South Heidelberg supervisors approve DCNR grant application for Heidelberg Run West Park and hire police cadet

The South Heidelberg Township Board of Supervisors on April 28 unanimously adopted a resolution to pursue a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) C2P2 grant to fund Phase 1 improvements at Heidelberg Run West Park, a project estimated at approximately $1.065 million. Vice Chairman Jon Gerhart moved the resolution (Resolution 11-2026), Secretary Tom Vida seconded it, and the motion carried without opposition.

The grant application signals the township's intent to advance park renovations that the board described as Phase I improvements to Heidelberg Run West Park. Township officials authorized the administration to prepare and submit the C2P2 funding request; if awarded, the grant would be applied toward the $1.065 million project estimate.

On personnel and public-safety matters, the board unanimously approved the hiring of Police Academy Cadet Lydia Griffith and authorized an agreement providing an hourly wage of $23.00, a $7,500 bonus contingent on successful completion and graduation from the Police Academy, and a required four-year service commitment to the South Heidelberg Police Department. Chairman John N. Musante made the motion and Secretary Tom Vida seconded it.

The board also authorized Township Manager Sean A. McKee and Solicitor Andrew George to advertise Ordinance 295, which would establish an all-way stop at the intersection of Wernersville Road, Balthaser Road and Roxberry Drive, and accepted a time extension for the M&T Bank Lot 2 plan review through August 2, 2026.

Public-safety contracting actions included unanimous approval of a renewal of the Axon body camera contract (current contract expires July 2026) and a two-year extension of existing towing contracts with Spilter's Towing and Arndt's Towing. Police Chief J. Matthew Hook also briefed the board on Berks County’s planned 2027 radio replacement project and said the department will need to replace radios with county-provided financing options under discussion.

In a financial decision, Township Manager Sean A. McKee presented two casualty/liability insurance renewal quotes: the incumbent EHD at $80,838 and Hoester Insurance at $81,094. After noting that EHD's quote was lower and there were no reported service issues, the board voted unanimously to renew the township's policy with EHD at $80,838 per year.

Other routine business included reports from the Recreation Board (Ms. Vida) outlining the summer playground program and confirming a partnership with the Wernersville Public Library; Public Works Manager Bill Lanza reporting completed bridge repairs on Laurel Ridge; Township Engineer Scott Anderson noting Heidelberg Crossing stormwater pipe work to be performed by Grande Construction and updates on Walters Park and the F.M. Browns and Sons project; and acceptance of the Township Treasurer’s Report and authorization to pay bills dated April 28, 2026, and ratify payments since March 24, 2026 (including procurement card purchases for February). Ms. Martin of the Wernersville Public Library presented library event updates and reconfirmed support for the playground program.

The meeting record shows no public comments. Chairman John N. Musante moved to adjourn at 8:37 p.m.; Vice Chairman Jon Gerhart seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Votes at a glance: - Resolution 11-2026 (DCNR C2P2 grant commitment for Heidelberg Run West Park Phase 1): motion Gerhart; second Vida; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Police Academy Cadet hiring and agreement (Lydia Griffith): motion Musante; second Vida; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Ordinance 295 advertisement (all-way stop at Wernersville Rd/Balthaser Rd/Roxberry Dr): motion Musante; second Vida; outcome: authorized for advertisement (unanimous). - M&T Bank Lot 2 time extension (plan review to Aug. 2, 2026): motion Gerhart; second Musante; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Axon body camera contract renewal: motion Gerhart; second Musante; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Tow contract extensions (Spilter's Towing and Arndt's Towing for two years): motion Gerhart; second Musante; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Insurance renewal (EHD, casualty/liability): motion Musante; second Gerhart; outcome: approved (unanimous).

Next steps noted in the meeting record: township staff will prepare and submit the DCNR C2P2 grant application; Ordinance 295 will be advertised for public review and subsequent board action; and the township will proceed with contract renewals and administrative tasks as recorded.