[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6617276,"mediaKeyId","2842499-fedd9b49a9ea5ce2c4556df3ba26cebc","parentId",2842499,"title","Lancaster seeks PennVest loans for lead-line replacements and to advance 8-mile water main project; committee moves applications forward","audioSeconds",188,"startMs",4708000,"endMs",4896000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842499-fedd9b49a9ea5ce2c4556df3ba26cebc&start=4708&end=4896","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842499-fedd9b49a9ea5ce2c4556df3ba26cebc/thumbnail_4708000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6617276/Lancaster-City/Lancaster-County/Pennsylvania/Lancaster-seeks-PennVest-loans-for-lead-line-replacements-and-to-advance-8-mile-water-main-project-committee-moves-applications-forward","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617276-0f5275a29bfeac7058794701a5c74c8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166256&Signature=ko7ULGEj-y5Z6fkvLSmJ-XT6vscWsys1xmr6PgqJsVyEPgta82JTYS5YzD0Q6KMTA6~I5aVKphznzyDEPRbZFpfwGMIyDiu8Z7dZsEPt9r9tsFXHUizbcmQx6SGDyYF6j1scByp12daEOG9BckMDG5gy8Vv1B9I6i4RygSbsuxwoyv5x8K3Lvc816tYJyYSRd3f5nfbO~Ds7o69AhcsJ~Xg0~dHzS-P6wDmMwCREzVhCYvV1rrmsfJ0B3iV~lwy6L44zXnSe7AxxTUG~o6mk9WRPXl~Db4yJ16DyM2U9d6p6d1LpDbXmm2OXNW5OsN2AH8DT2~nTa3ejfZzpOthg~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lancaster, PA","date","2025-04-02T01:16:31.407Z","article","City staff told the public works committee on April 1 that Lancaster will apply to the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PennVest) for low-interest financing to cover a package of water projects, including a targeted lead service line replacement application and steps to advance a large-diameter transmission main replacement.

Director Tina Campbell said one PennVest application (Resolution 27-2025) would seek $1,709,338 to replace about 108 suspected lead water service lines the city has identified. \"This represents approximately 108 lead water service lines,\" Campbell said. City staff described per-service-line costs in a range of about $6,000 to $20,000 depending on excavation, stonework and sidewalk restoration. The city said it has currently confirmed roughly 25–27% of its suspected internal lead lines and expects a machine-learning upload in the coming months to increase coverage to roughly 60–75% of lines for planning.

Campbell and other staff emphasized that, for this program, PennVest applications are written as loans even where grant funding may be available. City staff said they will pursue available grant components for lead-line replacement but must submit the application as a loan request to be considered for PennVest funding.

On the larger transmission main project, staff described a multi-phase, roughly $41 million effort to replace aging steel mains that bring water from the Susquehanna Water Treatment Plant to Oyster Point Reservoir and then to the distribution system. City staff said the line supports about two-thirds of the system’s customers. Because some materials and equipment are on constrained supply timetables, the city is considering short-term interim bank financing (approximately $27 million) to purchase materials and begin phases of the work; staff said any short-term financing would be refinanced later by PennVest if the PennVest application is approved. The city also has a $3 million grant tied to the project with a deadline that factors into timing decisions.

Committee members asked about budgetary impacts and who will pay the debt service. Staff said the borrowing is intended to be as low-cost as possible (PennVest provides lower rates than bond financing) and that debt service for utility capital projects is typically paid from the relevant utility fund and recovered through rates subject to Public Utility Commission (PUC) review for customers outside the city.

Councilors and members of the public asked several follow-up questions about targeting neighborhoods for lead-line work, how neighborhoods are selected, the possibility of applying for additional rounds later, and the program timeline. Staff said they believe PennVest funding, if awarded, could be available in early 2026 and that state rules currently require replaced lines to be identified and removed within about ten years unless policy changes. The public works committee voted to forward the PennVest application resolutions to full council for consideration.

