Tinicum supervisors accept clean audit, approve septic setback, hire police candidate and advance zoning reviews

Eleanor Breslin, chair of the Tinicum Township Board of Supervisors, called the board to order on May 5 and presided over a meeting that produced a series of routine administrative approvals and policy referrals.

The board received an overview of the township's 2025 audit from Todd Joseph, CPA of MVA, who said the DCED audit resulted in an "unmodified opinion." Joseph told the board governmental activities total approximately $3 million, the capital projects fund totals about $4 million (including roughly $3 million designated for the Headquarters Road Bridge project), and the township carries one long-term debt of $4.9 million that is being repaid on schedule. "It was an extremely good experience working with Judith and June," Joseph said, praising township staff for their cooperation.

A conditional-use application for 118 Geigel Hill Road won the board's approval after testimony from the applicant's witnesses. Attorney Gavin Laboski, representing applicants Jason Stout Sr., Jason Stout Jr. and Danielle Smith Jr., said the home is being rehabilitated and will remain a three-bedroom dwelling; the existing septic was found to be failing and the Health Department approved the proposed replacement location, which lies within the front-yard setback. The board moved to grant conditional use subject to compliance with exhibits, letters and testimony; the motion passed unanimously.

The board also acted on personnel and operational matters. Manager Judith A. Danko was authorized to extend a conditional offer of employment to Shawn Cottee for the full-time police officer position, contingent on successful completion of all Act 57 pre-employment requirements, at a starting annual salary of $72,887.32. "The Board has met with Mr. Cottee two weeks ago," Chair Breslin noted before supervisors approved the motion.

Several zoning and ordinance matters were advanced for further review. The board directed advertisement of a draft kennel zoning amendment with staff and solicitor revisions to narrow definitions (focusing on cats and dogs), define kennel and acreage/density (the board discussed a density of five animals per acre), and consider quiet-hours requirements similar to neighboring ordinances. The board also authorized the solicitor and zoning officer to represent the township before the Zoning Hearing Board on Application Z2026-05 (Hollow Horn Road) and requested additional information from the applicant before finalizing a township position.

Administrative and community items included: approval of the consent agenda (minutes; payroll $70,769.47; disbursements and contractor payment applications for the Headquarters Road Bridge rehabilitation project); authorization for the solicitor to review sample volunteer liability release forms; approval of Parks & Recreation event permits (a May 16 park clean-up and painting a white movie-screen area, with a $217 porta-potty expense); and authorization of Fire Police and, in one case, EMT coverage for a series of regional events, including the 75th Annual Tinicum Arts Festival on July 11–12. The board also requested the Planning Commission review the 2023 "Energy-Intensive Facilities" ordinance (data-center rules) for possible amendments and asked the Environmental Advisory Committee to prepare public-awareness materials on dark skies.

Police Chief Madden reported 276 incident reports in April and noted the department collected 71 pounds of medications and 45 pounds of sharps during the spring drug take-back. Daniel Albee of St. Luke's Emergency and Transport Services briefed the board on rebranding and equipment upgrades at Stations 141 and 142 and said both stations have maintained 100% service rates since acquisition.

Votes at a glance: - Conditional use 118 Geigel Hill Rd.: motion by John Cole, second by Todd Quinby; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Consent agenda (April minutes, payroll $70,769.47, disbursements, contractor payments): motion by John Cole, second by Todd Quinby; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Resolution 2026-07 (Emergency Operations Plan promulgation): motion by Todd Quinby, second by John Cole; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Advertise kennel zoning amendment (with discussed edits): motion by John Cole, second by Eleanor Breslin; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Conditional offer to Shawn Cottee (FT police officer at $72,887.32): motion by John Cole, second by Todd Quinby; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Authorize solicitor/zoning officer to appear at ZHB for Hollow Horn Road application: motion by Todd Quinby, second by Eleanor Breslin; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Authorize solicitor review of volunteer liability/permission forms: motion by John Cole, second by Todd Quinby; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Parks & Recreation event approvals and $217 porta-potty expense: motion by John Cole, second by Todd Quinby; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Authorize Fire Police/EMT coverage for regional events (various dates): motion by Todd Quinby/John Cole; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Request Planning Commission review of Energy-Intensive Facilities ordinance and request EAC dark-skies materials: motion by John Cole, second by Todd Quinby; outcome: approved (unanimous).

What's next: the board moved to adjourn at 8:42 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Building.