Natalie Blackman

The primary discussion involved an appeal regarding property at 32 S 32nd Street (Appeal #1-2026), seeking a variance from commercial signage square footage requirements for a wall sign at the shopping center, as the proposed sign exceeded the 5% limit specified in Zoning Code Part 8. Following the presentation of exhibits by the applicant and the Zoning Officer, the Board convened for an executive session before reconvening. The Board subsequently approved the variance request by unanimous vote.

The public workshop was convened for the purpose of discussing short-term and long-term goals, including an update review of the Borough's 2015 strategic plan vision and mission statement. Key goal-setting discussions by committee chairs covered increasing outreach for community leaders for volunteer positions, focusing on improving public safety measures, particularly for bicyclists and pedestrians, and planning capital projects under Public Works, emphasizing bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Further topics included supporting recreation events, maintaining positive community relations with the Downtown Camp Hill Association, guiding comprehensive plan development, completing ordinance codification, and exploring the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) program with the School District.

Key discussions included strategies for attracting birds of prey to the community garden, including investigating grants from PPL or American Water and specifying materials required for a bird of prey stand. The committee reviewed the submission of the 2025 Annual Report and emphasized the importance of tracking volunteer hours for 2026. Communication updates noted Facebook engagement and difficulties with Instagram link sharing. Plans were finalized for collaboration with Lemoyne's Bird Town Committee for the Great Backyard Bird Count event. New business focused on brainstorming 2026 goals, such as scheduling bird watching events (Spring Bird Walk, Hawk Mountain road trip), planning newsletter articles, reviewing bird-friendly ordinances in collaboration with Bee City, investigating the Prairie Moon Nursery catalog for distributing seeds, and discussing reducing mowing on Borough Property to convert areas to native plants.

The meeting commenced with public comments from representatives of BELCO Credit Union, Orrstown Bank, First Commonwealth Bank, and Wayne Bank, all expressing interest in a potential banking services Request for Proposal (RFP), with Orrstown Bank detailing necessary evaluation criteria. Key agenda items included the Finance Director's update, noting a General Fund balance of approximately $2.1 million at the end of February and the nearing completion of the annual audit. Discussions also covered the Hampden Township Sewer Fine, with reports indicating interest from Hampden elected officials in resolution. Regarding Volunteer Position Openings, the committee tabled the appointment for the Emergency Management Coordinator role due to applicant withdrawals and further review needed, while the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator application was resubmitted. Strategies for increasing community engagement in volunteer opportunities were also discussed. Finally, the committee extensively debated the potential issuance of a banking services RFP, considering operational workload and service evaluation criteria; the motion to issue the RFP failed.

The Community & Business Relations Committee meeting included public comments regarding local development, parking regulations, and communication needs for sidewalk preparation. Under Old Business, updates were provided on a $25k grant awarded for an Urban Land Institute study, growing social media engagement, planned annual events, and the status of the Comprehensive Plan research on grant support. Progress on the final stages of installing wayfinding signs on Market Street was also noted. New Business focused on planning a Major Project Open House event targeted for late March to inform residents about proposed projects, and discussing the next steps toward achieving Main Street America Designation, which could unlock funding opportunities. The 2026 Community Events, including the 250th anniversary, will be revisited at the next meeting.