Greenfield Township Hears from Firefighters, Officers

Representatives from the Claysburg Volunteer Fire Company attended the Greenfield Township board of supervisor’s meeting Feb. 7 to discuss concerns they have about Blair County’s emergency management center.

The firefighters said they have submitted information to the center to update the box alarms, but have only seen a few “tweaks” made. The boxes are used to determine which departments are called to respond to emergency situations.

In addition, a computer program used for dispatching at the center has a “bug” that needs to be fixed. If the program worked properly, it would send useful information to the department that could be used for mapping, such as where to find the nearest fire hydrant. The department would like to purchase tablets for its response vehicles to have maps available during emergency events, but is hesitant to purchase the technology before the issue is fixed. The application would not work properly without a correction. No timetable for action has been determined.

The firefighters said they recognize that the center is both busy and understaffed, but hope the issues can soon be addressed. They said they will continue to provide the supervisors with updates.

Supervisors approved a motion allowing Greenfield Township police officers to carry naloxone in the event of an overdose. Chief Ronald Sharkey said it is a “touchy subject, but in today’s world, I think we should start carrying it.” He later added, “it could save any of us,” noting that officers and other community members could involuntarily come into contact with narcotics.

Officers will need to be trained on how to administer the medication before they are able to carry it. Should an officer dispense naloxone, they will be required to contact emergency medical services.

A new digital reporting system for citations and other criminal records will be set up for the police department at a cost of $10,143. Sharkey said citations will need to be submitted electronically in the near future. The township will be charged an annual subscription based on officer staffing levels. The yearly fee would currently be $748.

The board reviewed a request by the Claysburg-Kimmel School District to utilize the upper ball field of the Claysburg Community Park for softball while the district’s facilities undergo renovation. The field is primarily used and maintained by Claysburg Little League. A motion was passed stating that the district can have secondary use of the field if it can work out a schedule with the Little League that is satisfactory to both parties.

The board approved spending $3,200 for tree removal along Upper Claar Road.

Eric Casanave, township engineer, reported that he was continuing to review stormwater management calculations for a 100,000 square-foot warehouse expansion project submitted by Sheetz, Inc.

The engineer also reported receiving a proposal for the construction of a new Dollar General in the township, which he will begin to review this month.

The board held a closed-door session with all police personnel on Jan. 13 and another closed-door session to discuss police personnel issues following the regular monthly meeting on Feb. 7.