Township of Washington

The meeting included actions on several agenda items. Under Subdivisions, the Board accepted multiple waiver requests related to SALDO sections for 9100 N Loop Road and granted conditional approval for the subdivision plan for the same location. New Business items included approval for the required wireless upgrade of Verizon services for two meters reporting sewer flow to Slatington's system, renewal of a Junk Yard License, approval of a Grant of Right-Of-Way to PPL for a public utility easement, and approval for hiring a part-time plow driver/snow removal employee and a part-time cleaner for the Eagles Nest bathroom. Furthermore, motions were approved to release budgeted donations to the Emerald Fire Company, Slatington Library, and Slatedale Playground Association. During Public Comment, discussions were held with a political candidate regarding state funding for volunteer fire companies and EMS services, as well as concerns about road funding due to decreased liquid fuels allocation.

The meeting focused on the reorganization of the Board of Supervisors for 2026. Key actions included the appointment of the Chairman and Vice Chairman. Several key township positions were appointed for 2026, including the Secretary/Treasurer, Manager, Zoning & Planning & Code Enforcement Officer, Roadmaster, Solicitors, Engineers, and various board members and officers such as the Right to Know Officer and Pension Coordinator. Compensation rates and wages for various roles (Secretary/Treasurer, Office Assistant, laborers) were established for 2026. The Board set the schedule for monthly workshop and regular meetings for 2026, noting adjustments for November due to election day. Financial parameters were established, including setting Treasurer's Bond and Office Assistant's bond amounts, and setting the millage rate at 0.5 mills for 2026. Street Light assessment was set at $40.80 and Fire Hydrant assessment at $31.22 per customer for 2026. Road improvements for Bottom Road, Oakland Land, and Cider Press were approved for paving. During public comment, residents inquired about the workshop meeting time and the nature of road improvements.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of the new Supervisor and condolences offered on behalf of the township for the passing of a Zoning Officer. Key discussions included the rejection of the land development plan for 3349 Old Post Road due to non-compliance with zoning and engineer requirements, noted after a public comment opposing a commercial building in a Rural Zone. The Emergency Management Report indicated routine review. New business involved approving resolution 2026-01 regarding tax credits, and approving several Junk Yard License renewals for various properties. Additionally, the board moved to appeal Zoning Hearing Decision 2025-11, advertise for an additional part-time plow employee, and approve resolution 2026-02 supporting the Slatedale Fire Company's grant application.

The meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Subdivision discussions resulted in the approval of time extensions for projects at 4310 Best Station Road, 9100 N. Loop Road, and Grant Street Townes Phase 2. New business included making Christmas Lane one-way temporarily, selecting Forgotten Felines for the 2026 stray cat program, approving tax exonerations, and adopting the 2026 budget which includes a 0.2 millage increase. The board also decided to advertise for up to two auditor positions. During public comment, the status of the Hometown Heros Banner program was discussed, clarifying placement in Slatedale and Emerald in addition to Route 873, and the current lack of a facility for stray dogs. A supervisor expressed intent to review certificate deposits for road work funding.

The meeting commenced with a presentation by Lieutenant Jason R. Troutman detailing police statistics, crime data, tips for reporting incidents, and community outreach efforts. A resident expressed concerns regarding excessive speed and traffic on Oakwood Lane, prompting the Lieutenant to offer assistance with enforcement and noting the township's intent to review speed feedback signs. Key actions taken included the hiring and appointment of Brenda Park as Secretary/Treasurer, the preliminary acceptance of the proposed budget with a resulting tax millage increase of 0.2 mills, the approval of an agricultural security area resolution for a property on Furnace Road, and the acceptance of the Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) Joe Mead's resignation, followed by the appointment of Matt Stevens as the new EMC. A public comment addressed ongoing concerns about decreased frequency of leaf collection services and associated drainage/erosion issues.