Randy T. Cope

The board discussed the proposed new yard waste site, reviewing the tentative design schedule and analyzing the financial status of the current program compared to projected costs for the new facilities. Additionally, the meeting covered operational aspects and strategies for implementing changes to improve the township's eligibility for 902 Grant funding.

The meeting included discussions on the proposed 2026 budget for the Equipment Fund, Emergency Services Capital Fund, Liquid Fuels Fund, and the Capital Fund. Minor changes were made to the General Fund and the Recreation Fund since the previous budget workshop in August.

The organizational meeting covered the election of officers for 2026, including the Chairman and Vice Chairman. Several appointments were made for 2026, such as Secretary/Deputy Treasurer, Right to Know Officer, Zoning Officer, Treasurer, and Fire Marshals. The Board established the Finance Director/Treasurer's Bond limit and retained banking depositories for township funds. Regular Board of Supervisors' meeting dates for 2026 were set, and authorization was given for supervisors and staff to attend the PSATS Convention. The schedule for other township meetings for 2026 was established, along with the appointment of professional and third-party consultants for various services, including Solicitor and Engineers. Appointments were finalized for members of the IPMC Board of Appeals, Building Code Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, Recreation Board, and Farmland & Open Space Preservation Committee. Following the reorganization, the meeting transitioned to regular business, which included authorizing the Township Solicitor to oppose a Zoning Hearing Board appeal concerning a dog-grooming business application, approving the Township Manager Employment Agreement for 2026-2027, authorizing execution of a website services agreement, and approving the Board's Public Meeting Comment Policy. Resolutions were adopted concerning the 2026 fee schedule, rollover of 2025 purchase orders to 2026, establishing 2026 blanket purchase orders, authorizing check signers, and authorizing the Township Manager to schedule Fire Police use. The Board conditionally approved the North Whitehall Township Yardwaste Site Plan and authorized advertising for proposed Ordinance 2026-1 (Renaming Country Lane) and proposed Ordinance 2026-2 (Data Center Amendment Ordinance). The sale of Truck #14 to the Schnecksville Fire Company was also approved. The Township Manager provided a year-end review of 2025 accomplishments.

The board meeting included a presentation on pavement condition assessment and the first reading of the proposed 2026 budget. Resolutions were approved regarding the Ridings at Parkland Phase II revised final plan, modifications to the North Whitehall Township Agricultural Security Area, post-bond issuance compliance, and tax collection revenue submission frequency. The board also accepted a letter of credit reduction for Greenleaf Estates, authorized the advertisement and distribution of draft zoning and SALDO amendment ordinances, and authorized advertisement for the potential adoption of the draft Fire Life & Safety Ordinance. Additionally, the board ratified the award of a multi-township salt bid, authorized advertisement for the proposed 2026 budget, authorized advertisement for the appointment of a CPA firm, and adopted a township telecommunications policy. The Manager's report included updates on the Horseshoe Road slope failure project, Rt 145 dumping/closing, Tannery Road project completion, shoulder cleaning, leaf collection, Flock Cameras, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new township building.

The Board of Supervisors discussed and approved several items, including conditional use applications for a commercial development on Mauch Chunk Road and a wastewater treatment plant. The Board also renamed Country Lane to Grist Mill Road, approved sewer planning modules, and authorized the reduction of financial security for the Schnecksville Elementary School project. Additionally, the Board awarded a bid for the Bellview Road Swale Retrofit project, authorized advertisements for stormwater improvements and park improvements, and made various appointments to the Zoning Hearing Board and Planning Commission. The meeting also included discussion regarding a purchase of a 2027 Freightliner and public comments concerning an ongoing legal dispute.