Township of Hanover

Key discussions included the presentation of a check for $292,581.00 from Senator Nick Miller and Representative Steve Samulson for the Hanover Township Volunteer Company to purchase emergency management county radios, funded by LSA grants. The Board approved the purchase of Motorola radios for the Fire Company for $418,540.76. Final details for the Community Center HVAC and roof replacement were discussed, directing the contractor to move forward with the commercial HVAC unit for the gym area and remove units from the meeting room area. Updates regarding the Colonial Regional Police Department included the impending retirement of Chief DePalma and the process for appointing a new Chief and negotiating the collective bargaining agreement. The Board granted an extension until October 31, 2026, for the recording of plans related to the 4000-4030 Airport Road Lot Consolidation & Land Development. The Township Manager's salary was increased by 3.1% retroactively to January 1, 2026. The Board authorized advertising the bid documents for the Gaspar Storm Sewer Extension project. During courtesy of the floor, a resident encouraged reviewing LVPC publications regarding industrial land uses and zoning ordinances related to data centers.

The Commission discussed updating the procedure for preparing and distributing draft minutes, establishing a new timeline involving distribution to the Chair on Monday before the meeting. Key operational discussions included clarifying findings regarding tree planting compliance at the Behavioral Health Site, where shrubs were noted as the primary issue, and agreeing that shrubs are outside the scope of Shade Tree authority. Regarding street tree compliance, letters were sent in Santee Heights, and most properties in Hanover North installed required trees. Planning for Arbor Day included proposing a small celebration at Asa Packer Elementary School, though this site faces resistance; Veterans Park is identified as a backup. Budget discussions resulted in a successful negotiation with Better Scapes for tree pruning near the pool and bocce area, reducing the cost to $4,000 against the available $4,500 budget. Correspondence included sending a letter to Hanover Engineering requesting traditional format plans. Additional development updates covered early-stage construction at the Hindu Center and long-term projects at the Wawa complex.

Key discussions during the meeting included a presentation from PA American Water regarding their anticipated acquisition of Nexus Utilities, addressing homeowner concerns about water quality, fire hydrants, and potential rate increases. The Chair commended the Administration and Public Works Departments for snowstorm communication and snow removal efforts. Supervisor comments noted the formation of a police foundation and the need to clear snow from fire hydrants. The Board decided not to send representation to the Zoning Hearing Board regarding a Wegmans Food Markets request to remove an ownership restriction. Administration items included noting in-person real estate tax collection dates by Berkheimer and adopting Resolution 2026-09 concerning the Township's Emergency Operations Plan. The Board authorized engagement with Environmental Planning & Design to complete the Township 10-Year Park and Recreation Plan, utilizing grant funds. Public Works secured authorization to apply for the PA Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant for crosswalk installations and granted an extension to the developer of the First Responders Park Pavilion. Staff reports updated the Board on upcoming program registrations, the status of a withdrawn conditional use hearing, and that plans for the Gaspar Storm Sewer Extension project will be prepared for the next meeting.

Key discussions for this meeting included a check presentation to Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Companies for the Volunteer Fire Companies Radio Purchase, funded partially by LSA Statewide and Lehigh/Northampton County LSA Grants. The Board planned to discuss and seek direction regarding the Community Center HVAC and Roof Replacement. Supervisor reports covering Road Districts #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5 were scheduled. Additional items included a Zoning Variance Application for signage at 3760 Fairview St (Chase Bank), a Lot Consolidation & Land Development review, an adjustment to the Township Manager Compensation, and authorization to advertise the Gaspar Storm Sewer Extension Project.

The reorganization meeting focused primarily on procedural organization and appointments for the year 2026. Key actions included the unanimous appointment of Susan Lawless as Chair and Jean Versteeg as Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors. The Board re-appointed the Township Solicitor and Township Engineer, and appointed Supervisors to chair various committees. The meeting also involved the acceptance of the Tax Collector's relinquishment and the appointment of a new Tax Collector. Resolutions were adopted establishing the compensation for the Township Manager, Township Secretary/Assistant Treasurer, Public Works Director, Zoning Officer, Township Treasurer/Assistant Secretary, Recreation Director, and Preschool Director. Furthermore, resolutions established compensation for the Tax Collector, designated Township fund depositories, authorized check co-signers, appointed Supervisors as Roadmasters, and set the 2026 paid holiday schedule for Township and Community Center employees, as well as compensation for Crossing Guards.