Bradford Township will be repairing a sewer line problem on Ann Lane, located off West Washington Street.
Township Supervisor Chairman Jim Erwin explained during Monday’s regular meeting that a crew was out Sunday looking at a plugged main sewer line that has been causing problems for some time. A crew from Foster Township came out to help, too, Erwin noted.
A 200-foot section of main line needs replaced due to tree roots growing into it, which is causing sewer back-ups in two or three houses.
Supervisors voted in favor of sending the township’s road crew there to fix the problem this spring.
Erwin noted that the township’s machine wouldn’t pressure up, so they were unable to open up the sewer line. A crew is going to take the machine apart today to see if it is plugged. If the issue is one the township can’t fix, they may have to take it to Mars, Pa., for servicing.
Also at the meeting, Erwin brought up issues with the township’s street sweeper. The township has already been getting calls about sweeping because spring is coming.
The township’s sweeper isn’t working, and officials discussed what to do.
Officials ultimately voted in favor of trying to purchase a used sweeper with a limit of $50,000. Supervisor Mark Cline and Erwin voted in favor of a used sweeper, while Supervisor Steve Mascho said he would rather wait and see if they can fix theirs.
Mascho also suggested the township use just salt on some roads rather than both sand and salt, as he believes it will save the township money.
Supervisors passed a motion to hire a full-time garbage crew laborer at a rate of $17.50 an hour. Erwin and Cline voted in favor of the hire, and Mascho voted against it.
All three supervisors voted in favor of a mutual aid agreement between Bradford City, Foster Township and Bradford Township police departments.
Also, all three voted yes to a motion to advertise to receive bids for 2021-22 road material, which will be opened at the April meeting.
Under the monthly police report, Cline said the police department is grateful motorists slowed down and drove cautiously during February’s bad weather. The department only investigated one motor vehicle accident that month.
Also, the police department will be paying special attention to people who are not obeying school bus lights due to people failing to stop. He reminded the public there is a fine of $250 and other costs for failing to stop for a school bus.
“Upon approach of a school bus with yellow flashing lights, be prepared to stop,” as the lights will likely be turning red, Cline explained.
From mid-March to the end of April, township police will be doing an enforcement campaign to watch for unsafe driving habits such as speeding and distracted driving. The primary focus will be on work zone safety because the township road department and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will be out making repairs.
Residents were reminded not to mail or drop off any tax payments to Beth Monti. Carrie Stiles is the new tax collector, and people can mail or drop off payments to Stiles at 1443 South Ave. Hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Under public participation, Bob Burrell asked multiple questions, including to see if there was an update on price increases for Bradford City ambulance service. The supervisors indicated that information may not be available until it is clear what changes will take place at Bradford Regional Medical Center, but Erwin said he would call the city today to see if there is an update.
The next monthly meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 12 with a limit of 12 people in attendance: seven board and staff and five residents. This is an increase of two from this month, when the limit was 10 people.
