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Swatara stormwater staff praised as heavy July storm tests infrastructure; board hears monthly report
Summary
At its July meeting the Swatara Township Stormwater Authority received a June operations report, thanked staff for storm cleanup after intense rainfall in parts of the township, and tabled the treasurer’s report until next month.
Swatara Township’s Stormwater Authority received its June monthly report and spent the meeting focused on cleanup and infrastructure after a severe July storm that staff said dumped as much as five inches of rain in parts of the township.
Manager Trafka presented the monthly report and summarized ongoing projects, including the Highland Street pipe project, permitting for Dewey Street, and the Donald Taylor Park stream-restoration work — the playground portion of which remains under review by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). "Stormwater staff continues to work on the various projects," Trafka said, and reminded residents of a community outreach event: "We will be attending the Stormfest event in Camp Hill on July 29 from 5 to 8."
The meeting’s main discussion centered on recent storm cleanup. One participant asked whether township crews were still clearing debris in neighborhoods and whether there was a schedule for follow-up pickups; Trafka said crews were working "street by street" and asked residents to call with specific addresses for missed work. Trafka cautioned the board and public that the township cannot remove trees caught in power or communication lines for insurance and safety reasons: "We can't do anything until either the power company or the communication company gets them out of the wires, and then we'll get it picked up."
Board members and speakers repeatedly thanked township staff and first responders for their response over the July 4 weekend. Director Connolly gave an extended, first-person account of the storm’s effects across township roads and neighborhoods and said recent pipe and retention improvements appeared to prevent more severe damage in several locations: "It actually seemed like things were working the way they were supposed to — it just was so much water," Connolly said, adding he had shot video and would share it with staff.
A public commenter reported a large hole at about 836 Main Street and asked whether PennDOT or the township would repair the site; Trafka said township staff had reached out to PennDOT and that PennDOT indicated it would undertake the repair, and Trafka offered to follow up and contact the resident after the meeting.
On routine business the board approved the agenda and the minutes from the June 10, 2026 meeting, and by consensus voted to table the treasurer’s report (Treasurer Yarsinski is on vacation) so June and July financials can be reviewed together next month. Solicitor Wylund reported there were no legal items to raise.
The board adjourned at 7:01 p.m. without taking further action on policy or budget items. The authority encouraged residents with storm damage to report specific addresses so crews can prioritize outstanding cleanup requests.
