Karen Seador

The meeting commenced with the reorganization segment, wherein officials were appointed for 2026: Mr. Plouse as Chairman, Mr. Studer as Vice Chairman, Ms. Scott as Secretary, and Mr. Heilman as Treasurer. Appointments for Solicitor, Engineer, Accountants, and authorized check signers were also confirmed, including a vote where the Secretary recused herself regarding the Accountant selection. The Engineer's Report involved action items for the Sanitary Sewer Extension Project, specifically recommending the Notice of Award for General Construction to Joao and Bradley Construction Co. for $4,980,620.00, contingent upon USDA concurrence, and authorizing a letter to the USDA seeking this concurrence. Similarly, Notices of Award were recommended and approved for the Sand Beach Pump Station and Force Main project components: General Construction to Barrasso Excavation, Inc. ($1,536,446.00) and Electrical Construction to HRI, Inc. ($213,000.00), both contingent upon USDA concurrence, along with authorizing letters to the USDA. The Treasurer reported on the electronic adoption of signers for a new construction account and noted that due to lower-than-estimated bids, the 10% contingency for financing would be lowered to 5%, with financing closing scheduled for January 29, 2026.

The meeting commenced following an executive session held to discuss personnel and legal matters, and included the swearing in of a Fire Company Trustee. During public comment, a resident expressed concerns regarding the newest draft of the Data Center Ordinance, specifically questioning why certain changes reverted to the original draft despite Planning Commission recommendations. Key discussions and actions included instructing the Solicitor to finalize edits for the Data Center Ordinance before advertising it in the following month. The Engineer reported on intended Notices of Award for the Sewer Extension Project components, contingent upon USDA concurrence. The Board accepted time extensions for two subdivision plans: the McKinney Plan until May 11, 2026, and the Samar Investments, LLC Plan until May 3, 2026. The Fire Chief presented the 2025 fire company report, noting an increase in fire calls and significant training hours completed by volunteers. Discussion on the Noise Screening Amendment for the Hayshed Road Extension to Red Top Road Project was tabled due to a voting conflict. Finally, Resolution 1-2026, setting Manager Wuestner's salary for 2026, was approved, and the payment of payroll and invoices was authorized.

The meeting involved a review of preliminary sewer extension project bid results, which came in $1.6 million lower than anticipated, with recommendations for award expected in January. The status of active Township projects, including the Swatara Creek Force Main Replacement, was reported. The Authority reviewed bank loan proposals and approved Resolution 2-2025 to accept M&T Bank's proposal for a loan at a 3.81% fixed rate and authorize necessary agreements with the Township and USDA requirements. Discussion also covered establishing bank account signatures for expansion accounts, specifically noting the need for a separate construction account at TRUIST for investment via PLGIT.

The meeting included a review of the PA State Police Report (n/a), Fire Department Report, EMC Report, and Manager's Report. Key discussions in the Chairman's Report concerned the Hayshed Extension, where RFPs were reviewed, a consultant selected, and traffic studies scheduled for the summer. Other matters addressed included a hazardous tree on Grandview Road requiring Public Works assessment, the purchase of commercial property on Route 39 planned for two fast food restaurants and retail, the lack of updates regarding Hummelstown PD discussions, and a reminder about preparedness for the upcoming busy Hersheypark tourist season. The Chairman also noted that there are no summer meetings scheduled unless an emergency arises.

The meeting focused primarily on the proposed Data Center Ordinance, intended to protect the Township and its residents. Key discussions involved clarifications on the revised Ordinance, particularly regarding height restrictions and water usage, which the Ordinance restricts to Quarry water regulated by the Susquehanna River Basin Authority, prohibiting groundwater usage. Public comments raised concerns about well water, fire suppression setbacks, noise levels (dbA/dbC), and generator testing procedures. The Commission addressed compliance monitoring, noting that the developer is responsible for costs related to necessary upgrades and sound expert reviews. Significant amendments were made to Section 2206 (Height Regulations), including the removal of subparagraph 2-A and renumbering. The Commission unanimously voted to recommend the amended Ordinance to the Board of Supervisors. Other business included the approval of the previous meeting's minutes.