The Bucks County Salary Board heard public comments and considered staffing requests, bonuses, position transfers and title changes. The board approved the substantive requests presented during the meeting, including moving 36 positions to Parks and Recreation.

Discussion Points

•A member clarified a no vote, distinguishing the item from the Public Defender’s Office request funded by PCCD or previously by opioid funds.
•A member said the change had been contemplated in a transition report nearly seven years earlier.
•A Salary Board member cited a $342,000 regional average and raised recruitment concerns about the requested $300,000 cap.
•Campbell said she would use agencies as a backup and that nearby counties would not share their full-time pathologists.
•Campbell said two pathologists had left and available per diem coverage amounted to only a few days per month.
•Heddle said the retirement division had Kathy Jo and one assistant and that retirement processing was cumbersome.
•He said a hypothetical mass retirement discussed at the prior month’s retirement board meeting prompted his staffing concern.
•He voiced views on national politics and nuclear war.
•Mack House discussed state finances and made election-related claims during public comment.
•The community engagement officer position had been in place for five years.
•The department said the revised title would allow a technically qualified hire to develop leadership experience.
•The department said the role had been open for about 13 or 14 months and several postings had not produced a candidate with both desired qualifications.
•The department said the title changes would better reflect the scope of the work.
•The presenter said six newly licensed attorneys had completed six months with the county and committed to one year.
•The presenter said the bonuses were supported by an approximately $100,000 annual PCCD grant and would not create a county deficit.
•The presenter said the transfer could streamline operations, clarify responsibilities, improve budget oversight and align services with community needs.
•The presenter said three employees assumed extra duties during several months of understaffing, including one employee for almost 18 months and two for about nine months.
•The presenter said two midlevel employees were at risk of earning more in the private sector.

Decisions

•The board approved the request for a new pathologist position; no exact tally is stated.
•The board approved the request for six signing bonuses and two retention bonuses.
•The board approved the three bonuses; a member said they voted no.
•The Salary Board approved both title changes together.
•The Salary Board approved the title change under agenda item 50.
•The Salary Board approved transferring 36 positions from General Services to Parks and Recreation.

Nov

Salary Board Meeting

The Bucks County Salary Board met Nov. 5, 2026. Public commenters urged more staffing for the county retirement division; the board approved multiple personnel and title changes, including a coroner request to add capacity, signing/retention bonuses funded by a PCCD grant for the public defender nd a transfer of 36 park positions to Parks and Recreation.

Discussion Points

•Coroner described loss of two pathologists and need for timely autopsies
•Cost estimate for outside coverage: $300,000 to $526,000 for ~195 autopsies
•Department understaffed for several months
•Heddle urged additional staffing for the comptroller's retirement division citing slow processing
•Mack House offered election-related and policy commentary
•Move aligned with county comprehensive parks plan adopted in January
•Positions include one filled for five years (Community Engagement Officer)
•Position vacant for ~13-14 months and difficult to recruit for
•Presenter asked for one EHS employee and two emergency management employees to receive bonuses
•Presenter framed the transfer as streamlining operations and improving budget oversight
•Presenter said the plan is deficit neutral for the county because state funds pay the bonuses
•Question whether neighboring counties could share pathologist services — presenter said no
•Requested title change to broaden recruitment pool
•Request to use PCCD grant (~$100,000/year) for recruitment and retention bonuses
•Six $5,000 signing bonuses for recent hires who passed the bar and two retention bonuses for mid-level staff
•Three employees provided extra responsibilities (one for ~18 months)
•Transfer of 36 positions (27 FT, 9 per diem) to Parks & Recreation
•Two position title changes to better reflect responsibilities

Decisions

•Bonuses approved by voice vote
•Bonuses approved by voice vote; at least one 'no' recorded
•Full-time pathologist position approved by voice vote
•Title change approved by voice vote
•Title changes approved by voice vote
•Transfer approved by voice vote

Directions

•Board approved use of grant funds as requested
•Position to be created and handled by the Coroner's Office
•Proceed with bonus approvals; implementing department to disburse payments
•Proceed with title and job-description update
•Proceed with title updates
•Proceed with transfer as presented

Nov

1st Wednesday County Commissioners' Meeting

The Bucks County Board of Commissioners met Nov. 5, 2026. Commissioners issued a Weatherization Day proclamation, heard presentations from the Bucks County Opportunity Council and the director of Veterans Affairs, received multiple public comments including congratulations for Commissioner Bob Harvey's election to Congress, approved routine consent items and budget adjustment #15, and discussed court-appointed conflict counsel needs.

