Staff reports ARPA project progress, trail bridge coordination with SEPTA and recodification schedule

Township staff reported progress on ARPA-funded projects, ongoing coordination with SEPTA over a pedestrian bridge on the township trail, and the status of the ordinance recodification required by the township’s home-rule charter.

Gloria told the council that ARPA-funded projects are on track to meet state requirements and that some items remain pending because of required stormwater permits. The trail project includes a pedestrian bridge whose design now requires vehicle access per SEPTA specifications; staff are coordinating with SEPTA and indicated they will move quickly once SEPTA provides final design requirements. The township’s previously authorized consultant retains authority to execute agreements once final specifications are in hand.

On recodification, staff described an extensive, multi-month effort to convert the township ordinance book to align with the new home-rule charter language. Council was advised that the recodification package has been prepared and legal reviewers have finalized the language; the council authorized staff to advertise the recodification hearings and tentatively scheduled a first hearing for Jan. 28 (hearing date noted as tentative in the meeting). The solicitor cautioned that the recodification package is intended to be a codification with limited opportunity for substantial changes; substantive ordinance changes should be introduced as separate ordinance items outside the recodification process.

Ending: Council authorized advertising for the recodification hearings and directed staff to continue coordination with SEPTA and permitting authorities for ARPA-related projects.