Laura Mistysyn

The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of newly elected township officials, including supervisors, tax collector, and auditor. Key organizational actions included the election of Karen Lynch as Chairperson and Marian Ellis as Vice Chair. Position appointments were made for numerous roles, such as Manager, Secretary, and Zoning Officer, for the calendar year 2026. Board appointments included Joseph Maher, Jack White, and Harry Greco and Luke DiElsi to various boards. Professional appointments for 2026 were also confirmed. Resolutions were passed to set meeting dates, establish 2026 administrative holidays, appoint additional Code Enforcement Officials, and update the 2026 Fee Schedule. The regular portion of the meeting included public safety reports and public comment, where residents raised concerns regarding township signage ordinances and the recent arrest of an elected official. Administrative actions included accepting the Treasurer's report, approving bills paid, establishing new categories for Employee HRA, and passing a resolution to establish various tax millage rates. Professional staff reports covered engineering costs for a bridge project, approval of a multi-modal grant, and discussion of road improvement costs. The Solicitor's report included the approval of a Conditional Use application for Skippack Meats LLC and contract approvals for the Township Manager. The board also discussed future plans for updating the Park and Recreation Board size.

The primary focus of the proceeding was a Conditional Use Hearing requested by R&R Martino Properties, LLC. The request seeks to facilitate the construction of a building intended for motor vehicle service and repair within the GC General Commercial District at 4388 Skippack Pike. Specifically, the applicant requested a Conditional Use to permit the motor vehicle service and repair use, and a second Conditional Use to allow more than one principal use on the property within the GC District.

The session commenced as a reorganization meeting, overseen by the solicitor, which included the pledge of allegiance and the swearing-in of four elected officials. Key actions during the reorganization portion involved the election of Karen Lynch as chairperson and Marian Ellis as vice chairperson, clarifying their roles. Official positions were appointed for the calendar year 2026, including manager, secretary, assistant manager, treasurer, zoning officer, public works acting lead, Fire Marshal, and others. The board also appointed Joseph Mayor as vacancy board chairperson, appointed Jack White to the zoning hearing board, and appointed Harry Greco and Luke DLC to the planning commission. Professional appointments for 2026 were confirmed, including the engineer, solicitor, traffic engineer, planner, and auditor. Resolutions were passed establishing the 2026 board meeting schedule (second Wednesday of each month, adjusted for Veterans Day), setting the 2026 administrative holiday schedule, appointing code enforcement officials, setting planning commission meeting dates, appointing Marian Ellis as the 2026 PAS convention delegate, and updating the 2026 fee schedule to include a community room fee. The meeting then transitioned into the regular meeting portion, where EMS provided the December 2025 report, noting 292 calls, and year-end totals for 2025. The EMS report also detailed the closure of a station in Trapar due to financial impossibility. Public comments were then opened.

This document outlines Skippack Township's Public Involvement and Participation Program (PIPP), a core component of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Stormwater Management Program. The PIPP details strategies for engaging the public in stormwater management, including soliciting input on stormwater ordinances and Pollutant Reduction Plans, facilitating participation in township-led activities and community events, and utilizing surveys. Key objectives include ensuring compliance with public notice requirements, identifying opportunities for public involvement, communicating with watershed and environmental organizations, and making MS4 information readily accessible to foster community investment and improve water quality.

The meeting commenced with an announcement that the Board discussed personnel matters in Executive Session prior to the official meeting. Key presentations included recognizing Sebastian Riding Associates for 50 years of service with a citation from the PA House of Representatives, and honoring Chairman Paul Fox for his 19 years of service to Skippack Township. Public comments addressed concerns regarding the input of the attorney in Zoning Hearing Board meetings, appreciation for Paul Fox's commitment to the Lower Perkiomen Little League, feedback on the website information for Conditional Use Hearings, and safety concerns related to the Devereaux Foundation's proposed group home at 912 Collegeville Road. Administrative actions included accepting the Treasurer's Report, approving bills for the period of November 13 to December 10, passing resolutions for the 2026 Budget Adoption and establishing various tax millage rates, and authorizing advertisements for the Auditors Organization meeting and the Board of Supervisors Re-Organization Meeting. Professional staff reports covered awarding bids for 2025-2026 Snow and Ice Removal contracts, planning for Bocce Court resurfacing, appointing Creditech as the collector for delinquent sewer fees, authorizing the advertisement of SALDO Topsoil Ordinance amendments, appointing a member to the Zoning Hearing Board, reporting full support from the Montgomery County Planning Commission for the Vape / Smoke Shop Ordinance, and passing a resolution approving the Skippack Township Comprehensive Plan 2035. Old Business involved authorizing funding not to exceed $650,000.00 for the playground replacement at Palmer Park, which was noted to be ADA compliant.