West Cornwall approves letter of intent to participate in regional fire committee

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

West Cornwall Township supervisors approved a letter of intent Monday to participate in a regional fire steering committee that will look at forming a regional fire commission.

The committee includes representatives from Annville, North Cornwall and West Lebanon townships and Cornwall and Cleona boroughs, said David Lloyd, supervisor chairman.

The idea of a regional fire commission grew out of a Department of Community and Economic Development study that recommended that three fire companies in the county’s southern region — Community of Cornwall, Mount Gretna, and Quentin — consider consolidation or operating under a commission. Both options would address dwindling volunteerism.

That possible consolidation has now grown to include more municipalities, Lloyd said.

“We are willing to be open and look at this,” said Lloyd of the idea of a regional fire commission to oversee fire companies. “A commission would be tax-supported and could decide what equipment is needed, how to purchase it.”

In the fall, the township encouraged the Mount Gretna and Quentin companies to consider forming a West Cornwall Township Fire Company. The two companies would remain independent but share operational relationships.

The companies are set to discuss their thoughts on collaboration and sharing of resources by June 1, Lloyd said.

Jeff Steckbeck, township engineer, reported that stormwater excavation and grading are underway at Cavalry at Quentin, the mixed-use development at the corner of state routes 419 and 72. In his report on subdivision/land development, Steckbeck also noted that occupancy of the Apartments at 419 are at 76% occupancy and two of Iron Mill Townes’ four-unit structures are complete and occupied.

He also provided a handout and map of recreational facilities located in the township and those within five miles of Quentin that are available to township residents.

Asked about planned pickleball courts in the Scenic Ridge development, Lloyd said that bids are being prepared for that project.

In other business, the board:

• Approved the West Cornwall Township Municipal Authority acting as a conduit for the issuance of $38 million of tax-free Healthcare Facilities Revenue Bonds for Lebanon Valley Brethren Home. There is no risk to the authority or to customers for loss of any money, Steckbeck said.
• Reported the township’s website is undergoing a makeover and should go live in the next 30 days.
• Reported an executive session was held on Friday, April 10, to discuss legal and personnel matters.
• Approved payment of bills totally $171,285. This included $54,251 for the township’s quarterly payment to Cornwall Borough police and $26,000 to Mount Gretna Campmeeting for a new playground fence.

West Cornwall Township supervisors meet at 73 S. Zinns Mill Road on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held Monday, May 11. These meetings are open to the public and do not require registration.