Discussion Points

•Appointment of Irina Kisharsky to Human Relations Council.
•Approval of minutes and consent agenda items.
•BCOC reported 275 households served in last fiscal year and cited Department of Energy savings estimates.
•Budget adjustment #15 moves funds between cost centers.
•Court administrator response that counsel are assigned by the courts and carry 40–50 assigned cases annually.
•Delaware Valley Veterans Expo with ~68 vendors and expected large turnout.
•Expressions of appreciation for Board of Elections staff.
•Local concerns raised about Warminster's demographics and veterans programming.
•Proclamation text recognizing Weatherization Day and BCOC's 50 years of service.
•Public congratulations for Commissioner Harvey's election to Congress.
•Public question citing $770,000 for hiring conflict counsel and public defenders.
•Veterans claims processing volume (≈1,200 claims).
•Veteran suicide awareness and a Nov. 14 event at Warminster VFW.

Decisions

•All listed motions approved by voice vote
•Proclamation adopted recognizing Weatherization Day

Nov

Planning Commission

At its Nov. 4, 2026 meeting the Bucks County planning body reviewed a Langhorne Borough resolution urging PennDOT to reconsider parts of the Route 1 RC3 cloverleaf design, heard a presentation on New Britain Township's updated open-space plan and goals, approved minutes and amended next year's meeting dates, and announced staff changes and local events.

Discussion Points

•Announcement and invitation logistics for ribbon-cutting on Nov. 12.
•Announcements of new hire (Sam Rudy), offer to Amy Zimmerman, and impending departure of housing planner Janelle McGlassen.
•Langhorne Borough Council requested PennDOT reconsider aspects of the Route 1 RC3 cloverleaf design and retain service roads.
•Location noted as Cork Creek Park; event includes new bridge.
•Motion to amend meeting dates to shift post-election meetings to Thursday was made and passed by voice vote.
•Motion to approve minutes was made and seconded; a voice vote passed the motion.
•PennDOT\u0019s latest proposal reportedly would keep service roads without direct highway access, prompting concerns about local intersection congestion.
•Presentation of October and year-to-date permit and revenue statistics.
•Staff presented inventory, survey results and proposed acquisition guidelines.
•Staff recommended establishing easement monitoring, improved communication about EIT funding, and collaborative partnerships to secure matching funds.

Decisions

•Both motions adopted by voice vote; transcript lacks roll-call tallies.
•No county-level funding commitments recorded in the transcript.
•No formal county action taken; commissioners agreed to collect information and consider facilitating municipal-PennDOT coordination.
•No personnel votes or hiring approvals recorded during the meeting; announcements were informational.

Directions

•Encourage municipalities to coordinate with conservation organizations and use the plan as a model for future township plans.
•Members asked to notify staff if they had not received invitations.
•Staff to gather more information about the PennDOT design and local concerns.

Oct

3rd Wednesday County Commissioners' Meeting

Bucks County Commissioners met Oct. 21, 2026. The board recognized long‑service employees, received a fire‑prevention presentation and proclamation, heard multiple public comments including a county employee's complaint about an insurance preauthorization, approved routine minutes, appointments and funding allocations, and set the next meeting for Nov. 5.

Discussion Points

•Commissioner Harvey announced names and term end dates for library and workforce board appointments and moved approval.
•Coppola described insurer IBX refusing to accept preauthorization or predetermination requests for a procedure and asked HR to press the insurer to approve or deny so an appeal can proceed.
•Fire Marshal presented battery safety guidance and urged residents to review charging practices and test smoke alarms.
•Heitman raised concerns about decorum and past censorship; Machouse urged election turnout and criticized national Democrats; Frederick criticized Congressman Fitzpatrick's votes and conduct.
•Last hazardous waste collection location, hours, and items not accepted were announced.

