LEWISTOWN — During Derry Township’s Monday meeting, the supervisors held the Community Development Block Grant 2025 public hearing and discussed other business.

Carol High of the SEDA-Council of Governments spoke as a guest giving a run down on past, present and future potential projects in Mifflin County; High is the project coordinator for our area.

This public hearing is the first step in the federal fiscal funding for 2025, planners explained.

“The purpose of the Community Development Block Grant program is to assist municipalities by focusing on funding projects that enhance the viability of communities such as providing expanded economic opportunities, decent housing and suitable living environment principally for low to moderate income level residents,” said High.

Although this year’s funding amount has not yet been announced, Derry Township’s annual funding is estimated to be close to last year’s allocation, roughly $128,160. This amount includes administrative, engineering, design and construction costs.

The funding covers anything from infrastructure improvement, water, sewer and storm system upgrades or expansions as well as creating or improving community centers, housing rehabilitation and public service projects.

One current use of this type of funding is the Yeagertown area road reconstruction, phase 1 project.

This project, funded by a $106,864 allocation, involved road improvements in the Yeagertown area. Mifflin County Commissioners approved the resolution for this project on Oct. 3, 2022. The project is part of the FFY 2022 project portfolio.

Officials opened bids for engineering services for this Yeagertown project.

One bid from the EADS Group was in the amount of $14,650 and another from Peters Consultants was in the amount of $23,500.

“The county recommended the EADS Group,” said Township Manager Kelly Shutes. Derry Township Supervisors approved this recommendation.

Officials also opened bids for the 2025 Tar and Chip project; they acknowledged a bid from Midland Asphalt Materials Inc. in the amount of $138,570.12 and another from Russell Standard corporation in the amount $114,280.53. These bids have been tabled for the time being.

During their meeting, officials heard from resident Kevin Lutz regarding the rehabilitation of the Kishacoquillas Park sign at the entrance. Lutz and his son were involved in the potential restoration of the sign in 2016.

He wanted permission to donate the materials to upgrade the sign, and Park Manager Josh Garver suggested it would be the perfect project for United Way’s Day of Caring.

The United Way Day of Caring is a volunteer-run event where people come together to help local nonprofits and organizations with various projects like painting, cleaning, landscaping, or assisting with other needs of local schools, parks, and organizations.

Supervisors approved Lutz to seek help from the United Way as he has the materials to stain and paint the sign.

Members of the Central Keystone Football and Cheer League were also in attendance during Monday’s meeting asking officials to discontinue their lease of a field with Derry Township as the team no longer has a need for the space.

This field is shared with the Tomahawk Football team; the football team has a 30 day notice before the lease terminates which means the team will either need to sign their own lease with Derry Township or look for another field.

During the business portion of their meeting, officials:

• Approved to execute the ARLE Grant Traffic Light contract with M and B Services, LLC;

• Approved of a park use application for a CEF Day Camp to be held from July 21 – 25;

• Approved a change order for a time extension for May 30, for the Kish Park bathroom and playground project, but the park manager shared with officials that they are only expecting another 2 to 3 weeks;

• Approved a change order to the Kish Park Site improvement Contract No. 4 for a reduction in the amount of $16,092.06 for a reduced pavement which will go towards another project;

• Approved two payments for Selsyn Electric in the amount of $1,341 and $23,955.

The supervisors’ next meeting is at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 5, at the Derry Township Municipal Building.