Thomas Goggin

The meeting agenda includes discussions on community priorities for 2026 and beyond, specifically focusing on grants, programs, wildflower and tree planting initiatives, and potential trail connections. Additionally, the board will review the PROST plan, discuss educational programs, receive a treasurer's update, and clarify roles and responsibilities for the year. The meeting will conclude with an executive session to address properties and easements under consideration.

The Council discussed several environmental and administrative topics, including updates on open space conservation, park events, and the new open burning ordinance. Key action items included planning for a marketing and newsletter strategy to communicate with township residents, preparing for a zoning meeting regarding vegetation removal on a specific property, and coordinating salt sampling in the local watershed. Additionally, the Council reviewed 2026 programs, which include clean energy transition plans, educational outreach initiatives, and improved coordination with Parks and Recreation regarding park maintenance protocols.

The board meeting included a review of the previous year for the Chester Springs Library, highlighting relocation efforts and future plans for a StoryWalk installation. Key actions taken included the promotion of Officer Matthew McBride to full-time status, the approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for renovations at 1441 Horseshoe Trail Road, and the ratification of a Declaration of Emergency regarding a recent winter storm. The board also received an update from the Historic Commission regarding an ongoing project to update and validate the Township's Historic Register.

The Park and Recreation Committee reviewed the Treasurer's Report, confirming the budget is on track. Committee updates included plans to send a letter to the Board of Supervisors regarding the Route 401 speed limit near Walnut Lane Park, and the Environmental Advisory Committee's organization of an Earth Day event. Boy Scout projects are pending review. The committee approved a motion to change the meeting start time to 7:00 PM. Ongoing projects discussed included the Story Walk installation at Walnut Lane (delayed due to ground conditions), Disc Golf tee installation (pending dry ground), and the PCP Playground project, which is moving forward with fundraising continuing. Preparations for the Egg Hunt, including stuffing eggs and coordinating volunteer schedules, were reviewed. Summer Library Events for 2026 were scheduled, and the committee approved spending an additional $100 for these events. New business involved discussions regarding a playground donation postcard and the distribution of Township Ordinances concerning Parks and Recreation.

The meeting commenced with the reorganization of the Open Space Committee for 2026, resulting in the election of Lisa Lacroix as Chair, Teresa Wood as Vice Chair, and Art Vrecenak as Secretary. Financial status as of December 31, 2025, was reviewed, indicating approximately $3.1 million in total Open Space cash funds, with excess revenue of about $192,000 over expenditures for 2025. Discussions under New Business addressed the recent reorganizational meeting of the Board of Supervisors. Announcements covered updates from the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) and Park and Recreation (PAR), noting a shift in focus for land acquisition priorities from large parcels to smaller parcels with potential trail connections upon finalization of the Open Space and Trails Plan.