Township of Lower Allen

The Reorganization Meeting focused on official transitions and administrative appointments. Key activities included the swearing in of newly elected officials, including Township Commissioners, and the subsequent election of the Board of Commissioners President and Vice President. Major actions involved numerous board appointments and reappointments for various authorities and commissions, such as the Civil Service Commission, Development Authority, Planning Commission, and Zoning Hearing Board. Furthermore, several township officers and resolutions were adopted, including the reappointment of the Township Secretary, Township Manager, Township Auditors, Township Solicitor, Township Engineer, and Sewage Enforcement Officers. The Board also approved the cancellation of the subsequent meeting scheduled for January 12, 2026. Additionally, payments for a leaf turner purchase and a work truck for the Stormwater Department were approved under the Public Works section, and a resolution petitioning the PLCB to continue local noise enforcement was adopted.

Key discussions during the meeting included a report from the Commissioner Liaison regarding the draft 2026 township budget presented to the Board of Commissioners, mentioning funding details for Wass Park improvements and cuts to the Sheepford Park playground, with potential grant funding exploration. The Township Staff Report detailed ongoing park maintenance activities such as tree trimming, trail cleanup, and leaf collection. Specific operational updates included shutting off water in most parks, completing paving on Highland Park tennis courts (with final paving planned for spring), and commencing construction of the Creekwood boat launch. Old business covered park tour assignments and further updates on the Creekwood boat launch nearing completion. New business noted the installation of Christmas lights on the barn at LACP.

The meeting agenda was modified to include the quarterly financial report and a discussion regarding Form 990. The Finance Director reported on the requirement to file Forms 990 for 2023 and 2024, confirming they would be filed to bring the organization back on schedule, and presented the financial report for July, August, and September. The Director of Community and Economic Development provided updates on various projects, including revised plans submitted by Liberty Forge and Allen Middle School that are pending review by the Planning Commission. Staff received a subdivision plan for 960 Century Drive. Discussions also covered the commencement of construction for Cedar Run Business Park, and the vacation of a public street to accommodate an expansion of parking for Dairy Farmers of America parcels. A newly elected Commissioner introduced herself during public comment. The Authority recessed into Executive Session to discuss real estate matters and subsequently canceled the December meeting, scheduling the next one for January 19, 2026.

The agenda for this meeting includes presentations on Years of Service and Performance Awards, Police Department Awards, and the Traffic Calming Policy. The Consent Agenda involves approval of various monthly reports (Community & Economic Development, Finance, Public Works, Public Safety, Tax Collector), several Check Registers spanning January 2026, and Credit Card Registers for November and December 2025. Also under consent is the approval of payments to Kinsley Construction, LLC for the Creekwood Boat Launch Project and the adoption of a resolution authorizing the sale or trade-in of Township assets. Key actions scheduled include ratifying a Snow Emergency declaration, reviewing Board of Commissioners Committee Assignments, discussing and potentially approving a new "Fleet Technician" Job Description, and discussing actions related to activating the Civil Service Commission for police hiring, including waiving the Act 120 requirement. Significant discussion points concern the Liberty Forge Preliminary Subdivision & Land Development Plan (SLD #2025-04), including numerous waiver requests related to road widening, curbing, sidewalks, and stormwater management, followed by an action to approve the plan contingent on satisfying outstanding comments. Other items include accepting an extension for another subdivision plan, a presentation on Arcona Phases 3-7, approving a property lease, approving the permitting for the Township Gateway Sign, and adopting a resolution updating the Uniform Construction Code. Public Works plans involve adopting a Preparedness, Prevention, and Contingency (PPC) Plan, advertising bids for a Stormwater Basin Retrofit Project and a Maintenance Contract, advertising an ordinance updating the Traffic Control Device Code, an update on converting streetlights to LEDs, and finalizing revised Compost Agreements with neighboring Boroughs. The meeting also includes authorization for a Municipal Services Center roof replacement project. An Executive Session is scheduled to discuss Pension Committee appointments and updates.

The meeting included a review of the Treasurer's Report, noting a total cash balance increase since the prior meeting and a detailed listing of delinquent accounts across several entities, with Norfolk Southern scheduled for removal in 2026. Key actions involved approving the proposed meeting dates for 2026 and the reappointment of Richard Schin as a board member. A payment recommendation for Kinsley Construction LLC related to the High Properties Basin Retrofit Project, necessitated by sinkhole discovery, was approved. The Authority also approved the proposed 2026 stormwater budget, which was presented in a combined fund format and showed a potential shortfall offset by a pending grant application. Finally, the Authority recommended approval of a new contract with Commercial Acceptance Company for delinquent account collection services starting in 2026.