West Lebanon Township begins process for Coleman Memorial Park connection

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The West Lebanon Township Board of Commissioners unanimously agreed to permit Joe Morales, co-chair of the Coleman Memorial Park Board of Trustees, to formally enter discussions with the owners of Heavy Equipment and Alamo Way on a possible connection of Coleman Park to the township’s park (along Lehman Street) at its monthly meeting Monday.

Commissioners first discussed the topic last month, at which time Morales proposed a .1-mile north/south trail running between the parks, which commissioners said they would consider.

Read More: West Lebanon Township considers Coleman Memorial Park connection

Commissioners have not approved the construction of a path, nor are involved parties aware of what costs are expected if easement rights are acquired. Any plan will require an opportunity for public comment prior to approval.

Commissioners also unanimously agreed to pass the drafted 2026 budget, with both expenditures and revenues totaling $1,459,966.

A document provided by township manager Antoinette Issis shows the majority of expenditures and revenues in general funds (around $824,000), followed by water (around $333,000) and sewer ($259,400). Police costs are around $95,000.

The mill rate remains at 6.5, with a slight reduction of the streetlight tax from 85 cents per front foot to 75 cents per front foot.

Following an executive session, the board agreed to withdraw the notice of violation to Carmen Rodriguez, with commissioner Michelle Testerman opposed.

This comes after the township agreed to vacate Scott Alley at the request of residents, which rendered Rodriguez’s fence no longer out of compliance.

As of last month, the township still planned to continue litigation to attempt to recoup legal costs, but as noted by solicitor Paul Bametzreider, there is no guarantee the township would be successful.

Rodriguez’s legal representative thanked the board for withdrawing the notice of violation, adding that Rodriguez will withdraw her notice of appeal as well.

In other news, commissioners:

• Unanimously agreed to compensate a resident for plumber expenses after she was incorrectly billed at $2,372 due to an issue with the reader and was directed to hire a plumber to identify the issue.
• Unanimously agreed to the following appointments:
  • Gary Redinger, zoning hearing board alternate, expiring Dec. 31, 2028.
  • Luann Horn, Board of Public Safety and Health Appeals, expiring Dec. 31, 2030.
  • Melissa Quinones and Melissa Weirbach, tax collector and tax collector alternate, spanning 2026.
  • Josh Weaber (Chrisland Engineering), township engineer, spanning 2026.
  • Paul Bametzreider (Barley Snyder), township solicitor, spanning 2026.
• Unanimously agreed to table the adoption of the manager’s position until their January meeting.
• Tabled further discussion of a potential fire company merger.
• Unanimously agreed to set meeting dates for 2026.
• Tabled action on the 2026 fee schedule to correct an error.
• Discussed the retirement of John Brenner, who resigned last month following 30 years of service to the township due to ongoing health issues.
• Unanimously approved minutes, including the correction of a typo, 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.