CLEARFIELD – Several items were addressed by the Lawrence Township Supervisors at Tuesday’s meeting.
Supervisor Jeremy Ruffner reported that the appraisal for the building in Hyde was completed and the appraisal for the George Street building will be done soon. The township will get the appraisals in about five to six weeks.
The supervisors voted to put the Hyde building out for bid once the appraisals are in.
Ruffner explained that the township is looking for ways to ultimately save on costs, and a long-term goal is to have everything under one roof.
He said they are looking into finding a building that would house offices, a meeting room, the garage and also the police department, with room to grow.
He said if this is accomplished the township could realize significant savings and operate more efficiently.
Supervisor Dan Mitchell noted that prior to 1967, the township officials worked out of their homes and then the building on George Street was constructed.
The supervisors also approved purchasing a new police car to replace the one involved in a recent crash.
The supervisors have one quote, the police chief has another, which he was unable to present due to another commitment, and a third quote is also available. The motion provided that the township would go with the lowest quote.
The township just recently purchased a new car as part of the rotation system, where they replace vehicles on a schedule. A police car can only be in service for 150,000 miles.
Residents are reminded that the township has ordinances regarding loud music and cooking fires. With warmer weather, more people are playing stereos outside, and if the music is too loud, they can be cited.
Also, if you have a cooking/camp fire, remember to use clean wood. The township encourages residents to take yard waste to the compost site on Mann Road.
Code Enforcement Officer Debra Finkbeiner added that property code violations have tripled in recent years, and this is partially due to increased arrests for illegal drugs and other family members becoming overwhelmed. The number one problem is garbage, followed by weeds and general blight.
Finkbeiner said if a residence receives a card in the door, it is a courtesy notice and that owners should contact her office. She can then help them set up a plan to take care of the problem.