Township of Longswamp

Key discussions focused on upcoming events and ongoing projects. For BYBA Baseball, the start date was set for the end of March. Regarding Swampfest, topics included securing a flower head vendor, investigating animal presentation costs from the Lehigh Valley Zoo, finding inexpensive material for a graffiti wall, and setting a May 14th deadline for crafter and vendor forms. Decisions were made regarding foam board directional signs and the inclusion of a Car and Tractor show. The Egg Hunt was planned for March 27th, with tasks assigned for egg filling and roles for the bunny and duck characters. For Christmas in July, the date was set for July 24th, and plans included distributing candy canes, writing a note from Santa, showing "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "The Muppet Christmas Carol," and arranging for refreshments like hot dogs, cookies, popcorn, and possibly snow cones and cotton candy. Under old business, the need for a new tree for the tree lighting ceremony was raised, and a request for a permanent graffiti board at the skating rink will be addressed with the Board of Supervisors (BOS).

The meeting included several key discussions, primarily following reports from the Engineer regarding recent Board of Supervisors actions. The Board of Supervisors granted conditional Final Plan approval for the Golden Meadows Phase II Subdivision, accepted the Planning Module and authorized signing of the Sewage Facilities Planning Module for the Hills of Shalom Subdivision, and extended review periods for the Cole Woods Sketch Plan and Chartwell Manor Subdivision. Additionally, the Board adopted the Township SALDO (Ordinance No. 231), the Stormwater Management Ordinance (Ordinance No. 232), a new Weed Ordinance (Ordinance No. 233), and the Environmental Advisory Council Ordinance (Ordinance No. 234). The Commission discussed the Hills of Shalom-3 Preliminary Plan, recommending Conditional Preliminary Approval subject to the Engineer's comments and requested waivers, particularly regarding monumentation and shade trees. A time extension was recommended for the Rohrbach Valley Subdivision. Public comments addressed ongoing matters concerning Grande Land, L.P. developments and a prior donation offer to the Brandywine Heights Area School District.

The Board of Supervisors meeting included several key actions. The Treasurer's report involved the approval of bills totaling $33,914.10 and fund transfers totaling $12,784.98 for the period of August 9, 2023, through August 22, 2023. Key legislative actions included the enactment of Ordinance #302, which revised the Noise Ordinance, and authorization to advertise the Rental Property Registration and Inspection Ordinance, pending specific changes and penalty fees. Authorization was also given to submit the Wireless Communication Facilities (Zoning) Ordinance to County and Township Planning Commissions. The Board added the hiring of a Township Office Administrator to the agenda and subsequently moved to hire Allison Fuller, subject to Teamster Union Terms. Old business concerning Timber Drive and speed limit signage was deferred pending the Engineer's official report. New business included acknowledging receipt of the Compliance Audit Report for the Seisholtzville Volunteer Firemen's Relief Association and tabling the Longswamp Historical Society's request to waive building permit fees for a new pole building until the next meeting. Finally, the Board approved exonerating the Tax Collector to collect $22.76 in real estate taxes and approved a $26.71 tax refund to Walker 1 LLC.

The meeting focused on several key discussion items. Regarding Marcellus Shale, a proposal was made to invite a speaker from The Clean Water Action group to educate residents. The committee is moving away from the WREN Grant, and is exploring an Opportunity Grant for funding rain barrel workshops, with plans to potentially feature a rain barrel setup on Clean Up day. The creation of a G Mail account and a Facebook page for the EAC was noted. Discussions also touched upon utilizing Source Water Protection resources and addressing the Schuckill Highlands corridor.

The meeting covered announcements regarding prior executive sessions held to discuss personnel matters and noted the ongoing vacancies on the Environmental Advisory Council and the Township Historical Commission. Key discussions included the request to assess the viability of connecting Heilman House and Luther Meadows water and sewer services to Topton Borough's systems, pending an escrow deposit. The board granted a solar permit denial appeal for 15 Colt Drive. Several actions were taken under the Solicitor Report, including reaffirming Final Land Development Plans approval for Mountain Village LP, approving related land development improvements and agreements, and accepting dedication resolutions for portions of Walker Road Right-of-Way and Deeds of Easement for State Street Ultimate ROW. In Park & Recreation matters, the agreement for Goat Snuggling at the 2025 Swamp Fest was approved, and the results of the T-shirt contest were announced. The board approved hiring Candace Cameron as the new Township Assistant Secretary/Treasurer and authorized her attendance at specified professional events. A motion was passed to approve an employee's request to use Sick Bank hours. Finally, the board approved a proposal for annual fire extinguisher inspections.