Township of Lower Southampton

The Board discussed several key items, including the adoption of the 2010 Comprehensive Plan and the initiation of a rewrite for the township's Zoning Ordinances. Approval was granted for the Final Major Subdivision at 136 E. Bristol Road, subject to specific conditions. The Board also addressed a land use appeal concerning a property on Philmont Avenue, ultimately tabling the matter for further review in executive session. Additionally, the Board authorized the hiring of a tax auditor to assist with business privilege and mercantile tax collections and approved adding an additional investment fund option to the non-uniform and deferred compensation pension plans. Finally, the Board established priorities for various RDA grant applications, including fire company equipment, police vehicles, and public works improvements.

The Board held a budget workshop meeting to discuss financial projections and fund allocations for the upcoming fiscal year. Key discussion topics included maintaining steady revenue for the Sewer Fund with no rate changes for 2020, the monitoring of Philadelphia Water Department charges, and the management of the Sewer Capital Reserve. The Board reviewed a recommendation to reduce millage in the Debt Service Fund. Additionally, potential facility improvements were discussed under the General Obligation Fund, including site security at Playwicki Farm and various drainage projects.

The Board discussed and approved authorization to go out to bid for three stormwater projects: Forest Avenue and Avenue C, Mallard Road, and Brownsville Road. Permission was granted to the Playwicki Farm Foundation to host the 3rd Annual Taste at Playwicki event, and to the Bucks County Soap Box Derby to hold their event on School Lane. The Manager's Report covered the upcoming RDA Casino Grant applications, with a focus on infrastructure and paving projects, the status of the Buck Road paving project, updates on PADOT projects, the installation of pumps at the pump station, and the submission of a recycling grant for toters. Additionally, there were announcements regarding the 911 Heroes Run, veterans' biographies, and a warning to residents regarding alternative power companies.

The Board discussed various administrative and community-related items, including permission for the Veterans Advisory Council to borrow flags for the upcoming 4th of July parade. A presentation was held regarding the Police Pension Plan investments, with a proposal to add a new fund being tabled for further analysis by the Finance Director. The Township Manager provided updates on several infrastructure projects involving PADOT, including bridge replacements, paving, and traffic signal construction, as well as an update on sanitation rebates and the operation of the municipal swim club. Additionally, the Board authorized changes regarding tax collection liaisons.

The Board discussed and acted upon several matters including the rejection of drainage bids for multiple township projects with plans to re-bid, the ratification of a wastewater services agreement with the City of Philadelphia, and the authorization to purchase a new skid-loader. Additionally, the Board approved the Playwicki Farm Foundation's request to serve alcohol at a photo exhibit, adopted a proclamation honoring W. Bruce Beaton, and approved land development extensions for St. George Church. Discussion items also covered the Sterling Act tax collection efforts, sanitation rebates, clean-up day preparations, and the waiving of construction permit fees for the local Fire Department.