Kidder to expand number of resident seats on Emergency Services Commission

Kidder Township is considering increasing the number of seats on its Emergency Services Commission.

The commission is made up of two representatives of each of the township volunteer fire companies, the ambulance service and the township supervisors as well as two township residents.

This month the two residents’ seats are up for appointment, and the township received letters of interest from five candidates.

“We received letters of interest from five excellent candidates with wonderful backgrounds,” said Supervisor Barbara Franzosa. “It would be a shame to lose them. I would like to see us increase the number of seats on the board.”

Supervisor Larry Polansky pointed out that it would be possible, but that the township would have to advertise that it was amending the ordinance that defines the commission.

Supervisor Thomas LaFond made a motion to advertise the revision to the ordinance from two to four resident members. The supervisors tabled further discussion on the candidates pending the revision of the ordinance.

The supervisors also granted a conditional waiver for a minor subdivision for Blue Ridge Real Estate for a piece of commercial property on Industrial Way in the township. Industrial Way is located between Route 940 and Route 80 and the same area where the PennEast Compressor Station is to be located if the pipeline is approved.

The Blue Ridge property is being considered for future development for either a warehouse or distribution center. There are no immediate plans to proceed with the project.

The supervisors also approved the resignation of part-time police officer Jacob Dinkelacker. There was discussion regarding a new police vehicle, but it was tabled pending the receipt of a second quotation. The supervisors ratified the 2017-18 Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Police Department.