State Police Visit Catharine Township

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Shane Munarik was on hand at Catharine Township to address local issues within the Township – mainly speeding. Residents who were in attendance of the meeting complained of speeding on Yellow Springs Drive throughout the day, and Recreation Drive to beat the school bus in both the morning and after school.

Supervisors discussed adding a speed sign, which they later voted on to purchase for $3,300 with ARPA funds, at a location to try to combat speeding in the Township.

“We definitely appreciate you coming,” Chairman Heather Flaig said.

Kish Bank representatives Rick Messick and Larry Burger were in attendance to discuss with Catharine Township their municiapl accounts and a credit card which the township has been looking for.

The burn ordinance was tabled until next month. Chairman Flaig said she was in contact with CCIS of PA to police ordinances during business hours, but needed more information before any decision was made.

Municipal Authority Representative for Catharine Township Daryl Cole asked supervisors for an Act 537 plan update. Flaig said they received a cost of $32,000-$35,000 to complete the plan for the entire township. No further discussion was held.

A survey was conducted on Oak Alley, Chairman Flaig said a lot of work needs to be done. The supervisors and roadmaster were surprised at the township right of way and wanted the solicitor to take a look before any more moves were made.

Residents asked for an inventory of township equipment, which was presented at the meeting. The township will advertise on Municipal Bids a 2005 International with plow and spreader, at a reserve cost of $5,000. A roller that the township does not use anymore will be sold at scrap price. Roadmaster Michael Fay said in his report that the township is in pretty good shape for at least two storms for salt for the winter.

“It’s been working for us,” Vice Chairman Ken Brenneman said with the smaller increases of millage for the 2025 budget.

The Township held two budget meetings before their regular meeting. Brenneman made a motion to increase millage by a half point with Ralph Rispoli seconding, motion passed. This small increase would put Township in the clear of at least $7,000. Auditor Daryl Cole also suggested pay raises for township employees, “You’re not going to get people without a competitive wage,” he said.

Pay raises would be discussed at the January reorganizational meeting.