[{"_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",6222076,"mediaKeyId","3610763-a27014fcc2b8888c0d134b3ec2707190","parentId",3610763,"title","Council schedules public hearing for Garmin Builders zoning text amendment; hearing earliest Aug. 12","audioSeconds",1050,"startMs",1859000,"endMs",2909000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3610763-a27014fcc2b8888c0d134b3ec2707190&start=1859&end=2909","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3610763-a27014fcc2b8888c0d134b3ec2707190/thumbnail_1859000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6222076/Millersville/Lancaster-County/Pennsylvania/Council-schedules-public-hearing-for-Garmin-Builders-zoning-text-amendment-hearing-earliest-Aug-12","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222076-293fca455fb1dc75afcd9f91f3567a4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164868&Signature=cQ~tFrO9ZB18nTbKCI~CH3bVjqAzxyNVYnqMwldwfyUlGF5KwP-LsFEIPL7I5y-DhHBoGB~giW19FUK-BkgF8~ueutJ74StjYvSl56C2kZt-lGEiWNClDbQ7WpvJyh1H-JXL0a1xHjp-EUs3osonKLe1WPKo-~u-bebTtEK-M2TEC2vrlUqAwjKw~kKnElpJXFkNjf05y~O25QRo03tddXGGuQsjux9WW5OvgJlXpVj17uFekdZXAYuaABXVm54GRs5a3C5WzD~UD02erBv~YTZo9ZC-0Ra9hOqA0bn54dZUBJ6Iqt~ZI8GNf4R2yDNpg-9Z3ktwADRjMjBdclRyCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Millersville Borough, PA","date","2025-05-28T12:19:39Z","article","Riley Notel (counsel for Garmin Builders) and consultants asked council to set a public hearing on a zoning text amendment that would modify the borough’s Traditional Neighborhood Development district to allow stand‑alone apartments (with a 20% tract-area cap), clarify area and bulk regulations for mixed‑use buildings, provide flexibility for perimeter asphalt trails, adjust signage rules for commercial spaces set back from roadways, and raise the maximum building height in the district to 45 feet.

Why it matters: the amendment would add dimensional flexibility intended to accommodate a planned development (the same concept shown to council in February). The sponsors said density would not change, but the amendment would permit stand‑alone apartment buildings in addition to mixed‑use structures and would include dimensional clarifications for porches, lot sizes and similar features.

Council discussed several elements at length. Councilwoman Ager said not all residents support development on the tract and asked for more time to review materials; she also asked whether roundabouts mentioned in the amendment text were relevant to the project. Brandon (consultant) said PennDOT scoping has not been completed and that a roundabout at the entrance is a possible future traffic solution that could affect right‑of‑way and setback needs. Council members also discussed how mixed‑use apartment floors would be treated relative to the 20% cap on stand‑alone apartments; the applicant explained that apartments above commercial were contemplated separately from the 20% limitation on stand‑alone units.

Council authorized the solicitor to forward the ordinance to the borough planning commission and Lancaster County Planning Commission and set a public hearing date; the earliest available hearing date shown was Aug. 12, accounting for required notice periods (the applicants noted a 45‑day review requirement for LCPC). Council voted unanimously to set the hearing and transmit the draft ordinance for review.

Less‑urgent details: the amendment preserves the borough’s preferred mixed‑use buildings, keeps overall density unchanged, and adds flexibility for trail connections along the perimeter to integrate pedestrian improvements with adjacent properties. The applicants said some dimensional items (porch sizes, open‑space metrics) will be finalized in later design stages. Council members and staff will receive and review the solicitor’s and planning‑commission comments before the public hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Millersville Borough Council Meeting 5/27/25","oneSentenceSummary","Millersville council voted to set a public hearing, no earlier than Aug. 12, on a zoning text amendment proposed by Garmin Builders that would add stand‑alone apartments (20% cap), clarify mixed‑use bulk rules, and raise a district height limit to 45 feet.","taxTitle","Millersville, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania","taxId",71837,"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},6222081,"Developer outlines mixed‑use North George Street project, says variances will be needed",810,1040000,1850000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3610763-a27014fcc2b8888c0d134b3ec2707190&start=1040&end=1850","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3610763-a27014fcc2b8888c0d134b3ec2707190/thumbnail_1040000.jpg","/articles/6222081/Millersville/Lancaster-County/Pennsylvania/Developer-outlines-mixeduse-North-George-Street-project-says-variances-will-be-needed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222081-c92b98c6317bab01d97b25630eacc1e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164868&Signature=ChvEa60GyS6QzxnvUPbbFzhCzP8FR6JmgpN8h7AyoVfFVuilEEeMnyE4vcMLtQZC126MIG7yDK0RKu29yX-dm9dhDAfv5ypVLRHoISXvnfNibLGZA~vToj1LlHwf33H5MDkLANheVTKSebgFVYZ29D1ytgn7k1Gra7H7cyuBWNhyhieA1owXT8WQ6DMBSnYMlf3tY7qv5FoP3-tcFpUXxE6alDFYHCCUvWF7TFH99ziDZVgupmo6chiUuG4jZM-G9aNQzPgmiaeci2GWNfKdZNr9nbXWxmXGbwNyppI7NBjaMASf0Fxhm0AJFeRpowv87iSRPP6KQYvNGZpXZ4hTHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Riley Nodsel of Barley Snyder, representing Student Lodging Inc., and consultants architect Richard Moula and civil engineer Tom Godfrey presented an overview of a proposed mixed‑use redevelopment at 2830 North George Street.