Decisions

•Appointments approved

Oct

Retirement Board Meeting

Public commenters urged Bucks County Retirement Board to pursue a $300-per-month flat pension increase and asked the board to authorize an actuarial study; board members explained legal limits on COLAs and reviewed fund figures before approving routine minutes and reports and adjourning.

Discussion Points

•2015 law change constrains board ability to grant COLA from pension assets.
•Board advised advocacy to state lawmakers (Rep. Frank Ferry) to seek narrow legislative relief for certain counties.
•Controller presented contribution, refund and benefit payout figures and listed recent retirees.
•No substantive policy votes occurred.
•Public commenters urged immediate relief for retirees citing no COLA since 2020 and high living costs.
•Retirees described hardship, lack of COLA since 2020, and proposed solutions (interest sharing, flat increases, percentage COLA).
•Routine procedural motions to approve minutes and accept the controller's report.
•Rudinski proposed a flat $300/month benefit to target lower‑paid retirees and reduce overall liability compared with a percentage COLA.
•Speakers presented specific numbers and personal circumstances to justify relief.

Decisions

•Controller's report accepted by voice vote.
•Minutes approved; controller's report accepted; meeting adjourned.
•No benefit change adopted; request to authorize actuarial study recorded as public demand only.
•No change in benefits adopted at the meeting.
•No immediate benefit change; concerns recorded for follow up.

Directions

•Board asked for actuarial explanations and reiterated statutory constraints.
•Board said it cannot change benefits without actuarial analysis; public commenter requested an authorization vote to fund a study.
•Board to continue advocacy and consult actuaries for options.
•None; report accepted.

Oct

Board of Supervisors

Middletown Board of Supervisors held a budget workshop focused on police department capital requests (vehicles, radios, facility improvements) and a general-fund preview showing a projected $1.6 million revenue increase for 2027; staff will return with remaining funds and capital updates at the next meeting.

Discussion Points

•Ambulance/rescue fund remits collected revenue to Pendell Middletown emergency squad and includes volunteer incentives; fund typically runs close to zero.
•Debt service projected at $2,800,000 for 2027 with roll-offs by 2029.
•Department has submitted an RDA grant request and expects at least partial funding.
•Department plans to pursue larger grants next year to replace the remaining radios (~47 units).
•Department requested replacement of four marked vehicles (2008 Chrysler 300; two 2017 Ford Tauruses; 2017 Ford Explorer) and proposed three 2027 Dodge Durangos plus one F‑150 as replacements.
•Department secured a $75,000 DCED grant and had previously budgeted $133,000 for 16 radios; current pricing allows 20 radios for $133,000.
•EIT timing and assessed-value increase from Stone Farm development are primary revenue drivers.
•Expenses projected up $1.4M; employer-paid benefits and contractual costs cited as main drivers; net fund-balance improvement ~ $553,000.
•LED lighting bond in the streetlight fund scheduled to be paid off in 2028.
•Net township share for the original 16-unit plan after the grant estimated at about $58,000.
•Patrol room renovation estimated at ~$50,000; described as maintenance rather than full remodel.
•Proposed 2027 revenue increase $1.6M; total projected revenue $32,500,000.
•Recharge room proposed by Lieutenant Parker as officer wellness project; insurance trust supportive and grant opportunities available.
•Records Room conversion proposed to create 2–3 offices; archiving underway; cost estimate range $37,000–$70,750.
•Sanitation fund projected waste-management expenses of $5,700,000 for next year.
•Upfitting estimated at about $25,000 per vehicle; vehicle purchase estimates: Durango ~$45,000, F‑150 ~$53,000.

Oct

Planning Commission

Middletown Planning Commission approved final land development plans for George School (an enclosed riding pavilion and four faculty homes) and gave final approval to the 129-unit Farm's Edge at Shady Brook active-adult townhouse project after presentations, staff reviews and a public comment on traffic and services.

Discussion Points

•Applicant argued replacement of four existing units would avoid net trip increases; staff requested traffic memo and clarifications on sewer planning module and woodlands disturbance.
•Applicant reduced unit count and altered road alignment to avoid wetlands; several reviews were 'will comply.'
•Applicant said enclosure would not change use or trip generation; staff raised pedestrian connectivity and storm sewer sizing concerns.
•Approvals conditioned on consultant review comments and outside agency permits for some projects.
•EAC requested inventory of trees to be removed, specifying species and age to guide replacement plantings.
•Resident expressed concerns about current congestion and emergency response capacity.

