West Lebanon Township to line Lehman Street stormwater pipes

This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.

At its meeting Monday, the West Lebanon Township Board of Commissioners unanimously agreed to undergo lining of the Lehman Street stormwater pipes from 22nd Street to 24th Street.

Commissioners approved costs of up to $211,000 for the maintenance. The contractor will first inspect the pipes to determine what needs done, so the cost may be lower. The township is using a COSTARS vendor, so does not need to seek out additional bids.

Commissioner Joseph Templin suggested getting the pipes inspected first, but township secretary Antoinette Issis explained that the work is preventative maintenance. The pipes date back to the 1970s, she said, and multiple other pipes in the area have malfunctioned and led to sinkholes.

This follows last month’s discussion of the stormwater pipes, when commissioners debated whether to use a COSTARS vendor or seek bids.

Read More: West Lebanon Township considers stormwater pipe replacement

Commissioners also continued discussion of sewage grinders, hearing that Slaymaker has offered a quote of $19,000. The township has been having issues due to the receipt of flushed wipes and rags, which do not degrade fast enough to avoid causing issues in the sewer system.

Commissioners asked that township staff find two additional quotes, as expenses above $12,000 must receive at least three quotes (or be demonstrated that there are not three suitable providers).

In other news, commissioners:

• Unanimously agreed to appoint the board’s vice president (now Michelle Testerman) as a proxy to sign purchase certificates for settlements in cases the president (now Templin) is not available.
• Heard concerns from Testerman that there are too many side conversations during meetings, after which commissioner Justin Snyder suggested the township invest in a sound system. County Commissioner Jo Ellen Litz said County Commissioners have benefited from a system and offered to provide the township with more information.
• Heard that improvements to the recreation area, including a gaga pit and pickleball/basketball courts, are expected to be completed late August or early September.
• Heard continued concerns about the emergency siren, which is still at the CTC building. Commissioners requested that the fire company get three quotes on the cost of installation.
• Heard that the township has received a 904 recycling performance grant of $7,211.13.
• Unanimously approved application for the Norfolk Southern Safety First Grant by the township on behalf of Speedwell Engine and Hose. If received, the $15,000 grant would secure three sets of gear.
• Heard that public safety violation citations have been sent out.
• Unanimously approved minutes and heard reports.

West Lebanon Township meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.