Edgmont Twp. Awards Snow Removal Contract

The Board of Supervisors awarded the township's winter 2011 snow removal contract, changed township mileage reimbursement guidelines, and awarded a special events permit to New Liberty Baptist Church for an outdoor event at its meeting Wednesday night. 

Snow Removal Contract Awarded

The township received three bids for winter 2011 snow plow services, from RC Marlin and Associates, Neff Construction Company, and Knight Brothers. Neff Construction Company submitted the lowest bid, received Aug. 17, and was awarded the bid after a unanimous vote from the board.

Mileage Reimbursement Guidelines Changed

On June 23, the Internal Revenue Service announced a 4.5-cent increase in per mile mileage reimbursements, raising the rate from 51 cents to 55.5 cents. Usually Edgmont follows the federal guidelines for mileage reimbursement, township manager and treasurer Samantha Reiner said.

Board chairman Ronald Gravina voiced concerns about raising the reimbursement rate.

"Just because the federal government pulls the trigger on certain things … doesn't mean that the township has to agree," he said, also noting that the price of gas is down right now.

Reiner replied that while the cost of gas may be down, that does not account for any vehicle repairs that owners must pay due to use.

Supervisor William "Chip" Mackrides agreed with Gravina that the township should not be led by the federal government on everything, but also said that in the scheme of things, it's easier to follow federal guidelines on this subject. Mackrides made a motion to approve 55 cents as the new rate for the township, so as not to deal with fractions.

Vice-chairman Joseph Conan seconded the motion.

"I'll second it simply because of the repair level for vehicles," Conan explained. "There's no way to differentiate between maintenance for vehicles and gas."

Reiner then said that she had already approved the mileage reimbursements for the month at 55.5 cents per mile.

So that Reiner would not have to correct all the reimbursements, Mackrides amended his motion to be 55.5 cents per mile and Conan seconded the motion. "But it's going down to 55 cents next month," Mackrides said.

Other News

The board also unanimously approved an outdoor event permit for New Liberty Baptist Church for Friday through Sunday, Aug. 26 to 28. The church will have live gospel music at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night, and an outdoor church service on Sunday at 11 a.m. About 75 people are expected to attend each day, Pastor Michael Wilps said.

The Edgmont Township 2011 Road Work Project will be begin Aug. 29 on areas of Stackhouse Mill Road, Beverly Lane and Nicole Drive, all in the vinicity of the Okehocking Hills development.

The Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission will meet for their third-quarter joint work session on Monday, Aug. 22 at 5:30 p.m. The next Board of Supervisors meeting will be on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. following a work session at 6:30 p.m.