Heidelberg Township

Key discussion points included public comments regarding professional service changes and contract transparency. The Board approved a request from the Schaefferstown Event committee to use township ballfields for an Easter Egg Hunt. Financial matters involved the approval of bills for the Township, Sewer account, and Water account. The Board ratified the emergency hiring of a CDL driver for snow removal and approved a no-cost PennDOT Road Safety Audit for Route 897. Several land development and subdivision plans were addressed, including granting waivers and deferrals for the Abner Stoltzfus Subdivision and approving waivers for the George Achey pond installation. The Board also approved the engagement letter with Solicitor Barley Snyder and appointed a new Lebanon County TCC representative. Blanket approval was granted for the Fire Police to assist with local traffic control at events such as funerals and emergencies. Utility updates covered repairs to air releases and a significant water loss incident requiring insurance claims. Furthermore, the Board approved the purchase of an Android tablet for new radio read software, approved the quote to replace a damaged hydrant, and authorized legal documents to abandon the Right of Way to certain private water system apparatus. Finally, a service agreement with Commonwealth Code Inspections for code enforcement was approved.

The meeting commenced with a reorganization, including the appointment of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary/Treasurer. Key administrative duties were assigned, such as appointing the Road Master, Administration Supervisor, and Public Works Superintendent. Several professional appointments were confirmed, including legal counsel, Township Engineer (following a split vote), Auditors for the 2025 Township Audit, Sewage Enforcement Officer, Zoning Officer, Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor, and Township Code Enforcement Officer. Appointments to the Vacancy Board, Zoning Hearing Board, and Planning Commission were finalized. Financial matters addressed included securing bonding for the Treasurer and Assistant Secretary, designating fund depositories for 2026, affirming tax collection entities, establishing regular meeting dates and times (modified to a 6:30 PM start time), setting the 2026 wage/salary schedule, and adopting the 2026 mileage rate. Under the regular order of business, the Board discussed an Emergency Notification System and purchased credits for resident notifications. A quote was approved for a Chlorine Door replacement. Finally, the procurement of township email addresses for supervisors was approved.

The meeting included public comments regarding community events and concerns about representation in a PennDOT Scoping meeting concerning the Keller parcel development. Key financial actions included the approval of bills for the Township General/Light Funds ($93,343.83), Sewer account ($35,946.95), and Water account ($28,736.56). Reports reviewed included Public Works, Treasurer's Report for November 2025, Gasboy fuel usage, Zoning Officer's Report, and PA State Police Report for November 2025. The Board adopted Resolution 983 ($25,000) to apply for the Marcellus Shale Grant for Walking Trail Right of Way acquisitions. The Engineer's Report detailed the release of the Letter of Credit for 230 Millbach Road, holding a minimal amount in cash escrow for punchlist items, and noted that the George Achey pond project is pending final guaranty documentation. The Solicitor's Report addressed a conflict of interest situation involving the firm Stevens & Lee representing Sheetz, which the Board approved to continue. New business involved the approval of several Resolutions (984 through 989) setting the Non-uniform Pension Minimum Municipal Obligation acknowledgment, Real Estate Tax Rate ($0.07444 mills/$100.00), Street Light Tax ($0.50/LF), Fire Hydrant Tax (.0001055 mills), Tax Penalty (10%), and the Fee Schedule for 2026. Utility updates covered the need for a new lid and door for the salt brine container building and discussion regarding an Emergency Call notification system. The Board approved the PennDOT Scoping list and minutes of the Scoping meeting. The meeting concluded with recognition of Ted Cromleigh's years of service, followed by an executive session to discuss litigation matters.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics, including a review of potential development at the Route 501/Route 897 intersection, approval of bills for the Township's Light Fund, General Fund, Sewer, and Water accounts, and a review of the Treasurer's Report, Public Works Report, Gasboy report, Zoning Officer's Report, and PA State Police Report. The board approved waivers and deferrals for the Middlecreek Mennonite School Land Development Plan, as well as the Stormwater and Financial Guaranty Agreements. A time extension for the Kline solar project was also approved. The 2026 Budget was approved for adoption, and a decision was made to allow a member to continue serving on the Planning Commission after rescinding their request for removal. The board also discussed utility matters, including a hydrant hit in a vehicle accident, and approved the use of Fire Police and Township equipment for a Christmas event. An executive session was held to discuss litigation matters.

The Heidelberg Township Board of Supervisors held a budget workshop to review the General Fund Budget revenues and expenses, specialty accounts, Capital Improvement Budget, Capital Reserve Budget, Liquid Fuels Account, Utility account, Sewer Capital Improvement account, Water Capital Improvement account, and the Park and Recreation Fund. The General Fund Budget was balanced without increasing any tax rates. The board decided not to have a second budget meeting and intends to approve advertisement at the next meeting for adoption.