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RICE TWP. — Residents continue to make their complaints heard about the apparent lack of action on two projects that have been restricting travel and recreational activities in the Ice Lakes and Laurel Lake developments.
In rebuttal, the township supervisors, at their Tuesday meeting, contended they are hampered by bureaucratic policy.
Marcia Thomas, chairperson of the board, told the residents, “You’re being heard, and we’re trying to work things out. But we’re subject to a (state Department of Environmental Protection) permit system, and we need DEP authorization to bid any project.”
Thomas’ remarks were in response to protests by Martz Wentz, of Ice Lakes, about the lack of action in repairing a leak draining the level of the lake. Wentz charged that because of foot-dragging, the proposed project will not be executed before the arrival of colder weather and then, “You’ll offer the excuse that it’s winter, and you can’t do it.”
Wentz asked that steps be taken to advance the bidding process to get the leak repaired.
Chris Rivera, of Laurel Lakes, expressed a similar view about the repair of a culvert pipe that has caused a 1.2-mile detour on Laurel Lakes Drive. Rivera, because the start of the school term is near, asked the supervisors for a timeline as to when the culvert project will be finished.
Rivera was told by solicitor Jack Dean that a pre-construction meeting between the low bidder — Latona Trucking — and Andy Pasonick, township engineer, has been scheduled this week, but because a lake is involved, a permit process with DEP is again at issue.
Supervisor Rick Arnold pointed out, “If we don’t follow the proper sequence, then (DEP) can shut us down.”
Supervisor Bob Pipech encouraged, “Be patient, these things take time.” But Rivera pointed out after the meeting, “This has been going on since March.”
Jeff Beck, township secretary, reiterrated that the township has obtained $200,000 in state gaming funds to help finance the projects, which encompass a $157,671 contract with Latona and an estimated $85,000 to repair a leaking outlet pipe at Ice Lakes.
In other business, the supervisors:
• Approved a $10,606 insurance contract with H.A. Thomson Company.
• Approved a reimbursement package with Beck on the issue of health insurance coverage.
• Were told by Dean that PPL has completed negotiations to lease property at the fire company for a construction project. Dean said all that is lacking is a highway occupancy permit from PennDOT.
• Voted to have an environmental assessment done on the “old fire hall” before permitting any occupancy of the building. Pasonick said interior and septic system issues are prevalent at the site.