Ross Bickhart

The meeting included a work session followed by the regularly scheduled session. Key discussions involved the resignation of a member and the reorganization of the Planning Commission, resulting in the election of Tom Parr as Chairman and William Schew as Vice Chairman. Agenda items included a subdivision proposal for Almadanat-114 Stonebridge Ln, requiring applicant follow-up regarding a nonconforming shed and potential curbing/sidewalk requirements. A subdivision proposal for Habitat for Humanity-1103 Foundry St, involving dividing a parcel into seven lots for housing construction, required the applicant to address street right-of-way, cartway width, open space preservation, and waivers for street intersection offsetting and stormwater basin setbacks. The Sheetz conditional use application for a convenience store with a drive-through was provisionally recommended for approval, contingent on specific conditions such as the drive-through being mobile-order only, installation of safety bollards, compliance with roof design and height standards, and post-development traffic studies. The Commission also discussed and approved the proposed Forestry Ordinance and adopted a Remote Meeting policy.

The meeting commenced following an executive session held on February 19th and the current date regarding legal matters. Key agenda items involved public hearings for amendments to the township code, specifically adopting the 2021 edition of the International Fire Code and the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code. The board also discussed a proposed overhaul of chapter 33 concerning fire and emergency services, with action deferred for future advertisement and public hearing. A complex lot line change involving three properties required discussion regarding waivers for curbing and sidewalks along Lloyd Avenue, ultimately resulting in an agreement for the applicant to grant a sidewalk easement. Furthermore, the board authorized the submission of applications and agreements related to drainage improvements on Manor Avenue requiring PennDOT highway occupancy permits, and authorized the signing of a condition statement for the Geo Carlson extension connection to Manor Avenue, stipulating the township's assumption of responsibilities upon dedication. A director's report from Minkquis noted a recent clustering of fourth and fifth emergency calls in January, which requires continued monitoring.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the oath of office to Brian Barber as the new Deputy Chief of Police for the township of Kalen, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Following the swearing-in, the performance of Staff Sergeant Nathan Miller in the interim role was recognized with the Distinguished Service Medal. A significant portion of the meeting involved an update from the representative of Representative Williams regarding ongoing power surges affecting residents on several streets, including Kings Highway, Long View Drive, and East Kings Highway. The representative detailed the collaboration between the township and Pico to address the issue, noting that infrastructure improvements are planned to be completed by the end of March of the current year to mitigate further damage. A public comment period included discussion about the power surge issue and concerns regarding a dangerous utility pole location near a roadway intersection. Additionally, a resident presented opposition to the proposed Ken Meeting House, Granger Lane sewer line extension project due to its high cost ($20,000 per family estimated) relative to the low number of current septic system failures reported in the area. The agenda was temporarily amended to allow a representative from Representative Williams' office to address the power surge issue (Pico). The board also held an executive session on January 15, 2026, for potential legal issues.

The meeting commenced with an executive session covering legal, real estate, and personnel matters. A commissioner delivered remarks reflecting on 20 years of service to Ken Township, noting interactions with multiple managers, police chiefs, and fire chiefs, and expressing gratitude for family support while looking forward to the term as board president. Former commissioners Rose and Kramer were acknowledged. A review of 2025 accomplishments included advancing the township zoning update with a focus on Thorndale Village Center, adjusting conditional use fee schedules, hiring full-time firefighters, achieving full police department staffing, and securing grants for a new fire truck and electric police vehicles. Infrastructure projects like the Town Meeting House Bridge repair and sewer extension were noted. The Environmental Advisory Council received a sustainability award. Progress was made on designating Spackman Davis Farm as a Heritage Interpretive Network site, and the adoption of a historic preservation ordinance was advanced. The presentation by T-MAC introduced the Lincoln Highway Active Transportation Plan study, focusing on improving pedestrian and bicycle safety along the corridor, noting issues such as inconsistent crosswalk treatments and dangerous passing lane usage. The board also heard a presentation regarding a proposed development by Arbor Hills Associates on a 17-acre tract in East Brandywine Township requiring access through the My Place development via previously established easements, including discussions on roadway widths to meet township standards and fire safety requirements.

The Planning Commission meeting primarily addressed the Preliminary Land Development application for Cohen-4109 Lincoln Hwy. Key discussions involved seeking a recommendation for the approval of six waivers and preliminary land development. Specific points of contention included curbing along Lincoln Highway, where the Township engineer recommended curbing but PennDot advised against it for a primary arterial road, and ADA accessibility for a stump sidewalk area. The Commission recommended the Board of Commissioners grant several waivers related to horizontal curve radii, road cartway width, sidewalk placement on internal streets, grading/utility installation in the riparian buffer zone, and the size/slope of a storm pipe. The preliminary land development approval was contingent upon satisfying all Township Engineer and Consultant review comments. The Commission also reviewed upcoming 2026 meeting dates and noted term renewal applications for two members.