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7/13/26 Harris Township Board of Supervisors
Published: Jul 13, 2026
COG Strategic Guide to Services and Investment (SIGZI) Under Review; Budgetary Concerns Raised
The board reviewed the COG 207 Strategic Guide to Services and Investment (SIGZI), which outlines agency needs and potential investments for the upcoming years. Key themes identified across agencies include greater emphasis on asset maintenance, retaining talented employees, and becoming more data-driven. Specific items for review included fire alarm panel replacement, fire sprinkler head replacement, pool component replacements, software upgrades, janitorial positions, and emergency management drones. There was significant discussion about the cost-benefit analysis of various proposed investments, particularly concerning parks and recreation, code enforcement fees, and the overall impact on the township budget. The total estimated impact on the Harris Township budget for the items discussed was $65,000. Concerns were raised about the fund balance, the justification for certain expenditures, and the need for clearer data to support investment decisions. The board expressed varied opinions on the proposed items, with some items being strongly supported and others deemed excessive or unnecessary [cite: 438-993].
Board Considers Amending Short-Term Rental Rules for Rural Zones
The board discussed a request to amend short-term rental regulations for properties in the Ag and Natural Areas Districts. The request, initiated by Galen Dribobis and Lyle Jablonski, seeks to allow non-owner-occupied properties to be used as short-term rentals, as the current ordinance requires owner occupancy for at least eight months of the year. Mr. Jablonski owns a 6.12-acre property zoned Agricultural, and Mr. Drivabus owns a 96.78-acre property zoned Natural Areas with an adjacent parcel. Concerns were raised by board members regarding potential impacts on neighborhood character, housing stock, and the possibility of opening up a 'can of worms' for other zoning districts. The board discussed the need for legal counsel to review potential ramifications and whether differentiating based on acreage is feasible. Several other townships in Pennsylvania have amended their ordinances to allow short-term rentals in agricultural and forest zones. The board ultimately decided to proceed with discussing the matter with their attorney [cite: 113-436].
Draft Ordinances for Solicitors, Transient Retail, and Mobile Food Trucks Reviewed
The board reviewed three draft ordinances concerning solicitors, peddlers, transient retail businesses, and mobile food trucks. The ordinances were updated based on previous board comments and legal review. The board discussed specific sections, including insurance requirements for insurance companies, the process for registering junior solicitors, and the license term for solicitors (proposed to be 30 days from issuance rather than a calendar month). The transient retail business ordinance clarifies where such businesses can operate, generally restricting them to agricultural enterprises, outdoor recreation facilities, and firehouses in rural or residential zones. The mobile food vendor ordinance outlines notification and licensing procedures. The board generally expressed satisfaction with the drafts and agreed to advertise a public hearing for potential adoption [cite: 994-1112].
Street Closures Approved for Annual Turkey Trot and Wine Festival
The board approved closing portions of Bowl Avenue and Memorial Drive on Thanksgiving morning, November 26th, from 8:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. for the annual Turkey Trot event. The board also discussed and approved closing East Main Street from the diamond to Academy Street on July 31st, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., for a wine festival. The wine festival will feature vendors from across Pennsylvania, and the timing was adjusted to be from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. [cite: 1169-1224].
Township Approves Vouchers and Discusses Financial Health, Budgetary Items
The board approved a voucher list totaling $216,940.82 for the period ending 2026-6. The board also received a manager's report detailing various township activities, including a positive outlook on real estate transfer taxes, which are projected to exceed annual expectations due to strong performance in recent subdivisions. Discussions also touched upon the significant fund balance held by code enforcement and questions about its necessity and transparency. The board expressed concerns about the lack of detailed cost-benefit analysis for certain proposed investments in the SIGZI document. Additionally, the board reviewed the COG SIGZI report, with specific feedback provided on numerous proposed projects, including concerns about the cost and necessity of items like emergency management drones and the process for maintaining facilities like pools and HVAC systems. The financial health of the township's parks and recreation services, particularly pools, was debated, with questions raised about pricing structures and whether capital expenses should be subsidized by user fees [cite: 1376-1439, 604-617, 575-578, 918, 923-928].
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