Two new members appointed to panel
Washington Township supervisors appointed two new members to the zoning hearing board and planning commission Wednesday. Supervisors appointed Chuck Hewitt of Washington Township to the township’s zoning hearing board. Hewitt, who was currently serving on the township’s planning commission, will replace the late Pete Sopko Jr. on the board.
Chairman John Yetsconish said Hewitt brings “a lot of experience to the board,” noting he had also served on the zoning hearing board in the past.
Supervisors appointed Ted Rodgers of Washington Township to replace Hewitt on the planning commission.
Joanne Latkanich, supervisor and secretary-treasurer was not sure of the length of the two terms.
In other business, Yetsconish said the township will host a tub grinder demonstration Monday, May 13 at 8 a.m. Yetsconish said he applied for a $154,935 grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to purchase a tub grinder ($157,500) from Bandit Industries, Delaware; jersey barriers ($1,220) and a case skid steer ($30,325) for the townships composite site located behind the municipal building. The total cost of the combined purchases is $184,935. The township would pay the remaining $30,000 for the purchase, Yetsconish said.
According to Yetsconish the new tub grinder will turn unwanted waste like leaves, grass, tree limbs, small tree stumps and hedge clippings into usable compost and landscaping mulch, which will be given away.
He said the township’s current grinder can only grind tree limbs. He said they need a new grinder to give them more space behind the building.
Yetsconish invited other communities, including Belle Vernon and North Belle Vernon to the demonstration. He said they would also be welcome to the use the machine after purchase.