Why it matters: the proposal would replace existing campus-adjacent facilities with a mixed-use building containing mainly one- and two‑bedroom market-rate apartments above ground‑floor commercial spaces. The project is in the borough’s new limited commercial overlay district but will require zoning relief, the presenters said, and they asked council for non‑opposition at the zoning hearing board stage.

Nodsel outlined three anticipated variances: the street‑tree requirement in the overlay (one deciduous shade tree per 40 feet of street right‑of‑way) cannot be met in full because of parcel orientation and utility conflicts along North George Street; a height variance is likely because the overlay permits taller “university” buildings except when a structure over 40 feet is within 200 feet of a residential use (the property at 108 North George Street is within that 200‑foot radius); and a variance will be sought regarding frontage/orientation because parts of the proposed building will front onto a private alley (McCullough) instead of a public street. Nodsel said, “The last thing we would want is to show up at the zoning hearing board and have someone on behalf of council opposing the zoning application.”

Tom Godfrey described site changes including reconfiguring existing lots, shifting some parking from diagonal to parallel stalls along Normal Avenue to reduce backing conflicts, creating a public‑facing patio between the building and George Street, a loading area behind the building, and maintaining a one‑way entrance consistent with existing traffic patterns. Richard Moula showed architectural concepts: a ground‑level banded retail frontage oriented toward George Street, a central resident entrance, three retail bays, and primarily three stories of residential suites with Juliet balconies; finishes draw on adjacent library masonry colors to fit the local context.

Council members asked whether the apartments would be student housing; a representative said the units are market‑rate apartments with higher finishes and not exclusively for students. Council offered no formal objection at the meeting; the mayor said the proposal appears to be an upgrade, and staff had previously met with the applicants and the borough solicitor. No formal action or vote was taken — the presentation was informational and intended to brief council ahead of zoning‑board filings.","Attorneys and consultants for Student Lodging Inc. presented a mixed‑use redevelopment proposal for 2830 North George Street and said variances for street‑tree spacing, building height near residential property, and frontage/orientation will be required.",{"_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},6222086,"Millersville council approves resolution to apply for up to $250,000 in DCED park grant funding",358,776000,1134000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3610763-a27014fcc2b8888c0d134b3ec2707190&start=776&end=1134","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3610763-a27014fcc2b8888c0d134b3ec2707190/thumbnail_776000.jpg","/articles/6222086/Millersville/Lancaster-County/Pennsylvania/Millersville-council-approves-resolution-to-apply-for-up-to-250000-in-DCED-park-grant-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222086-c7dd2202fad9ef0c5f8e1b775ef809c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164868&Signature=PmiK2E6g7uGEt5xPlO5rwnnW0lSEr-v0udUbdxc4UHjyTLvn6-2LqTLW2RrIfv7f0Xap~2woKha8nzHQWtszsZjgPWyDttUHBA87MjqAfe2uZQ3ejZ3Yrh6XsueU7C5IWGJG3w2FeZVp3Jas14X5ulRIutU7zoAJy~KeM94ttGnokticEunajh8mMznAR3q0qJXtLP3rMqt1tBkiQf9E3JeOsN~juCZS24nT7g5S6FxpOBGM0UtVrU4D6ltgXcZyGZDVPBXetex9-HjXhZDAJbBpYst5X1tSLkjTjDMPK03UaLON59NaT3NsNrOp5X8DnwC9SHr-l2Y4Wkn9Ctkedw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rebecca, a borough staff member presenting the nearly finalized park master plan, asked council for a resolution to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP) to help fund Freedom Memorial Park recreation and accessibility improvements — phase 1.