The committee’s action advances three related PennVest resolutions (applications): the lead-line replacement application (approx. $1.709 million for ~108 lines) and two additional resolutions related to the large transmission-main project and interim financing; staff said final award amounts and loan terms will depend on PennVest and other funding outcomes.

Sources: Public works committee discussion, April 1, 2025; Director Tina Campbell (city water/sewer planning); committee Q&A and motions to move PennVest-related resolutions to full council.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Committee Meeting - April 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","On April 1 Lancaster staff said they will apply to PennVest for a $1.709 million application to replace about 108 suspected lead water service lines and pursue financing steps for an approximately $41 million transmission main replacement.","taxTitle","Lancaster City, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania","taxId",3754,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617268,"Lancaster seeks DCNR grants for South End improvements and Reservoir Park master plan; committee forwards applications",651,7786000,8437000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842499-fedd9b49a9ea5ce2c4556df3ba26cebc&start=7786&end=8437","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842499-fedd9b49a9ea5ce2c4556df3ba26cebc/thumbnail_7786000.jpg","/articles/6617268/Lancaster-City/Lancaster-County/Pennsylvania/Lancaster-seeks-DCNR-grants-for-South-End-improvements-and-Reservoir-Park-master-plan-committee-forwards-applications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617268-d40cab6151f0e9f28de638a85aec7375/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166256&Signature=SYmpbpxhG-oQTrYxkybRcb5sYOssqG7bYi9uQl65a9i6mfleRH2OFMB6eBH5ApW2O3s9sF-10IaESxgBPnHOsDQBwJNc~kyFrDqoFJwJTlm4LBqLhk4lk56nb5gGvOZXiC~6Yl47If8r16CmyW209AgiFAeJyJyKNW6ru90cSNO~Cv-59T7MxbgPUiRlgut7mrNZfReF8oFpd5W7k1s31G1rU3wzbSGxOuWMpqxz20ciCAY8qjLkpW-sbbnfFRMM7Vmxpd3De3eAkExJ1U6SU2McYO3B5AUCOYArYi8wgHhKv-BywL1yRR9Gd-uHNhohCCzg2-~-YfJiAexSJIdZiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the public works committee on April 1 that the city will apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for two Community Conservation Partnership Program grants: a $1,385,035 request for South End Park improvements and a $74,009.60 request for a master plan for Reservoir Park.

Director Tina Campbell said the South End Park project is estimated at roughly $2.7 million and the DCNR program caps grant requests at 50% of eligible project costs; the application therefore requests roughly half of the anticipated cost with the remaining match coming from local sources (staff cited about $1 million in anticipated local match). The proposed South End scope discussed in committee includes upgraded playground equipment, a multipurpose field, basketball-court improvements, improved ADA access, water play features, fencing, lighting and seating.

The Reservoir Park request would fund a planning process (master plan) estimated at about $150,000; the DCNR request is for roughly $74,010 (50% of the estimate). Staff described the master plan as a community-engagement process to define programmatic uses, circulation, and amenities; public commenters from nearby neighborhoods asked that outreach specifically engage nearby residents and prioritize safety and maintenance concerns.

Committee members discussed the timeline and community input. Staff said the South End scope emerged from parks- and recreation planning work and community input; Reservoir Park master planning will coordinate with the East End small-area planning work and broader development discussions about nearby county-owned sites. The committee voted to forward both grant-application resolutions to full council for approval of the applications.

Public commenters raised concerns about park maintenance, local hiring for construction work and prioritizing parks in parts of the city that have not seen recent investment.

