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The Highland Township Board of Supervisors plans to seek bids for repairs at a bridge on Pig’s Ear Road.
The
bridge on the unpaved road between Routes 66/948 and Four Corners
carries vehicles over the East Branch of Spring Creek in the Allegheny
National Forest.
The township plans to use part of its share of revenue from the liquid fuels tax to cover the cost of the bridge repairs. Speaking at Thursday’s meeting of the board, Supervisor Charles Vaughn said the township has $10,000 in its liquid fuels tax account and plans to receive another $8,000. Combined, this gives the township $18,000 for bridge repairs.Work on the guardrails will take top priority, the supervisors agreed. The bridge also needs to be sandblasted and painted. Foundation work also is needed. Supervisor Jack Vanderneck said the repairs might be done “piecemeal” because funds may not be available to perform all the needed work in one year. In other business at the meeting, the supervisors: • Discussed possible improvements at the skate/bike park in James City. Vaughn said the township has $6,230 available in federal community development funds for upgrades at the skate/bike park. However, this amount may be insufficient to cover the cost of a proposed ramp system. The supervisors said they might either reduce the scope of the proposed project or try to find additional funds to cover the cost. • Agreed to seek bids for oil for the annual treatment of certain township roads. The supervisors expect exorbitant bids due to the rise in oil and gasoline prices. Vaughn, who also serves as township roadmaster, said he hopes to “tar and chip” a section of Sackett Road this summer. • Heard comments from Marsha Buhl, president of the township recreation committee. She asked for township assistance in constructing horseshoe pits in an area at the rear of the Highland Township Fire Hall in James City. • Heard a report from Vaughn on the township’s plan to hire a grant-writer to prepare applications for certain grants. He said the township needs to find “someone who knows how” to obtain the grants. • Agreed to remove the saw-blade sign at the entrance of James City and bring it to the residence of Mary Ellen “Gabby” Morris in James City. She plans to refurbish the coating on the sign, which she developed as part of the James City Centennial. • Discussed plans for a Veterans Memorial at a gazebo in James City. • Received questions from Fred Gezik of James City about the type of diesel fuel purchased by the township. He claims there is a difference in price between off-road and on-road diesel fuel. Vaughn said the township buys its fuel at “the lowest prices we can get.” • Endorsed Ethan Skrzypek of St. Marys for a scholarship offered by the Elk County Association of Township Officials. Highland Township students reportedly did not apply for the award. • Heard Vaughn read a statement linked with his monetary penalty for alleged violations of the state Ethics Law for municipal officials. Following an investigation, the state Ethics Commission has ordered Vaughn to pay $7,074.80 to the state. Speaking at the meeting, Norm Gezik of James City said Vaughn’s “lame excuses don’t jive with the findings of the Ethics Commission.” Gezik also wondered why Vaughn didn’t appeal the Ethics Commission order. Vaughn said he “couldn’t afford” additional attorney fees to challenge the ruling. When Leo Niklas of James City joined in the discussion about the issue, Vaughn as board chairman declared the meeting adjourned. After Vaughn rose from his seat and said he was going to call the State Police to come to the meeting hall, most of the 15 residents at the forum got up and left.
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