William T. Gildea-Walker

The meeting included an amendment to add a time-sensitive agenda item: authorizing a grant application for the 2026 Monco 2040 implementation grant program for the Friends of Graham Park. The council also received recognition of appreciation from the Upper Dublin Township Police Department for assistance provided following the impact of Tropical Storm Ida in September 2021, specifically regarding the use of Horsham's cell block and processing area. Zoning hearing board applications were reviewed, including a request for a variance to install a 6-foot fence on a corner lot where only 4-foot fences are permitted in the front yard, and a request for an impervious coverage variance for a gazebo, with staff recommending approval contingent on planting commitments. A third item involved a request for a special exception for retail sales at 900 Business Center Drive by Colonial Marble, with discussions focusing on compliance with accessory use criteria, operating hours, and potential noise concerns related to the manufacturing operations.

The meeting commenced with a public hearing regarding a proposed ordinance to amend and update the Horsham Township Home Rule Charter, established in 1975, which has not undergone a full review since its adoption. The proposed amendments, subject to voter referendum on May 19th, 2026, included updating terminology for non-gender-specific pronouns, imposing term limits for council members (two consecutive eight-year terms followed by a four-year hiatus), updating the title of District Justice, aligning public ordinance advertisement requirements with current state law, allowing ordinances to become effective immediately upon adoption, aligning tax language with modernized state taxing laws, clarifying voter petition rights regarding ordinance reconsideration to include zoning and land use matters, and eliminating language regarding the recall of a council member due to unconstitutionality rulings. Following the hearing, the council moved to public comments where representatives from Revolution Philadelphia and Humane World for Animals advocated for an ordinance prohibiting the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops to combat puppy mills and protect consumers from predatory lending and false guarantees. They clarified that such an ordinance would not affect animal rescue organizations, shelters, or responsible breeders.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance, followed by expressions of gratitude towards the public works crew, fire department, and police department for their work during the recent snowstorm. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to swearing in three new police officers: Edward Butterworth, Nordia Henry, and Anthony Matteo, with details provided on their experience and qualifications. The council also discussed the recruitment process for police officers. During the public comment section, a resident voiced strong support for the inclusion of a noise ordinance in the comprehensive ordinance overhaul, citing issues with late-night construction and landscaping equipment noise, to which the council acknowledged it is an item under consideration.

The initial part of the meeting focused on the certification of the general election results from November 4th, 2025, and the administration of the oath of office to the newly elected council members: Dr. Ruth Patterson, Elizabeth Thompson, and John McCarti. Following the swearing-in ceremony, a State Representative offered words of encouragement to the new officials. The agenda then proceeded with the election of council positions, resulting in Samantha Slaf as Council President, Ellen Chunky as Vice President, and Elizabeth Thompson as Council Treasurer. Key actions included appointing voting delegates and alternates for the PATS convention, adopting the 2026 meeting schedule (changing regular meetings to the second and fourth Wednesdays), and approving numerous appointments to various township boards and commissions, such as the Planning Commission, Water and Sewer Authority, Park and Recreation Board, Police Pension Advisory Board, and others.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence in memory of Walter Wally Grumin, a community volunteer and activist known for his dedication to youth services and environmental education. Following this, an executive session was held to discuss ongoing litigation. During the public comment period, a resident expressed significant concerns regarding speeding and visibility issues at the intersection of Maple and Myrtle Avenues, citing near misses, increased cut-through traffic, and recent property damage from a hit-and-run incident. The council discussed the limitations imposed by state and PennDOT standards regarding the placement of stop signs, which require supporting data from a warrant analysis that typically incorporates crash data. The discussion also covered alternative traffic calming measures such as local traffic-only signage and speed humps, noting that unenforced signs and the general nuisance of permanent speed humps are drawbacks. The council committed to further investigation, including potentially having the police chief, engineer, and staff meet with the resident to explore enforceable options. Later in the meeting, the minutes from the December 10, 2025, council meeting were approved, and the Treasurer's report was presented, detailing the general fund balance carried forward into 2026 and transfers made to the capital improvement fund in 2025.