Ross supervisors discuss road projects

Ross Township’s board of supervisors will need an extra week to explore bid options for the township’s 2018 road projects.

Bids were received from Hanson Aggregates PA, Bracalente Construction, Wayco, Shiffer Bituminous Service Co., New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Asphalt Maintenance Solutions and Bruce George Paving and Excavating for eight road repair ventures.

Faulstick Road is considered the priority project, roadmaster Ethan Brewer said, though Aspen Lane, Dana Drive, Daniel Court, Dove Court, Hemlock Lane, Ross Lane and Woodhaven Drive were included in the bids as well.

Prices ranged from about $76 per ton of materials for either a wearing course or a scratch course job to almost $120 per ton.

Many of the smaller projects called for significantly higher bids as compared to the quotes for Faulstick Road.

“That’s very common to see. If you decide to do just that small road, they have to haul their equipment there for an hour’s worth of work versus a whole day,” Brewer said.

Brewer also said that the bids came in higher than he expected, though the board can opt to eliminate certain roads in order to rein in the overall costs.

Secretary-Treasurer Doris Price said that she plans to calculate the bid totals from each company to help the supervisors sort the information.

Both Price and Brewer said that while the offers need to be reviewed in order to find the most cost-effective plan, Bruce George’s low bid on Faulstick Road may make the company a top contender.

“Bruce George has always been pretty competitive. Even when he didn’t win, he was always in the top three,” Brewer said.

Beers, Co-Chairman Tina Drake and Supervisor David Shay agreed take a week to review the bids before making a choice. The board members plan to meet a 6 p.m. June 12 to conclude the matter.

Other business

The board also heard from Thomas and Barbara Nedo, who are seeking a zoning change in order to open a used car dealership within the township.

In order for the Nedos to operate a lot at the former Borger’s Raceway, the township’s village commercial zoning designation would need to be altered to allow for used car dealership.

Beers questioned Thomas Nedo about his intentions for the removal of some decrepit fencing, bleachers and an announcement stand.

“I’d like to use the track itself to keep the cars, at least most of them, because that way it’s fenced in, and I can keep the cars locked up and secure,” Nedo said.

A building on the premises would be used as an office and shop, Nedo said, and a residence on the property would most likely be rented out.

Nedo may also be responsible for removing out-of-service gas tanks on the grounds if he does not plan on using them.

Beers requested additional time to consider the matter, though he did say he was not opposed to the zoning change.

Solicitor Tim McManus reminded the board members that any zoning change would need to be advertised and presented for public comment, so it may take some time to make the change.

“It’s going to take at least three months. It has to be sent to our planning commission for review, and it has to be sent to Monroe County,” Beers said.

The board approved a $100 donation for the Monroe County Youth Field Day.

Ross Township will participate in the summer lunch program starting June 25. Meals will be available at noon on Mondays and Wednesdays for those age 18 and under.