ELYSBURG - Several members of Ralpho and Elysburg fire companies and EMS Coordinator DJ Spotts met with supervisors for an informal talk prior to the Ralpho Township's regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening.
Volunteers talked about some of their plans and thanked the supervisors for their support over the years. The discussion then turned to recent problems with the Northumberland County Communications Center. Harvey Boyer, president of the Elysburg Fire Company, said that following last month's meeting with county commissioners, the three Elysburg chiefs had the opportunity to talk to some of the dispatchers.
"After seeing what they are dealing with, God bless them," Boyer said.
Decisions made by past administrations have hindered services, Boyer said. He said dispatchers are doing the best they can with the systems they have. Chairman Ed Payeski said he felt that part of the problem is that the county hires and promotes from within, switching people around too often. He feels that is a huge mistake.
During the regular meeting, Secretary Debi Olson read a resolution from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors regarding Local Government Week, April 11 to 15.
The resolution states that local government is the backbone of democracy and the bedrock of the U.S. political system. It points out that elected officials are ordinary citizens who choose to serve their community. Local Government Week focuses attention on the need for strong, independent and active local government in Pennsylvania and recognizes the valuable contributions made by residents serving their community. Supervisors voted to adopt the resolution.
In other business:
- Roadmaster Howard Shadduck announced that street cleaning will begin Monday, starting in the Sunnybrook/Overlook area at 7:30 a.m., and by mid-morning, moving toward Elysburg.
- Boyer, representing the planning commission, requested the board's approval of the Shamokin Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority Improvements Project. Great Valley Consultants, Wyomissing, answered supervisors' questions about the project. Supervisors voted to approve the project contingent on receiving a letter from the authority's solicitor stating the authority does own the properties that are being consolidated.
- Solicitor Todd Kerstetter opened discussion on the possibility of a grant for the township gymnasium. Because stipulations for receiving the grant are expensive and extensive, supervisors decided to further deliberate on the matter, possibly raising money and using existing funds to upgrade the gym. They did, however, authorize an initial application, which is due next week.
- Reports were presented by the street, buildings, police, zoning, recreation and recycling departments.