Submitted by Adrian Garcia
The meeting began with a presentation from EMC Insurance, highlighting a dividend for the ninth consecutive year, amounting to nearly $1.3 million across the program, with $38,900 of premiums being refunded to the township in insurance premiums. Ray Palmer, township manager, provided a financial update, noting that the township is ahead on income due to early permits and real estate transfers. Other updates included the relocation of Gannet Flemmings to the Deloitte building off Route 114, the anticipated high traffic on Woods Drive with the opening of Costco in Fall 2025, and the success of the recently opened 7 Brew. Upcoming events include a shred-it event on May 5th and a Township Open House on May 7th. The township is also completing its cloud migration for the permitting system.
A resident, and frequent attendee, raised concerns about the transparency of government records and the handling of Right-to-Know (RTK) requests, advocating for more open access to information. He pointed out that the Township could actually save money on the processing of RTK requests by publishing all nonprivileged information directly to the website. Another resident questioned the accuracy and accessibility of the township’s online ordinances, suggesting improvements for better public understanding and access. The Township is currently in the process of correcting inconsistencies in its ordinances, and will likely refresh the online copy in the next few months.
The bulk of the meeting was taken up by a proposed towing resolution, which seeks to reduce costs for residents by establishing a system for calling towing companies to the scene of an accident. The resolution aims to create a fair rotation of towing companies, establish minimum qualifications, and ensure proper documentation and accountability. The key points of the resolution include: a rotation system, so that all businesses are equally chosen to respond; minimum qualification standards; businesses and storage facilities must be in the township; a requirement to carry insurance; a requirment to submit invoices to the township police department for oversight; and employee background checks.
The board discussed various aspects of the resolution, including the location of storage facilities, the possibility of setting a standard rate for towing, and the operational challenges of maintaining the rotation list. Input from local towing companies was also considered, with discussions on equipment requirements, subcontracting, and customer rights during towing operations. The resolution was tabled for further review and refinement, with the board seeking to balance the needs of the towing companies with the safety and fairness for residents.
The Kost Road drop lot plan discussed in previous Planning Comission Meeting, which includes 385 trailer storage spots and a 4,500 square foot office/maintenance building, also took up a significant portion of the meeting. At the request of the supervisors, additional screening and a privacy fenceweres added. Multiple residents spoke, opposing the plan, but as this is a by-right use the board could do little to halt progress.
For context
This plan was submitted the day before a new ordinance went into effect banning businesses like this from being built next to adjacent properties. It then spent the next two years being tabled and extended while plans were drawn. Normally, plans are all but complete when applications are submitted to the township
The board discussed the need for an easement to facilitate the construction of the Joe Ricci trail along Kwik Fill. This would involve both a construction easement and a permanent sidewalk easement. As Kwik Fill has not been amenable to any terms, the board is considering using eminent domain to secure the necessary easements. However, some board members expressed reluctance about using eminent domain, especially since Kwik Fill had previously given up land for a turning lane on Maple Drive. They prefer to negotiate an agreement without resorting to legal compulsion, though the solicitor stated that it appeared as if Kwik Fill had little interest in negotiating. The board approved the motion 3-2 to proceed with the easement process, with David Lenker and Harry Kotzmoyer objecting.
The township engineer provided an update on the Kost Road realignment and culvert projects, discussing the possibility of phasing the project over two years and the associated costs and timelines. The board also acknowledged a $200,000 grant from the county for the culvert work.
Staff and supervisors provided various updates, including the HSS pre-construction meeting for the Hempt Farm plot, a full-scale assailant drill hosted by Cumberland Valley School District at Mountain View Middle School, and the status of the township’s wood sale. The meeting concluded with a second discussion on the RTK requests and the importance of transparency in government records.