Dickinson Township votes to join regional FPR coalition, agrees to $10,000 initial share

Dickinson Township’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously March 18 to join a regional coalition formed to address Food Processing Residuals (FPRs), approving participation terms that list Dickinson’s initial share at $10,000.

Chairman Rob Kole said FPRs “is the number one complaint from residents,” and framed coalition participation as a way for the township to “have a seat at the table.” Attorney Brian Salzmann, who is serving as counsel to the coalition, told the board the initial fund target is $35,000 to cover early legal and organizational work and that a formula in the proposed agreement divides costs among participating jurisdictions; Dickinson’s initial contribution was presented as $10,000 and the agreement referenced a $34,500 cap on a specific spending threshold.

Manager Larry Barrick and staff asked the board to consider a March 14, 2024 staff memo that flagged concerns about open financial commitments and recommended careful review of the agreement language before payment. Barrick said the cost was not budgeted and that the board needed to identify a funding source. DeGaetano and Kole said being an early participant would let Dickinson shape strategy and reduce costs if more townships join; DeGaetano moved and Kole seconded the motion to enter the coalition, which passed unanimously.

The board agreed each participating municipality would designate two steering‑committee representatives; Supervisor Jen DeGaetano was named the township point person and Solicitor Matt Boyer will serve as the township’s legal representative on matters handled through the coalition. Salzmann said funds would be administered by the Steering Committee and held in an account managed by South Middleton Township. Barrick requested staff be kept informed so residents can be updated as details are finalized.

The action authorizes Dickinson to participate in a multi‑jurisdictional effort to pursue administrative, legislative or legal options about FPRs, subject to the exact terms of the coalition agreement and the funding formula referenced during the meeting. The board did not specify a detailed budget line for the payment; staff indicated the township will determine where to source the $10,000 contribution.

Next steps: the township will execute the coalition agreement, identify the two steering‑committee representatives formally, and coordinate with South Middleton Township on fund administration and the coalition’s initial work plan.