Jackson Township approves bid for oil and chip projects

This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.

The Jackson Township Board of Supervisors approved a bid for this year’s oil and chip contract at its April 6 meeting. 

Supervisors accepted the bid of $94,615.20 from Allegheny-based Russell Standard for the oil and chip projects planned on Elm Street, Flanagan Road, and Lengle Road. The project came in around $20,000 under budget, said township engineer Steve Sherk.

Oil and chip treatment is implemented to extend a road’s life cycle by filling cracks. “The roads I have for oil and chip this year and next year is to hold them over until they do get paved next time,” said roadmaster Bryan Weaver.

During public comment, resident Dan Flanagan expressed frustration over paying a $42 streetlight tax and requested it be removed. Flanagan told supervisors the streetlight does not illuminate his property, making the tax unfair. Chairman Tom Houtz said the tax applies if any part of a property is within 400 feet of a streetlight.

Also at the meeting, resident Mark Payonk shared that No Nonsense Neutering of Reading will host a low-cost cat spay/neuter event on May 6 at Jackson Recreational Park, 41 S. Fairlane Ave.

In other news, the board:

• Discussed adding a local service tax or a fire tax to assist area fire companies with growing operating costs. Houtz said the fire companies have indicated that costs of equipment exceed fundraising efforts.
• Approved a Solicitors and Peddlers Ordinance.
• Signed contractor agreements for work to begin on the East Main Avenue bridge. Sherk said work will begin later this month, and the bridge will not need to be closed during the process.
• Approved a $11,950 quote from Jake’s Construction to install metal siding along the south side of the township building that will match the salt shed and create a more uniform look.
• Approved a $750 donation to the Myerstown Holiday Parade.

The Jackson Township Board of Supervisors will meet next on Monday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. at 60 N. Ramona Road. The public is welcome to attend.