Trustees approve large requisition package, authorize initial deposits for Westchester Baseball Complex

The West Chester Township Board of Trustees on March 24 approved a package of requisitions covering vehicle replacement, emergency services supplies, repairs to Station 72, training and a new police K‑9, landscape maintenance and initial funding for the Westchester Baseball Complex.

Township administrator Lisa D. Brown read the items; the board approved requisitions 8 through 25 by roll call. The list included a $35,423.30 annual contribution to the Butler County Emergency Management Agency, payments for EMS supplies and training, $510,000 set aside for initial operating expenses at the Westchester Baseball Complex and $250,000 for capital equipment at the complex (funds to be deposited on an as‑needed basis and offset later by revenues).

Brown said the baseball complex operating costs were budgeted such that the township’s expected direct expenditure would be around $160,000 and that the township plans to use interest income rather than direct tax revenue to cover operating costs where possible. “This number on the page looks high,” the chair said during discussion, noting the item is a first step toward making the facility financially sustainable. Trustee Walt said he expects the sports facility company to show improved revenue and operations and said he would hold the vendor accountable to performance targets.

The board also approved a $14,500 purchase for a dual‑purpose K‑9 to replace a dog that died earlier this year; the handler named for the new canine is Rachel Pyle and training is expected to take approximately eight weeks. Other approved items included pavement rejuvenation and crack‑sealing contracts discussed earlier in the meeting.

The motions to approve the requisitions and related items were moved and seconded and passed on roll call with all named trustees voting yes.