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Is new infrastructure coming to Fireman’s Park in Fredericksburg?
There will be if the Bethel Township Supervisors approve a proposed plan by the president of local chicken producer Bell & Evans to construct new buildings at the site.
On Thursday, Oct. 10, Bell & Evans president Scott Sechler presented three project proposals to the supervisors during their monthly meeting, including one to erect new facilities at Fireman’s Park, located in the 2600 block of South Pine Grove Street.
“Our business and our family would like to help the community out,” said Sechler to the board, which took no action on this proposal. “Not only for Hinkelfest but for meetings and many other things. The park is a beautiful property to begin with and I don’t think it is used enough. We’re presenting our game plan for what we’re willing to do and build.”
Hinkelfest is a local annual celebration in September of all things chicken.
Read More: 33rd annual Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired chicken festival Hinkelfest opens Friday
Sechler said he’d cover expenses to remove the current buildings which are dilapidated and would, if approved, begin new construction in early spring. A goal would be to complete it before the annual Hinklefest event next September, if not before. Completing construction by summer would permit use of those facilities for those months, he added.
It was noted that the proposal to renovate Fireman’s Park’s infrastructure was filed too late to be placed on the October agenda of the township’s planning commission, which meets this Tuesday.
Sechler noted the bathroom facilities need to be improved and that it’s difficult for some individuals to navigate areas that contain gravel.
Alex Kinzey, an engineer with Steckbeck Engineering and Surveying, Inc., said four buildings that are past their prime would be removed and that there would be a replacement of topsoil and grasses to help with impervious surfaces. The company would like to do a 1-to-1 swap of impervious surfaces within the park.
It was noted that the company has worked with local fire department officials to get their input and involvement with this project and that the current plan has met “all of the requirements and needs of the local fire company.”
The second and third proposals include construction for expansion of the company’s Plant 2 – which was approved in 2015 as part of a land use development plan filed with the township – and the building of a pipeline to connect plants 1 and 3.
Township engineer Matthew Mack told Sechler that while land use development plans should be updated every five years, the township ordinance allows them to be good forever if the ordinance hasn’t been revised and if there have been no alterations to the original approved plans.
Sechler replied they were not planning to change the square footage as approved at Plant 2 with Mack responding that the plans should be okay. He advised, however, that a discussion should occur between company officials and the township’s zoning officer concerning this particular project. Company officials agreed to speak with the zoning officer.
The third project would see construction of a Plant 1 to Plant 3 transfer pipeline. As presented, the line would run from Plant 1 on West Main Street (SR-1020) to Church Street through Fredericksburg, along State Route 22, where it would cross onto private property and continue to Plant 3, located along Fredericksburg Road.
Company officials stated private landowners are onboard with the proposal and they requested next steps with the township. Mack stated he’d like to walk the proposed route with Kinzey, who would provide comments and answer any questions that Mack may have.
The supervisors then unanimously approved acceptance of a suggested initial $5,000 escrow payment from Bell & Evans to compensate Mack for his time as well for services provided by township solicitor Andrew Morrow of Lebanon-based Spitzler Kilgore & Enck PC. Additional escrow funds would be requested as the project moves forward.
Township manager Melissa Johnson noted that Bell & Evans are always prompt with providing requested funds for their projects.
In other township business, the supervisors unanimously voted to:
- Accept the roadmaster’s report, including new information about a plan to possibly purchase an asphalt zipper 420X – 42” cutting width reclaimer/stabilizer and utility trencher. Discussion focused on whether an item like this should be leased or purchased by the township. Supervisor Bruce Light suggested purchasing over leasing. Approval was given to pursue the purchase of this machinery through the state’s COSTARS supplier program. Other items in the report noted mowing is close to ending for the season, hot tar sealing cracks in township roadways have been performed, equipment at the community pool has been stored for the winter, and anti-skid materials for local roads have been ordered.
- Send a letter for an outstanding invoice for professional fees provided that have not been paid back to the township. The invoice totals $567.50.
- Pay billed invoices totaling $160,055.70.
- Grant a request for a $1,500 donation from the Recreation Fund to Northern Lebanon Little League for a new storage shed contingent upon removal by the group of the old shed and compliance with an existing agreement for the field lights to be used during scheduled games only.
- Allow Fredericksburg Fire Police special duty request for Veteran’s Pet Festival on Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Pay an estimate from C.M. High for a preventative maintenance repair project at State Route 22 and Fredericksburg Road in the amount of $1,000.
- Appoint township zoning officer Jackie Hollenbach as township ordinance enforcement officer with Mack serving as her replacement when she is unavailable.
- Approve the Weaver Lot Addition Final Subdivision plan.
- Provide a time extension request for the Matthew Balmer Ag Operation plan to Jan. 9, 2025.
- Accept the resignation of EMA Coordinator Kenneth Jay Rhoads, Jr.
- Approve the minutes of their Sept. 12 meeting.
The next scheduled monthly meeting is on Nov. 14, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the township municipal building.
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