A few of the police department’s radios are approaching the end of their lifespans.
The West Rockhill Board of Supervisors Wednesday approved roughly $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for seven new police radios.
The motion was initiated by Supervisor David Collingwood after learning that a few of the police department’s radios are approaching the end of their lifespans.
“They’re old technology; some of the officers have to share,” said Collingwood. “It would be prudent to replace them with new technology.”
The move comes a few months before the December 31 deadline to allocate outstanding ARPA funds. West Rockhill directly received $546,478 in ARPA funds and has roughly $191,000 remaining.
To date, the board has earmarked ARPA funds for the reconstruction of Old Mill Road, the refurbishment of the Heritage House at James Park and the Pennridge Community Center. The board is additionally exploring a fund to recruit and train volunteer firefighters.
Holiday House funding request
Supervisor Hal Schirmer informed the board that the Joint Recreation Authority (JRA) is seeking $30,000 from the township for Holiday House pool capital repairs, namely a new pump. JRA chairman Don Crouthamel requested immediate approval of the funding, noting that pumps have a lead time of four to six months.
“It’s important for us to get that ordered now so we can be sure to have it installed prior to the opening of the 2025 season,” said Crouthamel.
However, a motion by Schirmer to amend the agenda to approve the funding failed for lack of a second.
Solar power report
Former board chairman Jim Miller gave an update on the township’s solar system. In 2021, West Rockhill became the first municipality in Pennsylvania to be entirely powered by solar energy with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and lowering electricity costs.
In his presentation, Miller announced that the township has reduced carbon by 484,000 pounds in three years and saved over $50,000. He said the solar system is projected to pay for itself in 10 years and save the township $500,000 over its lifespan. He added that there have been no repairs or maintenance costs.
The next West Rockhill Board of Supervisors meeting is on October 16 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit westrockhilltownship.org.
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