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Lawrence replacing two vehicles
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
By Wendy Lynn Brion Staff Writer
Lawrence Township will purchase a new police vehicle and a new truck to replace worn out vehicles in its fleet.
During last night's meeting Supervisor Bill Lawhead said they need to start looking at replacing some of the vehicles and said he contacted Tri-Star Motors in Blairsville. He said they have a 2011 Ford Expedition available at a cost of $27,850. The township can use COSTARS to purchase the vehicle with a discount of $10,845 and the township would then have two Expeditions on the road. Both Lawhead and Supervisor Glenn Johnston agreed that having another four-wheel drive vehicle would be a good idea on the rural roads of the township. Supervisor Ed Brown was absent.
The outfitting package for the vehicle will cost around $5,000.
The supervisors also discussed purchasing a new truck for the township. Lawhead said they just spent $2,000 in repairs in one of the trucks. He said he called around and if they want a 2013 truck they will have to wait until January or February. To get a 2012 truck they have to act now. After some additional discussion, the supervisors agreed to purchase another truck.
Two vehicles will then be placed for bid on the Internet. The supervisors voted to sell the 2001 Lumina and the 1995 truck on Municibid.
Parking changes on George Road and Warren Drive were discussed due to the changes in parking at the high school. Lawhead said he and interim Police Chief Mark Brooks looked at the situation and decided the only solution is to post both streets as no parking, standing or spotting and the township will enact an ordinance to that effect.
Also, the police are working with the state police and Clearfield Borough Police to establish a weapons training range in the township. The facility will include a "shoot house" for training for hostage situations, a target range, a pavilion and an old school bus for additional hostage situation training. The facility will be surrounded by an earth barrier and wooden fence and will be for police personnel only.
Lawhead reported the police are purchasing noise-flash diversionary devices, also known as flash-bang devices, and will be creating a protocol for their use.
In other business:
• Secretary Barbara Shaffner reported on the Minimum Municipal Obligations for the pension plans for 2013. The cost for general employees is $28,539 for 10 employees and the cost for police is $144,613 for seven officers.
• the supervisors voted to advertise the open position on the township planning commission after Chairman Rick Mattern resigned last week. There is still a vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board and that will also be re-advertised. Johnston noted that the zoning board only holds hearings once or twice a year.
• the supervisors asked Code Enforcement Officer Agatha Lauder-English to look into a noise complaint on the Waroquier Coal Bishop Operation. A resident called and complained they were starting work at 4:30 a.m. If this is correct the supervisors will look into limiting the operation times.
• the supervisors approved a variance for Waroquier Coal on Proud Road, allowing it to mine within 100 feet of the roadway. The township has approved similar variances for other companies.
Johnston presented a check to the township for his share of dust oil on the road near his home and suggested the township double its budget for use of the dust oil next year. He said he was very pleased with the result. It holds the road surface in place, deters erosion and sheds water.
An executive session was held with no action taken by the board.
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