When: West Earl supervisors meeting, April 22.
What happened: Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution declaring that “local law enforcement will fully cooperate and coordinate with any necessary external law enforcement agencies when encountering undocumented individuals.” West Earl is the latest Lancaster County municipality to approve a resolution upholding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement laws and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As of April 24, Lancaster County Commissioners, Columbia Borough, plus Conoy and Pequea townships, have either discussed or voted on similar resolutions.
Background: The resolution comes in response to a Lancaster City Council’s “Welcoming City” ordinance that ensures “the provision of city services without regard to refugee or immigration status.” The city has denied claims from county Republican lawmakers that it is a “sanctuary city.” Jenna Reigle, township manager, said on April 8 that Supervisor Dave Thornton asked for the discussion to be added to the agenda. West Earl based its resolution on Columbia’s version, which Thornton described as “straightforward” earlier this month.
Public comment: Before the meeting, township resident Kendie Miller sent an April 18 email to Reigle expressing her dismay that West Earl drafted the resolution. In her letter, she said the West Earl community’s support for upholding the law is “already very evident and does not need further resolutions to establish this fact.” She also described the resolution as “unnecessary, unneighborly, and reactionary,” adding the resolution “has no teeth.” Miller also wrote she values the “rich diversity” of the West Earl community and stands for people “who are not yet fully American citizens but are intent on becoming so.”
Quotable: “I believe we can continue to do both of these things without extra resolutions,” Miller, who supports law enforcement wrote. “I do not want my neighbors or friends to feel shunned or afraid in any way.”
Liquid fuels: Supervisors also unanimously allocated $42,203 in liquid fuels funds to pave Forest Hill Road. The work includes paving materials, base repair, and line painting from the township line bordering Upper Leacock Township to Glenbrook Road, along Route 772. The project was awarded to New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. Inc. Reigle said in an April 24 email that a timeline for the project has not been announced.
What’s next: Supervisors will meet at 7 p.m. May 13 at the township building, 157 W. Metzler Road, Brownstown.