The matter matters because the DCED grant has a $250,000 cap and phase 1 is currently budgeted at about $746,004.20; securing DCED support could be used with prospective DCNR funding as part of the borough’s matching strategy. Rebecca said the master plan is “almost final” and that the borough has submitted the plan for review by DCNR to help strengthen any DCED/DCNR grant applications.

Council moved and seconded the resolution to apply for GTRP funds and the motion carried without recorded opposition. Rebecca emphasized that receiving the DCED award would not by itself obligate the borough to proceed with construction if matching funds or complementary grants do not materialize.

In her presentation Rebecca said the borough intends to pursue the full DCED cap of $250,000 for phase 1 and that the park master plan has gone through multiple reviews, including the parks commission. She said the plan will return to council for formal adoption after any DCNR comments are received and after finalization of the document.

Less-critical details: Rebecca said the borough’s consulting firm estimated $746,004.20 for phase 1; she described pursuing DCED and DCNR funding streams and said the GTRP application deadline is May 31. Council did not take other immediate actions beyond authorizing the resolution to apply for the grant.","Council approved a resolution authorizing application to Pennsylvania DCED’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program for up to the $250,000 cap toward Freedom Memorial Park phase 1; borough staff said the phase 1 estimate is $746,004.20 and DCNR review is pending.",{"_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},6222091,"Auditors give Millersville an unmodified opinion but flag internal-control weaknesses",547,193000,740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3610763-a27014fcc2b8888c0d134b3ec2707190&start=193&end=740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3610763-a27014fcc2b8888c0d134b3ec2707190/thumbnail_193000.jpg","/articles/6222091/Millersville/Lancaster-County/Pennsylvania/Auditors-give-Millersville-an-unmodified-opinion-but-flag-internal-control-weaknesses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222091-dd1feeb216801a8904e13199f7421254/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164868&Signature=XW45RgjJWoYWsvd7EwbZ5llfgjVrVMwyNUSZJTs7uwQ~DCVTwAs4Pdc0Fd5DGWARgxnTpM920L5sjZaXk-GXiHvQQh66fGHwM1tdkrPilGh1WvLbBd4TYrAukCvzLJ6oySJsTroamn2YuzPif7wj-H~J~WhiiFTaMTlWsi0TYykfGJP5XIwV8l9saSznNQjnW~~cPwHFepqeBgnCjz~J--aLq8fFMY-SRxLiFbRVA6o7XsInTW-hcy3kNGbPExdK1lLFtThpBE6dMkFxrSiuvkvmjy4onWwhvsjm~RKPfQcWM1GJhFwCpm8ovPjj~juqQeA2FoHYslPbYoZHc2GXVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Courtney King, a senior associate on the auditing team, told Millersville Borough Council that the auditors intend to issue an unmodified (clean) opinion on the borough’s 2024 financial statements and that the audit is in draft with no expected significant changes.

The audit matters matter because an unmodified opinion indicates the financial statements are materially correct under the modified cash basis of accounting, while the auditors also identified two material weaknesses that require council oversight. King said the borough must remain attentive to those risks during the year.

The auditors reported two material weaknesses: limited segregation of duties — a common issue in small governments where the same small staff perform multiple steps of transactions — and problems related to bank reconciliations and audit adjustments. King said some bank accounts were not fully reconciled, that transfers between accounts required audit adjustments, and that the accounting software “does not allow for all transactions to be recognized individually rather as a whole.” She said proposed journal entries are listed in appendix A of the audit draft and have been reviewed with borough staff.

The presentation included summary figures from the draft financial statements. For 2024, the auditors reported total general-fund revenues “just under $4,400,000” and total expenses “over $4,900,000,” producing a decrease in the general fund balance of about $550,000. The capital reserve fund decreased by about $353,000 from 2023 to 2024, the park fund increased by approximately $38,000, and the sewer enterprise showed a decrease of about $901,000 attributed to sewer-main and line-replacement projects. King summarized the borough’s combined fund balances at the end of 2024 as roughly $4,000,000 in governmental funds and $2,350,000 in proprietary funds, for a total near $6,400,000.