Sources: Public works committee meeting, April 1, 2025; Director Tina Campbell and committee Q&A; DCNR grant program details referenced by staff.","Lancaster will ask the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a $1.385 million grant for South End Park improvements and a $74,010 grant for a Reservoir Park master plan, staff told the public works committee on April 1.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617271,"Lancaster police present use-of-force report, training overview; chief says department mandates de-escalation and regular review",1549,1847000,3396000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842499-fedd9b49a9ea5ce2c4556df3ba26cebc&start=1847&end=3396","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842499-fedd9b49a9ea5ce2c4556df3ba26cebc/thumbnail_1847000.jpg","/articles/6617271/Lancaster-City/Lancaster-County/Pennsylvania/Lancaster-police-present-use-of-force-report-training-overview-chief-says-department-mandates-de-escalation-and-regular-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617271-19353a7ca16df3de19bde878cfc39711/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166256&Signature=TIY2jzgK2h4d23gQKjBKtlqtO-x8V-6iUCZEhlbLiUJFgEc8fgKm9Y3L7zJOiivmMtDuq~IJS9iqMxfPCtZqry3tyGw5IMEVDY~G5zrM7noy2Hbjd~cWBSmdggbgn-QiLPvcM1rqTgbYGvnD33hpzVxrxouRCA349l-W4Mz2MJpr27YiexhOLXjHGGiwO5F6gZcmhyy00YoyNdNxtCtFcsFssyFASP2wb1bymguZISFyZnLA6pjsXxW1CI9VwuUO8zlLSG90in7jBxsxxTYIVrWQC3XoHi17tFUZf8x~RoYRL4W2A1zloCMYKcnYpsNsqE8O7bru-WSPP-MMHEtcVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chief Mendez presented Lancaster’s police bureau training and use-of-force reporting procedures to the public safety committee on April 1, describing mandated training requirements, reporting triggers and multi-layered internal reviews.

Chief Mendez said Lancaster requires officers to complete a minimum of 16 hours of training annually and described internal and external training programs including defensive tactics, de-escalation, mental-health awareness, trauma-informed approaches and crisis-intervention training (CIT). \"We mandate 16 hours of training a year... Since January of 2024, they have conducted over a hundred and 50 hours of training on their own time,\" the chief said, noting voluntary training that officers undertake outside paid duty time.

On use-of-force reporting, the chief said the department’s policy (posted on the city website since 2022) requires officers to complete a use-of-force report before the end of their shift when specified triggers occur—examples include any person being struck by an officer, use of chemical agents, deployment of a conducted energy device (taser), impact-weapon deployment, pointing a firearm in the direction of a person, canine bites, visible injuries or requests for medical treatment. The department also requires a report when a supervisor directs it or when an officer feels one is appropriate.

Chief Mendez outlined the internal review process: officer report → officer-in-charge (lieutenant) review including body-camera and vehicle-camera footage → training cadre review → division captain review → chief of police final review; internal affairs may review at any stage. He highlighted early-intervention alerts to flag patterns of concern, random body-camera reviews and a duty-to-intervene policy for officers.

The chief presented quarterly statistics: in the quarter cited there were 8,698 calls for service, 477 arrests and 29 arrests requiring use-of-force reporting. He noted reporting thresholds (for example, firearms pointed in the direction of a person generate a report) can make some categories appear higher because the reporting standard is broad. He also said the bureau had recorded 17 youth gun seizures year-to-date and described partnerships (police social workers, community engagement, school resource officers, and youth intervention partners) to reduce youth violence.

Committee members asked about a separate use-of-force reporting standard when minors are involved; the chief said reporting and the policy are the same regardless of age. Council members requested more accessible reporting; the chief said quarterly use-of-force statistics are posted online and that the bureau could provide quarterly briefings to council on incidents and findings.

Council members also asked about civilian review boards. Mayor comments to the committee noted that civilian review bodies in Pennsylvania are typically advisory and that police disciplinary processes are governed by collective-bargaining agreements and by state law, which can limit external disclosure; the mayor and chief emphasized accreditation (PLEAC) and transparency measures as alternative pathways for independent validation of policies and practices.

