JACKSON TOWNSHIP NEWS
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Winter, 2004
JACKSON TWP.
BEGINS 2004 WITH SURPLUS
Jackson Township began the new year
with a surplus over 1.3 million dollars. Through sound financial management and
conservative spending the Township will not have to raise taxes as many other
municipalities have this year. Also by continuing these practices, this insures
that Jackson Township will remain financially sound for future generations. The
Jackson Township Supervisors unanimously approved a budget for 2004 of
$2,581,912. The breakdown is as follows: General Fund - $836,272.00, State
Fund-$140,000.00, Fire Hydrant Fund-$10,000.00, Rescue Fund-$9,000.00, Capital
Reserve Fund-$1,523,140.00 and Senior Center Fund-$63,500.00. The Capital
Reserve Fund currently stands at 1.3 million and continues to grow monthly.
Last year Jackson took on one of the largest road maintenance programs ever paving and seal coating many roads. Roads that were paved entirely or in part were Adams Avenue, Coyote Street, Dry Run Street, First Street, Leidy Lane Extension, Meiers Street, Pike Road, Warrior Street. Roads that were seal coated (tar & chipped) entirely or in part were Adams Avenue, Anderson Drive, Balsam Street, Brazil Lane, Courter Avenue, Fairview Avenue, Fir Street, Fords Corner Road, Gillen Lane, Kagey Street, Kissell Lane, Leidy Lane, Lyle Street, Maywood Street, Ogden Road, Pike Road, Poplar Street, Rose Branch Street, Stoneridge Street, Thomas Street, Trout Street, Turkey Path Road, Wagner Road, Woodland Street. The road crew also was extremely busy performing maintenance work on Township Roads. A joint project with Nanty Glo Borough to repave a section of Loraine Road was also completed. Nanty Glo provided materials and Jackson provided labor and machinery. The project was initiated after residents from Loraine Road contacted the Roadmasters asking if anything could be done about the deplorable condition and potholes on that segment of the road. That section of road is used primarily by Jackson Township residents and was in deplorable condition with many potholes. The project was a success and both communities benefitied from working together to achieve a common goal.
The Supervisors adopted a revised policy for adopting private roads within Jackson Township. The biggest change is that roads no longer have to be paved as a requirement for being taken over by the Township. The first road adopted by the Township under the new policy was Pennzoil Drive. The Planning Commission did a street light study and the Supervisors approved 35 street lights to be installed at various Township intersections. REA has most of the 9 lights up and Penelec should be installing at least 12 in the very near future. Additional Penelec street lights will be installed as weather permits. The Supervisors approved an Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance restricting where adult businesses could locate within Jackson Township. During 2003 they also waived fees for residents who have to seek variances before the Zoning Board as well as fees charged for driveway permits for alterations to existing driveways. During 2003, 120 building permits were issued for a construction value of over $2.5 million, up from the previous year.
The Jackson Township Vol. Fire Company was able to purchase a new fire truck as a result of the Board of Supervisors contribution. The Police Department also added a full-time officer to the force to provide greater protection to residents. A revised Emergency Management Plan was also adopted to simplify forms and procedures. The Capital Reserve Fund for Jackson Township went over the 1 million dollar mark and residents also enjoyed a 1 mill tax cut on Township real estate. Another project completed was replacement of the roof on the Municipal Garage Building. The Township has also solicited bids for a badly needed new truck to be used by the Road Crew. Also a magazine recycling bin was added at the Vinco Recycling Center. Infrastructure is continuing to expand which will assure that Jackson Township will be an attractive place to live and work. The Jackson - East-Taylor Sewer Authority will be expanding the current sewer system into two new areas including Brazil Lane and Cherrywood Estates. Work has begun in December on a water project to provide water to 9 homes along Solar Street near Route 22. In addition, community block grants are being used to help secure water for residents on Wagner Road and Pintail Road. Perhaps one of the biggest developments will be the construction of a water line from Salt Lick Dam in Mineral Point through Jackson Township and then along Route 22 towards Cambria Township and Ebensburg. The potential for development will be much greater with the additional water available from the new line.
The Senior Center continues to grow with well over 300 members. A new walking track is under construction as well as a new exercise room inside the Center. A community flag pole was installed in November and a well attended dedication ceremony was held on Veterans Day. The Jackson Twp. Recreation Commission had many new projects last year. The largest project was the installation of two ball fields at Leidy Park. A walking track around Leidy Park as well as fencing and back stops for the park are currently out for bid and work should begin in the Spring of this year. New playground equipment was installed last year at both Leidy & Mitchell Parks. 2004 should be another busy year of growth and development in the Township. The Supervisors welcome you to be a contributing part of Jackson Township's future.
