongoing development projects, code amendments, and community programs such as the library and National Night Out.

The council meeting addressed various topics including enacting and levying certain tax rates on all real property within the Township for the fiscal year 2026, adopting the proposed 2026 Budget, granting the Middletown Township Delaware County Sewer Authority an easement, authorizing a Local Share Account Fund grant request for the Roosevelt Community Center Improvements project, and approving the bill list.

The meeting addressed public comments regarding a proposed school on Rose Tree Road, focusing on traffic and safety concerns, and the transparency of the School Board's process. The Council reviewed a Preliminary/Final Land Development application submitted by Elwyn Schools for a new school building, discussed a resolution authorizing Township Officials as liaisons to Berkheimer Tax Collection, and reviewed and introduced ordinances for a two-way Stop Sign Intersection at Howarth Road and Ahrens Lane, and renewing the Comcast Franchise Agreement. The Council also considered and approved an Emergency Declaration for Middletown Township due to the closure of Crozer Health Systems and approved the May 7, 2025 Bill List.