Jackson Township continues discussing financial support for fire companies

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The Jackson Township Board of Supervisors delayed enacting fire company support at a Sept. 8 meeting.

After hearing presentations from Keystone Hook & Ladder Company deputy fire chief Mike Shaak and Lt. Bryan Bowman, chairman Thomas Houtz made a motion to financially support the purchases of fire equipment for Keystone and Kutztown Community Fire Company and structure it as a loan. The motion did not receive a second.

Supervisor Thomas Morrissey Jr. said supervisors plan to support the fire company, but he wants more numbers in place first, such as those related to a proposed fire tax. Supervisor Michael Dunkle agreed with Morrissey.

Keystone and Kutztown each have two nearly 20-year-old vehicles they plan to replace. The two new vehicles would be shared by both companies under a new interoperability agreement, which was recently finalized.

Keystone received a quote of approximately $1.2 million for a heavy-duty rescue pumper, and Kutztown a quote of approximately $1.3 million for a pumper tanker. Shaak noted that, unlike regular passenger vehicles, the manufacturing turnaround time for fire equipment can be anywhere from two and a half to four years between placing an order and receipt of a vehicle.

Keystone is in the process of requesting financial support from Myerstown Borough as well, Shaak said, as Jackson Township supervisors had inquired about this at a prior meeting.

Shaak also corrected misinformation from public comment when a resident said Keystone only covers 10% of the township. While Keystone’s building is physically located in Myerstown, Shaak said, it provides coverage to three-fourths of Jackson Township and Kutztown covers the other fourth.

Bowman reiterated the ever-increasing costs of operating a fire company, not only with large vehicle purchases but ongoing costs for training and gear. He cited costs such as a $200 fee for volunteer firefighters to complete mandatory state hazmat training and an $1,850 cost to complete driver training. Individual firefighting gear costs run at $1,600 for pants, $2,200 for a coat, and gloves at $80. Bowman encouraged anyone in the public with questions about their work and operating costs to reach out to him or other volunteer firefighters.

Supervisors tabled discussion of property tax increases and the addition of a fire tax and local service tax. Proposed ordinances for a real estate tax rate of 0.3 mills, a real estate tax rate of 0.2 mills for fire protection services, and a local service tax rate of $52 per person employed within Jackson Township have all been publicly advertised. They are also posted at the township building and at https://jacksontownship-pa.gov.

During public comment, Ann Gruber requested the township use monitors to display documents used during meetings and consider livestreaming meetings to make information more accessible to residents. Gruber noted she was livestreaming it on a community Facebook page she runs, but she is unable to attend every meeting to do so.

Later in the meeting, Gruber raised comments from her seat and Houtz asked her to stop. As Gruber continued talking, Houtz cited Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors protocol, which dictates attendees speak regarding township business and items on the agenda only during the allotted public comment time.

Cindy Ferree requested the use of monitors and microphones by officials at the meetings. “There’s no point in us coming to meetings if we can’t hear or see what’s going on,” said Ferree. Jim Dernovsek echoed her request.

Tom Johnson addressed the board regarding an ongoing infestation of flies in his neighborhood. He provided photos and said it has been an ongoing issue in the development for the six years he has lived there. “I’m cleaning up thousands of flies at my house every single day, and I’m asking if there’s anything that the council can do,” Johnson said.

Johnson inquired about the nuisance ordinance and the potential that management practices by farmers around the property may be a culprit. Morrissey said the nuisance ordinance may not necessarily apply in this case if it pertains to farming. Houtz said if it were any other insect it would be considered a homeowner issue, but the board would look into whether there may be some way to help. 

Carl Hott commented on funding support for the fire companies. “They’re in the Myerstown Borough. So I don’t think we should pay a million dollars for a truck for Keystone Fire Company,” said Hott.

In other business, supervisors:

• Approved payment of $43,952.70 to Custer Excavating for the North Ramona Road culvert replacement.
• Approved an ordinance lifting a South Ramona Road bridge weight restriction from 10 tons to 18 tons and 30 tons for combination vehicles.
• Heard conceptual plans for Route 422 and North Ramona Road from Nick Urbanowicz of MSP Development. Two retail tenants — Tractor Supply Co. and a gas station and convenience store — are planned for phase one. A second phase with additional retail tenants is in the works.
• Authorized posting eight items for sale in a Municibid.com auction listing. Items include an aerator thatcher 3-point attachment, cultivator grading box, 55-gallon drum holder/carts, 1998 Milwaukee electric drill, 3-point trailer hitch receiver adaptor, storage bins, two sandblasters, 2010 F250 truck bed, and a 2014 F350 Super Duty with Blizzard wideout plow.
• Approved giving $10,000 for the 2027 Municipal Farmland Preservation annual appeal.
• Approved payment of $1,100 for the Humane Society of Lebanon County Stray Housing agreement. At a charge of $50 per dog, 22 stray dogs were rescued in the township over the past year.

Jackson Township supervisors meet next at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 at 60 N. Ramona Road.