Salem Township

The regular meeting agenda included reviewing correspondence from entities such as AWS and PA DEP regarding modifications and permits, and receiving the Treasurer's and Manager's reports for November 2025. Key actions involved the hiring of Brandon Shultz as a full-time Police Officer and the approval of a Christmas Tree pickup program for January. The Zoning Officer reported on issued permits and presented a Planning Commission recommendation for the SNL North, LLC Data Center Master Plan. The Engineer confirmed the completion of the 2025 Paving Project. Old business included declining to make an offer to purchase a vacant lot for a potential soccer field and approving the installation of cameras at 74 Walnut Drive. New business included reviewing 2026 Sewer Enforcement rates and approving a Community Benefit Agreement, Decommission Agreement, and Operations and Maintenance Agreement for the Route 11 Solar LLC project. The Board also approved changing all 2026 work sessions to 6:00 PM and granted the Preliminary/Final Conditional Approval of the SNL North, LLC Data Center Master Plan, including several waivers recommended by the Planning Commission.

The Special Meeting primarily focused on Ordinance No. 3 of 2025. Counsel and Partners of Dorothy Dee presented information regarding an application to add 118.05 acres to the Overlay District. After hearing concerns and questions from residents, and verifying the development process and current Zoning District of the properties, the Board adopted Ordinance Number 3 of 2025. This ordinance amended the Salem Township official zoning map to rezone approximately 118.05 acres of land from C-1 and B-3 zoning to be included within the "SDC-O" - Special Data Center Overlay District.

The Work Session Meeting focused primarily on the adoption of the 2026 Budget, which included several line item changes such as renaming accounts, deleting a mower account due to sale, and updating a truck description. The Board approved the 2026 Fire Company and Relief Officers, along with two new Fire Company members. A proposal for the survey of 74 Walnut Drive was accepted. A decision regarding the PA American Water Company Contract for Fire Hydrants was tabled pending review by the Fire Company. Information and letters of interest were presented by Advanced Code Consultants and Peters Consultants, Inc. for future consideration at the Reorganization Meeting. Concerns were also raised by a resident regarding new development in the Township.

The meeting involved the organization of the Township Board of Supervisors, including the nomination and voting for the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Road Master. Key organizational actions included appointing or re-appointing numerous positions and setting 2026 pay rates for Non-Uniform, Part-Time, Seasonal, and Police Department employees, along with adjusted rates for Crossing Guards reflecting a 4% increase. Other appointments covered the Right-To-Know Officer, Solicitor positions, Township Engineer, Sewage Enforcement Officer, and Flood Plain Administrator. The board reviewed and passed two resolutions: Resolution 1 of 2026 concerning mileage reimbursement rates ($0.725 per mile) and Resolution 2 of 2026 confirming the Tax Collector's compensation rate. The agenda for the subsequent regular meeting included reviewing correspondence, receiving reports from various departments (Treasurer, Manager, Police Chief, DPW Foreman, Codes/Zoning Officer, Engineer, Fire Department, EMA, Shade Tree Commission), and addressing new business items such as approval for the "Run for the Cookies" event and discussion on Closed Roads and the Sewer Fund.

The Special Meeting included an Executive Session to discuss real estate matters, specifically the purchase of property at 74 Walnut Drive in Berwick. During the public comment session, one resident requested that the chosen real estate agent be from the Berwick area. Key actions taken included appointing Richard Talanca as the authorized signatory for an offer on the property, agreeing to submit an offer no more than ten percent over the asking price contingent on appraisal, and hiring Shannon Kulp Auchter from Pro Real Estate to represent the Township.