DUKE CENTER — Two committees were front and center at the monthly meeting of the Otto Township Supervisors Wednesday evening.

First, a blight and property appearance committee was formed to assist the supervisors in this community pride effort. Richard Rivers, who met with the McKean County Redevelopment Board and procured a $1,500 grant to hire a consultant to review and update the township’s ordinances, will chair the committee. He is joined by residents Sam Zona, Marilyn Kahle and Rhonda Beckwith. They are seeking one more volunteer to serve with them. Anyone willing is to call Rivers at 966-3339 or contact a supervisor.

Secondly, the established park committee is seeking new members. Chairman Rob Stuck has been “flying solo” and volunteers are needed to oversee and maintain the township park. Anyone interested should contact Stuck or a supervisor.

Some progress on the blight fight has been made, with one property owner having been cited twice and fined. A 30-day period was given for him to show progress or face more fines. Other unkempt properties were identified and will be addressed. New lighting has been installed in the park; the police headquarters is now in the township building in the park, and park security is being upgraded. The new police cruiser has been delivered and will be in service pending radio installation. The supervisors are considering the employment of one full-time officer, which would qualify the township for available grant money.

Kansas Branch Road will have sluices replaced this month and will be paved in October. The Berger Hollow bridge was found to be unsafe and will be repaired directly. Three more private roads were named and signage will be erected. Residents are reminded to have their house numbers visible and in compliance with the code.

This year’s trick-or-treat hours will be from 6 till 7:30 p.m. on Halloween. During these same hours, ghosts and goblins will have the option of haunting the township’s TRUNK-or-treat , which will be held in the park off Sweitzer Drive.

The supervisors will hold a 2019 budget meeting on Oct 22 at 6 p.m. at the township office. This is an open meeting which the public is invited to attend.