BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP NEWSLETTER 2011
In 2010 we kept you informed of township activities via our website. As not all people have access to a computer or just plain like a hard copy to review, we are including a summary of 2010 activities in your tax notice. Key data about the township can still be viewed on the web site or is available from the Township secretary @ (570) 278-1373.
STORM OF JANUARY 28, 2010
Heavy rain and melting snow overburdened ditches and culverts creating major road damage. Supervisors had a great concern on repairing roads before more storms, as many had extent of damage that prohibited plowing of snow and cindering, making them unsafe for residents. With great response of our road crew and local contractors all roads were passable for our residents and equipment. We again thank Wink Frystak, Bill Lawrence, Dan Warner and our crew for their immediate response and continued effort through very difficult conditions of rain, snow, and near zero temperatures.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Our employees are to be commended for their exceptional effort in 2010 from the major storm in January, that created unforeseen road, ditch and culvert damage requiring immediate repairs, the usual winter storms requiring plowing and cindering and then a major snowstorm over three days, took action at all hours of the day and night to keep the roads open. Additional repairs from the January storm were completed in the spring with the replacement or repairs of numerous culverts and washouts. Working of roads and mowing were hampered by the presence of the Dawson Group and their seismic testing cables along and across the roads. This created many frustrating moments and meetings. Thru it all, our employees persevered and stepped up to all challenges and had roads worked at least once by early September. Culvert work included replacement of larger pipes on Phillips, Williams, Singer and Darrow Hill roads and many smaller pipes across the township. Approximately 150 street signs on township roads, 48 street signs on 4 digit state routes and 100 weight limit signs, plus numerous caution signs were erected. An additional 30-40 signs that were stolen or damaged throughout the year were replaced. Our employees also maintained equipment, our facilities, painted three trucks and were responsible of the upkeep on 6 cemeteries.
FACILITY MAINTENANCE
A new entrance designed by Kirk Heffner, was built and the door replaced for the Secretary's office by our employees under the direction of Kirk Heffner. A special thanks to Kirk and our employees for a job well done.
CLEAN UP DAYS
This year the township staff and Charlie Gayson (owner of CGE) decided to use a different approach on this subject. Clean up days were set for a Saturday and Monday in the middle of July. Containers were located @ the municipal building, one for metal and one for all other acceptable materials. Residents were able to bring their own items or the township could pick up at their residence. Response was much improved over previous years and we will repeat this again in 2011. We are also planning to arrange for the recycling of tires in 2011 at the request of our residents.
WEBSITE
Connie Ely, township secretary/treasurer was instrumental in setting up a web site that you may access at your leisure. This site is updated periodically to reflect and inform you of activities that affect our township and residents ie: road closing, legislative updates, state and federal mandates. If you have an item that would have impact on township residents, please contact Connie @ 278-1373 or e-mail the address on the website.
AIRPORT ZONING
The township was notified in July 2010 that we were in need of an Airport Hazard Zoning Ordinance and were mandated to attend a workshop on the subject. Chuck and Mary Mead ( faithful township volunteer) attended. At the workshop they learned that under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation 14CFR Part 77 and under sec. 5912 of the aviation code 74 PA 5912 that, every municipality having an airport hazard area within its territorial limits, is required to provide zoning regulations. Husky Haven Airport near South Montrose, was presented as in need of coverage under said law. Work has begun on an ordinance with a rough draft review taking place January 2011 by our consultant, the airport owner, the township supervisors and secretary and Susquehanna County Planning Director (Bob Templeton). Our consultant is working closely with PADOT Bureau of Aviation (BOA) on the formulation of the ordinance. Bridgewater Township is continuing to work on an ordinance that meets the regulations and places minimal impact on the areas affected.
READDRESSING
Readdressing was completed in the township zip codes this year. The township has updated all street signs to the official names that were approved by the USPS, PA DOT and the 911 staff. We urge all property owners who have not done so to install your house number so that it can be seen from the road by the emergency responders. Reflective signs may be ordered from the United Fire Company in Montrose.
CENSUS 2010
The township supervisors and staff played an active role in the completion of the 2010 census. Our facility was used to conduct training and follow up classes. Thanks to all who participated, the accuracy of the census is very important to the township as a portion of our funding is based on population figures. The census is also key in redistricting of the state.
MUNICIPAL TRAINING/CERTIFICATIONS
Our township employees, elected and appointed officials continued training on key subjects to keep current on the latest legislation, mandates & procedures. Courses completed in 2010 include:
Connie: municipal secretary training, municipal bidding, bookkeeping and accounting, PSATS unemployment compensation Insurance.
Kirk: dirt and gravel road certification, train the trainer certification to provide training on Penn Dot mandated flagger training
Township Auditors: municipal auditor training was completed by Dawn Arnold, Peggy Jerauld & Beverly Way
Chuck: sign inventory management system mandated by Federal Highway Safety Act, airport hazard zoning workshop mandated by FAA & BOA, Pa DOT course on access to and occupancy of driveways, local roads and utilities
Jack Lasher and Doug Lotten: wild well control, gas well safety
NOTEWORTHY
Bill Gorski's declining health and the aggravation of former injuries resulted in his being unable to continue to work for the township. Please extend appreciation to Bill for his many years of service to the township.
NATURAL GAS
Bridgewater Township is seeing an impact from the natural gas activity. The supervisors have been working with the various companies as they come forward with plans to use township roads. Nearly all of the companies have shown a desire to make improvements to the roads before their activity starts and with the exception of the Dawson Group, have been very cooperative.
Although not many wells have been drilled within the township, the companies are using our roads to gain access to well sites in neighboring townships. Two wells have been drilled in the township and they are at the Markovitch and Holbrook sites. Several more are planned for the coming year. Cabot Oil & Gas, Carrizo Oil & Gas and Williams Production Appalachin are presently active in the township. Chesapeake has recently shown interest. Although actual drilling activity has been limited in the township, local businesses are experiencing a positive impact.
DEP NOTICE
The township has been notified that effective Nov. 19, 2010 a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit will be required from the Conservation District prior to commencement of all earth disturbance activity exceeding 1 acre.
Examples are new single lot homes with disturbance area consisting of cleared building lot, driveways, access road, utility lines, soil stock piles and staging area of more than 1 acre.
Municipalities may not issue a building permit for a 1 plus acre site until a NPDES permit has been issued by the conservation district.
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