Stephen Yakopec

The board discussed a variety of correspondence, including permit renewal requests, CDBG program participation, mineral and gas royalties, and engineering recommendations for road construction payments. The Planning Commission provided insights on a draft ordinance for a new Data Center, focusing on zoning, noise regulation, and environmental impact. New business included motions to hire seasonal road department staff, advertise the sale of a loader backhoe, authorize a construction payment, and review monthly financial reports.

The board discussed a variety of operational and zoning matters. Key topics included the authorization of a curative amendment for the township zoning ordinance regarding data centers, correspondence from a gas company regarding well permits, and a request from the local volunteer fire company to modify emergency response procedures. The planning commission presented several land parcel consolidation and revision plans, all of which were approved. Additionally, the board reviewed financial reports for multiple funds, addressed road and police reports, and approved the payment and ratification of municipal bills.

The Board discussed the receipt of grant funding for the purchase of a new backhoe loader and received notification regarding professional surveying services related to natural gas permitting within the township. Key business items included the formal motion to purchase a new CAT 420-07 Backhoe Loader using grant funds and the review of financial reports for multiple municipal funds. Public comments were received regarding the condition of Lower Drennen Road.

The meeting involved the opening and reading aloud of bids for the 2026 Road Material Bids and Contract #26-1 for Menk Road overlay, scheduled for February 26, 2026. Correspondence included a request from the Tax Collector for exoneration regarding uncollected 2025 Township Property Taxes, Fire Hydrant Taxes, and Per Capita items. Other correspondence noted the opening of the 2026 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program applications and an upcoming First Responders Day event. New business centered on motions for the engineer to prepare and advertise the 2026 Road Material Bids and the Menk Road overlay contract. Furthermore, motions were presented to appoint a Deputy Tax Collector and to exonerate the Tax Collector from collecting specific 2025 taxes. The board also planned to pay and ratify all bills and accept the financial report for January 2026.

The meeting centered on organizational business for 2026. Key items included the election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board, and numerous appointments for the year 2026 and beyond, such as re-appointing the Secretary/Treasurer, Solicitor, Township Engineer, Code Enforcement Officer, and several board members to various bodies including the Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board. Organizational business also involved establishing the schedule and location for future Regular and Planning Commission meetings, setting the Treasurer's Bond, approving payroll and billing schedules, setting mileage reimbursement, and approving the Wage Schedules and Benefit Schedule for Township Employees, including retroactive application for some compensation items.