West Penn supervisors
West Penn Township supervisors acted or discussed the following items at their meeting this week.
• The supervisors tabled action on updating its Property Maintenance Code. There are several sections in the proposed ordinance, reviewed by the supervisors, where they want the wording changed from "may" to "shall."As an example, the proposal says a code official "may" carry identification but the supervisors feel the code officer "shall" carry identification.There also were disagreements over the proposed fees associated with the drafted proposal.• Jay Poust of Andreas, owner of the Andreas Post Office building, said he would like to see more enforcement of speeding on the streets in front of his building. He told the township the police have permission to use his property for enforcement."I see trucks going through at 80 miles per hour," he said.He had a list of nine questions regarding the police department but was told he should file a Right to Know request.• Resident David Pfluegler said he owns property off Route 895 but can't have electric lines installed to them because of its location. He said there is a railroad bed next to his land that is privately owned. That owner won't allow PPL to place poles.He said a map shows T-924 as a road going to Route 895. Since there is no proof that this is an ordained township road, PPL won't install electric lines along this route, either.Township engineer Bill Anders said he couldn't find evidence that T-924 was ever ordained as a township road.Singleton Harvey, the roadmaster, said the township doesn't plow snow on this road or provide any maintenance."It's not even a road," he said.Anders agreed to contact a former township engineer to see if there are any records regarding T-924.Pfluegler said, "I'm not looking to get the road paved. I'm not looking for maintenance. I just want electricity."• Township secretary Patricia Nothstein was instructed to look into options for improving the telephone answering system in the township. She received one price quote. She will contact Blue Ridge Communications for additional information.• Herb Woodring was approved as an alternate to the zoning hearing board.• The supervisors agreed to participate in a program offered by Behavioral Health Associates, which will provide labor free of charge to the township.• Action was tabled on reducing the speed on a section of Zion Stone Church Road.• The supervisors agreed to have financial consultants meet with them and possibly set up 401(k) retirement savings plans for police officers.• Yeakley's Lot Clearing and Firewood of Tamaqua was approved to clear 7 acres of woodland behind the police station. The township will receive $2,500 from Yeakley's for the wood. The funds received will be used to rent equipment to clear large boulders on the site.• The supervisors accepted the resignation of Denna Krammes as a police officer.