Decisions

•Approvals recorded by voice vote; no recorded opposition at the meeting.
•Commission approved final land development plan for S/LD26-8 by voice vote.
•Commission approved the 129-unit plan by voice vote.
•Commission approved the four faculty housing units plan.
•No formal action required; applicant to provide requested information.

Directions

•Applicants to provide traffic and engineering memos and secure agency signoffs where required.
•Applicant to provide traffic impact memo and confirm Sewage Facilities Planning Module status.
•Applicant to secure Lower Makefield approval and PennDOT permits before proceeding to supervisors.
•Applicant to share arborist inventory and species/age information with EAC and township staff.
•Applicant to submit traffic memo and address consultant comments (Remington & Vernick, Pannoni).
•Township staff to confirm agency signoffs prior to plan recording.

Oct

Salary Board Meeting 10/07/2026

The Bucks County Salary Board on 2026-10-07 approved creation of five DOJ grant-funded assistant district attorney positions, authorized five state-funded per-diem sheriff deputies, set a new pay cap for an emergency management position, approved a security title and cap change, and deleted four positions in the treasurer/tax claim offices.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners suggested an $80,000 cap and reviewed hourly equivalents
•Grant funding and hourly rates
•Grant term length and sunset date
•Motion to delete positions and implement changes
•Operational efficiencies allowed deletion of four positions
•Rationale: recruitment and market alignment
•Regional partners and grant duration
•Requested cap increase from ~$69,014 to $90,064
•Requested salary cap adjustment to reflect broader responsibilities
•Structure of grant-funded positions and staffing plan
•Timing and hiring steps with HR/finance
•Title no longer reflects operational duties
•Union position on permanent per-diem roles

Decisions

•Board approved cap increase to $80,000 equivalent
•Board approved creation of five grant-funded per-diem positions
•Board approved deletions
•Board approved the title and cap change
•Salary Board approved creation of five grant-funded positions

Directions

•HR to update job description and implement title/cap change
•Positions approved for life of state grant; no creation of permanent per-diem roles without further action
•Positions created contingent on DOJ funding and county HR processes; DA to return for grant acceptance before commissioners
•Proceed with deletion and update HR systems
•Set cap at $80,000 equivalent; department to return if further adjustments needed

Oct

1st Wednesday County Commissioners' Meeting 10/07/2026

Bucks County Board of Commissioners opened its Oct. 7, 2026 meeting with a proclamation recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, received a cybersecurity- and fraud-prevention briefing from county staff and the district attorney's office, heard several public commenters on national politics and local contracts, approved the consent agenda and personnel actions, and adjourned.

Discussion Points

•Allegations made regarding censorship, ballot handling, and registration rolls.
•Commissioner read proclamation and noted national breast cancer statistics.
•County and DA staff reviewed scam types and recommended technical and behavioral defenses (MFA, independent verification).
•County announced the recorded-deeds fraud alert and a county cybersecurity web resource.
•Motions for minutes/consent and personnel were moved, seconded and adopted by voice vote.
•Public commenter described international and political issues during the public-comment period.
•Public commenter questioned payment to Kelly Road Associates and corporate registration.
•Public inquiry about the local fiscal impact of federal budget cuts in 2027.
•Staff explained asbestos discovery and associated engineering/remediation costs required additional payments.

Decisions

•Consent agenda and personnel actions approved.
•Proclamation adopted and recognized Gilda's Club.

Directions

•Staff to promote the cybersecurity website and the Oct. 16 elder-fraud forum through Area Agency on Aging outreach.
•Staff to research corporate registration and provide clarification; no immediate suspension of work announced.

Oct

Planning Commission 10/07/2026

The October 7 board meeting covered the executive director's report including staffing and September revenue; a presentation on the Plumstead Forward comprehensive plan focused on implementation and fiscal realism; Act 237 municipal reviews with a discussion of incoming data centers and a planned data-center ordinance; several local project reviews; and routine motions including approval of minutes and adjournment.

