NEW LONDON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
May 6, 2025
The New London Township Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting convened at 6:00 PM at the New London Township Building, New London, PA. The following Supervisors were present: Mary Anne Steel, Chairperson; Dale Lauver, Vice Chairman; Dale Yates, Supervisor were present.
Executive Session
Chairperson, Mary Anne Steel, announced there was an executive session held before tonight’s meeting.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Avon Grove Library
David Payne of the Avon Grove Library addressed the Board of Supervisors about an idea to hold an Avon Grove Parade to celebrate the CC 250. He would like all eight municipalities to participate. The Board of Supervisors agreed to support and participate with the parade.
Pat McKeon of the Avon Grove Library gave an overview of the events.
Pennsylvania State Police
Lieutenant Dan Covert, introduced himself to the Board of Supervisors as the new station commander at the Avondale barracks. He advised that a new station is going to be built at the top of the hill where the original station is located. He gave an overview of the call statistics for 2024 and 2025.
Village Force Main
It was agreed to table the matter until the next meeting.
Play Ground Mulch
Township Landscape Consultant, Martha Straus, gave an overview of the cost from different vendors. It was agreed to purchase it from Weaver Mulch. Martha will contact them to schedule the installation.
A motion was made by Dale Yates, and seconded by Dale Lauver, to purchase the playground mulch from Weaver and have them install at $62.00 per yard. The vote was unanimous.
Park Bench and Recognition Update
There was some discussion about a park bench for Dave Shirey to recognize all that he does for the Township. Landscape Consultant, Martha Straus presented a brochure with park benches and she further explained that the park benches are made from recycled bottle caps. They come in assorted colors and sizes and we could get a plaque installed or not. There was also some discussion about choosing a Township Volunteer of the Year and having a plaque made to display at the Township Office. Mary Anne Steel will forward the plaque information to the Township Secretary.
A motion was made by Dale Yates, and seconded by Dale Lauver, to order the park bench for Dave Shirey and purchase a plaque for Township Volunteer of the Year to display at the Township Building. The vote was unanimous.
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
New London Township Secretary, Maureen Zdun, advised that the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon is scheduled at the Township Park on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Christopher W. Bramble Agriculture Security Area
A motion was made by Dale Yates, and seconded by Dale Lauver, to accept receipt of the Christopher W Bramble Agricultural Security Area Application dated April 30, 2025. The vote was unanimous.
Resolution No: 2025-5-1 Chad Lester Agricultural Security Area
A motion was made by Dale Yates, and seconded by Dale Lauver to approve
Resolution: 2025-5-1, the Chad Lester Agricultural Security Area Application. The vote was unanimous.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS
Secretary’s Report
A motion was made by Mary Anne Steel, and seconded by Dale Lauver, to approve the April 1, 2025 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting Minutes. Dale Yates abstained from voting.
Treasurer’s Report
A motion was made by Dale Yates, and seconded by Dale Lauver, to approve the April 2025 Financial Reports and the May 2025 bills to be paid. The vote was unanimous.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Engineer’s Report
The New London Township Engineer, Ron Ragan, reported the following:
ARC GIS Software – The software has been purchased to help with the out fall inspections.
Pennock Bridge Road Bridge – Ron is working with Con Span on the conceptual design plans of the precast. Since they are co stars approved, we may not have to bid the project out. We should be able to have the work completed by Harlan Construction under his contract with the Township. The precast should take about 6 to 8 weeks to complete.
ECON MS4 Grant – Ron said that ECON is going to submit for a MS4 Grant.
MS4 Audit – Ron advised the New London Township MS4 Audit will be on May 14, 2025.
Green Houses – Ron gave the latest overview on green houses and the storm water management regulations.
Planning Commission
The New London Township Planning Commission Chairman, Ron Ragan reported the Family Farm Ordinance is with the Township Solicitor for review, Charlie Humkey is adding the final tweaks to Chapter 1,2,4, and 5 of the Omnibus Ordinance, and the Village District Task Force Committee is meeting next week.
Road Master Report
The New London Township Road Master, Gerry Porter, reported the following:
School Road and Galloping Hill Road – there was a shrub interfering with the driver’s sight distance. The homeowner removed the shrub.
Cobblers Lane – Base work repair completed.
Hutchinson Road – The pipe work is completed. The curve is widened.
Blair Road – Was removed from the to-do list.
West Avondale Road – Was added to the to-do list.
Road Bank mowing is now going on.
It was agreed to have the Township Engineer, Ron Ragan, write a small article explaining the turn back of the Pennock Bridge Road Bridge and the progress that is being made for posting on the Township website.
Zoning Report
Michael Corcoran, the Township Zoning Officer, sent a report for the following:
235 Creek Road – Visited Friday and Saturday, spoke with the owner Tomas Gonzalez, he promised to get silt fences up as soon as possible and trench to divert runoff. He owns his own commercial construction business and is doing the work himself. I’ll handle getting his permit.
263 Creek Road – Bob Swisher. Mr. Swisher has vehicles and some equipment on his property now listed for sale and is working on making improvements despite his ailing health.
He took care of a noise complaint (dogs outside overnight frequently) and someone wanting sheep as domestic pets in R2.
Michael will be meeting with the Township Solicitor during the month to go through the remainder of Mr. Bulla’s complaint. Also, I reviewed camera footage sent by Mr. Bulla, on what appears to be someone coming off the course into the trees by his property.
He investigated a complaint of a van parked in the right of way on Lewisville Road by the Church.
Property and Building
Kirk Farm Property
It was agreed to move forward with the 1.8 acre subdivision of the Kirk Farm.
OLD / NEW BUSINESS
Shepherd Hollow Basin
A Township resident has contacted the Township stating that the basin is in need of repair. Ron said he is reluctant about the Township taking responsibility as the home owner has made some modifications to the basin. It was agreed that Ron will take a look at it.
New London Township Park
The Township Landscape Consultant, Martha Straus, informed the Board of Supervisors that she would like to purchase bollards from Global Industries to place near the Farrell tract of the park to prohibit parking in that area.
Martha also mentioned that there is a drop off on one side of the Farrell tract that needs to have a barrier such as a fence to protect park goers from falling. The Board of Supervisors agreed to the request.
A motion was made by Dale Yates, and seconded by Dale Lauver, to approve ordering the bollards at or near the price of $ 100.00 per bollard to keep the traffic out of the Farrell tract of the park. The vote was unanimous.
Motion was made by Dale Yates, and seconded by Dale Lauver, to approve placing a safety barrier such as a fence on the side of the Farrell tract on the park property. The vote was unanimous.
Martha Straus will develop a sketch for a sign to be ordered warning of the drop off near the edge of the property.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Zdun
Secretary