(9/26) Borough Exploring Options For Green Lake
Carroll Valley’s Lake Kay resembles a swamp more than a lake, so borough officials are investigating remediation options.
During the September meeting of borough council, Borough Manager Dave Hazlett said the municipality has been treating the lake for almost 20 years with no results. Hazlett said the contractor completing the work is applying the maximum amount of chemicals the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) permits. The borough plans to ask DEP for an exception to the rule with hopes that the lake’s algae will dissipate.
The borough also plans to seek grant funding for other treatment options, Hazlett said. Lake Kay can be accessed from Trout Run Trail and is open for public boating and fishing, according to the borough website.
Lot Sale Discussion
The council continued discussion on the possible sale of some of the many lots the borough owns. The borough owns more than 200 vacant lots, many of which were gifted to the municipality after the ill-fated Charnita development failed in the 1960s. Borough officials suspect most lots would fail a perc test, which determines if a lot’s soil will absorb water at the necessary rate. If a perc test fails, a septic system cannot be installed on the property.
Hazlett stressed no lots are currently on the market and the borough council has the right to sell or not sell any lot it chooses. If the council wishes to sell a lot, it must follow state guidelines.
One rule that did not sit well with many members of the council states the borough must accept the highest bid. Councilwoman Kari Buterbaugh has continued to express a desire to give Carroll Valley residents the right of first refusal.
Hazlett said he understood the appeal of such a move, but reiterated that the guideline is a state law, not Carroll Valley rule.
The Borough discussed the issue at length but did not come to any conclusions.
Trunk Or Treat Schedule
Carroll Valley Trunk or Treat will be held at Carroll Valley Borough Commons on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 5 to 8:30 p.m., Assistant Borough Manager Gail Marthers reported. Trunk or Treat gives residents the opportunity to enjoy the holiday within the safety of the borough park.
The event will include food trucks, a photo booth, and trick-or-treat opportunities. The borough will play "The Super Mario Brothers Movie" at 6 p.m. Residents who do not have children are invited to decorate their vehicle’s trunk and distribute candy, Marthers said. To help staff properly plan, Marthers asks those who plan to attend to register for the free event by calling the office at 717-642-8269.
Liberty Township News-Briefs
Supervisors Determine Homeowners Responsible For Stormwater Issues
Liberty Township supervisors are demanding residents bring their properties into compliance in order to end water backup on one of the municipality’s major roads.
During their September meeting, the three-member board unanimously voted to enforce property owners on Strausbaugh and Rist trails ensure their land matches the stormwater management plan that was approved in December 2003 when the homes were built. During major storms, water flows from Strausbaugh and Rist trails onto Bullfrog Road, Supervisor Mickey Barlow said. The supervisors noted not every property is out of compliance.
"There may be some lots that have to do very little or nothing," Supervisor Bobby Keilhotlz said.
None of the affected property owners attended the Sept. 5 meeting. In May, some residents pleaded with the township for help. A resident suggested the township install a larger pipe under Bullfrog Road. Barlow, who is also the township roadmaster, said engineers determined that Bullfrog’s piping system is adequate. Township Solicitor John Lisko reiterated the owners of the private roads are responsible for ensuring water does not flow onto township roads.
"They are not public roads, it is really not a township matter," Lisko said.
Freedom Township Seeks Snowplow Assistance
Freedom Township residents may see a Liberty Township truck plowing their roads this winter. Barlow said Freedom supervisors asked for help after the township’s driver resigned recently. Barlow said the agreement will be similar to the contract that currently exists with the township police department. Liberty Township Police Department patrols Freedom for up to 25 hours per month.
Liberty Township is not guaranteeing Freedom it will complete the work, Barlow said. The amount of snow and available crew members will determine if they can assist.
"If they need our help, we surely will be able to help them if we can," he said.
In other road-related business, the supervisors unanimously voted to paint double yellow lines on Wenschof and Pecher roads at a total cost of $4238.64. Barlow said contractors recently paved a total of 3.35 miles of road. Previously, Wenschof and Pecher roads had single yellow lines but the township is working towards giving all roads double yellow lines to increase safety.
"We have had residents in the township say the double-yellow line helps them navigate the road at night," Barlow said.
Barlow added Pennsylvania law prohibits police from enforcing lane of travel laws if the road does not have a double yellow line.
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