Upper Merion Township

The Authority discussed several operational and administrative matters, including authorization to settle litigation with the PA DEP regarding NPDES permits and updates on copper limits and water quality standard regulations. Discussions were held regarding the impact of cold weather on treatment processes and the receipt of a $162,000 PA Small Water Grant for the Balligomingo Pump Station Stream Bank Stabilization Project. Additionally, the Authority received financial reports regarding audit status and interest earnings, approved the requisition list, and received updates on the Phase 2 of Penn Dot's 202 Sinkhole project and the 820 Mancill Mill Road easement agreement.

The council discussed various environmental initiatives, including updates on the Bird Town Committee and the BCA grant application. Code reform topics covered parking, AI data centers, new construction requirements such as electrification and EV-ready/solar infrastructure, a gas leaf blower ban, and naturalized landscape ordinances. Sustainability efforts focused on the EPIC-N program, plastic reduction, artificial turf, and recycling programs. Natural resources discussions included the Healthy Yard program, rain gardens, and invasive plant management. Energy transition items involved fleet transition, EV charging infrastructure, and the shared energy manager program. The meeting also addressed sponsorship of upcoming lectures on native plants and landscapes.

Key discussions included the reorganization of the Board, resulting in the confirmation of the Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. The board reviewed its accomplishments from 2025, such as monthly park inspections, participation on other boards, and the completion of historical markers. Updates from the Upper Merion Board of Supervisors covered the MLK celebration, BCA grant application deadlines, a review of the Valley Forge Casino development plan, and updates on the township's Comprehensive Plan and the PennDOT 202 Southbound renovation project. The Park & Rec Director reported on ongoing winter programming, discussions for the Farmers Market spring opening, Earth Day, the 50th anniversary of Tree City designation, and the 40th anniversary of Concert Under the Stars. The request for proposals (RFP) for Heuser II was also discussed. Guests provided updates on McKaig Nature Center events and salt runoff issues near the center, and an Eagle Scout candidate presented his proposal for a bird house project.

Key discussions focused extensively on Code Reform, particularly concerning the drafting of an ordinance for data centers. Topics included power generators, noise regulations, requirements for EV-ready homes and apartment complexes, and the necessity of emission-free generators for data centers. The council addressed controlling emissions from on-site generation, referencing state examples, and discussed strategies for incentivizing LEED-certified buildings and shifting the township from a car-centric to a people-centric community. Updates were also provided on the BCA Grant Seminar Series/Education and the Birdtown Committee. New business involved brainstorming ideas for Earth Day activities.

The board conducted its reorganization, electing a Chairperson and Vice-Chair and approving the meeting schedule for the year. Key discussions included an update on the Verizon Equipment Grant and the status of equipment purchases, a review of the potential sign configuration for the South Henderson Road and Church Road intersection, and an exploration of potential student-led projects for the Board of Community Assistance. Additionally, the board reached a consensus to formalize the name of the Howard Hoffman Distinguished Service Award.