Discussion Points

•A council passed a curative amendment imposing a six-month moratorium to allow ordinance drafting.
•Example recommendation to coordinate new and existing farmers through workshops.
•Executive Director presented staffing and revenue updates; Coral Creek park preliminary meeting noted.
•How the plan was developed and what was added to ensure implementability (graphic, fiscal outlook).
•Location clarifications for ECPC items in Bristol Township and Middletown.
•Middletown building repurposed from medical offices to a deli/fresh produce operation following a variance.
•Whether townships and boroughs are preparing for a rise in data-center proposals.

Decisions

•Act 237 reviews approved.
•Minutes approved; planner hire offer accepted (start end of month).
•No ordinance adopted at this meeting; one council plans to introduce a draft ordinance in October.
•Plan adoption in August noted (action occurred previously).

Oct

Planning Commission

The board met Oct. 7 to hear the executive director's report (including staffing and revenue numbers), receive a presentation on the "Plumstead Forward" comprehensive plan, review Act 237 municipal submissions (including several ECPC items and a data-center discussion), and close with routine business and adjournment.

Discussion Points

•Active rebuilding observed at ECPC 13221 site; variance for a deli and fresh produce was included in submission materials
•Added a fiscal outlook section to show revenue and spending constraints
•Added "what this plan is and is not" graphic to manage expectations
•Approval of minutes and Act 237 motion recorded verbally
•A six-month moratorium was passed locally to allow ordinance drafting and review by the planning commission
•Data centers appearing in municipal reviews; municipalities seeking to be proactive
•Household hazardous waste event scheduled for Oct. 22
•Members compared site to previous neighborhood proposals and noted community concern in other nearby sites
•Planner candidate accepted; expected to start end of month
•Plan organized around six themes and 2.5 years of engagement
•Questions about ECPC 13218 location near Veterans Highway and Umperch Road
•September revenue: $99,445; 20 applications reported
•Staff deferred precise location questions to a contact (Lisa)
•Year-to-date totals recited by executive director

Decisions

•Minutes approved; Act 237 motion carried (verbal votes recorded)
•Plumstead Forward was reported as unanimously adopted in August (no new board action taken at this meeting)

Directions

•Draft data-center ordinance; place ordinance on the second October meeting agenda
•Follow up with staff for additional details if needed
•Staff to follow up with mapping/contact to confirm parcel location

Oct

1st Wednesday County Commissioners' Meeting

Bucks County commissioners opened the Oct. 7, 2026 meeting with a proclamation recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, heard a multi-agency presentation for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (including a new county cybersecurity website and a recorded-deeds fraud alert), received several public comments on state and federal politics and local contracts, approved the consent agenda and personnel actions, and closed with routine reports and an executive-session summary.

Discussion Points

•Allegations of censorship, undocumented ballot deliveries, and 16,000 out-of-state registrations on the Bucks voter rolls.
•Announcement of county cybersecurity website and description of common scams and prevention techniques.
•Cited CBO revenue breakdowns and forecast of $1 trillion in federal cuts in 2027 and potential consequences for local taxes and services.
•Motion to approve minutes and consent agenda; motion to approve personnel actions.
•Proclamation text recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month; recognition of Gilda's Club and community support.
•Questions about agenda items 6 a–c and 10 e & h, out-of-county travel ($33,000), vendor identity for Kelly Road Associates, and payments related to Neshaminy Manor demolition.

Decisions

•Minutes and listed agenda items approved; personnel actions approved
•Proclamation adopted as read

Directions

•Encourage residents to register for recorded-deeds alerts and attend senior fraud-prevention forum.
•Staff to research procurement documents and vendor corporate structure while meeting continued.

