West Pikeland Township

The Park and Recreation Committee reviewed the Treasurer's Report, confirming the budget is on track. Committee updates included plans to send a letter to the Board of Supervisors regarding the Route 401 speed limit near Walnut Lane Park, and the Environmental Advisory Committee's organization of an Earth Day event. Boy Scout projects are pending review. The committee approved a motion to change the meeting start time to 7:00 PM. Ongoing projects discussed included the Story Walk installation at Walnut Lane (delayed due to ground conditions), Disc Golf tee installation (pending dry ground), and the PCP Playground project, which is moving forward with fundraising continuing. Preparations for the Egg Hunt, including stuffing eggs and coordinating volunteer schedules, were reviewed. Summer Library Events for 2026 were scheduled, and the committee approved spending an additional $100 for these events. New business involved discussions regarding a playground donation postcard and the distribution of Township Ordinances concerning Parks and Recreation.

The meeting commenced with the reorganization of the Open Space Committee for 2026, resulting in the election of Lisa Lacroix as Chair, Teresa Wood as Vice Chair, and Art Vrecenak as Secretary. Financial status as of December 31, 2025, was reviewed, indicating approximately $3.1 million in total Open Space cash funds, with excess revenue of about $192,000 over expenditures for 2025. Discussions under New Business addressed the recent reorganizational meeting of the Board of Supervisors. Announcements covered updates from the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) and Park and Recreation (PAR), noting a shift in focus for land acquisition priorities from large parcels to smaller parcels with potential trail connections upon finalization of the Open Space and Trails Plan.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the prior meeting. Key discussions included a Police Report detailing January 2026 statistics, updates on the Police Vehicle Grant, and Sergeant Wayne O'Connell's completion of the School of Police Staff and Command coursework. The Treasurer's report covered road salt expenditures for 2026. Unfinished business addressed concerns regarding school bus safety on Bodine Road and Pikeland Road, resulting in a three-pronged action plan involving increased patrols, review of traffic data, and a site visit concerning sightlines for warning signage. New business involved the approval of Mr. Jim Maguire as a member of the Environmental Advisory Council and the unanimous approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for antenna replacement and equipment upgrades at 1701 Art School Road. During public comment, updates were provided on the Burning Ordinance working session, and residents discussed police force cost containment strategies.

The Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) meeting included the approval of modifications to a cell tower configuration at 1709 Art School and approval for the Historic Yellow Springs to restore the railing at the Yeaworth Building using a specific design standard. The Historic Committee reviewed an application from Mr. Mike Cola to demolish a 2004 addition and construct a new addition at 1441 Horseshoe Trail, proposing insulated reproduction windows and a cedar shake roof replacement. The committee approved this renovation plan. Additionally, the Committee discussed the structurally dangerous condition of a mill building across from the township park and directed the Township Manager to contact the owner regarding stabilization plans.

The meeting included a discussion regarding the maintenance of audio recordings for the previous meeting minutes, specifically concerning the Bellwoar Kelly contract discussion. The Board unanimously approved Resolution 2026-09, which was a Declaration of Emergency drafted in preparation for a recent winter storm event, and recognized the efforts of the Public Works team in clearing snow and ice. The Board accepted the resignation of the Township Manager, effective May 2, 2026. Public comment focused heavily on traffic safety, specifically requesting a speed limit reduction study for a section of Bodine Road due to concerns regarding school bus safety, and concerns about speeding on Pikeland Road near a preserve. It was determined that Chief of Police Goggin would conduct the speed study and follow up on obtaining footage from school bus cameras. Additionally, the Board discussed gathering information on bus routes serving the township to aid in traffic enforcement.