Bridge repairs slow in Washington Twp.

DETURKSVILLE - Washington Township residents will have to wait a little longer for repairs to two township bridges, one closed since last spring, and the other posted with a weight limit.

Supervisor W. Randy Stump reported January 16 that he had spoken to both Michael Keffer, a Light-Heigel engineer, and the Department of Environment Protection within the past several days in the hopes of moving the repair work along. "Can't act without the DEP'S approval," said Stump. He added, however, that the DEP had promised to look at the township's applications for permits shortly.

Bids for the project were opened at the board's November 21 meeting for the repair work to a Brown's Road bridge which has not been open for months, as well as one on Turkey Farm Road which had a weight limit posted. The total bid of $141,524 covered both bridges and was awarded to Donohue Excavating and Paving, Schuylkill Haven. Some of the work, it had been noted, would be sub-contracted to NuPump Construction of Malaga, New Jersey, who will use a new technology for the repairs to the Brown Road bridge. Although the work is not expected to take longer than a week, it is dependent on the temperature since it involves the placement of bags containing grout underwater in multiple layers beneath the bridge's abutments and the center pier to re-support the bridge's foundation.

In other matters, Solicitor Richard Wiest suggested the supervisors not jump into any agreement with Comcast, the township's cable television provider, until he could look at what neighboring municipalities were doing. "You don't want to agree for 30 years without better terms, and whether the township is satisfied with the level of channels," cautioned Wiest. He also noted, however, that Comcast's letter mentioned that any increased franchise fee goes directly to the customers' bills.

A question from resident Sal Varacalli resulted in the board's authorization for Wiest to look into whether a permit was issued to the race track on Route 895 and whether any amusement tax was paid for 2011. If nothing has been done, Wiest will determine what the township can do to bring the owners, Robert and Susan Papp, Hamburg, into compliance with the township's ordinance.

According to Varacalli, he thinks the Papps held four races last year. Wiest noted, however, that the entrance fee may have changed when the ordinance was enacted. There is, according to newly seated supervisor, Wendell Gainer, fees to enter each class (of race) which are more.

The board agreed Gainer should come up with specifications to solicit bids for grass maintenance at the recreational park. The specifications would include mowing, as well as fertilizing and weed control.

The board's new secretary-treasurer, Kelly Handling, presented information she had obtained for the purchase of a new computer. After describing several and providing her own recommendation, the board agreed to purchase a package from Staples which includes a computer, printer, copier, and fax, as well as Quick Books and payroll software at a cost of $1,129.93.

Handling also provided a comparison for the board to consider for the installation of a phone for her use as the board's secretary-treasurer. The board agreed to add another line to her home account at a cost of $23.90 plus taxes. The other option, a business line installed at her home, would have cost $81.90 plus taxes. With either option, free internet service will be provided by Comcast.

In other business,

- by board resolution, Handling was appointed the Chief Administrative Officer of the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System for the township. The board also authorized her to sign checks on behalf of the township, along with a second authorized supervisor signature.

- the board agreed Handling will now accept rental reservations and fees for the recreational park pavilion.

- Handling reported Light-Heigel will issue permits for agricultural structures at the same rates as other building permits as requested by the board in December. - Wiest reported the Deed of Dedication for the three roads, Cody, Ian, and Tori lanes, in a Robert Horning development located off Route 895 in Rock, had been recorded. The required paper work, he said, will be filed with PennDOT to include them for liquid fuels money.

- the board approved a group of tax exemption requests submitted by the township's tax collector.

Sign up for Text Alerts

Sign up for e-mail newsletters