Catharine Questioned About Act 537

Catharine Township Auditor and Williamsburg Municipal Authority Representative Daryl Cole questioned Catharine’s supervisors during their meeting last Thursday, about why they tabled the Act 537 plan. 

Cole said that stopping the plan would probably cost more in the new year with hourly wages going up, and subdivisions cannot happen in the township without an Act 537 plan. Supervisors said they would look into the matter for the January meeting.

Resident Wayne Baker was on hand to ask about the entrance into Hill Alley leading up to Blough Road, saying that there were gigantic rocks on the road that had broken down some axles and blown some of his tires. 

Resident Ross Brubaker also questioned the width of Home Street, nodding that the entryway is very narrow and it’s hard to pull campers and trailers into the road. 

Chairman Heather Flaig said she would look into both matters. 

Baker also wanted to know more information about the backhoe rental from Roadmaster Michael Fay, who yearly is the lone bidder for the rental. Baker said he wanted to know the expiration date of the contract with Fay, and some documentation on the contract. 

Later on in the meeting, Supervisor Ralph Rispoli made a motion to accept the lone bid of Mike Fay, the roadmaster, for a new contract with the township for his backhoe rental. Vice Chairman Ken Brenneman seconded the motion; the motion passed.

For a few months, the township has been looking into getting a credit card. At last month’s meeting, they wanted to try to stay local and look into PennCrest Bank, in Williamsburg. 

Flaig said they do not offer a credit card, so Rispoli made a motion to obtain a credit card through First National Bank. Through this card, the township can earn points per dollar spent and use those points for statement credits, etc. Ken Brenneman seconded the motion; the motion passed. Brenneman also stated he would like to “keep the same limit” as other cards, meaning a $3,000 limit for the roadmaster and secretary to use. 

Flaig said there was no update on Oak Alley, as they are still awaiting a survey to be completed by their engineer, Keller Engineers. The township also purchased two-speed signs last month, like the ones set up in Williamsburg Borough. A representative from PennDOT would come down and let supervisors know where they would be most effective. 

Flaig made a motion to add the equipment bids (for the backhoe) and the millage increase resolution to the meeting agenda, with Rispoli seconding; the motion passed. Brenneman made a motion to sign the millage increase resolution with Rispoli seconding; the motion passed.

Roadmaster Michael Fay said the roller, which was listed on Municipal Bids, had sold at a scrap price of $234. Fay also remarked that the township was successful in their bidding for last month’s truck at a winning bid of $25,000. Supervisors decided to put the township’s red truck and International truck on Municipal Bids for bidding.