Township of Lower Southampton

The Lower Southampton Township Board of Supervisors held a meeting where they discussed Personnel during an executive session and several topics during a workshop, including Store Sunset Memorial Park, a project at 1834 Brownsville Road, the playwiki farm, a lighting ordinance, bladed properties, a food truck ordinance, a public nuisance ordinance, an amusement tax, and a project on Bristol Road in Brownsville. The chair presented an annual statement, highlighting the board members and key areas of focus for the year, such as promoting the Parks and Recreation Department, supporting the playwiki farm board, applying for grants for traffic control and intersection safety, and replacing older Public Work vehicles. The meeting also included a public comment session where residents raised concerns about property issues and the need for licensed professionals to conduct private sewer inspections.

The Board of Supervisors held a workshop discussing upcoming dolphin property projects, updating the audio system, potential speed bumps, a scholarship fund through the Veterans Advisory Council, a vacancy on the Veterans Advisory Council, upcoming ordinances, and the resignation of a board member. The board recognized Bob and Elan Stoner for their dedication to the residents. The board also discussed the use of Russell Elliott Park for the Travis Manion 911 Heroes Run, and the 12th veteran Expo. A public safety service announcement was made regarding loose pit bulls. A resident expressed concerns about bias from township employees and a sign issue.

The meeting included discussions on various topics, such as the St. George Orthodox Church's proposed building, consent agenda items, a change order for Dolphin Park, an RDA grant for Brownville Road, and Representative Hogan's request to use ball fields for educational programs. The engineer discussed the super grant application, while the finance director covered a police pension audit and fire company tax rebates. The public works director addressed jet truck and pumping station repairs, and the zoning officer mentioned new businesses coming into town. A resident raised concerns about property issues and actions by the zoning department. The board also considered a plan revision for Kennedy Ford, authorized the township manager to sign a contract with Portoff Law Associates, and discussed the St. George Orthodox Church zoning hearing board application.

The meeting was convened to discuss the preliminary budget for the upcoming year, with a proposed three millage increase. Discussions covered the impact of inflation, the utilization of American Rescue Plan funds, and potential revenue opportunities such as an amusement tax and improved collection of outstanding real estate taxes. The board also reviewed budget revisions, including reductions in police general fund payments, fire marshals' salaries, and public works transfers. Concerns were raised regarding the pension MMO plan and the potential impact of retirements. The board members debated the necessity of the tax increase, highlighting the township's record of no tax increases in the past 16 years, and explored alternative revenue streams.

The meeting included discussions on various topics such as the Valley of Fear, potential programs at Playwicki Farm, pickle ball courts, walking trails, speed humps on Township roads, and improvements to Dolphin Park. The board also addressed the need to replace a retired officer, a grant from Bucks County for the Police Department, parking issues at Russell Elliot Memorial Park, and a review of a camera system for police. Additional discussions covered a parking ordinance on Central Avenue, the 2024 Paving program, storm sewer projects, zoning hearing board appeals, litigation at Sunset Memorial Park, and efforts to improve Old Bulon Pike. The board also touched on Philadelphia water bills, audits for fire companies, banners for the holiday season, sewage issues, and the amusement tax.