Hampden Township

The meeting commenced with the approval of the September 11, 2025, Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. Audience participation focused heavily on opposing text amendments related to data centers, with residents expressing concerns about water depletion, energy costs, proximity to residences, and vulnerability from high-voltage lines and lithium-ion batteries. It was noted that the Board previously denied data centers in the Office Park Zoning District. Under Old Business, the Preliminary/Final Subdivision Plan for 1500 Lamb's Gap Road was tabled. New Business involved the successful recommendation for approval of the Preliminary/Final Subdivision Plan for 6010 Creekview Road, including a waiver from preliminary plan submission, contingent on staff and County review comments being favorably resolved. Under Good and Welfare, it was mentioned that the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Hampden Township Comprehensive Plan update would be advertised soon, with committee meetings anticipated for January 2026.

The agenda for the meeting includes public comment and separate consent agendas for Sanitary Sewer and Stormwater items. Sanitary Sewer Action Items involve discussion and possible action on a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Roth Lane WWTP Final Design and solicitor's reports. Stormwater Action Items include discussion and possible motion to approve outstanding receivables for Navy 2025 and PA Department of Transportation 2025, as well as discussion regarding the dedication of stormwater facilities for the Indian Creek Recreation Club and a Pollutant Reduction Plan Update. The Sanitary Sewer Consent Agenda covers routine items, including the authorization to execute a Reservation of Capacity Agreement for the 1500 Lamb's Gap Road Project reserving four (4) EDUs.

The meeting agenda included the administration of the Oath of Office to newly seated Commissioners, followed by the Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance. Key organizational items involved the appointment of a Temporary Chairperson, the Election of Officers for President, Vice President, and Assistant Secretary, and the assignment of Commissioner liaisons to various Boards, Commissions, Committees, Authorities, and Associations. Support staff appointments included naming the Township Manager/Secretary, Solicitor, and Bond Counsel. The agenda also covered appointments and reappointments to several authorities, including the Sewer Authority and the Golf Advisory Board, and addressed vacated appointments from December 2025 for various bodies. The consent agenda proposed approving warrants payable for January 2026 and advertising dates for subsequent Special Meetings and Workshop Sessions. Further discussion items included monthly reports from the Police Chief and Assistant Township Manager/Public Works Director, discussion on broadcasting meetings, student artwork, a safety workshop, opening the 2026 Budget, potential Zoning Ordinance updates, directing the Solicitor to draft an ordinance for regular meeting dates, and authorizing an RFP for Periodic Construction Monitoring Services.

The meeting included a call to order with instructions for public participation, moments of silence for a house fire victim and Don Paul Shearer, and presentations regarding a proposed Eagle Scout project and a possible donation for Creekview Soccer Field improvements. The Consent Agenda covered ratifying appointments for the Community Development Secretary position, approving tax credits for volunteer firefighters, approving volunteer Fire Police Officers, professional services proposals, lease assignments, authorizing competitive bids for the Good Hope Station HVAC upgrade, extending a Land Development Plan protection period, ratifying resolutions for new local businesses, approving pool pass donations, approving warrants payable for December 2025, and noting the next meeting date. Under subsequent reports, authorization was sought for issuing an Intent to Award and Notice to Proceed for the Armitage roof and façade project to the lowest bidder. Other key discussions involved a possible new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Police Association, adopting a resolution to amend the Uniformed Pension Plan, amending the Memorandum of Understanding with the Veterans Recognition Committee, and discussing deck replacement at Armitage and the Caddy Shack, as well as reorganizing the Board of Commissioners.

The Zoning Hearing Board discussed the application of Raising Cane's Restaurants, LLC, requesting variances regarding the number of wall signs and the use of an existing ground pole sign for their property. The board reviewed the property's unique characteristics, including its location within a mixed-use shopping center and its orientation away from the Carlisle Pike. The discussion focused on how the requested variances would assist in better recognition of the restaurant and improve traffic navigation. Ultimately, the board approved the variance requests, subject to the condition that the proposed ground pole sign does not exceed the square footage of the existing sign.