Video: Jefferson Township Council Meeting – April 8, 2026

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson Township Council Meeting – April 8, 2026.

Click here to download the agenda.

The meeting opened with special presentations recognizing members of the Library Board of Trustees and highlighting Autism Awareness Month. Public comment followed, with residents given the opportunity to address the governing body.

Ordinances Approved and Introduced

Council held public hearings and took action on several ordinances, including:

• Road Vacation Ordinance (#26-03):
  Approved the vacation of portions of Edgewood Road and an unnamed right-of-way, allowing adjacent property owners to assume ownership and shifting maintenance responsibility to a private party.
• Cannabis Regulations (#26-06):
  Revised local rules to:
  • Limit hours of operation to 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Require outdoor gathering permits
  • Prohibit cannabis consumption areas in the township
• Budget Cap Ordinance (#26-08):
  Adopted a measure allowing the Township to exceed the standard 2% budget cap and increase appropriations by up to 3.5% for 2026, citing public health, safety, and welfare needs.

Major Development and Housing Changes Proposed

Council introduced a significant ordinance to overhaul affordable housing zoning:

• Affordable Housing Overlay Changes (#26-09):
  • Eliminates the existing overlay zone
  • Establishes multiple “Inclusionary Overlay Zones” throughout the Township
  • Requires a 20% affordable housing set-aside in qualifying developments
  • Allows mixed-use and multifamily housing in designated areas

A public hearing on this ordinance is scheduled for May 20, 2026.

Capital Spending and Infrastructure Investments

Several ordinances introduced outline millions in capital improvements, including:

• $2.08 million for municipal equipment, road improvements, parks, and public safety upgrades
• $130,000 for water system improvements
• $195,000 for sewer system upgrades
• $3.07 million bond ordinance for roads, drainage, vehicles, and infrastructure projects

Projects include roadway resurfacing, stormwater system upgrades, equipment purchases for police and DPW, and improvements to parks and municipal facilities.

Resolutions and Contracts Approved

Council approved several resolutions, including:

• Payment of bills
• Increasing the bid threshold from $44,000 to $53,000, allowing more contracts to be awarded without public bidding
• Awarding contracts for:
  • Road paving projects
  • Asphalt and crushed stone (up to $175,000)
  • Vehicle parts and equipment purchases (up to $50,000)
    
    
    Eric F. Wilsusen (R) – Mayor
• Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2026

1. Robert “Bob” Birmingham (R) – Council President
   • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2028
2. Josh Kalish (R) – Council Vice President
   • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2026
3. Melissa Senatore (R) – Councilwoman
   • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2026
4. Barbie Garruto (R) – Councilwoman
   • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2028
5. Dan Schultz (R) – Councilman
   • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2028