Chestnuthill Township supervisors held their regular monthly meeting Monday following a reorganization meeting it which every position remained the same as in 2024.

“2024 was quite a year. Our volunteer firefighters will be moving into the new firehouse soon,” said Chairman Chuck Gould. “This was a long project because it began during COVID. There were delays, bids and need to re-bid because the deadlines had passed.”

A representative from the West End Fire Company reported that the company responded to 561 emergency calls in 2024. Forty-two of those were in December, including three structure fires, one emergency medical service assistance and one hazardous materials incident.

“We are very thankful and grateful for our all-volunteer fire department,” Gould said. “This saves the township millions of dollars a year.”

Also related to the new Shared Emergency Services Facility, in which the fire company will be one of the occupants, the supervisors approved the drinking water system operation agreement with Prosser Laboratories, of Effort.

Workplaces such as hospitals, warehouses and the new facility that have 25 or more of the same people there daily must have a public water service. Prosser Laboratories will keep track of the water, act as a representative to the Department of Environmental Protection and ensure the water is safe to drink.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, someone asked what the supervisors can do about the amount of trash that is tossed along Route 715 in the area of the old firehouse and new firehouse. The resident said that he easily picks up 20 to 30 gallons trash regularly.

The supervisors said if he finds anything with someone’s name on it, to bring it into the township office.

Also during the meeting, supervisors approved the purchase of 3,000 tons of anti-skid materials from Eureka Stone Quarry. It was the only one to submit a bid.

In addition, supervisors authorized Cathy Martinelli, township secretary/treasurer, to advertise an ordinance amending Chapter 25, which is the supervisors’ compensation, from $4,125 annually to $6,915 annually. That is for any supervisor who begins a new term and does not apply to Gould, Roger Kutzler and Eric Snyder, who are returning supervisors in 2025.

The planning commission meets on Jan. 15, supervisors meet on Jan. 21, and the Chestnuthill, Jackson, Eldred, Ross and Polk Townships Regional Planning Committee (CJERP) meets on Jan. 23. All three meetings are at 7 p.m. at the township office.