John Kernan

The meeting commenced with a reorganization where Jeana Zanoni was voted Chair and Dawn McBurney was voted Secretary. Key discussions focused on scheduling future events for 2026, including Community Day/Yard Sale planned for May 16th, a three-week Summer Playground Camp in July, the Harvest Festival scheduled for October 17th, and a tentative Veteran's Day Ceremony on November 14th. A decision was made to order 16 tote containers during a sale to replace cardboard boxes used for Harvest Festival items, and the need to confirm insurance rider status for the Harvest Festival was noted.

Key discussions included public comments regarding the sewer rate increase for the Jane Chapman East development, which was explained as necessary for maintenance and capital improvements to the aging sewer plant. The Solicitor's Report covered authorizing the Jointure to adopt a Wireless Communications Ordinance with minor setback changes for existing towers, and the approval of a resolution for the St. Mark's Church Land Development project, which involves an addition, parking lot improvements, and other site features. The Engineer's Report addressed a recommended revision from the Historical Commission regarding the siting of the Octagonal Schoolhouse parking lot, and authorization to prepare bid specifications for the 2026 Road Program. Department reports detailed police activity, including the retirement of a Sergeant, Fire Company resuscitation efforts and a record-setting year, Public Works culvert completion and salt inventory, and zoning/building permit activity. Old Business involved amending Resolution 2026-01 to set the temporary CDL Driver hourly rate at $35 per hour.

Key discussions included the Treasurer's report outlining the 2026 budget balance. Old business items focused on the Quaker exhibit removal and planning for the 2026 exhibition themes, which include displaying deeds, local mills, octagonal schools, and local businesses; the theme selection is deferred to the February meeting. Updates were provided on special programs planned for the Octagonal School, such as 'Octagonal Artistry,' 'Wrightstown Brushstrokes,' 'The Gilded Quill,' 'In Word and Deed,' and 'Tunes of the Times,' with coordination efforts underway. A parking solution near the Octagonal School awaits feedback from the Township Engineer. The Commission also reviewed the summary of activities presented to the Board of Supervisors and progress on the Wrightstown Historical Information Scanning Project (WHISP). Chair Betty Davis signed a letter acknowledging the donation of historical documents from Duane Smith. New business included the unanimous election of 2026 Commission officers and planning for a site visit to the Oxford Valley Octagonal School.

The work session covered several agenda items. Regarding St. Mark's Church land development, the Board authorized the Solicitor to draft a resolution to approve the preliminary/final plan, including requested waivers, pending review of the fire suppression tank necessity and playground usage by neighborhood children. For the property at 2264 Second Street Pike, the Board suggested the building design should align with the look of buildings in Penns Park instead of a barn aesthetic, and discussed a request to reduce the right-of-way waiver. The Township Manager provided an overview of the LSA grant award for the Thompson Mill Road culvert replacement and discussed its potential use for the MS4 stream restoration project. The Board agreed to support the Village Library's nomination of a Council Rock North student for the PSATS Youth Award.

The meeting included a recap of the Harvest Festival which occurred on October 19, 2024. Key takeaways from the festival included the success of the inflatable costumes race, face painting, and the balloon artist, with planning notes for next year suggesting an increase in water, cider, taco fixings, and hot dogs, and improvements to volunteer sign-up and supply organization. The board confirmed that there are no further events scheduled for the remainder of 2025 and that meetings for November and December 2025 are canceled.