Jon A. Hammer

The meeting involved significant discussion and action related to public safety and administrative matters. Key agenda items included the establishment of a resolution regarding the township's law enforcement officers not engaging in the enforcement of noncriminal federal immigration laws. Unit citations were awarded to the East Norton Township Police Department for outstanding teamwork during a critical incident involving an armed male on January 5th, 2026, and to the East Norton Township Fire Services and Norton Fire Engine Company for their support during the same incident. A proclamation was presented recognizing Michael Martelli for his ten years of service to the East Norton Township Historical Advisory Committee. The board approved resolutions designating an authorized signatory for a PennDOT video sharing agreement (M-View system) and reestablishing fees for duplicate tax bills.

The meeting began with recognition of Boy Scout Troop 416 leading the pledge of allegiance and the scout oath. A life-saving accommodation was awarded to Officer Copic for successfully administering CPR to a resident on December 5, 2025, resulting in the individual's full recovery. The board also reviewed and approved the final draft of the 2026 budget, which involved reducing expenses to achieve a balanced budget without a tax rate increase for the fifteenth straight year. Key capital improvement highlights for 2026 included park upgrades (mower, landscaping, scoreboard), police and fire vehicle and equipment replacements, road maintenance, and traffic control projects such as installing a signal at Hannah Avenue and Township Line Road, pending grant approval. Finally, the board approved a permanent traffic signal easement agreement for work near Hillcrest Plaza Shopping Center.

The meeting began with roll call and acknowledgement of prior executive session discussions regarding personnel and regularization meeting preparation. Key discussions included approval of a tighter easement for a traffic signal at the Hill Crest Shopping Center. The Board also addressed a request to affirm a waiver of potential conflict for the firm Overmyre to discuss a potential development project in East Martin Township with How Associates. Approval was granted for amendments to the police department's policy and procedures, involving updates related to child abuse investigations, use of police radios, and domestic violence reporting standards. A significant action involved authorizing the purchase of a new 100-foot ladder tower for the fire company, with the intent to secure grants to offset the $2.3 million cost, given the current apparatus is nearing the end of its service life. Finally, the monthly expenditures totaling over $1.6 million were approved for payment, largely influenced by a major bill for the Germantown Pike broom project.

The Reorganization Meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance, followed by the administration of the oath of office to newly elected officials, including Joseph Gavan Jr., Samuel Coleman the fourth, Rosemary McClody, and Samra O'Shea, administered by Judge Rogers and Judge Hughes. Subsequent agenda items focused on organizational structure and appointments. Key actions included the nomination and appointment of a temporary chair, Bob Hart, and the subsequent election of Sam Co as the permanent Chairman. The board appointed Joe Gavanz as vice chair. Appointments were made for township consultant/secretary (Robert Park), and various operating officials for 2026, such as the Chief of Police, Finance Director/Treasurer, Zoning Officer, and Fire Chief/Deputy Chief roles. The board affirmed the appointment of the township auditor under an existing contract, confirmed township consultants (solicitor, legal counsel, engineer, etc.), set the zoning hearing board solicitor compensation rate at $195 per hour, appointed members to the Retirement Benefits Advisory Board, and designated open records officers. Additionally, delegates were appointed for the Earned Income Tax Committee and the PAT annual conference, the treasurer's bond was fixed at $2 million, eligible township depositories were designated, and the 2026 fee schedule was affirmed. The meeting concluded by setting the 2026 regular and special meeting dates and holidays before adjourning the reorganization session to proceed directly into the regular meeting.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. A key focus was the presentation of the North Center School District facilities master plan by the Superintendent, outlining significant capital investments of approximately $350 million over 8 to 12 years to address deferred maintenance and modernize facilities, including renovations at North Secondary High School and replacements/reconfigurations for several middle and elementary schools. Phase one involves modular construction for additions at Cole Mountain Elementary School, Hancock Elementary School, and the administration building, aiming for completion in summer 2026 without immediate tax increases for the first three phases. Funding milestones discussed included borrowing $105 million approved in September and a successful $40 million bond sale in October, while maintaining the bond rating. Future steps include pursuing land development permits and zoning approvals.