Leesport Borough Council officials unanimously agreed at their Jan. 17 meeting to rename the Leesport Playground “B” Baseball Field to the Conner A. Kleffel Memorial Field.
Kleffel, 13, a Schuylkill Valley 8th grader who succumbed to his injuries after an off-road vehicle accident in November, was forever present and diligently took care of the baseball fields in Leesport. His dedication to the community, hard work in maintaining the ball fields, and passion for the sport will forever be remembered.
In other news, Elaine Strause, the newly elected President of the Leesport Lock House Foundation, announced that the master bedroom at the lock house will be renovated in the coming months to historical specifications as part of an Eagle Scout project.
Council President Marty Goetz thanked Strauss for all their work and acknowledged they do a lot.
Mayor Granville Sandridge reported that, besides being short three officers, the police department is doing an overall great job and that a new officer is expected to start within the coming weeks. Sandridge also reported that the bridge project is back on schedule and moving along nicely.
A lengthy discussion took place over recycling and the current contract that expires in September. Borough Manager Sandra L. Weiser-Passavage stated that she will “see what Cougles (Recycling) proposes” and report back to council at the next meeting.
No parking signs will be installed soon at various locations near the boroughs out buildings on S. Canal Street to prevent motorist from blocking access to these buildings with their vehicles. Some issues have occurred recently during afterhours.
Officials are weighing their options and investigating the purchase of a single mobile power generator and electric transfer switches for at wells #4 and #5.
After a lengthy discussion over the relationship between borough council, the recreation board and the swim team, Council President Goetz requested that all involved parties meet and discuss how to better work together and communicate more efficiently to avoid issues moving forward. Councilman Carl Moyer reported that he is working on getting quotes for a new diving board for at the pool.
Council unanimously signed off on the Leesport Borough Emergency Management Plan prepared by the emergency management coordinator.
Councilman Moyer reported that an ambulance is now being staged on the west side of the river and a canopy is being looked into to shelter it.