Oct

Salary Board Meeting

The Bucks County Salary Board on Oct. 7 considered public comment and approved several personnel items: creation of five grant-funded district attorney positions tied to a DOJ grant, five special per-diem sheriff positions under a state grant, a negotiated salary-cap increase for an emergency management operations post (approved at a lower cap), a security title change, and deletion of four treasurer/tax-claim positions. Actions were taken by voice vote and the board adjourned.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners asked for a more modest cap and proposed an hourly equivalent to limit the increase.
•Department requested a large increase citing market parity and recruitment challenges.
•Department said title change reflects expanding operational responsibilities (screeners, camera/card reader coordination, vendor liaison).
•Intent to keep positions budget-neutral and limit them to grant duration via contracts.
•Machouse argued for higher salaries citing state rankings and political critiques.
•Nature of DOJ grant and allocation of positions between federal and local duties.
•No questions or resistance were recorded on the record.
•No substantive objections recorded.
•Offices reported increased efficiency and the ability to function without replacing four positions.
•Per-diem hourly rates ($50/$75) and multi-county nature of the task force.
•Timing and vetting of candidates during application process.
•Union does not support permanent per-diem positions but does not oppose the time-limited pilot.

Decisions

•Board approved creation of five positions by voice vote with no recorded opposition announced.
•Board approved creation of per-diem positions by voice vote.
•Board approved deletions by voice vote.
•Board approved the reduced cap by voice vote.
•Board approved title and salary-cap adjustment by voice vote.

Directions

•Approved reduced cap to $38.46/hour (approx. $80,000 annual).
•Positions created only for duration of grant; DA to return for formal grant acceptance.

Oct

Board of Supervisors

Middletown Township Board of Supervisors held its Oct. 5, 2026 meeting, hearing public comment on vehicle‑surveillance cameras and approving a consent agenda, land‑use items, multiple contracts and grant applications including a $1 million DCED grant request for Twin Oaks concession stand upgrades.

Discussion Points

•Applicant agreed to sidewalks requirement or fee in lieu.
•Applicant representative confirmed plan to demolish and replace the existing home; no development proposed for the other lot.
•Board discussed in‑house capacity and decided to advertise for qualified contractors.
•Expected fixed cost not to exceed $14,500 and timeline ~12 weeks with potential holiday delays.
•Planner and traffic engineer reviewed impacts and found no traffic concerns.
•Planner described lot‑line shift to bring undersized lot into compliance.
•Playground parts to extend useful life of equipment; some parts could last up to 20 years.
•RecDesk renewal and pickleball court‑reserve subscription details and user fees.
•Resident alleged Plate Logic surveillance captures identifying features beyond license plates and retains data indefinitely.
•Resident requested contract cancellation and redirection of $15,900 annual funds to parks/general fund.
•Residents asked about ongoing maintenance and township jurisdiction.
•Sidewalk maintenance agreement is standard procedure after PennDOT construction; township accepts future maintenance responsibility.
•SRO agreement provides $60,000 per officer from the school district.
•Staff conducted interviews and reference checks; Veil/ Jason Daley recommended for experience.
•Staff described loss of spring flow and algae/duckweed problems.
•Staff described RCO constraints and scope of work (roof, gutters, stucco, interior).
•Staff reduced original scope to reach a $1.2M estimate and will apply for $1.0M DCED grant.
•Staff reported grant funding sources and recommended vendor selection.
•Supervisor requested a further cost breakdown for interior fit‑outs.

Decisions

•Advertising authorized (5–0)
•Consent agenda approved (5–0)
•Contract approved (5–0)
•Contract awarded to Aquareal (5–0)
•Contracts and agreements approved unanimously
•Land development approved (5–0)
•Lot‑line change approved (5–0) with conditions
•Resolution authorizing grant submission approved 5–0

Sep

Board of Supervisors

Middletown Township leaders presented a preliminary $10.39 million capital budget for 2027, focusing on parks maintenance, road paving and ADA curb ramps, stormwater projects, IT modernization and vehicle replacements; department heads sought feedback and noted multiple grant opportunities.

Discussion Points

•2020 Ford F550 body rot and leaks compromising equipment
•$600,000 grant awarded for Scythia Crossing improvements
•ADA curb ramp program completion (100+ ramps)
•AV improvements and automated recording
•Concession stand replacement estimated at $1,000,000 and will require grant detail
•Equipment and vehicle replacements
•ERP migration start with finance module
•estimated year‑one implementation costs and recurring subscription model
•No indoor storage available to prevent rot across stations
•Paving program ~ $750,000
•Preliminary capital total $10,391,000 presented
•Replacement requested at $70,000 with plan to downsize to F-150 responder unit
•Staff emphasized maintenance focus (parks, transportation, ADA ramps)
•Staff outlined funding offsets via earned and potential grants
•Stormwater fee funds retrofit work under MS4 permit
•Vandalism has increased at multiple parks; cameras proposed for deterrence

