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Millcreek Township supervisors unanimously agreed on Wednesday to move forward with plans to construct a salt shed and walking path with remaining ARPA funds.
The 12-foot-high, 45- by 60-foot concrete shed will contain three bays, each with a capacity of 300 tons.
The township expects to be able to cover most if not all costs with its remaining $414,000 in ARPA funds. As bids need awarded by Dec. 11, the township plans to bid both projects in November.
Secretary Lorie Kupp estimated that the township’s current shed can hold a maximum of 250 tons.
The six-foot-wide, 2,700-foot-long walking path will be constructed in an 14-acre open field adjacent to Abbey Lane and Progress Drive.
The site is next to the township’s playground, supervisors confirmed Wednesday. While the plan does not include paved parking, the township may consider adding it at a later point.
Richland Township has a pipe easement along the proposed path, but Richland has expressed willingness to cooperate as long as they are still able to access the pipe if need be.
Supervisors also moved forward with plans for Community Development Block Grant funding, passing two resolutions announcing that the township will dedicate half of the CDBG toward an accessibility ramp at the post office and half toward resident home rehabilitation.
Read More: Millcreek discusses grant options for Community Development Block funding
They also unanimously agreed to approve guidelines for the housing rehabilitation program, based on Lebanon County Redevelopment’s requirements.
The program will put funds directly toward home repairs for low- to-moderate income residents.
However, the repairs need to be performed to the Lebanon County Housing & Redevelopment Authority’s standards (i.e. the funds could not go toward a partial roof repair if the final product is not considered adequate). Applicants also need to go through a screening process to confirm income.
Supervisors said they have been in discussions with a resident about being the first to participate in the program, noting that they hope word of mouth brings more applicants. Interested Millcreek residents can contact the township for more information.
The board also heard from residents concerned about neighbors’ property appearances, including junk and excessive vehicles on-site, blocking the right-of-way, and more.
“These issues have much greater impact than not cutting the grass or plowing the snow,” said Sweetwater Lane resident Dave Henzler, citing the township’s overgrown weeds ordinance.
The township has been looking into adopting the International Property Maintenance Code, which would set standards for property maintenance and upkeep and appoint a code enforcement official to resolve complaints. The solicitor assured residents that work is ongoing to adopt the code, though it will not be an immediate fix as it will likely not be adopted for several months.
In other news, the board:
- Unanimously agreed to direct township employees to cut overgrown weeds at a property that is severely delinquent and has been served a letter by a constable informing the owner that the township will cut grass (and fine the owners) if it is not resolved. Employees are not legally able to cut overgrown wildflowers at the site, supervisors confirmed.
- Unanimously agreed to hire a road crew applicant at $26 hourly.
- Unanimously agred to approve the insurance renewal at an 8.11 percent increase (which was previously expected to increase by 11 percent).
- Unanimously agreed to the yearly YCG calibration agreement for $1,284.
- Received copies of the drafted 2025 budget (no tax increases planned).
- Unanimously agreed to approve various minutes and reports.
Millcreek supervisors meet the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.
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