OAK GROVE - Several months after the September 2011 flood, the Pine Grove Township Emergency Management Coordinator Bobby Milligan requested the supervisors set up an emergency command center in the township building. With the closing of the Pine Grove landfill, the office used by the host municipal inspector would soon be vacated, leaving an empty room for Milligan.
According to board Chairwoman Diane Tobin, a set of radios that enables Milligan to communicate with someone in the field during an emergency situation was purchased. In addition to a laptop and two television sets (cable service is provided free of charge by the township's cable provider), the supervisors also approved a budget for Milligan to purchase necessary supplies.
Generators
At the board's June 11 meeting, Bruce Kosack requested that the board purchase the emergency generators that had been budgeted for the office building and garage, probably from CoSTAR and have someone local install them. This request led to a discussion.
An emergency generator has been discussed in the past, and at one point placed in the annual budget. But the board needs two of the three supervisors to agree, Tobin said, and that did not happen.
"Why would you put something in a budget if you weren't going to buy it?" Kosack asked.
According to Jeff Zimmerman, "Priorities changed." He said something else had come up and the money was transferred and used for that purpose.
The board agreed, however, that Kosack should obtain some prices for consideration.
Kosack also motioned to establish a safety committee which he said could help with workers' compensation costs.
"It's in the best interest of the township," he said.
Zimmerman agreed and seconded the motion, providing Kosack chair the committee comprised of an administration employee and a member of the road crew. Meetings would be done during working hours.
Handbook
Kosack has also been tasked with reviewing and proposing changes to the Employee Handbook. He explained his recommendations for changes to the method used for earning and accumulating vacation and sick leave. It was decided the discussion should be continued at 6 p.m. Tuesday at a workshop.
Because of some problems the employees were experiencing with using their leave due to how the policy had been re-written, the board agreed, for the time being, that the employees could use whatever leave they had earned.
FEMA
Kosack had also attended the Schuylkill/Federal Emergency Management Agency meeting where the Swatara Creek Report was discussed. According to Kosack, the new flood maps will be adopted in November 2014, and newer ones will come out in 2018 when flood insurance rates will drastically increase on both structures and contents. Currently, he said, the flood maps have three overlays showing the area after the 1972 flood, the 2010 flood and what will be considered flood plains and floodways in 2018.
"Anyone who wants to build now should use the 2018 map. They can't be made do that, but it's good advice," Kosack said.
For the time being, people who don't make any improvements to their properties will not see an increase in their flood insurance rates and the property can be resold with the new owners paying the same rate. It is when a change is made that the rate will increase. However, in 2018, all rates will increase, even if changes had not been made. According to Kosack, flood insurance rate management may have mitigation money available for individuals but not municipalities.
Although he did not go into any details, he said there are "big" things that all municipalities must do including the obligation to keep residents informed. A meeting was held June 18 with the township's Flood Plain Manager Marty Sowers, Light-Heigel, to discuss the flood plain ordinance.
Employment
Zimmerman suggested the board consider advertising for part-time employees, preferably with a commercial driver's license for winter plowing, and also some who could be flaggers.
"Safety is the number one concern," Zimmerman said.
The roadmaster could call upon members of the pool as needed. The township would provide the required certification for the flaggers, Zimmerman said.
Since job descriptions are needed, Kosack said he would write them to include required qualifications.
In other business, the board accepted the resignation of zoning hearing board first alternate member, Ruthann Schaeffer. The term for that seat ends in the beginning of January 2017. Applications for the position are available at the township office.