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At Monday’s meeting, the North Lebanon Township Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed to Ordinance #6-2023 updating the township’s code of ordinances.
The ordinance, which was advertised prior to Monday’s meeting, was passed following a public comment period. As outlined in our coverage last month, here’s what the ordinance entails:
- The NLT tax collector’s compensation will be set and amended by resolution from the supervisors.
- The Right to Know policy will be fully repealed, as it is already included by a township resolution.
- The township can charge those who set off or display consumer fireworks with disorderly conduct, following Pennsylvania Act 74 of 2022.
- Maximum speed limits on parts of Briar Rose Avenue, Ginger Court, Harvest Drive, Lockwood Drive, Mallard Lane, Orchid Circle, Rolling Meadows Road, Snapdragon Court, and Sweetbay Lane are set at 15 mph.
- Several roads are officially listed as stop streets on various intersections.
- Prohibits parking between no parking signs going south on Orchid Circle and Ginger Court (specification of going south was added since initial advertisement).
- Parking is officially prohibited at pumping stations at North 8th Avenue, Francis Ann, Hill Street, Jay Street, Kochenderfer Road, Rockwood and Water Street.
- The ordinance affirms the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code’s policies on parking in handicapped parking without proper permits and parking non-inspected, non-registered, or non-licensed vehicles on township streets.
Read More: North Lebanon Township supervisors advertise updates to code of ordinances
The board also discussed ongoing discussions of possible police regionalization, or merging police departments with North Cornwall Township.
In April, supervisors agreed to request a police regionalization study, with Ardy Snook and Gary Heisey in favor and Ed Brensinger opposed.
Read More: North Cornwall and North Lebanon police department merger under consideration
While not all data has been collected yet, the supervisors have since visited the North York and the Northern Lancaster County regional police departments to evaluate the results of regionalization in other areas.
Snook outlined several reasons for considering regionalization, including that the NLPD is understaffed and officers often have to work alone (also leading to slower response times), more state grants would be accessible, and the department may have an easier time finding recruits.
Police Chief Tim Knight echoed Snook’s sentiments, highlighting both his worries for the safety of his officers when working alone and the increased responsiveness he hopes regionalization would cause.
“I feel that a regional police department would definitely benefit North Lebanon Township residents,” said Knight.
Brensinger expressed concerns about sharing control over the police department with another township. Brensinger was also part of the 2005 administration that, following a regionalization study, decided against a merger.
“I see this as the beginning of a county police force,” said Brensinger. “I don’t have a problem with regional forces, but I don’t think we need it yet.”
While study results are still pending, Knight noted that North Cornwall has less crime than North Lebanon. The supervisors are also seeking feedback from townships where regionalization failed to give additional insight.
At this point, no action has been proposed. Heisey said that when more information is made available, he hopes to involve the public in the final decision either through a public hearing or putting the decision to the ballot.
As of now, there has been no further development regarding the Jubilee property. However, several residents in attendance of Monday’s meeting voiced their opposition to the project.
Read More: North Lebanon residents overflow township meeting with Jubilee concerns
In other news, supervisors:
- Unanimously agreed to authorize Brensinger to execute an updated lease agreement with a 5.38-acre parcel of property in use by New Covenant Christian School. Heisey said that the upgraded lease shifts maintenance and trash fees from the township to the school.
- Heard an allegation from a resident of Hunter’s Chase Lane that Escambia LLC placed unmarked mail not in envelopes directly in neighboring properties’ mailboxes. Township manager Lori Books noted that this mail is supposed to be mailed to neighbors of the property, and the township was under the impression it had been correctly mailed.
- Unanimously agreed to switch the township’s sewer and stormwater management program from MuniBilling to MuniLink following a nearly 1,000% increase in MuniBilling’s fees this year. MuniBilling expected costs for next year were $45,770 and MuniLink’s costs are $35,120, plus a $16,000 onboarding fee.
- Unanimously agreed to ratify the submission of the 2024 SMT safety grant application, requesting $1,500 in funds to contribute toward various equipment meant to improve worker safety. Total expected cost is $3,506.85.
- Unanimously agreed to submit an application for the 904 Recycling Performance Grant for 2022, noting that tonnage was increased largely due to the Walmart distribution center.
- Unanimously agreed to spend $500 on a load rating analysis of the Emma Road Bridge to determine what work needs done.
- Unanimously agreed to authorize the township manager to sign an agreement with Safe Harbor IRA concerning guidelines for uncashed retirement benefits checks.
- Unanimously agreed to pay an additional $10,375 to a truck chassis vendor and accepted that though it was previously expected to be ready December of this year, it will now only be ready the second quarter of 2024.
- Unanimously agreed to allow the Ebenezer Beautification Committee to use the Lion’s Lake parking lot to hold a BBQ fundraiser Sept. 13.
- Unanimously agreed to allow parking along Hanford Drive for an LVC track meet at Union Canal Park Sept. 9. Heisey realized later in the meeting that his son is on the LVC track team, though not competing at this meet, and asked if he should rescind his vote, but solicitor Amy Leonard said that is not necessary as he does not have financial stake in the meet.
- Unanimously agreed to accept the dedication of a portion of Briar Rose Avenue, Orchid Circle, and Ginger Court, passing Resolution #19-2023.
- Heard that collection letters are out for late stormwater management fees.
- Heard reports from the fire chief and chief of police.
- Unanimously approved the minutes for their July 17 meeting.
North Lebanon supervisors meet at the township municipal building on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. The meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.
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