Township of Franklin

The meeting included reports from the Secretary, Treasurer, Zoning Officer, Building Code Official, Fire Chief, and Police Department. Key agenda items included the approval of an extension for the Market Hill Estates project, acceptance of a lot line adjustment plan, and the tabling of a subdivision plan pending a future special meeting with the Township Engineer. Furthermore, the board approved the installation of a security camera, authorized the hiring of three full-time employees, and approved the participation of the local Fire Police in several upcoming community events. Citizens raised questions regarding road maintenance, an administrative oversight concerning employee health insurance, the use of maintenance facilities for private vehicles, garbage collection services, and public record access.

The board discussed various operational updates including the installation of a new credit card machine, progress with QuickBooks software, and ongoing efforts to improve electronic filing systems through document shredding and electronic scanning. Key approvals included fire police assistance for several upcoming community events, the initiation of a lawsuit against Parryville Site, LLC due to an unpaid bill for line cleaning services, the appointment of a new Building Code Official, and the authorization of a uniform allowance for volunteers. The board also approved the purchase of concrete bin blocks for organizing materials and authorized the donation of surplus school zone signs to the local school district. A special meeting was scheduled to address zoning ordinance amendments related to data centers. Furthermore, the board addressed resident concerns regarding a civil dispute involving a wireless tower site, discussed the financial viability and logistics of a new voluntary recycling program, and fielded questions about municipal property investments and budgetary deficits.

The meeting included reports and approvals from various departments such as Zoning, UCC Building Code, Fire, Police, Road Crew, and Municipal Authority. Key business involved the establishment of a new recycling program, including dumpster procurement, vendor agreements, and resident education. Several resolutions were adopted, including appointing an auditor, utilizing escalator clauses for materials, approving fire company activity lists, and setting fees for zoning hearings. The board also addressed traffic control requests for local events, reviewed a subdivision proposal, accepted a resignation from the Planning Committee, authorized a grant application for building renovations, and discussed the status of a development agreement.

The meeting covered various township operations, including sewage and garbage billing adjustments, the purchase of Microsoft 365, QuickBooks training for staff, and upgrades to the telephone system. Departmental reports were reviewed for zoning, building code enforcement, fire services, police, and road crew operations. Key actions included approving a request from the Pohopoco Rod and Gun Club for a pond event, approving workers' compensation, accepting an auditor's resignation, scheduling an electronics recycling event, and authorizing the solicitation of bids for a transfer station contract. Additionally, the Board addressed probationary employment status for a road crew member, planned a future special meeting regarding property rentals, and discussed citizen concerns regarding data center zoning ordinances, public land sales, fire safety compliance for new construction, and the restart of Parks and Recreation meetings.

The meeting included several administrative updates regarding continued training for staff on garbage/sewage accounts (G-Works) and QuickBooks, and coordination efforts for restarting the recycling program and reviewing insurance policies. Several reports, including the Secretary Report, Fire Chief/Fire Police Report, Police Report, Road Crew Report, Central Carbon Municipal Authority Report, and SEO Report, were approved. The Zoning Officer Report and UCC Building Code Official Report were tabled. Key actions included the approval for two separate parcel numbers for The Paul and David Snyder Tree Farm, the hiring of a part-time road crew member, and approvals for a fishing tournament hosted by the Beaver Run and Gun Club, as well as restrictions on fishing at the dams during a specific period. The Township Athletic Association's request to use the Administration Office for monthly meetings was approved, and authorization was granted for staff attendance at the PSATS conference. In Citizen Questions, the need for a formal letterhead for new tax parcel numbers was addressed and approved.