In the absence of a Roadmaster, township supervisor Davy gave the roadmaster report. Repairs to Union Centre/Gulf/Thomas intersection are complete. Gravel is finished on Joe Hill, McCracken and PeePaw roads.
The crew has been cleaning ditches, changing sleuth pipes, trimming brush around bridges and road signs, and all routine maintenance on equipment is up-to-date. We will start fall mowing soon.
Dust oil is almost complete. They will have one more truck, utilizing an additional five to six hundred gallons. To date Union Township is at approximately $37k without figuring in any reimbursement costs.
Supervisor Baker asked to have those numbers available for the next meeting.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
Cathy Asbury asked about protocols/safety procedures relating to the employee’s work schedules during heat advisories.
Health dangers are a real issue during time of high heat/humidity.
What is the township doing to protect their employees? Supervisor Davy stated they set jobs and schedules appropriately.
All equipment has air conditioning and if manual labor is involved this is scheduled early in the mornings. Extra water is kept on hand and breaks are taken often and whenever needed.
Resident Adell Westrick asked if there are any updates on the Emergency Management Coordinator position.
Supervisor Baker stated they have approached a couple of individuals but have not moved forward with anything definite yet. This is a position that will require certifications and training. The commitment required should be taken seriously and we want to make sure we choose the right individual.
Resident Lucy Raymond asked for an update on the cell tower.
Supervisor Davy stated they do not have an activation date. “We are continuously told in the very near future. We’ll keep trying though.”
OLD BUSINESS
Road signage for Joe Hill Road. Due to the location of the driveway for the poultry facility, supervisors previously discussed placing signage from both directions on Joe Hill alerting drivers of trucks entering roadway.
Supervisor Baker makes motion to order necessary signage for this location. Supervisor Davy second the motion.
Supervisor Davy explained that the fire companies were not able to have fund raisers this year due to COVID-19 and would like to discuss the option of possible donation from the township. Supervisor Baker stated they already pay $40k+ per year for the fire contract with Canton Fire Department and asked about the donation amount. The discussion was tabled for next meeting, after financial reports and fire meeting minutes can be provided.
Supervisor Davy requested that Life insurance/Short term disability employee benefit option be added to the agenda.
Supervisor Davy would like to have Welch Insurance work up some quotes for the next meeting to see if this is an option that the township could offer to its employees.
Supervisor Baker stated that he was not aware this was up for discussion and would like to table this agenda item for now.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion occurred about having an engineer of record for the township.
For years, Union Township has operated on an as needed basis.
They are now looking for someone that they can use for routine or smaller projects that require an engineer’s input.
They have had numerous people recommend a specific individual. The supervisors have consulted this engineer in the past as well.
Supervisor Baker made motion and signed paperwork for Scott Bray to be Township Engineer. Supervisor Davy seconds.
Supervisor Davy states a need for signage on Ogdensburg Road, something alerting drivers to children in the area.
Supervisor Baker states that this is a state road and they have to go through the proper channels. Secretary Asbury will follow up.
Supervisor Davy discussed cost for concrete tonka blocks.
The current procedure is to call a local contractor and have them pick up and drop at township, which they are charged for. They have worked the numbers and it would be more cost effective for the township to do this. They plan to double check the costs savings.
Supervisor Davy recommends that they open an account at Fry’s plastic in Muncy. If they deal directly with Fry’s and eliminate the “middle man” this will have cost savings per order for the township. Supervisor Davy made a motion to start an account with Fry’s. Supervisor Baker seconds.
Secretary’s report
Opening an account with U-Line was requested by Secretary Asbury. This would be an account with minimal activity but is needed in order to save paying sales tax on some items that are not available locally. Supervisor Baker makes motion to open an online U-Line account. Supervisor Davy seconds.
Asbury stated that Union Township received $188,478.58 in Act 13 or Impact monies. They also received notification from DEP about technical deficiencies on the Lycoming Creek Midway Project.
Larry Brannaka, U.S. Fish and Wildlife will work through these items with DEP. There are no further updates on the project at this time.
The 2021 Dirt and Gravel Road program application deadline is Sept. 1, 2020. The current project on Goosetown Road will still fall under our previous application. Scott Bray will work with the township on this.
The next Union Township Supervisors meeting will be Monday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m. at the township building.