Polk Twp. to remove dead, dying ash trees before winter

Polk Township Chairman Brian Ahner reports that there are dead ash trees throughout the township and he is concerned about the onset of the winter months.

“There is just no way we can handle all of these,” Ahner said. “There must be 10 in a row at the park alone. With all the rain and flooding it just loosened the roots and some are just leaning over.”

Ahner suggested that the township make an effort over the winter months to do what it could to remove some of the trees. A motion was made to hire Klingel’s Tree Service at $1,700 per day to remove the trees threatening the pavilion and trail at the park.

The township will remove some of the brush and debris in the area to make it easier for Klingel to work, which Ahner hopes will shorten the number of days the service is needed.

The supervisors also approved an increase in the bid amount for the purchase of the 0.43 acre lot at the corner of Route 209 adjacent to township property. The original offer of $20,000 was not accepted. The decision was made to offer the appraised amount of $30,000. The township is bound by law to not exceed the appraised amount.

A motion was made to purchase a new drum roller in the amount of $35,000. The SAKAI Model SW320 was a demonstration unit and has 22 hours on it. Ahner did research and found identical models that were several years old available for the same price or higher. The purchase is covered under COSTARS.

The supervisors also agreed to purchase a new spreader with conveyor for the Dodge pickup.

“It’s good when we use the smaller truck to plow hills if we don’t have to wait for one of the other trucks to come and cinder,” Ahner said. “Sometimes when you plow the road gets slippery. This lets us avoid having to wait.”

The spreader will cost $5,316.

The township approved the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for the joint emergency services commission that has been proposed by Chestnuthill. William J. Tippett will serve as the township’s liaison to the commission. The township also approved a letter in support of Chestnuthill’s attempts to secure grants for the project.

A letter supporting Ross Township’s grant proposal for a generator was also approved.

The township also requested letters of support for its own grant proposal. The township is looking for $60,000 for repairs, guide rails and signs needed for the Dorshimer Bridge.

The township will replace both air-conditioning units and air handlers for the township building at a cost of $14,820. The contract was awarded to Deluxe Plumbing and Heating. Ductz was hired to clean the air ducts in the building as well.

Minor amendments to the SALDO and zoning ordinances were reviewed and the supervisors approved a motion to send the ordinances onto CJERP and Monroe County for comment and review.