Douglass Township

Prior to the meeting, an executive session was held to discuss a possible litigation matter. Key discussions during the public session included the adoption of the 2026 Budget and the corresponding Resolution 2025-21 Tax Milage Rate, despite public inquiry regarding a tax increase. The Board authorized the Township Manager to advertise the 2026 meeting schedule and adopt the new Douglass Township Employee Handbook, effective January 1, 2026. Several items were authorized for sale on Municibid, and the sale of extra portable radios to Amity Fire Company was approved. The Police Department's joining of the Federal Surplus Property Program for 2026 was approved. The Solicitor reported approvals for Resolution 2025-22 (84 Lumber Land Development Final Approval) and Resolution 2025-23 (Salvetti Minor Subdivision Final Approval), along with the approval of a Sewer Connection Agreement for 298 Douglass Drive and authorization to advertise an amendment to the Code Enforcement Ordinance. The financial report, including lists of bills, was approved.

The resolution focuses on amending the fee schedule for Douglass Township, covering various administrative, building/construction, sanitary sewer, highway department, park and recreation, and zoning hearing fees. It includes specific costs for services such as mailing, photocopies, returned checks, certifications, duplicate tax bills, late fees, copying records, sanitary sewer specifications, subdivision and land development ordinances, township maps, zoning ordinances, Act 537 plans, blueprints, building and construction fees, sanitary sewer tapping and connection fees, highway department services, junkyard registration, road occupancy permits, Act 46 verification, subdivision and land development plan review fees, park and recreation pavilion rental, and zoning hearing fees for variances, special exceptions, curative amendments, procedural challenges, and conditional use hearings.

The resolution focuses on amending the fee schedule for Douglass Township, covering various administrative, building/construction, sewer, highway department, park and recreation, and zoning hearing fees. It includes specific costs for services such as mailing, photocopies, certifications, sewer taps, winter services, road occupancy permits, subdivision and land development plan reviews, park pavilion rentals, and zoning variances.

The resolution focuses on amending the fee schedule for Douglass Township, covering various administrative fees such as mailing, photocopying, return check charges, certifications, and late fees on invoices. It also includes fees for copying records, sanitary sewer specifications, subdivision and land development ordinances, township maps, zoning ordinances, and Act 537 plans. Furthermore, the resolution addresses building and construction fees, sanitary sewer fees including tapping fees, connection fees, user fees, and penalties, as well as highway department fees for winter services and labor. Additional fees are listed for junkyard registration, road occupancy permits, Act 46 verification, subdivision and land development plan reviews, park and recreation rentals, and zoning hearing fees for variances, special exceptions, curative amendments, procedural challenges, and conditional use hearings.

The board meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. A public hearing was held to consider amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, specifically revising definitions related to nonconforming lots, structures, buildings, and uses. The board also reviewed and approved payment for the 2019 road project, contingent upon receipt of the Release of Liens. Concerns were raised by residents regarding flooding issues on Route 562, prompting the Township to investigate the functionality of the retention basin and potential issues with a pipe under the road. Additionally, concerns were voiced about the roadway at the railroad trestle on Redshale Road, leading to a commitment to explore enhancements for driver safety.