Lower Tyrone officials to by EMA radio
LOWER TYRONE TWP. – Supervisors Tuesday agreed to purchase a radio for Emergency Management Agency (EMA) representative James Rearick Jr. Rearick said communications between the township and the Dawson Volunteer Fire Company is very “lax” and explained that he is the first responder in case of an emergency, such as a hurricane, tornado or airplane crash.
“God forbid we should have another disaster like Flight 92,” said Rearick. “But if it should happen, at least I will be able to get in touch with the proper officials.”
Rearick said he is the “eyes and ears” of the government as the township’s appointed EMA officer.
He additionally said that every municipality in the state has an EMA coordinator.
A used radio in good condition with a two-year warranty will cost the township about $475. Rearick said he is the only person who will be using he radio.
In other matters, supervisors announced that Upper Hulltown Road is still closed for road construction.
Supervisor Chairman Ernie Walters said the road was closed July 14 and is scheduled to reopen prior to the first day of school for Frazier School District students, which is on Aug. 29.
Walters additionally said that guiderails would have to be installed on the road before it can reopen.
Resident Emma Jane Davis asked supervisors if new waterlines would be installed in the township to provide public drinking water for residents. Supervisor Luke Knapp said the township engineers have agreed that water is needed between Crossroads and Davis.
That area, according to Knapp, is on Banning/Chaintown and School roads. Knapp said the 1,000-foot section would take in five houses and a large milk farm when completed.
He additionally said that this summer’s drought has been hard on farmers and residents who do not have public drinking water.
“The rain we had yesterday or the day before wasn’t much,” said Knapp. “It is going to take a lot more than that to fill people’s cisterns.”
Secretary Traci Harrold told supervisors that Art Capella has been contacted concerning breaking the lease on the Dawson Grange ball field.
Harrold said Capella will contact solicitor Rich Husband or the township after he has verified what the township is permitted to do.
Last month, township resident Janet Smith brought up the subject and Husband said that the supervisors had not had a chance to discuss it yet.
Smith additionally said that she had been in contact with Capella and that she was told if the township received grant money over three years ago for renovations at the ball field and the money was used for what it was earmarked for, the lease could be broken.
The Dawson Grange wants to break the lease so they can take the ball field back.