North Middleton supervisors approve paving bid, set SEO fee and agree to pursue traffic study after residents’ requests

The North Middleton Township Board of Supervisors met on March 19, 2026, and unanimously approved a series of routine motions including a paving equipment bid, updates to the police policy manual and personnel actions while agreeing to investigate residents’ traffic and property concerns.

The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m. by Chairman Jim Hare. Vice‑Chairman Ron Greenway and Supervisors Rick Hoover, Barry Sherman and Mehdi Atar were present, along with Solicitor Zachary Rice, Manager John Epley, Chief Gary Carver and Township Secretary Dana Billet.

During public comment, resident Greg Shank asked board members to speak more clearly into microphones and urged the township to hold public meetings on data centers. Residents Dale Masser and Robert Burgett (of Dickinson Place) asked the board to install a three‑way stop at West North Street and Shillington Lane and requested a traffic study. Manager John Epley said a traffic study would cost “approximately $3,000” and was not included in the 2026 budget. Police Chief Gary Carver said speeding is an issue but indicated an additional stop sign may not resolve the problem; Supervisor Barry Sherman said he would visit the intersection. Mr. Burgett also reported an alley that courthouse records suggest may belong to the township; Manager Epley said he will investigate ownership.

On consent and routine business, the board unanimously approved the February 19 regular‑meeting minutes and the ARCHE Academy public‑hearing minutes, and approved bills dated Feb. 23, March 9 and March 19 (including stormwater refunds). Secretary Dana Billet reported that 125 refund checks had been issued and that accounts under $48 had been cleared; the township is identifying a collection agency for balances between $48 and $199.

In department updates, Chief Gary Carver said a mock police accreditation assessment is scheduled for April 8 with the final assessment planned for May. The police cadet continues to perform above a 90% average and has been issued a department firearm for training. Chief Andrew Henry reported that a committee continues to meet monthly on the North Middleton Road fire station project.

On old and new business the board took several unanimous votes:

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 2026‑01 (No Parking on Cavalry Road): Motion by Supervisor Rick Hoover, second by Supervisor Barry Sherman — approved unanimously. - Paving equipment bid (Schlusser Paving): Motion by Vice‑Chairman Ron Greenway to accept the single bid pending solicitor review, second by Supervisor Barry Sherman — approved unanimously. - Resolution 2026‑06 (Police Department Policy Manual update): Motion by Vice‑Chairman Ron Greenway — approved unanimously. - Partial bond release — Creek Terrace Townhomes: Motion to release $121,098.26 and retain $88,521.80 — approved unanimously. - SEO (sewage enforcement officer) processing fee: Motion by Supervisor Rick Hoover to set fee at $250 (SEO recommended $250–$300), second by Vice‑Chairman Ron Greenway — approved unanimously. - Acceptance of resignation of John Gsell: Motion by Supervisor Rick Hoover, second by Vice‑Chairman Ron Greenway — approved unanimously. - Authorization to seek applicants for a full‑time public works employee: Motion by Supervisor Barry Sherman — approved unanimously. - Hiring of Steven Reese for parks position: Motion by Supervisor Barry Sherman, second by Supervisor Rick Hoover — approved unanimously. - Letter of support for Middlesex Township Comprehensive Plan Update: Motion by Vice‑Chairman Ron Greenway, second by Supervisor Barry Sherman — approved unanimously. - CASD Plan #2025‑07 time extension to May 31, 2026: Motion by Vice‑Chairman Ron Greenway, second by Supervisor Mehdi Atar — approved unanimously.

Manager John Epley said the township intends to apply for a grant for Post Road, which the county lists as needing bridge repairs. No updates were provided on the township’s solar item. A landfill meeting is scheduled for the end of the month. Solicitor Zachary Rice recommended that the Portage Project matter be discussed in executive session; the board entered executive session and took no votes there.

The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

(Reporting in this summary is based solely on remarks recorded in the township’s March 19, 2026 meeting transcript; where numbers or specifics were not provided in the transcript the article notes that fact.)