For two years and before his death nearly a year ago, Antis Township resident Bill Hughes dedicated his life to his community.
Acting as township manager, Hughes started a number of projects aimed at making Antis a better place to live, work and play. He worked tirelessly on the road projects and put a great deal of time into the extension of sewer and water lines to residents who didn’t live in the heart of the township.
He also captured a number of grants that enabled the township to purchase new equipment for the Bellwood-Antis Park, begin a composting program and assist residents with leaf and brush removal.
Perhaps more importantly, Hughes was accomplishing something that has been absent in Northern Blair County for a good number of years – cooperation with neighboring communities.
It’s no secret that tensions run high between adjacent communities, and it was no different in Antis Township. But, according to Amato, Hughes was leaping those hurdles.
“He was great with the public relations and that really helped us here in Northern Blair County,” said Amato. “Not just us in Antis Township, but also all the residents in Logan Township, Tyrone Borough and Bellwood Borough.
“That’s exactly what we need,” Amato continued. “We need to get with these other communities like Bill did and get some of these problems figured out.”
According to Amato, the supervisors have begun advertising the position in local newspapers. He said the salary range for the position is between $40,000 and $50,000 annually. He hopes the position is filled within 60 days.
“Bill started a lot of good projects that are being seen to completion right now,” said Amato. “Most are nearly complete, but there are still things to do.”
Recently, the supervisors awarded paving bids in the amount of $247,504 to New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co. for nine roads in the township.
Roads scheduled for paving in 2003 include North Second Street, Stetter Road, Bellmeade Drive, Hawthorne Drive, Parkway Drive, Alpine Drive, Findley Avenue in Pinecroft and Graham Drive in Riggles Gap.
Three other bids were also submitted but were rejected. These include: $282,823.25 by Glenn O. Hawbaker; $263,472 by HRI; and $260,278.40 by Granice Brothers.
Amato also noted the new bridge project at River Road is out for bid by Stifler McGraw.
Work on both projects will begin once the school buses stop running their routes – most likely in late May or early June.
Also, Amato said Carbon Services Corp. was awarded a bid to remove a massive tire dump along Dan Beck Road. Supervisors estimate that about 5,000 tires are causing the eyesore and mosquito infestation.
Amato said the state Department of Environmental Protection funded project would be completed over the next couple months.
