CLEARFIELD – The Lawrence Township Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of a new police vehicle and a dump truck and also discussed the option of sharing a sewer jet truck with the Clearfield Municipal Authority at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Board Chairman Glenn Johnston said the township has one police vehicle that’s out of service. Although it has others, they’ve incurred a lot of mileage.
“I think that it is time that we replace the vehicle,” said Johnston. “Our only question is that with the rural topography of our township, should we go with another sports utility vehicle or with a regular automobile?”
Vice Chairman William Lawhead said he had contacted Tri-Star Motors in Blairsville and they have a 2011 Ford Expedition. He added that it would have to be up-fitted at an approximate cost of $5,000 to $6,000.
Then, he said the township police would have two SUVs on the road. The cost of the SUV is $27,850 before up-fitting. Johnston and Lawhead approved the police vehicle purchase.
Johnston also suggested the board move forward with the purchase of a new dump truck with the order being placed before the end of August. The board approved the dump truck purchase.
“It’s obvious from the amount of money being spent on repairs that we’re experiencing it with the approaching winter. I think it’s prudent and we had talked about it before,” said Johnston.
Lawhead said the sewer jet truck is aging, and it is on the verge of replacement. He said there was discussion a few years ago with Clearfield Borough and the municipal authority on sharing the cost of a Jet Vac Truck.
He said Clearfield Borough has since purchased its own equipment. However, the municipal authority is open to sharing this equipment with the township.
“Before anything goes anywhere, they want some type of usage agreement drawn up before anybody goes to any expenses,” Lawhead said.
The board decided that Naddeo will contact Municipal Authority Solicitor John Ryan to explore available options.
“It will need replaced before long,” said Lawhead, “Although it isn’t anything that needs done right now.”
