Millcreek Township News Roundup

Erie Reader

The news from Millcreek Township has been trickling in steadily over the past few weeks, as the City of Erie's immediate neighbor to the south and west continues to make important decisions regarding its short-term and long-term future. These developments, of course, come during the lead-up to May's primary election between Millcreek Township supervisor candidates John Morgan and Kim Clear, the incumbent and challenger, respectively. 

Here's what's been going on in Erie's most populous suburb. 

Feeding those in need

Millcreek is funneling a $126,000 CARES Act grant into ongoing partnerships with the Second Harvest Food Bank and Meals on Wheels, as it seeks to continue to feed the township's low-income and homebound residents. Meals On Wheels (814-452-6930) will accept new clients until funds are exhausted, provided that they are:

1. Between 18 and 59 years in age
2. Living with a physical and/or mental disability
3. Earning less than $1,300 a month and/or are eligible for an ACCESS Card
4. Unable to cook or prepare their own meals (and do not live with anyone who can)
5. Homebound

Determining the future of the police department

Within the past month, Millcreek Township stated its intention to implement police reform recommendations suggested in the PA Department of Community and Economic Grant-funded "Early Intervention Program Report." The primary message of that report? That the Millcreek Township is in the need of some streamlining. The force currently stands at 42 officers, whereas call volumes suggest 37 would be ideal. Furthermore, the command structure may be too convoluted, with 1 supervisor for every 3 officers, whereas a ratio of 1 to 8 is viewed as optimal.

At the same time, serious investments toward equipment and training were made, including:

• $8,104 for eight officers to attend the Ohio Tactical Officers Training Conference in June
• $66,779.55 toward 15 ballistic body armor vests and helmets
• $17,770 toward 51 PASGT (Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops) helmets and 61 face shields

Township employees reach labor agreement

With relatively painless negotiations, Millcreek Township and its AFSCME (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees) labor union agreed to terms on a new 5-year contract. The contract accounts for cost of living increases of 2.1 percent annually and proportionate increases for the employee's share of healthcare benefits. 

Mapping out Embrace Millcreek

Land management will be key to executing the township's comprehensive plan, Embrace Millcreek, and that goal became more tangible with the adoption of an official map. The map marks the locations of vital public greenspaces, stormwater buffer zones, and conservation easements to preserve the aesthetic and environmental integrity of the township down the line. Public comments can be made via the township website through April 30; a final public hearing is slated for May. 

Matt Swanseger can be reached at mswanseger@eriereader.com