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South Whitehall board approves Verizon franchise, extends Ridge Farms deadline and awards water/sewer contract
Summary
The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners approved several routine actions July 15, including a five-year Verizon cable franchise (5% fee), a six-month extension for Ridge Farms Phase 1C, appointment of Barry Isaac & Associates for fire inspection services at $110/hour, and a $840,169 award to Anrich Inc. for a water/sewer replacement project; all votes were 5–0.
The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners voted unanimously July 15 to approve several ordinances, resolutions and contracts on its consent and regular agenda.
The board adopted the prior meeting minutes by voice vote, 5–0. It then approved an ordinance authorizing execution of a five‑year cable franchise agreement with Verizon Pennsylvania LLC. Township staff summarized key terms as a five‑year term, a 5% franchise fee paid quarterly, auditing rights and provisions for a public educational and government access channel. The ordinance had been advertised in the Parkland Press on June 25.
On development matters, the board granted a six‑month extension for conditional preliminary/final approval of Ridge Farms Phase 1C (about seven acres west of Buckman and Roosevelt, originally approved 08/07/2024 with 32 conditions). Director of development Kent Baird reviewed outstanding items and the applicant representative Jason Engelhart (Langan) told the board the phase is under construction and the applicant agreed to six months to complete remaining signings, easements and closing documents.
The board also adopted a resolution appointing Barry Isaac & Associates, Inc. to provide interim fire inspection and fire marshal services. Township staff said the firm presented necessary code‑compliance certifications; the contract rate was cited as $110 per hour. The resolution notes that if the township establishes an internal fire inspection program it would do so by ordinance and that applicant-funded SALDO reviews would continue to be paid by applicants.
On infrastructure, Director of Township Operations Herb Bender recommended awarding bid 2026‑5 for Fairmont Street and North 23rd Street water and sewer main replacement to Anrich Inc. for $840,169. Bender said the project replaces mains that have experienced multiple breaks; he noted the awarded amount exceeds the $809,000 budgeted total (water $549,000 and sewer $260,000) but said savings elsewhere will prevent a budget deficit.
All motions on the consent and regular agenda were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote, each passing 5–0, including authorization of invoices and disbursements. The board adjourned after no further executive sessions were scheduled.
Votes at a glance: - Adopt meeting minutes (07/01/2026): passed 5–0. - Ordinance: Verizon Pennsylvania LLC cable franchise (5 years, 5% fee): adopted 5–0. - Resolution: Extend conditional preliminary/final approval — Ridge Farms Phase 1C (additional six months): approved 5–0. - Resolution: Appoint Barry Isaac & Associates for fire inspection services (hourly rate $110): approved 5–0. - Motion: Award bid 2026‑5 to Anrich Inc. for Fairmont & N. 23rd water/sewer replacement ($840,169): approved 5–0. - Authorize payment of invoices and disbursements: approved 5–0.
Ending: The board noted upcoming commission meetings on the calendar and said planning commission meetings related to Project Atlas may be held at Parkland High School; documents and meeting materials are available on the township website.
