Lower Salford Township

The meeting commenced with a reorganization, including the election of a chairperson (Kevin Shel) and vice chairperson (John Delpo), and the nomination of a secretary (Rob Carlson). The committee discussed its purpose, which is to make recommendations to improve communication between residents and the township, citing past successes such as developing a resident portal and ensuring newsletter distribution. Key discussion points focused on promoting communication regarding an upcoming May referendum. Significant time was dedicated to addressing snow emergency declarations, specifically the issue of vehicles obstructing snow plow routes. The committee plans to distribute physical flyers on cars and potentially update the list of snow emergency routes, and suggestions were made to include snow emergency reminders in new resident welcome letters and post temporary notices at township entrances.

The session began with the approval of minutes for the November 19, 2025 work session meeting. Key discussions included updates from Public Works on several projects: the Bur Mill Road Bridge completion is pending due to sealing, paving issues, and contractor difficulties; park cleanup and improvements are postponed until spring due to weather; progress on the new public works facility was not reported; and Main Street sidewalk work is delayed pending resolution of an issue with an old lead service line that Pico will not splice into, requiring directional drilling for relocation. Public Works also provided updates on discussions with PennDOT regarding the winter services agreement, expressing concerns about municipal input, and progress on reconfiguring administrative offices for additional staff. Furthermore, a pre-inspection walkthrough was conducted with CKS regarding an upcoming DMSS4 inspection, indicating good readiness. The department also reviewed performance during a recent heavy snowfall event, noting minor equipment issues and discussing strategies to manage street parking challenges and public notification for future snow removal efforts. The board also addressed a request for a left turn advance signal head installation on Main Street and Corey Road American Way, determining that warrants are met for three periods, and authorized staff to proceed with permit modification and contract work. Finally, an analysis update was given for the Moyer Road and Oak Drive all-way stop investigation, noting that traffic counts are complete, and the board will review findings concerning warranted left turn lanes, the effectiveness of the stop, and potential interim improvements like stop bars due to intersection geometry challenges. The Building and Zoning Director reported 19 building permits issued this month, noted the Planning Commission's recommendation for the 488 Harleyville preliminary plan, and discussed findings from the Indie Valley Regional Planning Commission comprehensive plan, highlighting a recommendation for an adjacent industrial area to be designated as a secondary growth area. The board was also asked to authorize advertisement for a proposed ordinance amendment regarding signage permitted in the AO district.

Key discussions during the meeting focused on several recurring items and new business. Recurring items included noting the absence of the Harleysville Market in November and preparations for communicating about new power distribution lines flagged in the township, which prompted a decision to disable comments on related social media posts. Unfinished business involved communications planning for the Allebach Farm property, emphasizing the need for multi-channel information delivery and coordination with partners like the National Land Trust, while ensuring the township only provides factual information and does not advocate for a specific vote. The committee also discussed reaching out to prior applicants regarding new associate member seats on the committee. New business addressed potential issues with new resident letters not being received or noticed, leading to a proposal to review distribution methods and content clarity. During public comment, a resident suggested utilizing Facebook Live and including public participation via Zoom and YouTube livestream for enhanced engagement.

Key discussions during the meeting focused on operational and budgetary matters. The Operations Manager presented the Long Term Project Report and a draft of the 2026 Preliminary Capital Budget, which included considerations for the feasibility and cost of removing the Mainland Plant garage wall and renovation ideas for the Office area. The Business Manager presented the draft 2026 Preliminary Operating Budget, with final numbers pending minor adjustments. Additionally, the Board was informed about the planned purchase of a new Certificate of Deposit (CD) from PLGIT using Q4 collection cycle revenue.

The meeting commenced with public discussion periods, followed by the approval of the consent agenda. Committee reports included an update from the Park Board regarding its next meeting date and a detailed report from the Fire Chief concerning November operational statistics, including call volumes and incidents across various jurisdictions. Freedom Valley Medical Rescue expressed gratitude for a donated vehicle and provided operational data showing 744 hours of ALS coverage in October. Discussions also covered the approval of the 2026 municipal budget documents, which contained no general fund tax increase, and the enactment of 2026 tax rates. The board accepted deeds of dedication for several roads, contingent upon future maintenance agreements being acted upon. A waiver request for the trail detail at 355 Maple Avenue, involving a reduction in pavement section for a privately maintained trail, was approved after discussion on safety and liability. A contract award for a 2025 wheel motor mounted snow plow was approved. New business included authorizing advertisements for upcoming pavement repair and marking contracts, and authorizing an ordinance to advertise a quarter-point earned income tax increase for open space acquisition, which will be subject to a May primary ballot initiative.