Franklin Township Police Department coffers got an infusion of funds to help purchase new radios and a VASCAR system, thanks to a donation from the Franklin Township Lions Club.

VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer And Recorder) is a type of device for calculating the speed of a moving vehicle.The $4,000 check was presented Tuesday by Dave Hawk, club president during the regular township meeting.Rod Green, chairman, thanked the club for it's donation.Green added that by Dec. 31, 2012, the broadband radios currently being used by the police, fire company and road crew radios will be obsolete when radio systems must comply with new FCCA Regulations."With the deadline rapidly approaching to replace radio equipment with the new narrowband radio system, the donation from the Lions Club is appreciated," said Green.Green noted that the Carbon County Commissioners have notified the township that grants may be available to help with funding the new radios.Hawk also asked the township to consider closing the Phifer Ice Dam Park pavilion kitchen during the summer months to allow for capital improvements. Hawk said that among the improvements the Lions are considering is replacement of the ceiling.Green noted that the township supervisors do not want to disappoint people who use the pavilion year after year and asked the Lions to consider working around the reservations schedule. He said that most people who rent the building do want to use the kitchen."We make a lot of money renting out the building and we don't want to lose that," said Green.Hawk said that he understands the supervisor's position and would take the information back to the club.Green suggested that the Lions Club provide dates that they intend to work in the kitchen so they can begin accepting reservations."We have to start letting people know what dates are available so they can look elsewhere if they need to," said Green.Township supervisors also settled the issue of naming an acting police chief if Police Chief Thomas Beltz is not working for three days or more in a row. Supervisors determined that the most senior officer, Frank Buonaiuto, will serve as acting police chief in Beltz's absence.Township secretary reported that garbage bills were mailed out at the end of January and that any residents who have not received a bill, should contact the township office.She also noted that there will be a change in garbage collection pick up due to the President's day holiday. She said that all Monday pickups will be changed to Tuesday, Feb. 22.The board also corrected minutes of the organizational meeting that Stephen Everett was named to the Franklin Township Planning Commission, not Rod Mann. Mann is already a member.The board accepted the lone bid of Superior Plus Energy Services, Montoursville, to provide gasoline for township vehicles at a cost of $3.03.71 a gallon, with an escalator clause in effect.The board also approved the sale of property in the tax repository for unsold properties. The property is located on Indian Hill Road.