(2/2022) Liberty Township Explores Vehicle Maintenance Options

Liberty Township Board of Supervisors discussed, Tuesday, the possibility of allowing township vehicle maintenance to be performed by Supervisor Brandon Lowe.

In an effort to preserve costs regarding township vehicles, Lowe was suggested as able to perform duties as a mechanic.

A certified master technician, Lowe formerly worked at Crisswell Automotive and now works locally at Buchanan.

As opposed to hiring an official township mechanic or sending vehicles to other repair shops, the council discussed the possibility of having Lowe perform paid maintenance on township vehicles.

"He won’t be part of the roadcrew, he’s a busy man," Supervisor Bobby Keilholtz said.

Liberty Police Chief Sherri Hansen noted the expense of regular police vehicle maintenance and the importance of a reliable, certified mechanic.

Keilholtz suggested the elected auditors review Lowe’s resume and hourly rates and explore the difference in workman’s compensation rates.

Township officials were also encouraged to reach out to the township’s insurance carrier for differential quotes for a part-time mechanic as well as the Pennsylvania Association of Township Supervisors (PSTATS) for advice.

"The more information you get the better it is," Keilholtz said.

Comcast Cable Franchise Fee Contract Reviewed

In other business, a proposed Comcast cable franchise fee contract was reviewed by township solicitor John Lisko.

Lisko compared the proposal with one presented to another municipality represented by Lisko in 2013, "It’s almost word for word the exact same contract," he said.

The proposal does not contain requirements for system removal, he noted. More discussion is expected in February in which the Supervisors will review the comments made by the solicitor regarding Comcast’s proposal for service.

Plaque Of Appreciation Awarded

A plaque of appreciation was also presented at the council meeting to Bart Hogan in grateful recognition of his outstanding service to the Liberty Township community.

Hogan served on the Planning Commission from 1998-2005 and the Zoning and Hearing Board from 2006- 2021. "I think after 27 years in the U.S Navy, he was pleased to serve the community," said Judie Hogan, his wife, and Chair of the Planning Commission, accepting the award on his behalf.

"Well, we sure appreciate it," Keilholtz said.

Bell plaque mockup presented

At its January 25 meeting, Fairfield Borough Council brought up several topics to be discussed in greater detail this month.

Fairfield moves closer to an official Town Hall bell dedication with the presentation of a mockup plaque.

The former schoolhouse bell was restored and put on display in front of the Town Hall in September.

The image of the potential plaque was created by the International Bronze Plaque Company and is 8 by 16 inches.

"It’s a nice size, it's not overpowering," Smith said, adding that the plaque price at that size is $475.

The potential plaque for the schoolhouse bell includes a dedication to Charles Landis, the first mayor of Fairfield.

When the official plaque has been approved and delivered, an official dedication ceremony is expected in the spring, Smith said.

Maintenance truck hitch discussed

At its January 25 meeting, Fairfield Borough Council discussed options to transport heavy maintenance equipment and presented a mockup plaque for the anticipated bell display Tuesday.

Council President Patricia Smith brought up the possibility of purchasing a rack and ramp for the rear of the maintenance pickup truck to load and transport the brough’s snowblower and lawn mower.

"Trying to heft the snowblower into the back of the truck to get it down to the municipal lot is a challenge," Smith said. Continually lugging the municipality's snowblower or lawn mower up and out of the bed of the truck is "asking for injury," and a lower hitch might help ease access and alleviate that, she said.

Price ranges for the rack and ramp are estimated between $300 and $500, Smith said.

The council also discussed the possibility of purchasing a landscaping trailer to store and transport equipment.

More information and price estimates are expected to be presented this month.