Douglass Township Board approves updated zoning ordinance and police pension changes; hires full‑time public works employee

The Douglass Township Board of Supervisors on Sept. 15 adopted a major update to the township zoning code and map, approved changes to the police pension plan, and approved a series of routine financial and personnel actions.

Solicitor Wendy McKenna opened the public hearing for Ordinance 2025‑01, which repeals and reenacts Chapter 265 of the township zoning code to modernize permitted uses, add residential design standards, and rezone several parcels (including conversions from Village Center Commercial to Limited Commercial and other targeted rezones). Manager Andrew Duncan told the board the planning agency and staff worked about 18 months on the update and that an open house was held in July; the Planning Agency provided supporting minutes and review letters. After brief public questions about how the change affects specific properties, the board approved Ordinance 2025‑01 (motion: Supervisor Don Bergstresser; second: Chairman Josh Stouch; votes: Bergstresser–Aye, Stouch–Aye). Solicitor McKenna noted the ordinance becomes effective five days after adoption but said it may be challenged under applicable procedures.

The board also adopted Ordinance 2025‑02 to amend Chapter 44 and bring the township's police pension plan into conformity with the state Retirement Law and the Municipal Pension Plan Funding Standard and Recovery Act; no members of the public spoke during that hearing and the ordinance passed by the same 2–0 vote (motion: Stouch; second: Bergstresser).

The supervisors approved Resolution No. 09152025‑01 for a preliminary/final minor subdivision of 135 Hoffmansville Road, a 9.3‑acre parcel to be split into two lots, following recommendations from planning and engineering staff (motion: Stouch; second: Bergstresser; votes: both Aye).

State Representative Donna Scheuren reported that the county's first electric Chevrolet Blazer for police use has been placed in service in Douglass Township and said local EMS and fleet support remain priorities. "Chief Evans gave me a tour of the Blazer and updates on the police department," Scheuren said.

Police Chief Robert Evans presented August 2025 department statistics: 750 calls for service, seven reportable accidents, 10 non‑reportable accidents, five criminal investigations, 25 investigation supplements, five search warrants, three arrests, 97 traffic citations and one non‑traffic citation. He also noted officer training milestones and that the EV Blazer has been upfitted and put in service.

On personnel and operations, the board approved hiring Eric Bauer as a full‑time public works employee at $23.50 per hour (motion: Stouch; second: Bergstresser; votes: both Aye). Roadmaster Michael Heydt reported recent tar‑and‑chip prep, paving, milling and equipment maintenance activities.

Treasurer Cynthia O'Donnell asked for authorization to pay unpaid bills totaling $151,362.06; the board approved payment. The board also approved 2025 Budget Amendment #3. O'Donnell presented MMO pension figures of $429,232.00 for the police plan and $182,800.00 for non‑uniform employees.

Manager Andrew Duncan updated the board on the County Line Road Bridge, saying Pennoni is reviewing revised bridge plans to meet changed PennDOT standards, and reported that a USDA loan has been approved for administration‑building renovation. The board approved Resolution No. 09152025‑02 to authorize a $500 application fee to pursue RCAP funding (50 percent match) through the state Office of the Budget (motion: Bergstresser; second: Stouch; votes: both Aye).

A proposed sump pump ordinance remains under staff review. No public comments were given during the general public comment period. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.; the next Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Oct. 6, 2025, at 7 p.m.