Polk Township discussed its recycling program Monday night.

Unfortunately, funds for the recycling will be much less this year, according to Polk Township Supervisors’ Chairman Brian Ahner.

“The state claimed any grant money left in the recycling fund at the end of 2020, and we will not be getting any grant money at this time,” he said.

However, Ahner said the township does make some money when they sell the metal to a recycler.

“The money from the recycling is only $6 or $7 per ton, so I think we have about $4,000 in the fund,” Ahner said.

Ahner, who is also roadmaster, also reported the Mineral Creek Road bridge was recently inspected.

“Over the past few years we have made improvements, but we are going to sit down with Keystone this summer and look at some of our other culverts,” he said.

And one ongoing issue on the dead trees along the walking paths in the township park was revisited. Ahner again voiced his concern that although many of the dead trees were removed, a certified forester should walk the paths with one of the park committee members and identify the trees that pose a danger to people walking in the park, so those trees could be removed as well.

A motion was made to approve contacting a state forester to come and walk the trails.

Ahner said he was not concerned about the ones that fall in the swamp, it the ones that are near the trails that worry him.

“Reach out to the guy who was here before,” he said.

In other business, the fire department reported in December 2020 the firefighters participated in 115 hours of training, 45 hours of fundraising and were called out to 203 emergencies including cases where they assisted Towamensing and other departments. So far for 2021 the department has responded to six emergencies, 15 residential structure fires, 15 automatic alarms and 14 EMS calls that covered both Polk and Towamensing townships.

They also received approval to participate in parades within 50 miles of the township, as well as the events at the West End Fair property. The supervisors also approved the fire department’s Christmas drive-by throughout the township and any activity deemed necessary by the fire chief.

A motion was made to approve active members to attend fire training provided by the state that will increase the chances of getting grants for the fire department.

In other news

• In 2021 the park committee will be focusing on getting some picnic tables for the pavilion and try to finish the nature trail and they are looking into what activities could be done for Arbor Day.

• Ahner also reported that despite the amount rain this past month, overall there were no major problems.

• The township just received 12 loads of salt to keep the roads clear for any storms that come up.

• A discussion on what days in 2021 should be chosen for the recycling center if the drop-off days fall on a holiday that is a Friday. The decision was tabled until a further time in 2021.

The next supervisors regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 11.