Antis Township supervisors met Thursday evening to discuss an array of topics, including the 2005 budget.
Supervisors voted unanimously to tentatively approve the 2005 budget which totals $1,683,534.
This includes an equipment fund of $205,108, a pension fund of $24,816, a general fund of $929,281 and a reserve for sewer and water fund at $170,693.
Also included are a state fund of $328,772, a fire fund of $10,100 and fire hydrant rental fund totaling $14,764.
Local real estate taxes will stay at 6 mills.
Several township residents were on hand at the meeting to share their concerns regarding water runoff problems on East Walnut St. and the Lower Johnson Development.
One resident expressed concern about storm water that was running onto his property on East Walnut St., while a handful of others were worried about water runoff coming from a farm located above the Lower Johnson Development.
Supervisor Ron Gensamer said, “To my knowledge, there was a study years ago about putting a pipe on the Cherry farm.
“Mr. Cherry said he would allow a pipe to run through his property, (but that was never done.)”
Gensamer wanted residents to be aware that it is not a problem created by the Cherry farm. He said Mr. Cherry is dealing with the same problems on his property and he is not diverting any of his water onto other properties.
Supervisor, Dr. Robert Walker recalled looking into the problem in previous years where an estimate came in at approximately $80,000 to purchase the necessary pipe and up to $160,000 to install everything.
“We were seeking funds but did not receive the funds,” Dr. Walker said.
Although grants for such projects were previously denied, Manager Jeff Ziegler said they can reapply for grants.
He added, “I wouldn’t expect much though,” since the others were denied.
Supervisor Ray Amato suggested a workshop to discuss the water runoff issues, where attorneys, engineers and the manager could attend to discuss the problems in more detail and hopefully work out a solution.
In other business, Dr. Walker said he received several phone calls from citizens regarding leaf pick-ups. Amato said the township is doing its best to get leaves picked up but there are a lot of leaves to deal with.
He wanted residents to be aware that people can bag their leaves and bring them to the compost because “with all the leaves that fall, we can only handle so much.”
On average, the township is able to pick up about 10 to 11 piles a day.
Amato also wanted to inform residents, “Please do not put leaves in the ditches.”
If that happens, time is spent having to clean the ditches and that will take away from the pick ups.
