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The West Lebanon Township Board of Commissioners requested the solicitor to draft an amendment adding part of North 25th Street to a list of township roadways prohibiting street parking.
With limited shoulder space on both sides of North 25th Street, which tends to attract fairly heavy traffic, the township engineer said that public safety would increase with a parking ban.
If the amendment is passed, North Lebanon Township Police Department (or the Lebanon County Regional Police Department following the merger next year), which serves West Lebanon, would be able to issue tickets to vehicles parked on the street from Union Canal Drive to the tunnel underneath the railroad tracks.
While commissioners were at first uncertain whether this portion of North 25th Street lays wholly in their township, the engineer confirmed that West Lebanon owns a right-of-way extending slightly into the grass adjacent to the street.
All commissioners were in favor of requesting the amendment except Joseph Templin. When asked why he was opposed, Templin said, “It’s my prerogative — I can vote yes or no, I don’t have to give a reason.”
Templin was pressed by Commissioner Phylis Dryden, who said a recent rule change mandated he provide his reason. Commissioner Michelle Testerman pushed back that Templin’s statement that it was his prerogative was his reason.
Templin then added that “I think a few tickets to those parking would solve the problem.”
Other commissioners pointed out that without a no-parking ordinance in place, vehicles parked on North 25th cannot be ticketed.
This comes as the paving of North 25th Street is slated to begin Aug. 12, later than the July 29 initial date.
Commissioners also heard from Speedwell Fire Company chief Chase Testerman, who expressed concern regarding the township’s Knox Box (a secure container holding keys for emergency access).
He said that while he has a key for the box, he recently learned that three more are in circulation and he does not know who has them. He hoped the township could track down the other key owners.
After some discussion, it was floated Neversink, Ebenezer, and the City of Lebanon fire departments may have copies that were obtained during a past partnership.
Secretary Antoinette Issis was directed to look into the matter further.
In other news, commissioners:
- Heard from resident Tyler Testerman, who came before the board last year to ask about establishing a web-based way to pay his water bill and was told the township would look into it. Issis said the matter was tabled due to other business but she can look into it more now.
- Unanimously agreed to adopt Speedwell Boxcards, which have also been submitted to the Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services.
- Heard that the emergency replacement of a storm sewer pipe along 25th Street was successful, as well as the repair of a storm sewer pipe on 24th Street.
- Heard that recycling bins have been ordered to the township building, which will be available for pickup by residents.
- Approved reports including the treasurer’s report, police report, and Speedwell’s report.
- Agreed to pay bills as submitted.
- Agreed to approve the minutes to their July 1 meeting and special July 9 meeting.
West Lebanon Township meets the first Monday of each month at the township building at 322 N. 22 St. These meetings are public and do not require prior registration.
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