Lower Providence Township

The meeting commenced with the election of the Board of Supervisors Chair for 2026, resulting in the election of Supervisor Charles. Subsequently, Supervisor Terry Nufaglice was elected as Vice Chair for 2026. The agenda proceeded with the approval of 2026 administrative appointments, which had no changes from the previous year. Consultant appointments for 2026 were also approved, also with no proposed changes. A significant discussion took place regarding the appointment of the township solicitor, where the board voted to appoint Clark Gallagher, Barbierro, Amuso, and Glassman Law and opted for a retainer fee structure instead of the traditional billable hours structure, which is projected to yield an annual savings of approximately $18,000 to the township for covered general municipal legal services. Finally, the board addressed numerous committee and commission appointments, including reappointments to the Environmental Advisory Council, Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Board, Planning Commission, and Zoning Hearing Board, as well as new appointments to the Library Board of Trustees and Planning Commission.

The meeting commenced with the administration of oaths of office to newly elected or appointed officials, including supervisors, auditors, and a tax collector. Key organizational actions included the unanimous election of the Chair and Vice-Chair. The board then approved several administrative appointments for roles such as Township Manager, Secretary, Treasurer, Open Records Officer, Zoning Officer, and Building Code Official. Subsequent votes confirmed appointments for consulting engineers, traffic engineers, landscape architects, actuaries for pension plans, and the Township Solicitor, with a proposal to shift the solicitor's compensation to a monthly retainer being approved. Numerous reappointments to various boards, committees, and commissions were approved, followed by new appointments to the Library Board of Trustees, Parks & Recreation Board, Planning Commission, Sewer Authority, and Zoning Hearing Board. The board also appointed Board Liaisons to various committees. Finally, several resolutions were adopted, including designating fund depositories, authorizing signatures on checks, establishing bond amounts for the Treasurer/Assistant Treasurer, setting 2026 pension contribution rates, appointing auditors for Fiscal Year 2025, and approving the 2026 fee schedule. The board also approved the 2026 meeting schedule and accepted a proposal from Cohen Law Group regarding the cable franchise agreement renewal. Authorization was granted to proceed with the first phase of a pipe lining project funded by a 2023 Local Share Account grant.

The meeting addressed several key operational and budgetary items. Discussions included budget highlights for 2026, noting the elimination of the deficit through a small tax increase, increased funding for the Community Library and Lower Providence EMS, and the implementation of the Redtail Park master plan and a new Critical Repair Program aimed at assisting residents with minor code violations. The Board adopted Resolution No. 2025-40 for the 2026 Budget and Resolution 2025-41 to establish the real estate tax millage rate. Additionally, Ordinance No. 693 was adopted to increase the emergency services tax rate, and Ordinance No. 694 was adopted to prohibit overnight parking in Township parks. In New Business, the Board approved an amendment to the Employee Handbook establishing six weeks of paid parental leave for eligible non-union employees. Approvals were also granted for proposals from Delco Solutions for security upgrades at 800 Adams Avenue and from Mach 5 Services for property relocation and disposal.

Key discussions focused on recently completed events and new holiday programs. Old business included summarizing the successful Pet Photos with Santa event, which saw 49 dogs and 1 cat participate, and thanking volunteers for the 17th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The department also expressed gratitude for donations to the Caring and Sharing program. New business featured expressing gratitude for Ray Lotfi's four years of service to the Park Board, sharing details about the nearly full 2nd Annual Community Holiday Dinner, and launching a new Letters to Santa program where residents can mail letters to receive a response from Santa. The Supervisor Liaison thanked the board for their teamwork and noted that the 2026 Budget would be approved by the Board of Supervisors the following day.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included consideration and approval of the 2026 Budget (Resolution No. 2025-40) and the corresponding Real Estate Tax Millage Rate (Resolution 2025-41), with Supervisor MacFarland opposing both votes. The Board adopted an ordinance (Ordinance No. 693) to increase the emergency services tax rate and another ordinance (Ordinance No. 694) to prohibit overnight parking in Township parks. New Business focused on amending the Employee Handbook to include six weeks of paid parental leave for non-union employees, accepting proposals from Delco Solutions for security/AV work at 800 Adams Avenue, and approving a proposal from Mach 5 Services for property relocation and disposal related to the same building. The meeting also involved an Executive Session prior to the meeting to discuss litigation and personnel matters.