Patton Township

The meeting commenced with the election of officers for 2026, confirming Mr. Ken Hickman as Chair and Mr. Jeff Zapletal as Vice-Chair. The committee adopted the schedule of meetings for 2026. Key discussions focused on Gray's Woods Park Phase 2 Design, where the committee approved the pavilion, four adventure play equipment pieces, and the site plan, providing feedback on the treehouse design for subsequent revision. A public Open House for the draft plans is scheduled for February 17, 2026, and a DCNR grant submission is planned for this project. The committee reviewed and accepted the revised draft of the Centre Region Parks and Recreation Authority Intergovernmental Relationship Agreement. Significant time was dedicated to reviewing the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding maintenance responsibilities, during which the committee recommended removing references to 'programming,' restructuring service levels, and requiring specific details regarding associated costs and enforcement mechanisms for the agreement to be functional. The committee also noted plans for a grant application for the TreePennsylvania Bare Root Tree Program to plant ten trees in Ambleside Park and confirmed the renewal of PRPS memberships for committee members.

This meeting served as the Reorganizational Meeting for the Board of Supervisors. Key actions included the election of officers for 2026, with Betsy Whitman designated as Chair and Susan Chyczewski as Vice-Chair. The Board discussed and approved the amended 2026 meeting schedule, reducing the number of regular meetings outside of budget season. Appointments were made to various Board Committees and COG Standing Committees, along with affirming the policy on alternates. The Board also approved the PSATS Conference voting delegate and alternate. A new two-year employment agreement for the Township Manager was approved, increasing her salary and deferred compensation contribution. Additionally, the Board approved Resolution 2026-01 adopting the 2026 Fee Schedule and addressed several administrative matters under the consent agenda, including approving the destruction of police records, setting the Treasurer's Bond Limit, approving expenditure thresholds and the mileage rate, establishing bank depositories, and reappointing various officials and agents. The meeting concluded with a planned executive session to discuss a personnel issue.

The Reorganizational Meeting included the proclamation of the 2026 Lunar New Year and the proclamation designating February 2026 as Black History Month. A key discussion involved the reallocation of $25,000 in township funds to the Centre County Housing Land Trust (CCHLT) to support leveraging Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) funds for the preservation of affordability at the Sylvan View Estates project. The Chief of Police addressed community concerns regarding immigration enforcement procedures. The Board adopted Resolution 2026-03 to apply for County Aid for the East Hillside Avenue Rehabilitation Project. The Planning Commission reported on its reorganization and reviewed a sketch plan for the relocation and expansion of a Dick's Sporting Goods store, which completes the build-out anticipated under the original Master Site Plan for The Colonnade. Appointments were made to the Open Space Committee and the Recreation Advisory Committee. The Supervisors discussed the potential merging of the COG Climate Action and Sustainability (CAS) and Land Use and Infrastructure (LUCI) Committees. The Consent Agenda, including participation in the 2026-2027 Sodium Chloride Contract and approval of prior minutes, was passed. The Manager's Report covered grant awards, updates on capital projects, and planning initiatives. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss a legal matter.

The agenda for the meeting, which will be held in a hybrid format, includes several key items. Discussions cover proclamations for the 2026 Lunar New Year and February as Black History Month, with the latter marking the 100th anniversary of the observance. A significant topic is the request to reallocate $25,000 contributed by the Township in 2023 to the Centre County Housing Land Trust (CCHLT) to support the preservation of affordable housing units at Sylvan View Estates. Public Safety includes year-end and monthly police reports for information only. Public Works involves consideration of Resolution 2026-03 to accept County Liquid Fuels funding for the East Hillside Avenue Rehabilitation Project. Planning & Zoning includes a report from the Planning Commission and a review of a Sketch Plan for the relocation of Dick's Sporting Goods, which is for discussion only. Administration items include appointments to the Open Space Committee and the Recreation Advisory Committee, and a discussion regarding merging the COG Climate Action and Sustainability Committee with the Land Use and Infrastructure Committee. The Consent Agenda covers the 2026-2027 Sodium Chloride Contract, approval of the January 5, 2026, minutes, and the December 2025 Voucher Report. The meeting concludes with committee reports and an executive session to discuss a legal matter.

This Recreational Plan for Patton Township's Open Space properties outlines a strategic vision for enhancing public access and preserving the ecological and historical value of the Majorie D. Seward Property, Haugh Family Preserve, and Gray's Woods Preserve. The plan is guided by five overarching goals: expanding low-impact recreational opportunities, preserving ecological integrity, building community connection, supporting place-based learning, and phased, transparent improvements. Key initiatives include multi-use trail systems, ADA-compliant access, signage upgrades, educational features, and community-focused programs, emphasizing community engagement and stewardship with infrastructure improvements unfolding in four phases through 2031.