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At its November meeting, the South Londonderry Township Board of Supervisors shared updates about grants, approved the advertisement of the 2025 budget, and discussed public safety concerns.
Township manager John Eberly gave highly anticipated updates regarding grants that the township has applied for.
The township was awarded the 2023 Local Share Account (LSA) grant for $400,000, which will go toward the Mount Gretna sewer infrastructure project. Eberly said that once the appropriate paperwork has been completed, the township will work on creating bid speculations.
This project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Additionally, the township was awarded the remaining $78,000 for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection 902 grant. The township was previously awarded $350,000. These funds will go toward replacing the township leaf collection equipment.
As a reminder, leaf collection will resume in 2025 when the new collection equipment has been delivered.
Finally, Eberly informed the board that the township was again denied the LSA Multimodal Transportation Fund grant. Supervisors unanimously approved Resolution 13-2024 for the township’s reapplication for this grant.
If awarded, the township plans to use the funds for the Airport Road and Forge Road roundabout project. Chairwoman Faith Bucks stated that the township needs to address this intersection before a serious accident occurs.
In other news, the board unanimously approved the advertisement of the 2025 township budget.
Compared to the 2024 budget, there is an estimated increase from $992,000 to $999,000 in real estate tax revenue. Additionally, local enabling revenue — including local services tax and real estate transfer tax — is estimated to increase from $1,750,000 to $1,800,000.
Supervisors will address any concerns from the public about the proposed budget at the December meeting. Additionally, supervisors noted that residents can contact the township office at 717-838-5556 or manager@southlondonderry.org with questions or concerns before next month’s meeting.
The board also heard public comments about safety concerns on Woodlawn Avenue. Resident Brad Benasutti shared his experience with an accident near his property due to a driver traveling well over the speed limit.
The board heard Benasutti’s concerns and suggested that speed signs be placed on Woodlawn Avenue to collect data. The township previously addressed speeding concerns on Woodlawn Avenue by taking down “no parking” signage. Benasutti stated that the street has not seen a decrease in speed following the removal of the signs.
South Londonderry residents have generally expressed concerns about pedestrian safety in the township over the past several months. The board replied that the township takes these concerns seriously and will continue to find ways to improve safety.
South Londonderry Township Chief of Police William Reigle also encouraged residents to call in concerns they have so the police department can assist in responding accordingly.
Also at this month’s meeting, the board:
- Shared a proclamation in memory of Mark Edward Houser Sr.
- Approved the audit contract for Garcia Garman & Shea PC for 2025. The one-year contract is for $10,750, which is a 2% increase from the 2024 contract.
- Approved the Lebanon County Treasurer’s Office tax bill increase amendment. The amount will increase from $0.50 to $1.
- Heard from Eberly that construction for the Mount Gretna Soldiers Field parking lot and walking bridge project has started. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
- Accepted the resignation of part-time police department administrative assistant Eileen Kaplan.
- Approved a recommendation for a candidate for the part-time sewer authority administrative assistant.
- Approved the October regular and workshop meeting minutes. Bucks abstained from the vote for the October regular meeting minutes due to her absence. Bova abstained from the vote for the October workshop meeting minutes due to his absence.
- Approved bill and payroll lists 21-24 and 22-24.
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 on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
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