Tracy Luisser

Key discussions during the meeting included a presentation from PA American Water regarding their anticipated acquisition of Nexus Utilities, addressing homeowner concerns about water quality, fire hydrants, and potential rate increases. The Chair commended the Administration and Public Works Departments for snowstorm communication and snow removal efforts. Supervisor comments noted the formation of a police foundation and the need to clear snow from fire hydrants. The Board decided not to send representation to the Zoning Hearing Board regarding a Wegmans Food Markets request to remove an ownership restriction. Administration items included noting in-person real estate tax collection dates by Berkheimer and adopting Resolution 2026-09 concerning the Township's Emergency Operations Plan. The Board authorized engagement with Environmental Planning & Design to complete the Township 10-Year Park and Recreation Plan, utilizing grant funds. Public Works secured authorization to apply for the PA Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant for crosswalk installations and granted an extension to the developer of the First Responders Park Pavilion. Staff reports updated the Board on upcoming program registrations, the status of a withdrawn conditional use hearing, and that plans for the Gaspar Storm Sewer Extension project will be prepared for the next meeting.

Key discussions for this meeting included a check presentation to Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Companies for the Volunteer Fire Companies Radio Purchase, funded partially by LSA Statewide and Lehigh/Northampton County LSA Grants. The Board planned to discuss and seek direction regarding the Community Center HVAC and Roof Replacement. Supervisor reports covering Road Districts #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5 were scheduled. Additional items included a Zoning Variance Application for signage at 3760 Fairview St (Chase Bank), a Lot Consolidation & Land Development review, an adjustment to the Township Manager Compensation, and authorization to advertise the Gaspar Storm Sewer Extension Project.

The reorganization meeting focused primarily on procedural organization and appointments for the year 2026. Key actions included the unanimous appointment of Susan Lawless as Chair and Jean Versteeg as Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors. The Board re-appointed the Township Solicitor and Township Engineer, and appointed Supervisors to chair various committees. The meeting also involved the acceptance of the Tax Collector's relinquishment and the appointment of a new Tax Collector. Resolutions were adopted establishing the compensation for the Township Manager, Township Secretary/Assistant Treasurer, Public Works Director, Zoning Officer, Township Treasurer/Assistant Secretary, Recreation Director, and Preschool Director. Furthermore, resolutions established compensation for the Tax Collector, designated Township fund depositories, authorized check co-signers, appointed Supervisors as Roadmasters, and set the 2026 paid holiday schedule for Township and Community Center employees, as well as compensation for Crossing Guards.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and a list of bills and transfers dated January 13, 2026. Key discussions centered on Planning & Zoning matters, where the Board approved Conditional Use requests for 1550 Valley Center Parkway and 1560 Valley Center Parkway, imposing specific conditions such as limits on loading dock doors and trailer parking, and restricting storage usage. Authorization was also given to advertise a Conditional Use hearing for 272 Brodhead Road (HOT YOGA HUT, LLC). Under Developments, Resolution 2026-07 was adopted, authorizing an amended Declaration of Taking for roadway improvements along Route 512. In Administration, the Board approved the donation of one copier to the Hanover Township Volunteer Company and adopted Resolution 2026-08 for the disposal of two municipal assets (copy machines). Public Works staff provided updates, noting ongoing equipment maintenance and Christmas tree collection, and announced that quotes for the community center roof and HVAC replacement would be forthcoming. The Township Manager addressed communication protocols, advising residents against using Facebook for official inquiries.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and bills/transfers for the current date. The Chair recognized a departing Board member with presentations from a Congressman and the Governor. Supervisors provided updates on various Road Districts. The Board appointed Kevin Lea to the Planning Commission for a term ending January 1, 2028, following a nomination process. Two Conditional Use Hearings (CU001 and CU002) regarding increased storage space were held, with a vote scheduled for a future meeting in January 2026. The Board conditionally accepted the Amended Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for the 90 Highland Ave - Hotel project, which involved numerous waivers and conditions related to zoning, stormwater management, and traffic improvements. Several deadlines for site improvements and plan recording for other developments, including SWB&R Building Addition, Lehigh Valley Flex Center, Hanover Corporate Center II, Dewire Estates 2010, and Farmhouse Village Major Subdivision, were addressed, including extensions granted. Administratively, the Board adopted resolutions for the 2026 General Fund, Capital Reserve, State Fund, and Recreation budgets, authorized advertising the 2026 budget adoption, approved the 2026 Hanover Township Allocation for the Colonial Regional Police Commission, set the 2026 tax rates (including a Fire Tax increase), adopted the 2026 Act 511 tax rates, adopted the 2026 fee schedule, and approved 2026 Residential Waste & Recycling fees and 2026 Community Pool and Community Center fees. The Board also approved a contract for 2026 Preventative Maintenance for Empire Fitness, approved an update to Policy 34, and directed staff to invest portions of the State Fund Savings and Fire Tax Savings. Public Works staff provided updates, noting the completion of leaf season and the success of community events.