Ross Township will host a visit with Santa Claus on Dec. 5, but its format will be different from in previous years.

The jolly guy in red will arrive at 4 p.m. “for some type of drive-thru event,” Bernie Kozen, executive director of the West End Park and Open Space Commission, said at Monday’s monthly supervisors meeting.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Santa’s visit will remain outside, and activities will be limited.

The annual tree lighting ceremony that coincides with Santa’s visit will most likely not occur because it would be difficult to maintain social distance.

After the tree is lit, attendees usually sing a few Christmas carols and then go inside the township building to visit with Santa.

Children will not be able to sit on Santa’s lap and there will be no refreshments and craft to make inside the building, like last year.

Kozen said he would provide the supervisors with more information once the event logistics are finalized.

In other business

• Vice Chairman David Shay and Supervisor James Zahoroiko voted yes to amending its bed-and-breakfast ordinance. The amendments got rid of text saying that it had to be built before 1940; added text that bed-and-breakfasts are only allowed in commercial and general commercial zoning areas; and added text that the bed-and-breakfast’s property owner has to live there. Chairwoman Tina Drake voted no because she preferred changes that the planning commission had expressed. Supervisors heard from residents during a public hearing held Monday evening before the start of the supervisors’ meeting.

• Supervisors will hold a budget workshop on Nov. 9 to work on the 2021 budget.

• Resident Dave Trout will meet with supervisors and engineer Russ Kresge this month to discuss a protective guide rail he wants to put in front of his house on Meixsell Valley Road. The problem surrounding this guide rail is that Trout needs the right of way moved 14 inches, which poses several issues and could cost several thousands of dollars for the engineering. He has attended the past few monthly meetings to express his need for the guide rail to keep his family safe and make sure he is following the right steps to get the guide rail.