HAZEL HURST — During Monday night’s Hamlin Township meeting, the township supervisors voted to sign a letter of commitment supporting a proposed emergency services training class at the Career & Technical Center in Port Allegany.
During the February meeting, Dana Spittler made a request that the township consider committing to a $2,000 annual amount to support the launch of the new program over the next five years. The new program would focus primarily on emergency services such as fire, emergency medical service and security.
Spittler cited support by the schools currently sending students to the Career & Technical Center but added that adding a tenth class was not feasible for them at this time. This is why support was being sought through local townships and boroughs.
During discussions on whether to vote to support the letter of commitment, supervisor Jim Meyers said, “I mean I’m looking at it like it’s the community of McKean County. If we get like ten or fifteen kids out of all that four-school area, I think it’s money well spent.”
Supervisor Kenny Stroup liked the sound of the program and felt it was a great thing, but raised concern over the funding aspect, saying, “Well, I’m all for this, the schooling, that sounds great, the whole concept. It’s just I don’t see where we have the money to spend on it. So, I’m opposed to it.”
Supervisor Jim Trussell then added, “My head’s telling me it’s $2,000, but my heart’s telling me it’s a good thing. It’s a good thing.” Following this, he made a motion to sign the letter of commitment which was seconded by Meyers. Stroup voted against signing it due to funding concerns.
Following discussions on the emergency service program commitment, the township meeting transitioned into new business setting the date for their annual Spring clean up event May 15 through the 19th.
Trussell then addressed the other supervisors over concerns he had with some of the tasks that Road Master Brett Morgan conducted as part of his duties, including cleaning some sewer system pits, cold patching and other road repairs alone. He suggested that the supervisors consider a per-diem road worker to support tasks such as these.
The supervisors debated a few options including reviewing previous applicants to the road crew announcement that they had on file until secretary and treasurer Kathy Sluga suggested that they utilize her for the support.
“Let me do it for my ten hours, then I can go back up to forty,” said Sluga.
“I think that would work very well just for the flexibility,” said Meyers.
The supervisor agreed to try that arrangement for a trial period before making a final call and moving on to discuss a few other matters before adjourning. The next Hamlin township meeting will be held on April 10th at 7:00 p.m. at the township building.
