A swearing-in ceremony of a new officer was at the start of Douglass Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday evening,

            District Justice Maurice Saylor performed the swearing-in of Off. John Peters. Chief Barry Templin, fellow officers, and the family of the newly hired officer were at the meeting to participate in the ceremony.

            Templin stated that Peters is in his fourth week of field training and has completed all the necessary steps to become an officer of the township.

            Township Engineer Khal Hassan gave an update on northbound safety concerns on Route 100 and Grosser Road. There have been speed complaints made by residents about tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles not abiding by traffic laws.

            "We are looking at possible solutions," said Hassan.

            Additional traffic signals and warning signs are likely required to allow traffic more time to stop. The engineering firm is gathering more information on the matter and will present it at the next board of supervisors meeting.

            The board authorized the preparation of the final plan resolution after the planning agency recommended conditional/final plan approval for Kelly Acres, a five-lot subdivision located at Buchert Road. Hassan recommended that the board consider the waivers requested and for Solicitor Robert Brant to draft a final plan of resolution.

            "This has been extensively reviewed at planning agency meetings and other public meetings," said Brant.

            Township Manager Peter Hiryak informed the board that the township received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to start the process of renovating the township administration building. The township met with architects and designers to conduct a feasibility study of the proposed project. The goal is to improve the meeting room with new technology, visual screens and HVAC system. Updating the bathrooms and efficiency of office space is also in the plan as well as making the lobby of the building more welcoming for the community.

            ARPA funding has given the township a jumpstart to explore options.

            Mike Heydt, of the township's public works department, informed the board that there will be 20 miles of line painting done in the township over the next few weeks. The department is requesting that drivers respect wet paint and not drive over lines where cones have been placed. Not abiding by the request holds up the process.

            Leon Schlegel, owner of the Hollenbach Home Center, attended the meeting to discuss plans he has for the property. Schlegel, who has been in the retail business for 47 years, is in the process of selling the property, located at 174 Holly Road.

            Currently, there is a sale agreement signed with an equitable buyer, Newman Development Group. The site will continue to be a retail location. Possibilities include a Wawa or Chipotle.

            Schlegel expressed concern that the sale is being held up by PennDOT traffic studies. His location is grouped with other projects in the area that are related to the intersection of Route 100 and County Line Road.

            Hassan and Brant explained the process to Schlegel and attempted to calm his frustrations. They explained that from PennDOT's view, the traffic is tied together in regard to all projects in the area.

            "They are absorbing how traffic is coming in and going out … it all needs to flow… that's proper planning," Hassan said.

            "I know I'm not going to make you happy … we are following the process. This board cannot do anything about the value of your property. This board is not in a position to give you an opinion until all entities have weighed in," Brant said.