Mark Strawser

The commission reviewed the Sissy Boy Trucking land development and waiver request, involving changes to project plans and conditional use parameters. They approved a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors regarding escrow funds for infrastructure investigations at Breezewood Phase 1A. Additionally, the commission discussed concerns regarding regulations for AI Data Centers and recommended that the Board of Supervisors proceed with the adoption process for a new Stormwater Ordinance. The commission also noted requirements for filing Ethics Commission forms.

The meeting commenced with a Public Hearing regarding the AI Data Center Zoning Ordinance Amendment, which was subsequently adjourned. Key business included the adoption of the AI Data Center Zoning Ordinance amendments. The Board approved supplying two triaxle loads of 2B stone to the Little League for their dugout project. The Supervisors also agreed to advertise for a public hearing on May 6th for the adoption process of the new Stormwater Ordinance, following reviews by the Planning Commissions. A motion was passed to purchase a new computer, monitors, and data transfer services for the Manager. Furthermore, the Board approved an escrow account of $5,000.00 for the Township Engineer to inspect deficiencies in Phase 1A of Breezewood development. The Supervisors also reviewed correspondence from PennDOT concerning the intersection of Salem Road and 522, noting concerns about visibility due to the angle of the sun.

The meeting included a report from the Recreation Center (REC) detailing high attendance figures for January and upcoming events. Key business items involved reviewing and accepting the application for a Penn DOT Multimodal Grant, and approving the purchase of a new dump truck and upfit for $215,199.48 to replace a 2005 model. Fire Department reporting indicated thirty-one incidents in January, including a shed fire. The Solicitor discussed an upcoming zoning amendment hearing concerning Data Centers and presented an ordinance draft prohibiting parking on Old 11&15, which the Board agreed to advertise for potential adoption on April 1, 2026. Public comment included discussion regarding the possibility of creating an ordinance to allow ATV and UTV vehicles on township roads.

The meeting included reviewing comments from the Snyder County Planning Commission letter concerning stormwater management, which members were asked to review before the January meeting. The Commission voted to stop the advertisement for the public hearing regarding the Stormwater Ordinance to allow for further review time. Discussion also focused on state legislation, specifically HB 502 and SB 939, regarding local control over energy systems and data centers, leading to a motion to draft letters opposing these bills. In Old Business, the Commission voted to recommend to the Board of Supervisors to begin the adoption process for the amended AI Center section of the Zoning Ordinance, which addresses data centers under conditional use or variance requirements.

Key discussions during the meeting included actions related to Data Center Amendments for the Zoning Ordinance, where recommendations were made concerning decibel level requirements during power outages, water usage (suggesting a closed-loop system), and limitations on low-frequency noise emissions. A decommissioning plan requirement was also added. The Commission voted to recommend proceeding with these Data Center Amendments to the Supervisors. Other agenda items involved reviewing correspondence with the Snyder County Planning Commission regarding these amendments, reminding members about the stipend waiver form, and noting the deadline for filing the 2025 Ethics Commission form. Old Business focused on suggested corrections to the Stormwater Ordinance Amendments, specifically regarding the inclusion of the Township Engineer, recording requirements for drainage plans, and updating SALDO numbers. Future projects for the Planning Commission were also discussed.