In Pennsylvania state law, townships have the authority to make zoning laws, in some cases, counties may make zoning laws in the absence of township-level rules.
In the event Skippack Township exercises its authority and requires a conditional use permit (CUP) for the solar installation (which is not specifically provided for in §200-30 of the township code), the Board of Supervisors appear to be responsible for issuing the CUP (Article XIII, §200-156). The process is inherently political which would require robust decision-maker and stakeholder engagement.
The Skippack Township Board of Supervisors appears to frequently undergo personnel changes, making the situation fluid in a multi-year time horizon. Still, the Board is controlled by Republicans who tend to err on the side of skepticism towards development. Many of the supervisors speak about the importance of open space and not over-developing the township. Because the solar project will be located on land that would be considered “open space,” expect to be met with some skepticism from this audience. It is all the more important to engage constituent groups.
Township Board of Supervisors
Franco D’Angelo, Chairman
D’Angelo is a Republican and chairman of the Board of Supervisors. He was first elected in 2012 and most recently re-elected in 2017. His seat is up for reelection in 2023.
Skippack Township Board of Supervisors
The Skippack Township Board of Supervisors is a five-member legislative body that manages Skippack Township and is responsible for township roads and zoning ordinances. Supervisors serve six-year staggered terms. The township also issues a regular newsletter (Spring/Summer 2022). The Board of Supervisors meet at 4089 Heckler Road, P.O. Box 164, Skippack, PA 19474. nbtwp@northbeavertwp.com | 724-667-7956
Paul Fox, Vice-Chair
Fox is a Republican and vice-chair of the Board of Supervisors. He was first appointed to the Board in 2012 to replace previous supervisor Mark Marino after he was forced to resign in a tax evasion scandal. He won election in 2013 and was most recently re-elected in 2019. His seat is up for reelection in 2025. He previously served on the Skippack Township Park Board from 2007-2011. In 2013, Fox said the biggest issues facing the community included “managing development and growth, maintaining fiscal responsibility” and wanted to control “over-development” through using the townships open space fund to purchase desirable land.
Benjamin Webb
Webb was appointed to the Board of Supervisors in October 2021 after the resignation of Tammy Dagostino. Webb served on the Skippack Township Park Board and is vice-president of the Skippack Historical Society.
Barbara McGinnis
McGinnis is a Republican and was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2021, only winning by a 53 vote margin. McGinnis advocated for low taxes and more open space when she ran for supervisor. Her full-time job is Owner, Operater, and Founder at Three Diamonds Stable. McGinnis has a public Facebook page, but does not appear to post much about township issues.
Nicholas Fountain
Fountain is a Republican and is serving his second term on Board of Supervisors, most recently elected in 2017. His seat is up for reelection in 2023. Fountain has political ambitions beyond the Board and has previously run for the General Assembly, losing to Joe Webster. Fountain was running for State Senate in 2022 before suspending his candidacy for family reasons. Fountain is also the former President of the Skippack Historical Society, where he worked to preserve historic landmarks and open space. He earned his bachelors degree in education from Temple University. Fountain’s full-time work is owner of the Magnolia Enrichment Center and the Magnolia Children’s Academy. Fountain has a public personal Facebook page.
Township Officials
- Township Manager: Alice Eastmure | cheleniak@skippacktownship.org
- Treasurer: Jerry Kluka
- Assistant Secretary/Permit Coordinator: Donna Ciliberto | dciliberto@skippacktownship.org
- Public Works Foreman: William Parkins, Jr.
- Special Events Facilitator: Cortney Marengo
- Receptionist/ Park and Recreation Coordinator: Laurie Mistysyn
Skippack Township Officials and Staff List.
Montgomery County Commissioners and Officials.
