Scott A. Hutt

The workshop meeting included the approval of the agenda and reports from various committees. The Planning and Zoning Committee announced a forthcoming public hearing on January 28th and a schedule change for the regular meeting to 6:30 p.m. to accommodate anticipated lengthy discussion, including presentations from guests and an update from the district judge. The committee also reported the certification of completion for the Turn 14 building addition and its recommendation for the 18-month maintenance period. The Public Works Committee provided a winter storm update, noting the usage of 100 tons of salt, ongoing pothole patching, and the start of road assessment reviews for the 2026 road program. They also announced winners for the 2025 holiday lights competition and details for upcoming Getfit classes, including a spring bus trip to Washington D.C. The Finance Committee reported positive financial news for 2025, including an 8.5% return on the pension plan, a 6% increase in earned income tax revenue, and overall revenue exceeding expenses by $100,000. The Public Safety Committee reported on 2025 statistics, noting approximately 30,000 calls for service, a decrease in both Part One (11% down) and Part Two (20% down) crimes, and a 14% reduction in crashes. Action items included an assessment appeal settlement concerning the Dorman property, resulting in a payment of $20,591.78 to the township. The Township Manager announced the receipt of a significant $3 million state grant award to fund improvements for the Welsh or Villa intersection, which is identified as the township's least safe intersection.

The meeting included the formal call to order and a pledge of allegiance. The agenda approval process was conducted, followed by citizen comments, during which an individual was temporarily deferred until the scheduled hearing. Two executive sessions were announced: one held on January 23rd and another held prior to the current meeting on January 28th, both for personnel items. The board approved the consent items, which included the board meeting minutes, treasurer's report, and bills payable. Action items covered appointments to the Zoning Hearing Board, renewing an existing member and appointing a new alternate member. The main focus shifted to a public hearing concerning the conditional use application submitted by PY Homes of PA Limited Partnership for a single-family detached dwelling cluster development consisting of 161 houses on approximately 96 gross acres. The hearing involved the introduction of numerous exhibits, establishing party status for interested residents and representatives, and outlining the hearing procedures with legal counsel present to protect the township's ordinances.

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and approval of the agenda. Citizens provided comments primarily focused on opposing a proposed development at 1295 Cabin Road (or 2478 Cow Path), citing concerns over flooding, encroachment, and the rejection of previous iterations by engineering and planning commissions. The board moved to consent items, approving several reports and minutes, including the VMSC EMS monthly report for January, North Penn Water Authority minutes from December 2025, and the police report for January. The main special item involved a presentation by the HTMA Executive Director regarding the proposed budget, which includes a 5% increase in sewer rates to address significant operational cost increases (electric, gas, labor, insurance) totaling approximately $380,000, alongside ongoing capital projects exceeding $15 million over four years. The presenter detailed various grants obtained to offset capital costs and discussed upcoming regulatory challenges, such as POS and copper limits, expected around 2029. The discussion also covered routine maintenance and rehabilitation of the collection system (over 100 miles of sewer lines). The board confirmed that the final budget vote would occur in two weeks.

The meeting commenced with a reorganization segment, including the swearing-in of newly elected public officials: Carla Delesio, Thomas C. Zipful, and Daniel Ruby (who was sworn in as Tax Collector). The Board subsequently elected Commissioner Lraco as President and Commissioner Shahid Partha as Vice President. Key actions included appointments to various committees (Planning and Zoning, Finance, Public Safety, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Pool Advisory, and HTMA), and the re-appointment and employment agreement extension for Township Manager Secretary Deputy Treasurer Aaron Bibbro. The Board also appointed several professional positions, including the Township Treasurer, Zoning Officer, Planner, Traffic Engineer, and Building Code Official. Finally, the Board voted to authorize staff to draft and advertise a Request for Proposals for solicitor and engineering firms.

The meeting included a recognition of retired police officer Sergeant Dave McReech for his 27 years of service, as well as the swearing-in of two new police officers, Brandy McCoy and Ryan Saunders. The Industrial Development Authority (IDA) was also recognized for assisting in financing renovations for the detective unit. The IDA contributed $30,000 towards the cost of the renovation.