WINTER WEATHER TIPS
~Plow or shovel the snow to the right of your driveway. This will avoid the snow from being re-deposited in your driveway when being plowed by Township Road Workers.
~Use caution and slow down when driving on snowy or icy roads and be sure to leave a little earlier to arrive at your destination safely and on time.
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INFORMATION NEED UPDATED?
SUPERVISORS REORGANIZE FOR 2004
JACKSON TWP. FESTIVAL UPDATE
SUPERVISORS AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE TO
RESTRICT ADULT BUSINESSES
The Board of Supervisors approved an
ammendment to the existing Zoning Ordinance at their November 20, 2003 meeting
that would restrict where adult businesses can locate in Jackson Township. The
amendment was recommended by both the Jackson Township & Cambria County Planning
Commissions. The new amendment would only permit adult businesses to locate in
an Industrial Zone. By doing so, about 95% of Jackson Township would not be
zoned as a potential location for an adult business. According to
Solicitor Bill Barbin, you can’t totally stop an adult business from
coming in but with zoning, you can tell them they can only locate in a
particular zone. Other restrictions in the amendment dictate that an adult
business must be a certain distance away from a residence, church or school. At
the October Board of Supervisors meeting Father Paul Robine
representing the Jackson Township Alliance of Churches presented petitions with
over 500 signatures against adult businesses locating in Jackson Township. The
Alliance of Churches also held a White Ribbon Day on the last Sunday in October
with residents and businesses wearing and displaying white ribbons on homes and
vehicles. With Route 22 being improved to four lanes next year, there were
concerns and rumors about possible adult businesses locating in Jackson. There
are currently adult businesses in neighboring East Wheatfield Township and in
Duncansville, Blair County as well. The new amendment should provide greater
protection for Jackson Township.
SUPERVISORS ADOPT PENNZOIL DRIVE
Reportable incidents:
108FIRE COMPANY NEWS & EVENTS
BUILDING CODE UPDATE
SPRING CLEAN-UP SET FOR 2004
SENIOR CENTER NEWS
A Tax Assistance professional will be at the Center to assist individuals in preparing their 2003 Federal & State Tax Forms as well as Rent or Property Rebate Forms. No assistance will be given to partnership or "big business" returns. Appointments are being scheduled for every Wednesday in February beginning on February 4th from 9:00 am to 11:30 am and every Monday night starting February 9th from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. You can make your appointments now in person at the reception table at the Sr. Center or by calling Betty Lybarger at the Center at 322-3327. Appointments are on a first-come basis so be sure to make your appointment early. This is a free service so if you have to cancel for any reason, be sure to contact Betty Lybarger in advance in order that someone else can have your appointment time. The tax preparer must have a full scheduled day to come to the Center and if a day isn’t full, the scheduled appointments will be canceled and re-scheduled for another day. When you come for your appointment, you must bring your last 2002 Tax Return, your blank 2003 Tax Booklet and forms, all W-2's, 1099 forms or any other proof of income statements as well as any other documents you may consider important.
The Jackson Township Senior Center also has
additional cookbooks comprised of recipes submitted by members of
the Center. The Cookbook Project was a fundraiser for the Center. Anyone
interested in purchasing a book can do so by calling the Center at 322-3327. The
cost per cookbook is $8.00 and if you wish to have one mailed to you or someone
else as a gift, there is an additional $2.00 charge for shipping. In other news,
the Center is planning a Horseshoe League for the entire community
this Summer. The new walking trail and exercise room
should be completed by Spring. Some of the guest speakers and events during
the past several months included: Flu shots by Conemaugh Health &
the United Miners Welfare Fund, Sheriff Kohlar spoke on Home Security,
Mr. Steve Kutchman of UPMC spoke on Sleep Disorders, Dr. T.
