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Abington commissioners approve refuse-fee ordinance, fund pool feasibility study and several property actions; DAR marker tabled
Summary
The Abington Township Board of Commissioners on Feb. 12 adopted updates to meeting code and a refuse-fee ordinance, authorized purchase of two county repository parcels, approved a Simone Collins pool feasibility study to support future DCNR grant applications, and approved a sanitary-sewer easement; a proposed DAR marker was tabled 7–4 pending neighbor notification.
Abington Township commissioners voted on multiple agenda items on Feb. 12, adopting changes to the township code and approving a series of property and budget-related actions.
The board adopted Ordinance No. 22-42 to update the township’s meeting schedule and adopted Ordinance No. 22-41 amending Chapter 92 on garbage, rubbish and refuse to provide for fee payment and collection. Commissioner John Spiegelman, who moved both ordinances, said the refuse fee had not been raised since 2015 and that recent, higher solid-waste bid results made an increase unavoidable. “There was just no way to hold the line anymore,” Spiegelman said, attributing the change to rising industry costs and the outcome of the recent solid-waste bid.
The board authorized an offer to purchase two Montgomery County repository parcels that abut Grove Park. Administration representatives said the county identified the properties after tax sale proceedings; the township already holds stormwater easements nearby and public works recommended acquisition to bring the lots into regular maintenance. The price reported in the meeting was $500 per parcel plus administrative fees (the packet showed a total near $1,400 including fees).
Commissioners also approved contracting Simone Collins to perform a swimming-pool-complex feasibility study. Officials said funds for a study were budgeted in FY2024 as part of an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) revenue-replacement strategy; the study will include site evaluation and a public-engagement process and is being designed to satisfy Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) scope requirements to maximize future grant eligibility. The board emphasized that the authorization covers the study only, not construction.
The board approved a sanitary-sewer easement agreement for the Valley Glen condominium/365 Cedar development. Solicitor Gallagher explained that the developer will construct a sewer main that will be offered for dedication to the township and that easement costs will be borne by the developer.
The finance committee’s motion to approve December 2025 expenditures ($4,716,502.62) and salaries and wages ($2,913,595.08) was approved by roll-call vote, with the board authorizing officials to sign invoices and pay bills through March 2026.
One item drew substantive pushback: a proposal to authorize a Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) marker at Edge Hill Woods (743 Roslyn Ave). Manager Chrisman clarified that the location is township-owned property and that installation would be funded by a grant, but several commissioners expressed concern that adjacent neighbors had not been sufficiently notified. After discussion, the board voted to table the matter, 7–4, and instructed staff to notify homeowners and return the item at the next meeting in two weeks.
The board approved the listed ordinances and actions by voice or seconded motion; where roll-call was conducted the minutes reflect the motion carried. The meeting then moved to general public comment and adjourned.
