Act 13 funding may reduce local sewer/water borrowing / By Martha Knight

LIBERTY VILLA—Liberty Township supervisor chairman Gary Turner says the township will pursue a fair share of Act 13 funds, and use those funds to minimize the township’s need to borrow to meet the local cost of an upcoming water-sewer project in the township.

Turner made that declaration at the regular monthly meeting of the township board of supervisors, held last Tuesday night. He said he has an email from McKean County Commissioner Joe DeMott containing assurances that Act 13 money would be forthcoming for such township use. He plans to discuss the township’s application for those funds with the county Economic Development office.

With Act 13 Marcellus Shale funds, a share of those allocated to the county, Turner told the township residents present, township borrowing for the project will be lowered. User rates will be stabilized, and may not have to be increased much, if any, to amortize the loan.

None of the cost will fall on taxpayers as such, Turner emphasized. Also, a majority of the new users will be eligible for help with their hook-on costs, thanks to funds set aside for that purpose from a Community Development Block Grant. The hook-on costs will not have to be met until 2015, Turner believes.

Turner and fellow supervisor Fred Ernst III discussed a change in dumpster service at the township headquarters, proposed by SDS Casella. They decided not to accept the proposed change in service as outlined by the disposal company, but to suggest changes.

The supervisors have not accepted their meeting attendance fees but have used those funds to cover the monthly cost of having the Olean based hauler empty a three-bin dumpster twice a month, for $166 a month. SDS has proposed switching to a weekly schedule for emptying the dumpsters, because some users have left discards outside the dumpsters and “made a mess.” The company proposes to charge $290 for weekly service.

The supervisors will propose a different approach, they said, and act on a new agreement later.

Also postponed were a decision about their position on naming Route 6 a National Scenic Byway, and a response to a letter from FEMA concerning the flood plain status of a property that is not found on the tax rolls.

Turner reviewed a stormwater management ordinance requirement stating that culverts must be at least 18 inches in diameter. Waivers can be applied for, he noted, allowing for a 15-inch minimum.

Smaller culverts have caused problems for the township in maintaining its roads, and also for property owners. A recent instance involved a too-narrow culvert freezing, and water flowing over the drive and roadway and causing damage.

Other places where the hard winter has left roads and bridges in need of repair, and ditches needing to be cleared, were reported by some of the township residents in attendance. The supervisors promised that they will look at the areas mentioned, and take the necessary measures as soon as possible.

Bridge repairs and the addition of guide rail sections are other projects awaiting better weather.