Township of South Hanover

The meeting focused on program updates, including registration numbers for the Senior Luncheon and capacity issues with Cardio drumming fitness classes. Old business addressed planning for the Tree Lighting event, securing donations and vendors, and discussing the Breakfast with Santa event scheduled for December 13th. New business included a discussion on marketing strategies for Township programs, suggesting methods like a monthly email newsletter and using QR codes. It was noted that the December meeting would be canceled, and January and February meetings would utilize both virtual and in-person formats. The topic of Parks and Recreation Officers for 2026 will be addressed at the subsequent meeting.

The meeting commenced following executive sessions held prior and on January 15, 2026, to discuss legal and personnel matters. Public comment focused heavily on concerns regarding a proposed data center ordinance, specifically addressing the lack of penalties, water usage, noise levels, and the perceived watering down of stronger prior drafts, including objections to residents bearing cleanup costs. Key actions included the approval of minutes from the January 13, 2026 meeting, although one supervisor abstained. Several minor stormwater management plans and O&M agreements were approved for properties on Jillian Way and Dunover. The Board approved participation in the Dauphin County Tax Bureau's 30-day interest-free period for delinquent taxes and approved Resolution 2-2026 concerning tax collector fee increases. A noise screening amendment for the Hayshed Road Extension to Red Top Road Project was approved, though one supervisor abstained. The motion to advertise the Data Center Ordinance passed after amendments were made to lower universal noise decibels and remove a specific bonding requirement line. The Board authorized advertising bids for Brinser Park upgrades, which will be largely grant-funded. An agreement draft was authorized to be sent to the Derry Township Municipal Authority (DTMA) regarding sewer treatment capacity for the Sand Beach Area. Finally, the Board approved Resolution 3-2026 setting fees for 2026 and authorized payment of payroll and invoices totaling $102,192.74.

The meeting commenced with the reorganization segment, wherein officials were appointed for 2026: Mr. Plouse as Chairman, Mr. Studer as Vice Chairman, Ms. Scott as Secretary, and Mr. Heilman as Treasurer. Appointments for Solicitor, Engineer, Accountants, and authorized check signers were also confirmed, including a vote where the Secretary recused herself regarding the Accountant selection. The Engineer's Report involved action items for the Sanitary Sewer Extension Project, specifically recommending the Notice of Award for General Construction to Joao and Bradley Construction Co. for $4,980,620.00, contingent upon USDA concurrence, and authorizing a letter to the USDA seeking this concurrence. Similarly, Notices of Award were recommended and approved for the Sand Beach Pump Station and Force Main project components: General Construction to Barrasso Excavation, Inc. ($1,536,446.00) and Electrical Construction to HRI, Inc. ($213,000.00), both contingent upon USDA concurrence, along with authorizing letters to the USDA. The Treasurer reported on the electronic adoption of signers for a new construction account and noted that due to lower-than-estimated bids, the 10% contingency for financing would be lowered to 5%, with financing closing scheduled for January 29, 2026.

The meeting commenced following an executive session held to discuss personnel and legal matters, and included the swearing in of a Fire Company Trustee. During public comment, a resident expressed concerns regarding the newest draft of the Data Center Ordinance, specifically questioning why certain changes reverted to the original draft despite Planning Commission recommendations. Key discussions and actions included instructing the Solicitor to finalize edits for the Data Center Ordinance before advertising it in the following month. The Engineer reported on intended Notices of Award for the Sewer Extension Project components, contingent upon USDA concurrence. The Board accepted time extensions for two subdivision plans: the McKinney Plan until May 11, 2026, and the Samar Investments, LLC Plan until May 3, 2026. The Fire Chief presented the 2025 fire company report, noting an increase in fire calls and significant training hours completed by volunteers. Discussion on the Noise Screening Amendment for the Hayshed Road Extension to Red Top Road Project was tabled due to a voting conflict. Finally, Resolution 1-2026, setting Manager Wuestner's salary for 2026, was approved, and the payment of payroll and invoices was authorized.

The meeting involved a review of preliminary sewer extension project bid results, which came in $1.6 million lower than anticipated, with recommendations for award expected in January. The status of active Township projects, including the Swatara Creek Force Main Replacement, was reported. The Authority reviewed bank loan proposals and approved Resolution 2-2025 to accept M&T Bank's proposal for a loan at a 3.81% fixed rate and authorize necessary agreements with the Township and USDA requirements. Discussion also covered establishing bank account signatures for expansion accounts, specifically noting the need for a separate construction account at TRUIST for investment via PLGIT.