Funds 'wiped out' by February snowstorms

February's brutal snow storms have decimated Schuylkill Township's road budget for the year.

Supervisor Maureen Vanek announced last night that the township has spent $24,239.90 on snow removal and another $15,400.79 on snow emergencies, where the township had to hire outside contractors to help remove the snow, bringing the total to $39,638.82.

"The snow has just wiped us out," said Vanek. Originally, the supervisors had budgeted $20,000. At this point, the township will not have funds to do any road work this spring and summer unless the state provides additional funding.

The township also heard from the Schuylkill Headwaters Association. The group is planning to hold a 5K run in October, in conjunction with Tamaqua's Heritage Festival, and asked the supervisors what they needed to provide to hold the event. According to an association volunteer, Megan William, who will be coordinating the event, the race will start by the entrance to Odd Fellows Cemetery and continue through Newkirk and Reevesdale. "It will be both a fundraiser and honor the heritage of the area and the work that the Headwaters has done," she said. The Headwaters Association has provided assistance with the construction of one ballfield in the township and hopes to raise funds to work on another.

Tamaqua Mayor Christian Morrison presented the supervisors with a request to join Tamaqua in a free study provided by the DCED look into forming a regional police department. "I was challenged a few weeks back to come up with some studies to see what we could do…to cut costs," said Morrison. That challenge led him to this study. Tamaqua Borough Council approved participation in the study at last month's meeting; however, due to the nature of the project, at least one other neighboring community is required to participate, as well.

Morrison said that he will be approaching Walker, West Penn, and Rush townships, as well as the borough of Coaldale with the same proposal. "Much like we have the Eastern Schuylkill Planning and the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission,' he said, "we're not pushing anyone into anything right now, but at least this way everyone will get the facts and the numbers." Supervisors approved the request to sign a letter of intent.

Supervisors received communication from the Brockton Fire Company that they intend to hold a fire truck parade and truck housing for their new 2010 KME on May 15th. The parade will start at 1 p.m.

The Tamaqua Adult Day Care will also hold a 5K run/walk through part of the township on Saturday May 8, beginning at 9:30 a.m.