Township of Franklin

The workshop discussion centered on a request from a resident regarding the operation of a sawmill at his residence on Ragged Edge Road. The Board informed the resident that the operation would likely require a Zoning Hearing Board review rather than a conditional use. Concerns were raised by another guest regarding potential noise, truck traffic speed on Ragged Edge Road, and resulting road wear and tear. The Board indicated these factors would be considered. The matter was tabled to be placed on the February agenda as Old Business pending further investigation into a prior email correspondence regarding the sawmill.

The meeting primarily focused on the reorganization of the Board of Supervisors for the new year. Key actions included the election of Christopher Elliott as Chairman and Henry Crushong (JR) as Vice-Chairman. Appointments were made for various roles, including Susan Plank as Secretary/Treasurer and Open Records Officer, Curtis MacBeth as Roadmaster, and the establishment of the Treasurer's bond at $1,000,000.00. Professional service appointments for 2026 included Pennsylvania Municipal Code Alliance for Zoning and Code Enforcement/UCC, Andrew Miller as Code Enforcement Officer, Kim Spittler as Zoning Officer, Bernard Yannetti as Township Solicitor, and KPI Technologies as Engineering Firm. Appointments to boards and commissions were also confirmed, such as Eric Miller to the Planning Commission and Darrin Flake to the Zoning Hearing Board. The Board also established PLGIT and Adams County National Bank as official depositories for Township funds and approved the 2026 holiday schedule for Township employees.

The meeting served as a Reorganizational Meeting where terms for Board members were reviewed. Key actions included the reappointment of Andrew Hansen for a new five-year term, and the unanimous approval of officers for 2026, including the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer, Open Records Officer, Plant Operator, and Assistant Plant Operator. Appointed positions and firms for 2026, such as Depository, Solicitor, Accountant, and Engineer, were also approved. Salaries were established, including a 2.8% increase for several positions. The board approved the 2026 monthly meeting schedule to be the first Tuesday of each month. Further approvals included a bill list and a general account report for January 6, 2026. The Secretary reported that paperwork was submitted to the state to extend the authority's existence for another 50 years. Finally, the board unanimously approved the cost for a new computer system from Dianna Moy Consulting.

The meeting involved the approval of Bill List #1 totaling $109,041.27. In preliminary/final plan reviews, the Paint the Sky Subdivision plan was denied due to lack of updates since June 2025, while the Adventstay Properties, LLC plans were conditionally approved pending resolution of KPI Technologies comments. New business included the approval of Resolution No. 2026-01 regarding Sewage Facilities Permit Cost and Resolution No. 2026-02 updating the Fee Schedule. Resident discussions covered a decision on an existing driveway for a new home construction concerning stormwater calculations, where the Board agreed the old logging road should not be included unless major improvements are made. Separately, residents seeking pardon from the Gettysburg Hunting Club were advised to seek legal counsel as the Township has no jurisdiction.

The meeting included the approval of Bill List #12 for the General Account, totaling $261,765.55. A conditional approval was granted for the Jeffrey Spence Subdivision contingent upon addressing comments from KPI Technology. Under Old Business, discussion ensued regarding delays and procedures for Brightspeed utility marking services following 811 calls. New Business involved the approval of the 2026 Budget with no tax increase, the renewal of two Certificates of Deposit (CDs) scheduled for January 2026, setting the date for the Re-Organizational Meeting for January 5, 2026, and approving the date for the South Penn Enduro Riders event to September 13, 2026. Guests also provided comments regarding a recent Zoning Hearing decision, contrasting it with legal counsel's recommendations.