Swatara Township

The commission reviewed and recommended approval for the John Light Family Ag Operation plan involving the construction of two chicken houses. Additionally, the commission addressed the Arlin Steiner Ag Operation plan, granting ten specific waivers related to stormwater management, site requirements, and property boundaries to facilitate the project.

The meeting included discussions on zoning permit requests for property code enforcement, financial reports, and the approval of bills payable. Key administrative actions included the adoption of Ordinance #2026-01 regarding subdivision and land development, participation in a regional salt procurement contract, and authorization of various infrastructure and paving projects. The Board also reviewed and approved requests for agricultural land development plans, sports field usage, stormwater management waivers, and various service contracts including roadside spraying and a municipal franchise agreement.

The meeting included reports from the local police and fire departments regarding annual call statistics and emergency services. The board addressed zoning and code enforcement activities, reviewed financial statements, and approved the payment of outstanding bills. Discussions were held regarding infrastructure projects, specifically the award of a bridge construction bid. The board also acted on several administrative matters, including authorization for ordinance modifications, approval of sports field usage, and the withdrawal of specific grant applications. Additionally, the board considered a rezoning request for potential apartment development, discussed event planning for the America 250 parade, and resolved to purchase a parcel of land following an executive session regarding potential litigation.

The workshop covered various township operational and infrastructure matters. Discussions included the cooperative purchasing process for building architecture, the status of 2026 paving projects, and the adoption of a resolution increasing special event fees. The board also addressed sewer billing processes and tapping fees, established policies regarding engineer attendance at meetings, and authorized street sweeping services. Additionally, the board ratified an electric rate contract renewal and approved the rental of a crack sealing machine, alongside receiving an update on fundraising for the local parade.

The meeting began with a reorganization where current officers were retained for their positions. Key agenda items included addressing county comments for the Light Family Ag Operation, discussion on the interpretation of the sliding scale chart in the Agricultural zoning district, and acceptance of the Arlin Steiner Ag Operation land development plan following a variance grant from the Zoning Hearing Board regarding lot coverage. Modifications to the Residential Forest Ordinance were discussed, resulting in the acceptance of proposed definitions concerning grubbing, deforestation, and forest clearance, along with stipulations related to DEP Chapter 102 BMPs for existing Ag Land and timbering activities. The commission also discussed potential expansions for Commercial Zoning Districts and the status of the Lebanon County Comprehensive Plan. Finally, the reason for the Township's exclusion from the Community Energy map was explained, and Statements of Financial Interest were distributed.