North Union needs salt
This year’s winter almost has depleted North Union Township’s supply of salt, forcing the supervisors Tuesday to declare an emergency and attempt to purchase as much as 300 tons as soon as possible. Supervisor Tom Kumor said the township had extra salt from the past few winters, which were mild; however, township crews already have used 1,500 tons of salt, more snow is forecast this week and winter is not officially over for another five weeks.
“We have another 60 tons, and that’s it. We can’t get any more, and no one has any to give,” Kumor said.
Solicitor Donald McCue said the supervisors could declare an emergency and attempt to buy salt in the open market to keep enough supply on hand to finish the winter.
“You can’t go without salt under these conditions, so what other options do you have available?” he said.
The supervisors purchased 1,000 tons of salt at the state Department of Transportation’s negotiated rate last year. Kumor suggested the supervisors purchase 1,500 tons from the state program for winter 2003-2004, because up to 1,200 tons can be stored under roof.
Kumor said he is not sure where the township will find salt to get them through the rest of the winter, but he added that he is hoping to purchase 200 to 300 tons immediately.
“We cut back three weeks ago,” he said. “But by the weekend, we will be out of salt.”
In other matters, the supervisors voted to authorize McCue to petition the court to allow the township to proceed with the demolition of a Kennedy Street Extension property that was the home of the Bobish family, four members of which were shot and killed April 14.
The home remains as it was found that morning, and McCue said the court will decide how the balance of funds will be distributed. Any funds that are left after the demolition and site restoration costs are paid to the township will be given to the estates of Larry Bobish Sr. and his wife, Joanna.
McCue said the attorneys for the estate agree that the home needs razing soon, and he expects the court to act swiftly as soon as the petition is filed.
The supervisors also voted to demolish a home on Bouquet Street sometime after Feb. 18, which will be 30 days from the day McCue’s office received a return from a letter sent to the property owners.
McCue told the supervisors to keep track of all expenses related to the demolition of the site.
The township officials also adopted a resolution that will permit the disposal of non-permanent records from 1984 through 1987 after the supervisors’ March 11 meeting. Anyone who wishes to see the records or has questions about what records are slated for disposal should contact the township office.