John D. Bates

The meeting commenced with a moment of silent meditation and the pledge of allegiance, followed by a roll call confirming all commissioners, except one, were present. A key focus of the session was the promotion ceremony for police department personnel, specifically three officers being promoted to Lieutenant and two to Sergeant, following a competitive promotional process. The commission thanked the police chief for restructuring the department to include three lieutenants. The board also addressed committee recommendations: the Finance and Administrative Committee sought approval for disbursements from the General, Escrow, and Liquid Fuel Funds, totaling over $222,000 across these funds. Furthermore, the board moved to approve and ratify new union contracts between Upper Morland Township and the Police Benevolent Association (blue collar and white collar) for 2027 and 2028. The Parks and Recreation Committee received authorization to advertise the notice to bidders for the Woodlawn Park master plan project during February. A commissioner extended gratitude to the township staff for their extensive efforts in managing a recent storm, noting challenges related to salt supply across multiple townships.

The meeting was primarily focused on the reorganization process, featuring the administration of the oath of office to newly sworn-in commissioners and the tax collector/treasurer by a district justice representing the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. During the proceedings, certificates of recognition and appreciation were presented to outgoing commissioners for their years of dedicated service to the township community, highlighting their contributions to local government excellence.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silent meditation and the pledge of allegiance. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing a citizen, Miss Lisa Murea, for her heroic and life-saving actions in assisting the driver of a motor vehicle accident involving a rapidly burning Tesla on October 4, 2025. The board approved the Treasurer's activity report, including various fund checks totaling significant amounts, and the meeting minutes. An ordinance (Number 1771) was approved to correct the 2026 schedule of board meetings, ensuring regular meetings are held on the first Monday of the month, adjusting a previous ordinance. The board noted that there were no action items from the Public Health and Safety Committee or the Parks and Recreation Committee, and the Community Development Committee reported no recommendations for the month of January.

The Finance and Administrative Committee meeting commenced with public comment on non-agenda items. The committee approved the October 20th minutes and proceeded to accept and approve several monthly reports, including the director of finance report and the tax enforcement officers report. A correction was noted and agreed upon for the investment activity report concerning the total statement balance calculation. Discussions also covered the revenue and expense summaries. Personnel matters included the review and advancement of the appointment of Angelique Thomas to the human relations commission for a term expiring December 31st, 2027. The committee also reviewed current vacancies on the historical commission, human relations commission, and parks and rec advisory council. New business featured a security cost reduction request from the June Fate 2026 committee due to increased security costs associated with the three-day event, which benefits Jefferson Abington Hospital. The committee agreed to postpone a decision on this request until the new year (2026). Finally, the committee approved the 2026 engagement services and fees for the township solicitor, Kilkenny Law LLC, which included a $5 per hour rate increase, and also approved the 2026 professional service fee schedule from the township engineer, Gilmore and Associates, Inc., both factoring in increases already included in the preliminary budget. The meeting concluded with the cancellation of the scheduled December 15th finance and administrative committee meeting.

The meeting commenced with a presentation from the Montgomery County Planning Commission regarding a walkability audit conducted in Willow Grove. The audit detailed pedestrian safety concerns, dangerous intersections, and recommended specific improvements to the subdivision land development ordinance, such as standards for sidewalk width and crosswalks. Potential projects for improving safety, including a raised crosswalk near Cherry Street Park and addressing steep slopes at the Willig Shopping Center, were outlined. Following this, the committee moved to discuss land development for the township building, where the architect presented goals for providing better space for the police department and administration, and creating defined public circulation areas within the facility.