Devinoni of Conemaugh Health spoke on Chronic Headaches, Conemaugh
Health administered Blood Screening, Mr. Lou Bennie Sr. Along with
Audiologist Dr. Fyke spoke on Hearing Loss as well as offering
free Hearing Screenings. Finally new Senior Center hours
went into effect at the beginning of January. They are as follows:
Monday: 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM, Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 3:00
PM, Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
OTHER JACKSON TWP. NEWS
~Landfill Gas Conversion Project
~Life of Laurel Landfill Reported Incorrectly
A recent article in the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat reported incorrectly that
the life of the Laurel Highlands Landfill is only 9 to 12 years. According to
Brad Minemyer, Manager of the Laurel Highlands Landfill, the correct
figure is a minimum of 30 years. Mr. Minemyer said that they are already
permitted for 30 years and that is even if maximum capacity allowed is achieved
for each of those 30 years. He also added that with their compaction rate
exceeding that required by law as well as the new proposed Landfill Gas
Conversion Project, the life of the landfill could extend an additional 10-15
years beyond the 30 they are currently permitted for.
~New Internet Business Starts Up
A new company called Cyberspeed Internet started up operations in the Warren
Oil Office Complex. With the help of JARI (Johnstown Area Regional Industries),
the space was located for Cyberspeed to move their operations from Virginia
Beach, VA to Mundys Corner. The company currently employs 4 people and hopes to
expand as the business develops. Mr. Vincent Jordan is the head of
Network Operations and has family ties to the area. Mr. Jordan is very positive
about moving to the new Mundys Corner facility and is looking towards expansion
of the hi-tech business. He said "With a hi-tech business such as Cyberspeed you
can operate from virtually anywhere as long as you have the proper communication
lines".
~Full Time Police Officer Added to Jackson P.D.
Melanie Kline who has served as a part-time police officer for
Jackson Township for several years has now been hired as a full-time officer.
Melanie has been a great asset to the force and is dedicated to serving and
protecting the residents of Jackson Township. The Township Supervisors also
hired three new part-time police officers to fill vacant positions. They are
David Pilot, Jason Ponczek and Scott Zelek.
~Dan Ditchcreek Joins Jackson Road Crew
With the retirement of Road Foreman Dennis Mackell, the Board of Supervisors
conducted interviews and hired Dan Ditchcreek to join the Road Crew. Dan is not
only an experienced truck driver but brings with him a great deal of mechanical
experience as well.
~Township & Laborers Union Reach Agreement
The Board of Supervisors successfully negotiated a 3-year agreement with
Laborers International Union Local # 910 for three years. The Board of
Supervisors unanimously approved the agreement at their December 30, 2003
meeting. Jackson Township road workers are represented by Local # 910.
~Waste Management Spreads Good Will for Christmas
Waste Management who operates the Laurel Highlands Landfill once again
distributed turkeys for Christmas to those families in need. Churches in Jackson
Township submitted a number of turkeys needed for families they considered to be
needy. Well over 85 turkeys were distributed to representatives of the Township
churches. Brad Minemyer of Waste Management said "We are happy
with the relationship we have with Jackson Township and we were more than happy
to contribute the turkeys during the holiday season".
~Board Approves 3 Year Agreement with Berkheimer
The Board unanimously approved a 3 year agreement with Berkheimer Associates
to collect EIT (Earned Income Tax) and OPT (Occupational Privilege Tax) for
Jackson Township. Berkheimer has been collecting these taxes but by having the
new three year agreement, will charge 1% less than the 3% they previously
charged for their services saving the Township money. The same contract will be
adopted by Central Cambria School District.
~Barnes, Saly & Co. to Audit Finances
JOIN JACKSON TWP. ONLINE NEWS
Township residents who have access to
the internet can now join our new email group to receive up-to-date Township
news by email. We would like to invite you to join Jackson Township Online News
where you can receive online newsletters, announcements, and important
information concerning Jackson Township. To subscribe just go to the Jackson
Township website at
www.jacksontwppa.com and subscribe to the Jackson Township Online News
by entering your email address in the space provided. You will then be sent a
confirmation verifying that you wish to subscribe to the online news. You must
return the confirmation via email to be added to the newsletter list. We also
encourage you to invite others to join. If you encounter any problem signing up,
just email us at
office@jacksontwppa.com or call us at the Township office at 749-0725
and you can be added manually.
CHECK OUT JACKSON TWP. KIDS PAGE
PLANNING A BUILDING PROJECT?
David Bracken - Chairman, Supervisor, Roadmaster, Fire Company
Bruce Baker - Vice-Chairman, Supervisor, Roadmaster, Planning Commission
Bob Stephens - Supervisor
Dave Hirko - Manager, Secretary, Treasurer
William Barbin - Solicitor
Connie Fetzer - Administrative Assistant, Planning Commission Secretary
Harry Baker - Zoning Officer