A Bradford company will perform a boundary survey for a proposed soccer field in James City.

Acting at a meeting Tuesday, the Highland Township Board of Supervisors agreed to hire E&M Engineers and Surveyors of Bradford to stake out the proposed field on a site between the township office in James City and Vermont Avenue.

The scope of the work calls for the company to prepare a map stamped by a licensed surveyor. Ground elevations will be obtained for use in a contour map linked with possible earthwork and drainage plans.

The cost of the work is set at $2,400. The company is expected to complete the survey within a month.

Supervisors Paul Burton and Charles Vaughn approved the agreement with E&M. Supervisor Jack Vanderneck was unable to attend the meeting due to a medical problem. The meeting was moved to Tuesday from Wednesday because Burton had a conflict with a Wednesday's doctor's appointment in Pittsburgh.

In other business at the meeting, the supervisors:

•Agreed to hire Communications Specialists of Bradford to prepare applications for grants for township activities.

"You don't always get them, but you can keep trying," Vaughn said in supporting efforts to hire a professional to prepare grant applications.

•Accepted a lone bid from Midland Asphalt of Tonawanda, N.Y. for road oil. The price is $2.05 per gallon for 25,000 gallons. The oil will be used with gravel to improve the surface of several township roads.

•Announced that no bids have been received for the replacement of 250 feet of guardrails at the Pig's Ear Road bridge over the East Branch of Spring Creek. Vaughn, the township roadmaster, plans to seek quotes for the work. He said the township plans to make bridge improvements in "increments."

•Received a petition signed by 45 residents who question the use of an unlocked beer cooler at the Highland Township Fire Hall.

Jodi Weidenhoff of James City said she circulated the petition. She believes the cooler should be "locked up." She claims an unlocked cooler creates "a liability on all of us."

•Discussed other issues regarding the Highland Township Volunteer Fire Department. Vaughn said "somebody on disability" shouldn't be "going on fire calls."

He said the supervisors are "looking into the fire company" and plan to "address the whole works."

Because of the rising cost of fuel, Weidenhoff questioned the use of fire department vehicles to deliver pizza and other foods during fire department fund-raising events.

•Agreed to help the Highland Township Recreational Board with its efforts to obtain federal tax-exempt status. Marsha Buhl, president of the board, said the tax-exempt status would help bring in more donations.

•Received a request from Glen Hulings of James City to make township students aware of a scholarship given each year by the Elk County Association of Township Officials to a graduating high school senior.