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The South Londonderry Township Board of Supervisors discussed solutions for fire company apparatus replacement and the crosswalk initiative at its meeting Tuesday.
Campbelltown Fire Company approached the supervisors requesting a loan to fund the replacement of its current 1995 fire engine.
Due to an increase in the cost of materials, the engine now costs about $200,000 more than was reflected in the contract that the fire company signed in April 2022. The current cost is estimated to be about $1 million.
Read More: S. Londonderry Twp. supervisors commit to loan for new Campbelltown fire truck
The fire company has pulled funds from its new truck fund, as well as put the contributions of South Annville and Conewago townships toward the cost of the new engine. However, the fire company is still short on funds.
Supervisors expressed their support for the fire company but asked for an updated plan that reflected all efforts to reduce the loan. They also decided to discuss the fire tax agenda item before making an official decision.
Chairwoman Faith Bucks and township manager John Eberly presented several options to increase the fire tax millage from .245 mills. The plan with the highest increase would be from .245 to 1.0 mill and would ensure that money is put toward the Campbelltown and Lawn Fire companies’ new apparatus funds annually.
The public had mixed opinions about the proposed mill increase. Some community members said the increase would prevent the fire companies from having to struggle to raise funds to replace equipment. Other attendees expressed discontent with the idea of a tax increase and predicted that volunteer help would decrease if residents had to pay more.
The board has not yet made a decision and will discuss the feedback with the Fire Board.
Regardless of how the board decides to move forward with the fire tax increase, the supervisors assured that Campbelltown Fire Company will receive aid in purchasing its new fire engine.
The supervisors also discussed the 2024 crosswalk initiative.
Following the 2021 Crosswalk Evaluation, South Londonderry Township is moving forward with various crosswalk updates along Route 322.
Richie Deibert, assistant township manager, reported that the crosswalk initiative aims to increase pedestrian safety and accessibility at several South Londonderry Township intersections along Route 322.
Intersections that will see improvements include Route 322 and Palmyra, South Forge, Thistledown, Schoolhouse, and Lawn roads, West Market Street, and Northside Drive. Common improvements include piano key painting, ADA-compliant ramps, and rectangular rapid flashing beacon signs.
Supervisors also heard a request from the Campbelltown Community Alliance to build a shed to store CCA materials at Campbelltown Community Park.
Supervisor Jack Custer suggested an extension of the pavilion to prevent excessive shed placement at the park. Eberly suggested that a shed be placed behind the township building and a smaller addition be built on the pavilion to reduce costs. The CCA board will review the suggestions.
Eberly also reported that the Colebrook Park pavilion is complete. Additionally, he said the township’s application for a multimodal grant for the proposed roundabout was rejected.
Community member Pat Krebs raised concerns about the new parking lot at Campbelltown Community Park. The parking lot and the bike path are the same color, which results in visitors unknowingly parking on the bike path.
Krebs also suggested that the supervisors revisit her suggestion about a pickleball court.
The board also discussed the following topics:
- The hearing for the revised zoning ordinance will be held on Wednesday, April 24, and has been advertised on the township website.
- The 655 Lawn Road subordination of easement agenda item has been tabled until the property owner’s consent is confirmed.
- A motion to defer to Mount Joy Township for the 955 and 1015 Trail Road lot addition was unanimously passed.
- The 2025 budget development schedule is on the township website and is consistent with last year’s schedule.
- Motions to advertise the highway laborer and part-time summer laborer positions were unanimously approved.
- The Mount Gretna Triathlon Event on May 18 was unanimously approved.
- The Blood, Sweat and Tears Run Event on Sept. 14 was unanimously approved.
- A motion to accept the resignation of highway laborer Jeff Pawling was unanimously approved.
- A motion to accept the resignation of a Historic Commission member moving out of town was unanimously approved.
- A motion to approve the March regular meeting was unanimously passed.
- Motions for the payment of township bills and payroll were unanimously passed.
The South Londonderry Township Board of Supervisors meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the municipal building at 27 W. Market St. and are open to the public. Next month’s meeting will be held Tuesday, May 14.
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