King also told council the auditors performed the work in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, performed substantive testing (rather than full internal-control testing) because of limited staff, encountered no disagreements with management, and that the firm is independent and in compliance with ethical requirements. “We express an unmodified opinion in relation to compliance with the modified cash basis of accounting,” she said.

Council members were given the draft audit and the related DCED report; King said written representations will be signed on the audit date and that the audit is being finalized. The presentation closed with an invitation to contact borough staff (Rebecca) with any follow-up questions.

Less urgent details: the auditors noted increases in pension and insurance costs as drivers of expense growth. The auditors recommended continued board oversight given limited staffing and the inability to fully segregate duties, and they attached proposed adjusting entries in the draft audit packet.

The borough did not take a formal vote on the audit at the meeting; the draft was presented for council review and finalization with management prior to issuance.","An external audit of Millersville borough financials for 2024 found the financial statements to be fairly presented under the modified cash basis but identified two material weaknesses — segregation of duties and bank reconciliations — and noted a $550,000 decrease in the general fund balance.",{"_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},6222071,"Blue Rock fire commission reports increased costs, fundraising push and troubles with new rescue vehicle",196,2904000,3100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3610763-a27014fcc2b8888c0d134b3ec2707190&start=2904&end=3100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3610763-a27014fcc2b8888c0d134b3ec2707190/thumbnail_2904000.jpg","/articles/6222071/Millersville/Lancaster-County/Pennsylvania/Blue-Rock-fire-commission-reports-increased-costs-fundraising-push-and-troubles-with-new-rescue-vehicle","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222071-000080e79ff281dafcb88d4ea45791fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164868&Signature=gm~PJl-pQ0G5RGaLaXYZvQZzi4U9BsJ83Cjtv22F00rNn8c945UBooKShp2J76DmtqEm-ICbWgeKUKyFp5TkOmiAni631-VYrrgi4R1BqB1FU0nxnV4Lkze4jIYXXiPim7Zzk3Gw~P~3LUHHnDKeSuOmFcAbjg9uJwPUB3KN9lQq3y5RGpOYX1vjNkigxPUEXOurOPtzmaoUjID5CiFfeCxxATeFs3z0XpyKV4PB7Me4j2T7uInm-Ze~nt8FtAU8x7ZFpY9kJ3K-AyqpgwvKQAKyONayScarEr25o4OjlaL4JRb0O0fyqY0Jsdxqo5UimLi1hvu6qX0JHeel49DPGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Linda, speaking for the Blue Rock Regional Fire Commission, reported on the commission’s May meeting and provided financial and operational highlights to council.

Why it matters: the commission said its financial reports show higher outlays tied to filling oil and propane tanks at the end of heating season and unusually high vehicle‑maintenance costs; those line items affect the commission’s near‑term budget and potential requests for assistance or grants.

Linda said year‑to‑date call totals for the commission were 93 calls, with 54 in the township (8 false alarms), 19 in the borough (7 false alarms), and the remainder outside the district. She said the commission’s marketing and fundraising group is developing a campaign; retired fundraiser Jerry Eckhart from Millersville University has offered assistance and the commission has engaged Senator Scott Martin’s office to explore state grant possibilities.

The commission reported trouble with a new rescue vehicle and said the chief is working with the dealer to obtain reimbursement; the board recommended legal action if the manufacturer or dealer does not resolve the problem. Linda noted the commission has historically received free IT maintenance but may need to begin paying for IT services in future budgets; she said the commission has saved over $150,000 via a long‑standing IT arrangement.

On capital projects, Linda said building projects are awaiting state approval of an archaeological study and that the engineer continues to advance land‑development plans. Fundraising tiers were presented, with named‑donation levels (examples given for building and rain‑garden naming rights) and smaller donor opportunities described.

Council did not take formal action on the Blue Rock report at the meeting; the report was presented for information and to highlight potential funding and legal needs that the commission may pursue.","The Blue Rock Regional Fire Commission reported higher fuel and vehicle‑maintenance costs, 93 year‑to‑date calls, a developing fundraising campaign and problems with a new rescue unit that the commission may pursue legally to resolve.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council schedules public hearing for Garmin Builders zoning text amendment; hearing earliest Aug. 12

Developer outlines mixed‑use North George Street project, says variances will be needed

Millersville council approves resolution to apply for up to $250,000 in DCED park grant funding

Auditors give Millersville an unmodified opinion but flag internal-control weaknesses

Blue Rock fire commission reports increased costs, fundraising push and troubles with new rescue vehicle