Tremont Township preserves Second Amendment right

MOLLEYSTOWN - The Tremont Township supervisors passed a resolution February 4 stating their desire to preserve the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Roadmaster Larry Bender presented the Second Amendment Preservation Resolution which stated the supervisors' support of nullifying all unconstitutional Federal, State, and local acts, orders, and regulations involving firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition. Without discussion, the three supervisors unanimously approved it.

The board, however, has been discussing a financial commitment to the Swatara Watershed Long Term Recovery Committee formed by FEMA after the 2011 flooding. Frank Zukas of SEDCO, and State. Rep Mike Tobash, R-125, had recommended the Committee hire a Recovery Manager funded by donations from Tremont, Pine Grove, and Frailey townships, and Tremont and Pine Grove boroughs. Along with a $3,750 contribution from the municipalities, a donation of the same amount from the county commissions, plus $6,250 each from SEDCO (Schuylkill Economic Development Corp) and SCIDA (Schuylkill County Industrial Development Authority) will fund the part-time 20 hours per week position.

Manager

On January 31, a part-time employee with the Schuylkill Conservation District, was hired for the Long Term Recovery Manager's (LTRM) position. His office will be located in the Conservation District building on the Gordon Nagle Trail.

LTRM William Reichert and Wayne Lehman, a County Natural Resource Specialist with the Conservation District, both attended the township meeting to bring the supervisors up to date on the committee's current activities, in particular, the possibility of a total watershed survey to be conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) which would require a 50% match from the committee.

Lehman explained Reichert would be managing the projects planned by the committee, as well as looking for ways to pay for them. The ACOE survey would be one of them.

"And if grants are not available?" questioned chairman John Brommer.

"We'd cross that bridge when we come to it," said Lehman, "If we can't get a match, we can't get a match."

Brommer explained the supervisors' concern about committing the township financially. A township wide road project, he said, is planned which requires a ten year loan of $250,000 in addition to $150,000 from the General Fund, and $60,000 from Liquid Fuels this year.

Priority

Since Reichert said the projects will be 'grant' driven, progress will be slow, but starting at the top of the watershed will lessen the impact at the bottom, and Guilford Mills is the number one priority. Tobash and Zukas, he said, realize that and they're pushing for something to happen. He also noted that Guilford Mills has spent more money than people can imagine. They've reached out and said they want to help.

Lengle agreed helping Guilford Mills was important. If there's another flood, they're gone, but if they see we're working on preventing it, it should make a difference.

Although the supervisors did not take a vote to financially commit to the committee's hiring of a manager, they did agree when the bill for $3,750 is received from the Conservation District, secretary/treasurer Margaret Davenport was authorized to pay it.

Road Project

Brommer reported the 2013 township-wide road project was approved by PennDOT and the loan forms have been submitted. According to ARRO engineer, Bill McMullen, the advertisement for bids could be done in March, awarded in April, and the project begun in May.

Tom Yashinsky, also of ARRO, informed the board that advertisement for bids for the Camp Road bridge project could be made in late April or May, with construction to take place during the summer.

Brommer reported he had received a complaint from a resident about the mess being made where the road from Blackwoods connects on to Route 125. The board agreed the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Mine Reclamation would be contacted. Information concerning Blackwood, Inc. annual bond review had just been approved by the Bureau.

Water rates

Bender reported he understands the Mountain Water Authority is planning to increase their quarterly rates from $45 to $60. He noted that the board had been told that when water rates are to be raised, the supervisors were to be informed of how much money was owed by customers. "If someone owes money, they can't raise rates," said Bender. "We don't want rates to go up when people owe money."

Although Brommer said the increase was not great, "It's the principle. When you have a rule, you should follow it."

The board agreed a letter of explanation would be requested. Bender volunteered to attend the authority's next meeting which was scheduled for February 11.

In other business,

A meeting to inform municipalities about the Schuylkill County Housing Rehabilitation Program was to have been held February 11 in the Washington Township municipal building by Schuylkill County Community Action. According to Brommer, eligible property owners could receive grants of $20,000.

The board approved the replacement of an oil pan for its older truck, plus undercoating costing $250 for the new truck.

A resolution was approved appointing John Brommer as the township's contact person for Berkheimer Associates, the township's Earned Income Tax Collector.

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