September 2022 Committee Meeting
September 28, 2022
Lancaster Public Library - request for funding
Representatives from the Lancaster Public Library came to Council requesting a funding increase of 9% for next year. They report that 27% of East Pete residents are current cardholders, meaning they've used library services in the past 3 years. They have checked out or used over 18,000 materials last year, saving them $350,000 compared to purchasing similar items. They are responsible for seeking out approximately 60% of their own funding, which includes municipal support. On average, they receive $1.49 per capita for funding (compared to $38 per capital nationwide).
By my math, 1,238 residents (out of 4,587 per 2020 U.S. Census) hold library cards with Lancaster Public Library. Some questions that came to mind that may need to be considered:
What is the current donation to the library by East Pete (I couldn't find that in the budget specifically)?
Is the $1.49 per capita funding request for the 27% of residents holding a card? Or is this for all ~4,500 residents?
Lemon Street Sidewalk & Curb Replacement
After much discussion, and with the seeming approval of the public in attendance, the Lemon Street sidewalk & curb replacement project will follow this timeline:
Property owners should expect to receive a letter from the borough with detailed information in October 2022. It was also discussed that property owners who are considering switching to gas through UGI or making upgrades should do it within the construction time period as there is a five-year moratorium on tearing up newly constructed road surfaces.
Property owners who wish to do their own work (meaning have their own contractor do the replacement) will have until September 30, 2023 to get the work completed.
Those who wish to have the borough's selected contractor do the work (or have not had their sidewalk/curbing replaced by that date) will be invoiced. Those details are to be determined. However, if the borough's selected contractor does the work, it is guaranteed to be more expensive due to prevailing wage laws and the administrative fees associated with the borough managing dozens of individual payment accounts.
Upcoming Grants
A Clean Water Grant is available to improve the water quality at the Meadows bioswale, add 2 foot bridges, and a few benches. This grant requires no match, but it is being proposed to match 10% ($29,200) to help increase our chances of being awarded the money. The total request is for $292,000. The grant is due by September 30.
A grant of $125,000 is being proposed for installation of pickleball courts near the Community Pool complex. The grant through the Community Conservation Program requires a 20% match ($25,000). Parking and other details will be determined at a future date. This grant is due by October 27.
Community Mailboxes and Parking Regulations
There have been complaints in Constitution Square regarding people parking vehicles directly in front of community mailboxes. The borough solicitor will work on updating an existing ordinance to include parking restrictions for the community mailboxes identified.
Miscellaneous Topics
Public Works Supervisor Kevin Martin provided the overview for street projects and equipment needs for 2023.
Public Works Foreman Jeff Moseman provided information on upcoming water projects and equipment needs for 2023. Over the next several years, the water main on Pine Street will be replaced in sections.
The Graystone Road/Route 72 intersection signal improvement is delayed by PennDOT. They will not send the project out for bids until late 2023, further delaying any improvements. For those who say that the borough does nothing about the intersection, it is out of our hands. This would be a great opportunity for the new local Representative (Sturla) to get involved and try to make things happen.
There will be a separate article regarding updates about the Hempfield Area Fire Services Commission.