DUKE CENTER — The monthly meeting of the Otto Township supervisors held Wednesday evening was, in ballpark-speak, SRO (standing room only).
Two separate but related issues of concern were discussed in length. The poor condition of both the Rixford and Duke Center cemeteries was the first topic. Questions included: Why are they not maintained? Who is responsible for the maintenance? Who owns them? Can the township take over maintenance? Why are perpetual care agreements not being honored?
The supervisors — chairman Chris Claycomb and supervisors Mark Palmer and Cindy Gardner — stated that they are legally not allowed to maintain, own, or assist in cemetery care. They suggested a committee be formed to explore the possibilities. Township solicitor Erik Ross will be invited to next month’s meeting to answer questions and attorney Kyle Milliron will look into the legal ownership of the two properties.
The second item of concern was the deplorable condition of a few residences in the township and the many other properties that are not maintained. When asked what is being done, the supervisors said letters have been sent to four offenders and fines and possible jail time would be imposed if improvements were not seen in 30 days. As far as general blight — unkempt yards, junk cars, etc. — it was suggested that an ordinance be drawn up and enforced.
The supervisors said they will approach neighboring municipalities that have such measures and pursue the matter.
After nearly two hours of discussion on these two points of contention, numerous items on the agenda were presented and discussed. The police department office will be moving from Eldred Borough to the supervisors’ building in the Otto Recreation Park. A new police cruiser has been ordered and will be delivered soon. New horseshoe pits will be installed at the park before Old Home Days.
The annual junk pick-up is completed, and the crew is busy repairing roads and ditches. The Main Street problems, however, are unresolved, as it was reported that Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will not repair them until 2019. Mandatory house numbering is proceeding smoothly, and unnamed roads are being named and signed.
The siren at the fire hall is operational again, with an additional service, a severe weather warning (ten short blasts). The supervisors reported an allocation of $4,148.00 from the County Liquid Fuels program. Audits for both the Liquid Fuels Fund and the pension were reported as being satisfactory and in compliance.
The lengthy meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. by Claycomb. Next month’s meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. July 11 at the township office.
