West Earl Township

Key discussions included public comments regarding the sinkhole on South State Street, noting appreciation for township efforts despite PennDot's stance, and inquiries about snow removal procedures following a recent storm. The Board unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-13, declaring a Disaster Emergency concerning the Rt 772 sinkhole. In the subdivision review, the Board acknowledged the Lancaster County Planning Commission's identification of urban growth areas but declined to designate an investment area, reaffirming commitment to farmland preservation. New business addressed changing bank account signers from Butch Keppley to John Stauffer, tabling the Township Vehicle Use Policy for further review, and reaching a consensus to seek funding assistance from the Water Authority for sinkhole and water main repair costs. Following an executive session regarding an employee contract issue, the Board approved drafting a side letter agreement.

The meeting addressed Special Business, specifically the adoption of Resolution 2025-27 regarding Growth Area Boundary Changes and the Investment Areas Map, which was adopted to include Sections 1 and 2 only. In Subdivision/Land Development Review, several waiver requests and a deferral were granted concerning the Final Land Development Plan for Jay Horst at 175 Center Square Road; ultimately, conditional plan approval was granted. Key actions included authorizing the execution of a Riparian Buffer Easement Agreement for Wilmer Oberholtzer and a Stormwater Management Agreement for Mary Jo and Ben Kreider. New Business featured the approval of the LCWC Dispatch Transition Letter, conditional offers of employment for a Police Department officer and a Road Crew employee, approval of a Professional Engineering Services Proposal for the Administrative Building, approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Police Association regarding officer in charge pay, approval of a quote for server replacement, and approval to advertise the 2026 Township meeting schedule. Correspondence included reviewing a thank you note from the Ephrata Public Library and appointing a new member to the Zoning Hearing Board starting January 1, 2026. During public comment, it was confirmed that the 2026 Budget was approved for advertising and review following a separate meeting, with a resulting millage increase from 1.42 to 1.53.

Key discussions and actions taken during the meeting included the swearing in of a new member of the West Earl Township Police Department. The Board chose to table the Acting Sergeant Appointments until the next session. Approval was granted for a Detective duty assignment and stipend for Officer Justin Cruce, effective February 9, 2026. Resolution 2026-11, regarding Cooperative Bidding with Earl Township, was approved. The Board reviewed the Final Land Development Plan for 129 N. Maple Avenue, granting several waivers and ultimately approving the plan contingent upon the Township Engineer's review letter dated January 12, 2025, and approving Resolution 2026-12 for the Sewage Facilities Planning Module for that address. Approval for a time extension for the Stoltzfus/Shirk Final Lot Add-On Plan was acknowledged, but the plan approval itself was tabled until February 23, 2026. Agreements were approved for a Small Stormwater Project Management and In-Laws Quarters related to Daniel Shirk, and escrow release for 15-19 S State Street was approved due to plan withdrawal. Old Business involved approving a Lancaster County 911 Letter for several fire companies. New Business included approving the purchase of two police vehicles not to exceed $126,000.00, approving pump rebuild estimates for the Water Department not to exceed $6,000.00, approving the Fire Company Act 172 Volunteer List for 2025 Tax Credits, and approving documents for a Sheetz Co-Applicant Agreement for HOP with one amendment. Permission was granted for East Lampeter Park and Recreation to advertise in Township communications. Financial actions included approving the payment of bills and accepting the Treasurer's Report. Manager Reigle reported on overtime due to weather and follow-up actions regarding snow removal efficiency in two developments. Action items included preparing an agreement regarding township employee time spent on WEWA items, creating submission forms for stormwater and granny flat agreements, and scheduling follow-up discussions for the next agenda.

The meeting commenced with re-organizational procedures, including the unanimous election of Dave Thornton as Chairman and John Ford as Vice Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. Key new business involved the unanimous adoption of several resolutions: Resolution 2026-1 Appointing Township Officials, Resolution 2026-2 Setting Compensation for the Township Manager, and appointments to the Planning Commission (Dean Weinhold and Bill Howard) and Zoning Hearing Board (Christine Frost). Further resolutions set the 2026 Mileage Rate, established the Police Pension Contribution Rate, approved members for Fire Company Operational Support Activities, and set the 2026 Fee Schedule. The Board also addressed the appointment of the County of Lancaster as Tax Collector following a declination and set the Treasurer's and Financial Director's bonds. During the regular session, the Board approved the Detective duty assignment and stipend for Officer Heather Halstead, effective January 19, 2026. A request from the West Earl Fire Company regarding permission for fire companies to act on behalf of the Township in public safety response planning with Lancaster County 911 was tabled for clarification. Roadmaster Kepple reported on truck radio orders and CDL training progress. Committee and liaison representative assignments were made, including designations for negotiations concerning the police association contract and manager/chief contracts, both expiring at the end of 2026. The Board also presented an Expression of Gratitude for Exceptional Service in 2025 to Township Manager Jenna Reigle.

The Planning Commission meeting included the approval of the November 18, 2025 minutes. New business focused on recommending that the Zoning Hearing Board grant a special exception for 2028 Burkholder Ephrata, LLC to allow a drive-through facility. For the Marlee Properties Stormwater Management Plan, the Commission recommended approval to the Board of Supervisors contingent upon addressing all items in the Engineer's review letter, and also recommended granting several waivers, including for Submission of Final Plan. For the Metzler Mennonite Church Land Development Plan, the Commission recommended approval with conditions based on the Engineer's December 9, 2025 review letter, after recommending several waivers related to Plan Scale, Preliminary Plan, and other specific code sections. Additionally, the Commission had no comments regarding petitions for zoning text and map amendments submitted by East Lampeter Township entities.