Lower Pottsgrove commissioners approve truck MOU, set Jan. 27 demolition for East High Street renovation

The Lower Pottsgrove Township Board of Commissioners approved an agreement to repurpose a 2013 Ford F350 for township operations and set key dates for a municipal renovation project at their Jan. 16, 2025 meeting.

President Raymond W. Lopez opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and led a moment of silence for Pat Mazeski, the township’s longtime secretary, who died Jan. 11, 2025. "We honor her for her exemplary performance and steadfast loyalty to the township," Lopez said.

Manager Edward C. Wagner reported several infrastructure updates: Armand Hammer Boulevard (between High Street and Cherry Lane in the Borough of Pottstown) "was reopened to regular traffic today," and "according to Officer Scott Weidenhammer, there were no issues with the closure." Wagner said the Snell Road Bridge preconstruction meeting is scheduled for Feb. 5 at 10:00 a.m., and an EMS study presentation will be held virtually Jan. 23 from 9 to 11 a.m.

Wagner said the Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Committee invited the township to participate on an advisory team for a Regional Nature-Based Placemaking Project intended to spur economic development around trails and parks; Tricia McCloskey was named regional coordinator. Commissioner William Keohane said he supports the goal but voiced logistical concerns: "I have concerns regarding how much time it will take and the number of people from surrounding municipalities that will have to be involved," he said.

On zoning correspondence, Wagner summarized Zoning Hearing Application 2024-14 from the owners of Two Farms at 296 Armand Hammer Boulevard, which requests variances for a freestanding pylon sign (up to 231 square feet and about 40 feet high) and additional wall signage; the commissioners agreed to leave that matter to the Zoning Hearing Board.

Under new business, the board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Sewer Authority to keep and repurpose a low-mileage 2013 Ford F350 by removing the cap and installing a stake body; the Sewer Authority will receive proceeds from the planned sale of a 2008 Ford. Commissioner Robert Mohollen moved to approve the MOU, Commissioner Keohane seconded, and the motion passed 3–0.

Wagner gave a detailed update on the 1963 E. High Street renovation: a preconstruction meeting has occurred, plans are under review by Technicon, contracts and bonds are in place, and demolition is scheduled to begin Jan. 27. He noted the generator lead time is approximately 46 weeks, the sprinkler system will be taken offline during demolition, windows will be removed to avoid frozen pipes, and the site will be fenced. Commissioner Lopez suggested obtaining a Knox-Box for the site; Fire Chief Eric Linsenbigler offered assistance. Wagner and Lopez said the board will include a renovation update on the agenda of the board’s second monthly meeting, and the construction crew will hold on-site progress meetings every two weeks.

Financial business included unanimous approval of Warrant #952 for December 2024 and acceptance of the Treasurer's report for December 2024. Commissioner Mohollen made both motions; Commissioner Keohane seconded; votes were 3–0 in favor.

In commissioner remarks, Lopez said a meeting will be arranged Monday to review pricing changes and new models for the municipal radio system; he and Fire Chief Linsenbigler will represent the township. Lopez also announced services for Pat Mazeski at St. Aloysius on Saturday (visitation followed by mass at 11:15 a.m.). Solicitor Jamie Ottaviano advised attendees to travel home safely in the snow. Commissioner Mohollen moved to adjourn the meeting; Commissioner Keohane seconded and the board adjourned at 6:53 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lower Pottsgrove Township Building.

Quotes used in this article are taken directly from the meeting record and are attributed to named speakers where they appear in the transcript.