Directions

•Finance team to refine funding strategies and present detailed breakdowns at Oct. budget workshops
•Parks staff to present detailed cost breakouts and grant application materials at the next meeting
•Staff to check warranty and resale options and include the replacement in finance's capital funding plan
•Staff to provide ramp progress details and paving priority list at October meetings
•Staff to return with vendor proposals, cost estimates and implementation timeline at October workshops

Sep

Council Meeting: September 22, 2026

Newtown Borough council meeting on 2026-09-22 included a detailed Liberty Center development presentation, extensive public comment with both support and concerns, several certificates of appropriateness votes, and routine municipal approvals (ordinance 810, resolution adopting county hazard mitigation plan, pension obligations, and event permits).

Discussion Points

•Council and presenters agreed many technical items (stormwater, traffic, access) remain to be addressed.
•Council confirmed Children's Funfest and Cupid's Chase events were acceptable with standard conditions.
•Council reiterated that this was an early-stage concept requiring zoning/land-development review.
•Council reviewed ordinances, resolutions and routine procurement items, and discussed event logistics and indemnification paperwork for the Turkey Trot.
•Design team presented vision, materials, massing, parking and open-space metrics.
•Emergency access: whether local volunteer fire equipment and ladder reach suffice for four-story structures.
•Homeowner's cost concerns if required to restore to original historic materials.
•Indemnification agreement discrepancies and school-district construction access were the reason to table the Turkey Trot.
•Interpretation of 'replace in kind' standard for historic-district properties.
•Pension MMOs were presented and approved per staff recommendation.
•Supporters cited economic benefits, retail spillover, and need for downtown reinvestment.
•Technical concerns: flood risk for underground parking, increased impervious surface, tree removal impacts, and materials selection for paving.

Decisions

•COA 2026-045 approved as presented; other COAs on the consent list approved.
•No approvals of land development were made; council approved a planning consultant contract (separate action) to assist with the Liberty Center process.
•Ordinance 810, Resolution 9226 and listed finance/procurement motions approved; Turkey Trot tabled pending documentation.
•Turkey Trot tabled; Children's Funfest and Cupid's Chase approved; TCA planning contract approved.

Directions

•Council signaled that stormwater, traffic and emergency-access plans will be required during upcoming land-development review and HARB/technical hearings.
•Council to continue public review process; staff to ensure construction-phase protections for businesses.
•Event organizer to provide signed indemnification and school-district confirmation prior to council consideration at the next work session.
•Planning staff to execute TCA contract and engage consultant for Liberty Center review.
•Project will proceed to ordinance review, planning commission, HARB and public land-development review; staff and subcommittee to coordinate next steps.
•Solicitor's guidance to be used as reference; council to continue HARB process and consider clearer guidance to homeowners.
•Staff to finalize paperwork for events and provide necessary indemnification documentation before votes on tabled items; finance department to record MMO and follow audit schedule.

Sep

Retirement Board Meeting

Public commenters urged the Bucks County Retirement Board to request an actuarial cost study and pursue a cost-of-living adjustment; the board approved routine actions including a purchase of military service credit and a temporary $74 million reallocation to a bond ETF while staff evaluates longer-term allocations.

Discussion Points

•Board members noted they receive standard annual projections and will provide projection information if COLA modeling is requested.
•Monthly payouts, contributions and refunds were reported; several retirees were named in the report.
•Motion to move $74M to an aggregate bond ETF was presented as a temporary holding action.
•Public comment asserted national political positions and proposals as solutions for retirees' economic challenges.
•Retirees argued for an actuarial study and a COLA given inflation and a ~91% funded ratio.
•Secretary presented the application and cost; board moved and seconded approval.
•Staff said equities have done well and the fund is overweight; PFM was commissioned to recommend a reallocation.

Decisions

•Motion approved; employee expected to complete payment.
•No formal motion to implement a COLA was adopted; no change to benefits was approved.
•Temporary reallocation approved by voice vote.

Directions

•PFM to complete study and return recommendations to the board.
•Staff to provide actuarial/projection information (committee member said projections are routinely produced annually).

