Millcreek Township approves new air-conditioning unit installation

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

During a special meeting on July 31, Millcreek Township supervisors unanimously approved allocating $7,485 to replace the air-conditioning system at the township building and police headquarters on East Alumni Avenue in Newmanstown. 

The air-conditioning replacement project will be paid for from the township’s general fund. Of the three bids received, the project was awarded to the Bernville-based contractor Berks Energy Heating and Cooling. 

“As you can feel, we need it,” supervisor Adam Saul said. 

The air conditioning unit broke on July 20, secretary/treasurer Lauren Ritchie said.

Vice chair John DeSantis said the air conditioning system was the original unit. 

“It’s almost 30 years old and we got good service out of it, and it’s time,” Saul said.

Ritchie also said Berks Energy Heating and Cooling has been very responsive and the township has had good communication with them. 

Installation of the new system will occur early next week before the Aug. 5 planning commission meeting, Ritchie said.

“They’re pretty much ready to do it any time,” Saul said. “We should get responsive action on this.”

Supervisors also unanimously approved hiring two new police officers for the Millcreek Township Police Department. The hiring consists of one full-time officer and one part-time officer. The full-time officer hired is David Ligget at an hourly rate of $35.90. The part-time officer is John Lerch III at an hourly rate of $28. 

Saul suggested that at the next meeting on Aug. 12, a swearing-in ceremony should take place for the two newly hired officers and Chief Terry Katzaman, who was promoted to the role in the spring.