Board approves second TIFF installment for Hill Road project and a $23,750 lighting upgrade after debate

The East Cocalico Township Board of Supervisors authorized payment of the next Transportation Impact Fund installment to Wright Eversaw for the Hill Road project and approved an upgraded LED lighting option after a divided discussion.

Staff reminded the board that the township previously committed $450,000 under TIFF for the project, to be distributed in four installments of approximately $125,000. Township staff reported the project had reached a mid‑point milestone and asked the board to authorize payment of the second installment. The board approved the installment disbursement.

Consultant Rich Sichler and staff presented two lighting options for the new Hill Road segment and showed photographs and plan drawings. The baseline lighting package had a baseline cost just over $50,000; the pendant‑head aesthetic upgrade was quoted at about $23,750 before a potential 10% co‑stars discount. One supervisor raised concerns that spending the additional $23,750 of TIFF money on upgraded fixture heads was not the best use of limited funds, noting other building and road projects and the township’s broader needs. Other board members argued the upgraded heads would create a uniform, improved streetscape and could be cost‑effective compared with future retrofits.

After discussion the board voted 2–1 to approve the LED options with the pendant‑head upgrade. Staff said they will confirm final pricing, including any co‑stars discount and any additional charges for conduit or site restoration, before executing the work.

The board also asked staff to confirm who will provide the electrical hook‑up and to ensure final acceptance criteria are met before making final payment to the contractor.