Sep

3rd Wednesday County Commissioners' Meeting

The Bucks County Commissioners met Sept. 16, 2026. The board issued a proclamation for Adult Education & Family Literacy Week, heard a presentation on the Bird Safe Bucks monitoring program and data, approved a county resolution asking the state to schedule kratom as a controlled drug, handled routine personnel/appointments and civic donations, and heard multiple public commenters on local and political concerns.

Discussion Points

•Causes identified: window reflections and nighttime lighting during migration.
•Commissioners cited local deaths and suicides linked to kratom and community concern.
•Confirmation that item 12b uses opioid settlement funds ($1.7M) for Bright Path Center improvements.
•Mitigation proposals: feather‑friendly window film, lights‑out policy during migration, habitat restoration and volunteer monitoring.
•Personnel motions and civic donations approved on consent agenda.
•Presentation of Bird Safe Bucks monitoring data (114 collisions; 35 species through June 2026).
•Proclamation reading and public recognition of VIDA Education Services.
•Public commenters raised political and media fairness complaints and technical questions about agenda items.
•Some commissioners noted receiving emails requesting broader action on other substances.
•Staff provided procedural clarifications and confirmed funding sources on related agenda items.
•VIDA described program services and reach (more than 1,000 individuals).

Decisions

•Appointment of Dana Cohen approved; funding authorization for Bright Path Center recorded.
•Resolution approved; no county ordinance enacted.

Directions

•Finance/behavioral health staff to transfer funds and report back.
•Invite county facilities/parks to consider pilot window retrofits and coordinate on grant applications.
•Public demonstration at Peace Valley scheduled for Oct. 10 to show feather‑friendly products.
•Transmit resolution to state Secretary Bogan for scheduling consideration.

Sep

Board of Supervisors

Middletown Township Board of Supervisors met on Sept. 14, 2026. The board heard a Bird Town presentation, several public comments about pedestrian safety and surveillance cameras, adopted a revised temporary sign ordinance, approved multiple contracts (drainage, sweeper, police records system), and reviewed pension and hazard mitigation items.

Discussion Points

•Case law requires uniform temporary sign regulation
•Cost structure and grant offsets
•Current management agreement with AgroGolf expires in 2028
•Data retention durations and access controls
•Eligibility for mini grants and training
•Enforcement procedure: violation notice then fines
•Funded ratios: nonuniform plan ~100%; police plan declines to ~79% next year
•History of project being on hold due to funding
•History of resident requests for crosswalks dating back to 2002
•Interim enforcement vs. permanent infrastructure
•Local actions (native planting, pesticide reduction)
•Local Bird Town program resources and certification tiers
•Lowest bidder qualified and bids received Aug. 19
•MMO amounts by plan and drivers (mortality table updates, retirements)
•Past crime‑solving examples using LPRs
•Political signs treated same as other temporary signs in right‑of‑way
•Rationale for choosing Axon (integration, NIBRS compliance, vendor R&D)
•Scope and vendor type (license plate readers vs. other camera systems)
•Scope includes regrading and new storm drains and Alternate 1 near Knoll Ave
•State aid impact on net township payment
•Study scope: operations, finances, capital prioritization, alternative models
•Transition complexity and timeline
•Visibility, posted speeds and PennDOT permitting constraints

Decisions

•Authorize 10‑year Axon Records contract
•Authorize advertisement of feasibility study RFP
•Award base + Alternate 1 to Mayfield Site Contractors for $524,900
•Ordinance 26‑07 adopted 5–0

Directions

•Authorize RFP; staff to present results in November
•Award contract and proceed with coordination
•Parks and Environmental Advisory Council to coordinate
•Police to provide policy details and examples to the board on request
•Publish handout; accept reports to Township Manager’s office; begin enforcement per ordinance
•Staff to advise residents on petition/grant paths and Citizens Traffic Commission process
•Staff to create a township webpage with Bird Town information
•Staff to meet with traffic engineer to review pipeline and prioritize projects
•Staff to provide additional detail on state aid calculations and mortality‑table timing on request
•Staff to pursue grants and manage data conversion; vendor payment contingent on satisfactory conversion.

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