Sources: Public safety committee meeting, April 1, 2025; Chief Mendez (Lancaster Police Bureau) presentation and Q&A; mayoral remarks on civilian review boards and accreditation.","Chief Mendez told the public safety committee on April 1 that Lancaster’s police bureau mandates training in de-escalation, mental-health awareness and use-of-force standards and described a multi-tiered process for reviewing use-of-force incidents.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617260,"Council committee considers allowing licensed brokers to list city property; debate centers on transparency and process",1333,9264000,10597000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842499-fedd9b49a9ea5ce2c4556df3ba26cebc&start=9264&end=10597","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842499-fedd9b49a9ea5ce2c4556df3ba26cebc/thumbnail_9264000.jpg","/articles/6617260/Lancaster-City/Lancaster-County/Pennsylvania/Council-committee-considers-allowing-licensed-brokers-to-list-city-property-debate-centers-on-transparency-and-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617260-b299acbc2235c2f9c93f27dfa6c22e6a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166256&Signature=BFMnqLewPUKdGYm207SlsTWwl8d9I8qlGKMar1pVrTCVjcxwEhNgapxJiXt8ldrcvBzswACzGlEcu6JRdMZ-xz3HSfurgx7Jmbl~QIyY2ARYLfNgX87F60NzK3NzxQnE1Thmv~zo1jMu3x8yPiMTnU62K9iOdUHFYvKp2RX2qrWi019MbunV8WkY~9BerDBWi9DTx0vPXdrpN~hSdUbz2AH4L9SfhcMz2I048OqPbGbwEZroc2p3iNI6P7jTovHnT9GFlgduJBrQVxe~Wb7xQm7PCUNsWiP37BpEgPLiraoW5HyyVL9dU5JJV0eDtQbsfUBRl7Dz2E0abKEJQPgYWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The community planning committee on April 1 considered an administrative bill (Administration Bill 3-2025) that would allow Lancaster City, when council has authorized the sale of a specific property, to sell that property using a licensed real estate broker in addition to the existing options of sealed bid and public auction.

Councilor Craig, who presented the measure, said the change would let the city place council-approved properties on the multiple-listing service (MLS) and use licensed brokers to expand market visibility when the council authorizes a sale. The draft language requires that council approve the use of a broker in each case and that any broker arrangement specify compensation, negotiation authority and the time period for solicitation.

Committee members and members of the public expressed mixed views. Supporters said a broker can increase exposure and produce competitive offers beyond the current sealed-bid model; opponents and some public commenters warned that using brokers can create a perception of privatized sales and urged clear checks, deed restrictions or stipulations to protect public-interest objectives (for example, prioritizing housing or nonprofit uses). A number of residents asked that the council provide a list of city-owned parcels and a public process for deciding which properties to sell.

Legal and procedural questions raised in committee included how broker compensation would be structured (staff said typical practice is to pay brokers upon sale and that any compensation would be specified in the council resolution authorizing broker use) and whether council would retain final approval of sale terms and any contingencies such as zoning approvals. Staff said council would still be required to approve any property sale; the administrative bill only provides an additional method for marketing and negotiating a sale once council has authorized disposition.

Members of the public urged a pause until the city finishes a broader administrative-code review; several asked that any change be limited to specific circumstances or subject to strict deed provisions. The community planning committee voted to forward the bill to the full council for consideration.

Sources: Community planning committee meeting, April 1, 2025; Councilor Craig presentation and committee Q&A.","The community planning committee considered a bill on April 1 that would permit, with council approval, city property authorized for sale to be listed and marketed through licensed real estate brokers in addition to sealed bids or auctions.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617281,"Lancaster reports $1.2 million 2024 general-fund surplus; council committee approves bond reallocations",608,477000,1085000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842499-fedd9b49a9ea5ce2c4556df3ba26cebc&start=477&end=1085","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842499-fedd9b49a9ea5ce2c4556df3ba26cebc/thumbnail_477000.jpg","/articles/6617281/Lancaster-City/Lancaster-County/Pennsylvania/Lancaster-reports-12-million-2024-general-fund-surplus-council-committee-approves-bond-reallocations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617281-4c9849b7020e9e0e8f8c40d61c9e04d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166256&Signature=eelV9Uh7YuFCwTWMZuPKeo3YY~jQqVNVHKzE2V-NalueeJICG0tQrX~7YTuemGzxm36TGJP5vINKsXi1bPgWUu9V4gFYXmq1w6sD7wXWmqXW0syz8Q0qv-xW1bldN-GtQ8LVHp1-NN8jIwdI5gRjVihD2gKHNOVyJW-bTmOo7wNQKTCXA8T~RmCdKJ78kmC1J0U4l0vYl1gXYj0wKD8lBllm06I7gvcqjqGWPGvRwNk1Xe9~MXmSZdmX0512UEjx3GPpttgnCCQrbFwWpg8WVURdZhPXMhAyLNTKHCTRyL0my1aMk7BUJ6rJc2fxipdhgPhzFEBSmotq0IzXFkeQdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Director Tina Campbell told the Lancaster City finance committee on April 1 that unaudited year-end figures for 2024 show the general fund finished the year with approximately $1,200,000 in surplus, reversing a planned transfer from reserves and boosting cash reserves.

