Oley Township police officer Michael Lentz was honored at the May 12 supervisors’ meeting for his actions while on duty during a recent emergency call.
Police Chief David White presented Lentz with a citation for his actions in helping to save the life of township resident Bernard Licht on April 21.
According to White, Licht went into cardiac arrest during a visit to the West Philadelphia Avenue offices of Dr. Jeffrey Gold of Oley Medical Associates. Lentz was called to the scene where he utilized the township’s automated external defibrillator (AED), restoring Licht’s pulse and breathing.
Licht was then transported to Reading Hospital by Fleetwood Ambulance where he made a full recovery.
In addition to the citation, Lentz received letters of commendation from Licht’s family in which they thanked Lentz for his swift and heroic actions.
In other business, the supervisors announced that Route 73 will be closed at Friedensburg Road during the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. on May 14-15 due to ongoing bridge construction in the area.
Drivers will be rerouted to Main Street during the road’s closure.
It was also announced that new traffic patterns and lane restrictions in the area currently restrict the width of any vehicle to 11 feet. The supervisors said that drivers of farm vehicles, in particular, need to be aware of the new restrictions.
White also announced that recent traffic enforcement of the area resulted in 10 drivers being cited for violations.
Political signage at the corner of Memorial Highway and Oley Turnpike Road was ordered removed due to visibility issues. The supervisors authorized White to remove the signage immediately.
Also announced was upcoming bridge construction slated for Oley Furnace Bridge on Oley Furnace Road. The construction, scheduled for March through November of 2015, will force the complete closure of the road.
A moment of silence was offered by supervisor James Coker in honor of township resident Joby Mast, who died recently as the result of a workplace accident. Coker said donations to the family could be made through an education fund set up at National Penn Bank for Mast’s six-month old son, Lucas.
The supervisors unanimously agreed to waive township permit fees in the amount of $744.36 for Charles and Susan Hetrick of 5798 Oley Turnpike Road. The Hetrick’s home was recently destroyed by fire.
Supervisor Jeff Spatz reminded residents that a public meeting will be held May 15 regarding the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority’s proposal to expand the Earl Township landfill by 90 vertical feet. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at the Oley Fairgrounds Fair Centre on Jefferson Street.
Spatz also reminded voters of the importance of the May 20 primary election. On the ballot will be a referendum asking voters if they support a 0.095 mill property tax to keep the Oley Township Library operating in the township.
