Jessup News Post - July 2009

Township Meeting was held at 7:30 PM on 1 July.

Bids were opened for purchase of 1000 yards of cinders. The two bids were discussed and the higher bid, by Keefer Trucking, was selected over the bid by Brown Farm. The selection was made due to the ability of Keefer to deliver tonnage more rapidly with price certainty since it's bid was firm while the other bid had a clause allowing unknown price increases based on fuel costs.

The issue of natural gas pipelines and seismic testing along township roads was discussed again because a gas company had informed the town that it planned to do seismic testing along a town road. It was decided to inform a concerned resident on that road of the planned activity. The town officials hope to meet with a Cabot representative soon to discuss Cabot's plans; Cabot is expected to begin activity here in the Fall. The roadmaster again voiced opposition to pipelines along road right of ways; but that issue may be raised again.

The township will explore leasing its property for gas exploration.

The township met with the NTC to resolve the issue of payments for composting equipment. About half the NTC towns are using the equipment and half are not. We are not, but are still liable for paying our share of costs. It was decided to reimburse the NTC for past costs ( or dues) of about $470; but to stipulate that no further costs/dues would be paid and that the equipment should be used by those that want it.

An opportunity to buy a used JD544 loader was discussed. The loader would cost $7000 and about another $10,000 for repairs. It's value would be substantially higher once fixed and the costs might be offset partially by sale of the existing older loader. A motion was passed to purchase the JD544 loader and to advertise the old loader for sale.

The next township meeting will be August 5 at 7:30PM. The next NTC meeting will be held August 20 at 7 PM in Middletown.

The county gas task force meeting is scheduled for 9:30AM Thursday, 23July. It is held in the street level conference room of the County Office Building; it often overflows into the Economic Development Board meeting at 10AM in the lower level conference room.

I have another meeting that morning and may not attend; so I'll post the July News now.