Vicki Harnish

The meeting included the reorganization of the Board, wherein Raymond Lanas was nominated as Chairman and John Lines as Vice-Chairman, and the appointment of Matthew Crème as solicitor. The Board addressed two primary cases. For Case No WL2025-ZHB-023 (416 Strasburg Pike), the board agreed to continue the hearing until the March 10, 2026 meeting to allow the applicant to proceed with the entire land development process. For Case No WL2025-ZHB-033 (1820 Lampeter Road), the applicant, Clearlake LLC, requested a Variance related to sign requirements (area, height, wall height, and wall length). Following testimony and board concerns regarding the proportionality and size of the proposed sign, the hearing was continued to February 10, 2026, to allow the applicant time to redesign the plan with updated dimensions.

The combined meeting included the Reorganization Meeting where officers for 2026 were elected, including Randy Moyer as Chairperson and Barry Hershey as Vice Chairperson. Resolution 1-2026 was adopted concerning appointments and reappointments to various Township boards and commissions, followed by Resolution 2-2026 appointing Maher Duessel as the Auditor for the 2025 Audit. During the subsequent Regular Meeting, monthly reports were accepted from Community Development, the Treasurer, Public Works, and Police. The Board also held hearings and approved Resolutions 3-2026 and 4-2026, adding land parcels to the West Lampeter Agricultural Security Area. Planning matters also included approving financial security and execution agreements for a Stormwater Management Plan, releasing security for another property, and acknowledging time extensions for several Final Plans. The Board directed staff to communicate intent to remove specific parcels from the Urban Growth Area to Lancaster County Planning. Township Administration discussions covered the 2026 Meeting Dates, approving Resolution 5-2026 regarding the Police Pension Contribution for CY2026, and discussing the Fiscal Year 2026 Fee Schedule. Further discussions included updates on the Residential Stormwater Management Planning Project and the Willow Street (Pyfer) Park project bidding status. Finally, the Board awarded contracts for the Village Road Curb and Sidewalk Project, the 2026 Seasonal Mowing Contract, and approved a request for traffic control services by Strasburg Borough for an event in February 2026.

The agenda for the meeting included considering the approval of minutes from the January 13, 2026 meeting. Key discussion items involved several zoning cases: a continuance for Clearlake LLC regarding residential development sign variance requirements; a variance request from Don Julian for an existing driveway exceeding the maximum opening width; a request from Noel Velez for a Special Exception and Variance to expand a nonconforming structure by adding a roof over an existing deck; a variance sought by Joseph Stoltzfus for exceeding maximum height requirements for a proposed barn; and applications from Sam and Mary Saylor for Special Exception approval for short-term rentals along with multiple Variances to renovate an existing home to include attached suites and construct a separate dwelling unit. Additionally, the Board was scheduled to receive communication from the Lampeter Strasburg School District.

The meeting, scheduled for 6:00 PM after the Pledge of Allegiance, included a reorganization section. Key agenda items involved considering two official cases: Case No. WL2025-ZHB-023, requesting a Variance and/or Appeal related to lot subdivision at 416 Strasburg Pike, and Case No. WL2025-ZHB-033, seeking a Variance for residential development sign requirements on the parent parcel located along Lampeter Road. The board also planned to discuss other miscellaneous matters before adjournment. The proceedings were recorded for minute preparation.

The meeting commenced with an Annual Reorganization Session, which included the appointment of a Temporary Chairperson, the election of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary/Treasurer, and consideration of resolutions regarding appointments and the 2025 audit. Following adjournment of the reorganization, the regular meeting addressed department reports from Community Development, Treasurer/Finance, Public Works, Police, and the Township Manager. Key planning matters included hearings and considerations for adding parcels to the Agricultural Security Area via Resolutions 3-2026 and 4-2026, as well as consideration of financial security, agreement releases, and time extensions for several development plans. Township administration matters involved setting 2026 meeting dates, considering a resolution regarding police pension contributions, discussing the Fiscal Year 2026 Fee Schedule, reviewing township projects and initiatives (such as Gypsy Hill & Long Rifle Road Project and Willow Street Park Project), and considering the award of contracts for curb/sidewalk work and seasonal mowing.