East Manchester Township

The Board meeting included discussions on emergency services, including fire service stakeholder survey results from the Department of Community and Economic Development, which highlighted themes such as governance, communication, and sustainability. Key actions included the approval of payment for the Union Fire Company workers' compensation insurance audit, the authorization of various agreements related to canal road and regional way projects, and the adoption of a resolution establishing a mission statement for the township. The board also appointed a new member to the sewer authority board and reviewed upcoming planning commission ordinance amendments.

The board discussed a continued application for land use regarding a pool project. Key discussion topics included engineering concerns for storm water management, the installation of a stone infiltration pit to collect run-off, the construction and height of a retaining wall, and the potential impact of the project on neighboring properties, including concerns regarding sinkholes and water drainage. The applicant proposed using a clay liner for the storm water basin and agreed to further engineering reviews contingent upon the approval of the zoning variance.

The board discussed a property owner's application for a variance to increase the allowable impervious coverage on a residential lot for the installation of an in-ground swimming pool. The applicant presented details on the proposed pool dimensions, associated concrete decking, and intended measures to manage storm water runoff. Residents and the township engineer raised concerns regarding drainage, soil stability in the area, and potential impact on neighboring properties. The board requested that the applicant consider reducing the total impervious coverage percentage and required that any final approval be contingent upon a comprehensive storm water management plan reviewed by the township engineer.

The Planning Commission reviewed the final land development plan for the office building expansion at 265 Steamboat Boulevard, granting approval for a waiver request and recommending the final plan subject to several conditions. The Commission also engaged in a detailed discussion regarding proposed ordinances to establish a Data Center Overlay district and associated health, safety, and welfare standards. Suggestions were provided to the Board of Supervisors to reconsider buffer strip requirements, reduce maximum building heights to align with underlying zoning, and evaluate the building-per-acre ratio.

The Board of Supervisors discussed various administrative and community requests, including tax collector exonerations, a road closure for a block party, and a donation request for Leg Up Farm. Emergency services were reviewed, with the Fire Chief proposing a burn ban and a new fire department job description, which was approved. A preliminary land development discussion was held regarding a rezoning request for the Musser Farm property. Legal and operational items included the adoption of park rules, a tax collector agreement for equipment security, and a cross bore project agreement with Columbia Gas. Additionally, the Board tabled a decision on a cybersecurity managed service agreement and reviewed reports from the engineer, zoning, and recreation boards.