West Lebanon commissioners vote 4-1 to pursue LSA grant for recreation facility

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The West Lebanon Township Board of Commissioners agreed to apply for a $325,000 Local Share Account (LSA) grant from the state for improvements to the township’s recreation facility at its monthly meeting Monday.

Requested funds, if received, would go toward paving the walkway and parking lot of the Lehman Street recreation area, as well as installing lights for the baseball field, finishing the basketball court’s fencing, and adding another pickleball court and associated fencing and benches.

The resolution, permitting the township manager to execute documents for the grant application, was approved 4-1, with commission president Joseph Templin opposed.

Templin explained his vote by saying the application was “putting the cart before the horse,” citing lack of a set budget for the project. Commissioner Michelle Testerman replied that the eventual project would only include what the LSA funds would include.

The township recently completed other upgrades to the park, also grant-funded, namely a gaga pit and pickelball/basketball courts.

LSA grants use state funding acquired through gaming revenues to fund local projects throughout the state, broadly covering any project that improves the quality of life in an area. Local municipalities have received grant funding for sewer improvements, fire department expenses, recreation items, and more.

Also in recreation, commissioners tabled decision on a resolution approving a five-year contract with Northern Lebanon Little League allowing use of their field, citing the need to iron out a few details in the contract. Testerman said commissioners would like to reduce the contract term to two years and reword a few sections, in particular those that pertain to payment for lighting, insurance requirements, and process to contact the township.

In other news, commissioners:

• Discussed the installation of the township’s emergency siren, for which the fire department recently received a quote of $30,000, partially due to costs associated with new wiring.
• Unanimously approved Speedwell Engine & Hose’s Boxcards, also submitted to the Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services.
• Heard that the fire department is currently undergoing a sub fundraiser and plans to hold a trunk or treat event for Halloween.
• Unanimously approved an ordinance vacating Scott Alley, as residents along the alley have asked for and agreed to.
• Unanimously agreed the subdivision of the site at 18th Street and Alamo Way from four lots into eight lots, with no planned change in ownership.
• Heard and approved reports and minutes.

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.