Millcreek Township discusses South Mountain Road bridge replacement

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Millcreek Township supervisors discussed potential plans to replace a bridge on South Mountain Road during their monthly meeting Wednesday.

Alex Kauffman of Steckbeck Engineer explained that the bridge, just south of Sheridan Road, “is in pretty rough shape,” with a wing wall almost completely detached and stone underneath falling apart.

After being asked to look into the bridge late last year, Kauffman gathered estimates for the project. The aluminum box culvert itself, he said, would likely cost between $78,000 and $91,000, and the total project (including materials and engineering costs) would likely total around $326,000.

Costs could be paid for out of the township’s liquid fuel funds, Kauffman said, but this would leave less funding for other township road projects.

Kauffman said he recently learned about the State Conservation Commission’s Dirt, Gravel, and Low Volume Road Maintenance Program, which provides grant funding for Pennsylvania municipal roads. He said the road is most likely considered low-volume and may be eligible for this funding.

The program also comes with additional requirements, as the grant is meant to reduce stream pollution. However, it could pay for a large portion of the project if obtained.

After some deliberation, the board unanimously agreed to direct Kauffman to research the program more to determine the township’s next steps.

Supervisors also unanimously approved a quote from Bird Printing Co. for $623.25 to print 10 books, or 250 tickets, for use by code enforcement officer Karen Brown for quality of life ordinance violations. Solicitor Andrew Morrow said this is a good rate for the tickets, especially as many vendors are unwilling to supply tickets in lower quantities.

The ordinance, adopted by supervisors in December, allows Brown to ticket property owners for violations including high weeds, accumulation of rubbish, unregistered/inoperative vehicles, and more. This comes after the township has had numerous complaints from residents about neighbor’s properties and a slow code enforcement process.

Also in property maintenance, supervisors unanimously approved a quote from CNL Siding of $2,700 to remove a deteriorated front porch roof and support posts at 347 W. Main St., which will be billed to the property owner.

The quote, Morrow said, includes language that specifies the structure, at completion, will be “safe, sealed, and secured” to ensure the safety of tenants.

Supervisors also discussed Eastern Lebanon County School District municipality representation on the Lebanon County Tax Collection Committee. The district’s representative has, in past years, been selected by Jackson Township, which was recently notified that it needs permission from other municipalities and is representing others in the district.

The board unanimously approved Thomas Houtz as delegate and Warren Weaver as alternate to represent ELCO. Morrow said discussions with other municipalities are forthcoming to formulate plans for future terms on the TCC.

Supervisors also recognized several individuals for their service to the borough.

Chief of police Brian Hostetter issued a notice of pending retirement, announcing that he plans to deliver his final report in May and retire soon after. Hostetter has served on Millcreek Township Police Department for 26 years.

In his report, Hostetter provided the township with detailed statistics both for 2025 and the previous 25 years. In 2025, he said, total complaints decreased and traffic stops increased. He thanked supervisors for their oversight.

Supervisors unanimously agreed to advertise for a new full-time and part-time officer, with the knowledge they can choose not to hire for either position if they elect not to. They tabled action on advertising for the chief position.

Supervisors also recognized Pete and Cathy Zerbe for over 40 years as treasurers for the Newmanstown Ambulance Corps.

Regarding grants, the board:

• Heard that Millcreek has been awarded an $80,347 LSA grant for a UTV and trailer. The UTV has already been received and is now being tested and outfitted.
• Unanimously approved a $89,621 estimate from Woodland Contractors for ADA-compliant sidewalk at the Noel K. Hertzog Memorial Park (6 N. Sheridan Road, formerly White Swan Park), coming under a $90,000 estimate for the project. Funding for the project comes from the Community Development Block Grant program.

In other news, supervisors:

• Signed plans for the Elwayne Weaver Ag Operation, containing two poultry barns of dimensions 60′ by 475′. Plans are approved by the county and reviewed by the planning commission prior to supervisor review and signature.
• Discussed a request from Steckbeck Engineering, township engineer, to serve other clients in the township. Millcreek’s planning reviews are handled by the county, so supervisors do not anticipate an issue with the request. (In other municipalities in this situation, plans made by the same engineering firm are reviewed by an alternate engineer with a different firm.)
• Heard from Faith Bucks of South Londonderry Township Board of Supervisors, also a member of the America250 Lebanon County Commission, to ask the township to set up a table at a July 4 Expo Center event.
• Heard that Martin Paving will undergo street sweeping April 16 and 17.
• Heard that county tire collection is planned for April 29.
• Unanimously approved a 500-ton COSTARS state contract for road salt, which can be deviated by 40% up or down.
• Tabled action on new township radios.
• Unanimously agreed to allow the township manager to fill out the ballot for the PA One Call vote for Board of Directors.
• Unanimously approved minutes and reports.

Millcreek Township Board of Supervisors meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. These meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.