John Bates

The meeting included a zoning hearing concerning the request to rezone 73 acres of property from Village Residential (VR) to Agricultural (AG) to facilitate a poultry barn operation. The Board ultimately denied the rezoning request, determining it was not in the best interest of the township, despite arguments regarding existing agricultural use and property rights. Key business items included approving the Treasurer's Report and paying bills, transferring a significant amount from the General Account to the ICS Account, ratifying an emergency expense for a new boiler installation, updating the intergovernmental agreement for garbage collection costs, and appointing two new members to the Planning Commission. The Board also accepted changes to the Solar Ordinance and agreed to advertise bids for the East Creek Road bridge repair.

The meeting included discussions on engineering permits, planning items such as the Hartline Subdivision, and construction projects like Mt. Penn Townhomes. Streets-related concerns were addressed, including a request to reconsider the no-parking ordinance on Cameron Street. The council reviewed and discussed finance reports, payment of bills, and liaison reports from various entities, including the Fire Company and Planning Commission. Committee reports covered topics such as park and public safety, solid waste/public utilities, insurance/pension, personnel matters, codes, and finance, including the OnBoard Tool and the proposed budget for 2023. Ordinances related to no parking on Cameron Street and handicap parking were discussed, along with a fire ordinance and a tax increase. The council also addressed old and new business before adjourning.

The meeting commenced with reorganization procedures, appointing Ed Hoover as Chair and Ted Diehl as Vice Chair, and designating John Cover as Roadmaster. Public comments addressed treacherous road conditions following a recent snow event and concerns regarding trash in the township park, as well as unpermitted development. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing concerning the rezoning of the Funk Property (239 Newburg Road) from Village Residential (VR) to Agricultural District (AD). Concerns from neighboring residents focused on the potential impact of a large-scale poultry operation (70-80 thousand chickens) on property values and quality of life, contrasted with the owner's intent to utilize the land for compliant agriculture. The Board ultimately tabled the rezoning decision to allow supervisors more time for research. Key administrative actions included the reappointment of several township officials and contractors, including the Township Engineer, Code and Zoning Officer, and members of the Zoning Hearing Board and Planning Commission. Personnel actions involved accepting the resignation of the Treasurer (Haileigh Diehl) and appointing Jennifer Hart to the position, effective January 26th, and appointing Jamie Kensinger as Office Manager and Secretary. Financial matters included the approval of revenue and expenditures, and establishing the 2026 Fee Schedule with an increase for non-resident pavilion rentals. The Solar Ordinance was tabled pending review by the Planning Commission and County Planning Department.

The Board of Supervisors conducted business including approving treasurer reports and the associated revenue and expenditures. A motion was passed to update authorized signatories on township bank accounts. The board reviewed Zoning/Land Use and public gathering permits issued since the last meeting. New business included deferring a decision on the Funk Map Amendment until the January 5, 2026 meeting, requiring re-advertisement due to an error. The supervisors approved an amendment to Chapter 4, Section C of the Park & Recreation Ordinance regarding soliciting in the park. They also approved the advertising of the 2026 meeting dates and accepted the proposed insurance benefits for employees. Tax levies were established for the 2026 fiscal year, including setting Real Property Tax at 0 mills, and reaffirming the Realty Transfer Tax (1/2%) and Earned Income Tax (1/2%). The hiring of an individual for the Part-time Park Maintenance position was noted. Public comments addressed concerns regarding the Funk Map Amendment process, park signage, the timeline for the East Creek Road Bridge project, and the expiration and future of the landfill contract.

The Reorganization Meeting of the Mount Penn Borough Council included oaths of office administered to council members. Nominations were held for the President and Vice President of the Council. Resolutions were read and motions were carried for various appointments, including Auditor, Electrical Inspector, Fire Marshal, Plumbing Inspector, Secretary/Assistant Treasurer, Solicitor, Administrator/Treasurer, Building Code Official, Engineer, Accessibility Inspector, Sewage Enforcement Officer, Zoning Officer, Right to Know Officer, Property Transfer Inspector, Zoning/Planning Commissioner, and members for the Mount Penn Municipal Authority and Zoning Board. Council also discussed advertising interviews for open Council seats and assigned council members to various committees such as Insurance, Parks and Public Property, Executive, Solid Waste/Public Works, Personnel, Police Commission, Finance, Codes, and Streets.