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Board authorizes advertising of Verizon franchise ordinance, approves multiple administrative items and labor pact
Summary
The New Town board authorized advertising a Verizon cable franchise ordinance (noting a 5% franchise fee contribution and PEG channel provisions), voted to advertise an attorneys‑fees ordinance, sent a subdivision ordinance amendment to county review, approved consent‑agenda payments, ratified Weezner Consulting and approved a tentative labor agreement with CWA Local 13,000; all motions passed by voice vote.
At its Jan. 14 meeting the New Town Township Board of Supervisors authorized advertisement of several ordinances and approved multiple administrative items on a series of voice votes.
Solicitor remarks framed a cable television franchise agreement negotiated for Verizon through a Bucks County consortium and Cohen Law Group; the board authorized advertising an ordinance to approve that franchise. The solicitor said the draft agreement includes a 5% contribution from franchise fees to the township, expanded revenue categories (from 22 to 27), PEG reporting provisions to allow township meetings to be broadcast, and a five‑year term. A motion to authorize advertisement carried on a voice vote.
The board also authorized advertisement for an ordinance to permit recovery of attorneys’ fees and costs in municipal claims and lien collections, explaining the change would allow the township to pass certain legal costs to the breaching party. The solicitor presented a proposed amendment to the subdivision and land development ordinance to revise landscaping provisions to require appropriate native, non‑invasive species; the board voted to send that amendment to the county planning commission for a 30‑day review and authorized its subsequent advertisement.
On routine business the board approved the consent agenda — including approval of Jan. 5, 2026 minutes and payment of bills and transfers as presented — on a voice vote. The manager reported a general fund balance of $5,495,511.
In personnel and services actions, the board voted to approve a tentative agreement with CWA Local 13,000 covering non‑uniform employees and ratified a proposal with Weezner Consulting to assist township finances pending a finance director appointment. Both motions passed on voice votes.
