MO Weekly: Renovating the Former Library Building & More
"This is one notch below the best that you can be. It's a very strong credit rating for a township of this size."
Today, I'm diving into the September 2nd Middletown Township Council meeting and the Rose Tree Media School District Legislative Meeting on August 27th.
Council Meeting Notes
PFM briefed Council on the updated bond rating and a plan to refinance existing debt.
PFM's Managing Director Jamie Schlesinger gave some background on what the AA+ bond rating means. He said "this is one notch below the best that you can be. It's a very strong credit rating for a township of this size."
Schlesinger also said that the township's most recent financing round in 2019 supported the Middletown Free Library renovation. He described an upcoming ordinance that proposes borrowing approximately $2.5 million in new money, covering both a refinancing of the township's debt and a renovation of the former library building.
Previously, this paragraph said the 2019 financing dollars went to the Wawa train station. The funds were used for pedestrian access between the station and the neighborhoods and trails around it.
Once the building is renovated, the District Magistrate's office would move in, and the Township would rent out the space for about $2,600 per month in revenue. Renovations would be expected to take less than 18 months, according to Acting Township Manager Vince Visoskas.
Schlesinger also said "there may be a one time payment of $400,000 or slightly more [from Delaware County] to go towards the improvement costs of the structure. Once the county considers the memorandum of understanding, then we would go the step further and actually do a lease."
No breakdown was given between how much will go to refinancing versus the renovation. A presentation and draft of the ordinance are expected at the next meeting. Expect it to show up here as well. Formal adoption will likely be considered at the Wednesday, September 16th meeting.
Energy Transfer will conduct inspections on a pipeline segment near Glenwood Elementary next week.
Smart pig inspections will happen overnight from 7pm to 5am for about six nights. The goal is to identify and prevent leaks. It's happening at night since no work or preventative maintenance is allowed on the pipeline when school is in session. Similar maintenance was previously done on Pennell Road with reportedly minimal disturbance to residents.
The Sewer Authority is going to televise sewer lines in Riddlewood this month.
The purpose is to check for cracks or blockages, and anyone affected will receive a notice with specific dates.
School Board Legislative Meeting Notes
Superintendent Dr. Meloche highlighted improvements made to district schools over the summer.
HVAC upgrades were completed at Indian Lane Elementary and Media Elementary. Back in June, the board mentioned the goal of getting all six schools air conditioned. Additionally, Media Elementary's canopy and atrium skylight (built in 1992) was replaced. A new turf field and track were installed at Springton Lake Middle School as well.
The next Planning Commission meeting to discuss the proposed K-1 Center will be Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 6:30pm. It'll take place at Penn State Brandywine, in the Student Union Building's Lower Level (25 Yearsley Mill Road, Media, PA 19063).
You can find a recording of the meetings here:
(Note: I am on the board of MFL. The views expressed on this blog are entirely my own and do not represent the official position, opinions, or policies of the Middletown Free Library Board of Trustees.)
