Penn Township

The board discussed the continuation of the ChristianaCare Conditional Use Hearing and approved the release of a financial security bond for Big Elk. Additional business included updates on a fire company merger, Planning Commission and Historical Commission activities, and a request for a fundraising event in the township park. The board also awarded the bid for the IBX concrete pad project to Delaware Environmental Construction Services and initiated the development of an emergency operations plan for the Sunnyside Road emergency access road.

The Board conducted its annual Organization Meeting, immediately followed by the Regular Meeting. Key discussions included reports from the Planning Commission, which favored several extensions and supported a conditional approval for the Mark property application. The Supervisors approved the reprinting of the Penn Township history book, opting for 250 softbound color copies. Operational updates covered the bidding process for concrete work at the Fitness Park and the schedule for the Christmas tree recycling program. The Board approved the 2026 fire company agreement, with the Vice Chair abstaining due to membership. A controversial lot line change for the Mark property was approved against the Chairman's dissent. Extensions were granted unanimously to Corby Road Associates and Pelet Welding.

The Board received updates regarding a regional phorid fly emergency meeting, reports from the Planning Commission concerning the Cord of Three Strands site, and schedule adjustments for the Historical Commission. The Board approved a community event request for the ACT players and accepted the resignation of the Zoning Hearing Board and Conflict Attorney. Additionally, a project extension request from Dimensions Energy was approved, while the Emergency Operations Plan for the Sunnyside Road AGHS Drive Access was tabled.

The Organization Meeting included the swearing-in of Supervisors Victor Mantegna and Jakob Moore for new six-year terms. Key actions involved appointing temporary officers, followed by the election of Supervisor Mantegna as Chairman and Supervisor O'Connell as Vice-Chairman for 2026. The Board carried motions to set appointments and wages for 2026, approve township office closures for 2026, and establish the schedule for the 2026 Board of Supervisors meetings. Additionally, the Board adopted resolutions to formalize all existing resolutions and ordinances for 2026 and to appoint a CPA to conduct a financial audit as of December 31, 2025, replacing elected auditors. The organizational meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn and open the Regular Meeting.

The Board of Supervisors conducted a fact-finding session with the Solicitor and Staff prior to the meeting. Key discussions included tabling a proposal regarding mowers, receiving a report from the Historical Commission about a furniture donation for the Red Rose Inn, and approving replacement parts for the playground committee. The Board reviewed concrete bids for the fitness park area, which will be considered for award at the next meeting. They also reviewed and approved the SALDO scope of work with minor changes, conditionally approved O & M Agreements pending final review by the Engineer and Solicitor, and approved Resolution 2026-03 supporting the Phorid Fly Emergency Remediation Effort. Furthermore, the Board authorized the Director of Operations to bid for a backhoe not to exceed $60,000.00 and approved Resolution 2026-04 declaring an emergency in advance of Snowstorm Fern.