Penn Township

The meeting commenced with a Public Hearing regarding the AI Data Center Zoning Ordinance Amendment, which was subsequently adjourned. Key business included the adoption of the AI Data Center Zoning Ordinance amendments. The Board approved supplying two triaxle loads of 2B stone to the Little League for their dugout project. The Supervisors also agreed to advertise for a public hearing on May 6th for the adoption process of the new Stormwater Ordinance, following reviews by the Planning Commissions. A motion was passed to purchase a new computer, monitors, and data transfer services for the Manager. Furthermore, the Board approved an escrow account of $5,000.00 for the Township Engineer to inspect deficiencies in Phase 1A of Breezewood development. The Supervisors also reviewed correspondence from PennDOT concerning the intersection of Salem Road and 522, noting concerns about visibility due to the angle of the sun.

The meeting included a report from the Recreation Center (REC) detailing high attendance figures for January and upcoming events. Key business items involved reviewing and accepting the application for a Penn DOT Multimodal Grant, and approving the purchase of a new dump truck and upfit for $215,199.48 to replace a 2005 model. Fire Department reporting indicated thirty-one incidents in January, including a shed fire. The Solicitor discussed an upcoming zoning amendment hearing concerning Data Centers and presented an ordinance draft prohibiting parking on Old 11&15, which the Board agreed to advertise for potential adoption on April 1, 2026. Public comment included discussion regarding the possibility of creating an ordinance to allow ATV and UTV vehicles on township roads.

The meeting included reviewing comments from the Snyder County Planning Commission letter concerning stormwater management, which members were asked to review before the January meeting. The Commission voted to stop the advertisement for the public hearing regarding the Stormwater Ordinance to allow for further review time. Discussion also focused on state legislation, specifically HB 502 and SB 939, regarding local control over energy systems and data centers, leading to a motion to draft letters opposing these bills. In Old Business, the Commission voted to recommend to the Board of Supervisors to begin the adoption process for the amended AI Center section of the Zoning Ordinance, which addresses data centers under conditional use or variance requirements.

Key discussions during the meeting included actions related to Data Center Amendments for the Zoning Ordinance, where recommendations were made concerning decibel level requirements during power outages, water usage (suggesting a closed-loop system), and limitations on low-frequency noise emissions. A decommissioning plan requirement was also added. The Commission voted to recommend proceeding with these Data Center Amendments to the Supervisors. Other agenda items involved reviewing correspondence with the Snyder County Planning Commission regarding these amendments, reminding members about the stipend waiver form, and noting the deadline for filing the 2025 Ethics Commission form. Old Business focused on suggested corrections to the Stormwater Ordinance Amendments, specifically regarding the inclusion of the Township Engineer, recording requirements for drainage plans, and updating SALDO numbers. Future projects for the Planning Commission were also discussed.

The meeting addressed several new business items, including tabling the decision to purchase a new dump truck pending redone quotes. The Board unanimously approved waiving the 2026 Amusement Taxes for the Selinsgrove Speedway. Furthermore, the Supervisors moved to direct the Solicitor to draft an ordinance to raise the fire protection tax millage to 3 mils to support the DH&L Fire Company equipment fund. A motion was approved to transfer $500,000 from the General Fund to the Edward Jones Money Market account, and a 60-day extension was granted for the Sissy Boy Trucking Land Development. The Board also voted to bid out several road projects with a maximum accepted bid of $500,000. In old business concerning Old 11&15, the Board decided against vacating the area for now, opting instead to prepare an ordinance prohibiting street parking to ensure safe maintenance and snow removal. An executive session was held to discuss legal issues.