Williams Township supervisors approve safety manual, new truck purchase and zoning changes

The Williams Township Board of Supervisors on Oct. 9 approved a package of administrative and capital items, including a new safety manual, the purchase of a public works pickup and a zoning ordinance change following a public hearing.

Chairperson George Washburn convened the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. and the Board quickly approved the minutes from Sept. 11 and the October expense report; both motions passed unanimously (3-0).

Township Manager Melody Ernst told the Board that the Williams Township Athletic Association requested permission for a Dec. 7 tree-lighting ceremony using lights on a large parking-lot tree, the Fest-O-Fall stage and tables, and to have Santa available for photos in the Community Building. The board indicated consensus to allow the event.

On personnel and safety policy, the board approved the township AIPP/safety manual, which Manager Ernst said is incorporated into the SMT template to meet township safety policies. Supervisor Michael Bryant moved to approve the manual; Vice Chair Raymond Abert seconded and the motion carried 3-0.

Public Works Director Michael Strawn reported that a 2012 Ford truck required extensive repairs, including rust work and new tires, and recommended purchasing a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD Double Cab from Fred Beans at the COSTARS price of $52,675.03. Vice Chair Raymond Abert moved to approve the purchase; Supervisor Michael Bryant seconded and the motion carried 3-0. The quoted price did not include safety lights; the Board later approved budgeting $4,000–$5,000 for lights (motion by Michael Bryant, second by Raymond Abert), also carried 3-0.

Township Engineer Ronald Madison reviewed his Oct. 8 memorandum and relayed Colliers Engineering and Design’s recommendation to release Security Release #2 for the Tumble Creek Major Subdivision. The Board approved releasing $333,129.08 of security—reducing the security from $781,407.43 and retaining $448,278.36—on a 3-0 vote (motion by Raymond Abert, second by Michael Bryant).

On zoning matters, Township Solicitor Jonathan Reiss reviewed a proposed Medium Density Residential (MDR) zoning amendment and the Board voted to send the MDR amendment to the township review and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (motion by Michael Bryant, second by Raymond Abert; 3-0). The Board then held a public hearing on Ordinance 2024-07 (amendments to permitted uses). Reiss summarized the changes; there were no public comments. Supervisor Michael Bryant moved to approve Ordinance 2024-07, Vice Chair Raymond Abert seconded, and the ordinance was adopted 3-0.

The Board approved completion of the 18-month maintenance period for Roth Farms Estates, effective Nov. 10, 2024, noting that a final inspection found all items complete except two dead trees on property owned by Mr. Lule (who declined replacement). The township will continue to hold the letter of credit until outstanding consultant invoices are paid. The motion passed 3-0 (motion by Michael Bryant, second by Raymond Abert).

Supervisor Michael Bryant moved to appoint Ryan Pektor to the Appeals Board; Vice Chair Raymond Abert seconded and the appointment was approved 3-0.

Under new business, Solicitor Reiss noted that Joe Black recommended a well isolation-distance waiver for 1060 Berger Road. The Board approved Resolution 2024-18 granting the waiver (motion by Michael Bryant, second by Raymond Abert), carried 3-0.

Vice Chair Raymond Abert urged residents to vote in the upcoming election; Supervisor Michael Bryant noted Veterans Day observances on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m., and Chairperson Washburn thanked Jennifer for organizing Fest-O-Fall. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

What happens next: several items (the MDR amendment) move to further review by township staff and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission; the new truck will be procured and safety lights budgeted in a future budget action.