Samantha Dunn

The meeting included procedural steps such as prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by administrative actions regarding agenda modifications. The council addressed requests to table agenda items 10 (lot line change for Chwang and Dawson on Linkonia Avenue) and 11 (1186 Bibbury Road) to the December 8th meeting, granting extensions where applicable. Council minutes from October 27th were approved with one abstention. Key discussions involved the consideration and acceptance of the 2025 Community Development Block Grant program, totaling $426,178, slated for curb-cut programs, family support services for the homeless shelter, housing rehabilitation, senior center renovations, and administration costs, all targeted toward low or moderate-income individuals. An ordinance was considered to amend residency requirements for township employees, proposing a 12-mile radius from the border to ease recruitment burdens for departments like Public Works. Furthermore, a resolution was approved to apply for a grant of approximately $99,000 to fund a PIMO vent magnetic grabber exhaust extraction system for the fire truck housed at the new apparatus parking garage at Public Works. Finally, a resolution was approved to remove a deed restriction from the former State Police barracks property on Namy Boulevard, as the initial 5-year restriction period following its 2013 conveyance had lapsed.

The Reorganization Meeting included the swearing-in of newly elected and/or re-elected local officials by various Judges, followed by the election of the Council President, Council Vice President, and Township Secretary. Key actions included the appointment of the Township Assistant Secretary, Municipal Clerk, Township Solicitor, Special Counsel/Conflict Counsel, Township Engineer, Special Project Engineer, and Department Directors as recommended by the Mayor. The Council designated the Bucks County Courier Times as the news media for legal advertising and approved the monthly meeting dates for 2026. Appointments were confirmed for several advisory boards, including the Community Development Advisory Board, Disabled Advisory Board, Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, Economic Development Corporation, Emergency Management Services Advisory Board, Environmental Advisory Board, Gaming Advisory Board, Impact Fee Advisory Board, Senior Citizens Advisory Board, Vacant Property Advisory Board, and Veterans Affairs Advisory Board. Appointments to the Planning Commission and the Zoning Hearing Board were also approved, including the swearing-in of Ed Tokmajian, Sr. to the latter.

The meeting commenced with introductions and a moment of silence. Following an executive session to discuss pending litigation, the council addressed budget matters. The primary focus was the discussion regarding reopening the 2026 budget to review assumptions and address a projected $14 million paper deficit, with assurances that reopening was not intended to cut services or raise taxes. Discussions centered on historical fund balance draws and identifying potential areas for reduction, specifically concerning health insurance overbudgeting (where 8% was budgeted versus a lower actual rate) and removing provisions for unfilled deputy positions. Council members also raised concerns about the lack of council approval over contract negotiations, which heavily influence the budget, given the township's form of government.

The meeting primarily focused on the reorganization process, including the swearing-in of newly elected officials such as the Mayor, Councilman, Auditor, and Treasurer. Key agenda items involved the election and appointment of council officers for 2026, including the Council President (Ed Tukmein), Vice President (Jesse Sloan), Township Secretary (Joe Wel), Assistant Secretary (Debbie McBrine), and Municipal Clerk (Debbie McBrine, holding two titles). Furthermore, appointments were made for Township Solicitor (Joe Piso of Piso Rudolph LLC), Township Engineer (Philip Wora of WK2 LLC), Special Project Engineer (Joseph Jones of Jones Engineering Associates), and Directors for various township departments. The council also designated the Bucks County Carrier Times as the official news media for legal advertising and approved the proposed 2026 council meeting dates. The appointment of members to the Code of Appeals Board was suspended until the following month for credential review, while three members were appointed to the Community Development Advisory Board.

The agenda for the meeting includes the opening formalities such as a moment of silent meditation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussion items involve the re-opening of the 2026 Budget, a review of the current Responsible Contractors Ordinance, and an examination of options concerning EV charging infrastructure within townhome communities. The Council will also address the resignation of the Township Auditor and the process for filling that vacant seat.