The surplus follows actual general-fund revenue of about $71.3 million against a budget of roughly $73.4 million. \"These are unaudited reports,\" Campbell said, adding that audit adjustments may alter line-item detail but not the broad picture: \"Overall, we ended the year very well. Most of the departments and the enterprise funds ended the year better than budgeted.\"

City finance staff said the originally budgeted plan had included a draw of about $2.3 million from cash reserves. Instead, unfilled positions and other expense savings produced the $1.2 million surplus that will be returned to reserves. Campbell also told the committee she anticipates the city will see increased revenue in 2025—\"well over $2,000,000\"—largely tied to an earned-income tax increase.

Enterprise funds were mixed. The water fund was budgeted to end 2024 with an $860,000 deficit but closed with a slight surplus of about $700,000. The sewer fund, budgeted to finish with about $1.1 million in surplus, ended with roughly $3.9 million, helping establish a new emergency reserve. The stormwater fund closed with a deficit, but about $400,000 smaller than budgeted; the trash fund ran about $70,000 worse than projected. Campbell noted a missing reimbursement—an Act 101 recycling grant—had not yet been posted and could reduce the trash deficit.

Campbell said the city will provide monthly summary and detailed reports going forward (month-end reports available around the 20th of the following month) and intends to present a budget update to a council committee each quarter. \"Because this process is new and really just beginning, I welcome any feedback for what you would like to see in these reports in the future,\" she said.

After the budget discussion, the finance committee considered two related capital adjustments: Administration resolution 25-2025 (amendments to the capital improvement plan funded by the 2018 general-obligation bonds tied to sewer projects) and resolution 26-2025 (adjustments to 2022 GO bonds tied to water projects). City staff said the amendments do not add new projects or new money; they reallocate existing bond-authorized funds to close out completed projects and move money to projects needing additional funding. The committee was told the 2018-bond shifts total about $2.3 million and the 2022-bond shifts about $5.3 million.

Committee members asked whether the reallocations would delay or reduce any projects; staff answered no. The committee voted to move both resolutions to the next full council meeting for final consideration.

Budget and bond figures discussed by the finance committee are unaudited and subject to adjustment in the formal audit process. Council members and staff emphasized the new cadence of reporting and the intention to strengthen reserves and budget transparency going forward.

Sources: Presentation and Q&A at the Lancaster City finance committee meeting, April 1, 2025; Director Tina Campbell (city finance), committee discussion and motions to move Resolutions 25-2025 and 26-2025 to full council.","Director Tina Campbell told the finance committee the 2024 unaudited year-end general fund finished about $1.2 million better than budgeted and most departments came in under budget. The committee moved two bond-amendment resolutions—affecting 2018 (sewer) and 2022 (water) bond funds—to the full council for final action.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lancaster seeks PennVest loans for lead-line replacements and to advance 8-mile water main project; committee moves applications forward

Lancaster seeks DCNR grants for South End improvements and Reservoir Park master plan; committee forwards applications

Lancaster police present use-of-force report, training overview; chief says department mandates de-escalation and regular review

Council committee considers allowing licensed brokers to list city property; debate centers on transparency and process

Lancaster reports $1.2 million 2024 general-fund surplus; council committee approves bond reallocations