Conewago Township approves $25,000 in fire company donations, discusses gutterline leaf policy and sewer-connection rule

ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa. — At its Sept. 2 meeting, the Conewago Township Board of Supervisors approved routine financial items and took several administrative actions while hearing public concerns about leaf removal and gutterline policy.

The board voted unanimously to approve a check detail totaling $48,582.95 "subject to audit," Chair Mimi Legro moved and Supervisor Frank Graybill seconded. The board also accepted the resignation of Ian Berry from the Zoning Hearing Board and approved annual donations of $5,000 to each of the township's five local fire companies, a combined $25,000 commitment. Vice-Chair Mike Long seconded the donation motion; the board recorded the motions as "all in favor."

The meeting opened with a brief presentation by Stephen Muscral (listed in the attendance as both Trooper and Corporal), who shared statistics for Conewago Township. During the public-comment period, resident George Giangi asked the board to amend the Debris Ordinance to address mailboxes; Vice-Chair Long responded that "the Township does not intend to require removal of existing mailboxes."

Several residents raised concerns about leaf collection. Denny Price said leaf collection is a significant undertaking and noted that not all neighborhoods receive collection. Dan King asked whether the Township had purchased a new leaf vacuum and how any new equipment would be used; Legro replied that the equipment will be used to clean the gutterline. On the gutterline policy, Legro told the audience that roads and gutters will be kept clean and said, "If leaves or other yard waste are intentionally placed in the Roadway, the Township will remove the leaves or other yard waste from the travel lane of the road by any means the Roadmaster deems appropriate." King pressed the board on how officials would determine whether piles were placed intentionally and expressed concern about the impact on senior residents; Vice-Chair Long responded that it is clear when piles are intentional. Mike Nortrup requested clarification on procedure.

Under Engineer Report, the board discussed a proposed sewer waiver for Church Road Lot 2 with Frank Chlebnikow and asked him to obtain additional information from the resident and the project's engineer. Jonathan Crist stated that the ordinance's 150-foot exception applies only to existing structures and that a new structure would be required to follow the 1,000-foot connection rule and connect to public sewer.

The meeting included routine approvals of the Aug. 4 and Aug. 18 meeting minutes; the motions to approve were moved and seconded by supervisors and recorded as carried. Chair Legro moved to adjourn at 7:59 p.m.; Vice-Chair Long seconded and the motion carried.

The board did not set a public date for further action on the Church Road sewer-waiver request during the meeting.