Recently, township solicitor Patrick Fanelli addressed Antis Township supervisors regarding a letter the township received from Bellwood Borough.
The letter was written to address problems with the sewer system and inflow infiltration issues, some of which may be occurring within the township.
The borough asked if the supervisors would be willing to amend the township’s current sewer ordinance to give either the township or the borough the authority to monitor storm drains or means by which storm water is getting into the sewer system.
Another option would be for the supervisors to name an agent, in this case Bellwood Borough, to take care of monitoring and checking on any problems concerning inflow infiltration issues.
Supervisor Amato said he had spoke with members of Borough Council and their main request is for someone to be able to check for floor drains and downspouts that are putting water in the sewer system. They currently can do this within the borough but want to check within Antis Township too.
Fanelli said, “I don’t think the ordinance needs amended. I think you would simply need to name them (the borough) as the agents.”
This problem stems from the fact that a treatment facility plant must be paid for the sewage that is carried out of the borough. However, when there are unauthorized hookups such as floor drains, this causes unnecessary water in the sewer system. In essence, the borough is paying for storm water to be treated, which is an unnecessary cost.
“I think it’s a great thing,” said Mr. Amato.
The borough will conduct the testing; Antis Township really wouldn’t be involved other than giving them permission.
In a roll call vote, the supervisors granted permission for Bellwood Borough to monitor storm drains or means by which storm water is getting into the sewer system.
In other business, the board renewed the animal control agreement with the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society. They also approved a request from Home Nursing Agency to release funds allocated in the 2005 budget in the amount of $3,000.
The board approved the minutes from their regular meeting held on January 3, the CDBG public hearing January 6, and the Antis Township Safety Committee meeting on January 10. The Antis Township Road Report for January was also accepted.
Supervisor Ray Amato announced that, “All equipment for summer work has been repaired, and it’s up and ready to go, all we need is summer.”
Supervisor Dr. Robert Walker commended the Antis Township workers for the care that they take with the equipment.
“The thing that I marveled at are our trucks are the cleanest, neatest trucks in any community. I opened the door and looked where the driver sits, looked under the seat and it looked new. There was a tool box and flashlight.
“We’re going to buy another small truck and I know it will be taken care of. They are very organized here…everything is in its place,” added Dr. Walker.
Board chairman, Ray Amato, also stated after the meeting, he will seek another term on the board in the May Primary Election.
