BY STACI WILSON

An increase in natural gas truck traffic in Great Bend Twp. prompted some residents and area business owners to ask the supervisors about road maintenance at the Aug. 1 meeting.

Ron Kowaleski asked the supervisors if the township had a written agreement with the gas companies regarding the roads.

Supervisor Sheila Guinan said the township was advised by the solicitor not sign an agreement. Instead, the township has a verbal agreement with the companies which has, so far, worked well.

Guinan said that only two township roads have been affected by gas truck traffic – River Lane Drive andBaptist Hill Rd.

River Lane – used by companies to access water – has been redone by the Williams Energy.

Williams, along with Laser Midstream, have also been maintainingBaptist Hill Rd.

The township does have an ordinance in place to post roads if necessary but the supervisors said they were reluctant to do that as it may negatively impact local businesses.

Guinan also said the township’s roads have been studied. “We know what the weight limits are,” she said.

The supervisors also reported Williams has applied to DEP for a permit to install a fresh water pipeline directly from the river toBaptist Hill Rd.

Great Bendresidence Kenneth Wescott told the supervisors he would like to form a committee and work to install a walking track on a three to four acre township parcel onNew York Ave.

The township acquired the land due to a FEMA flood buy-out. Use of the land is limited.

Wescott said he spoke with others who would be willing to look for grants to help fund the walking track.

The supervisors expressed support for Wescott’s idea and gave him the go-ahead to look into the matter more.

AnAirport Rd.resident asked the supervisors if the speed on the road could be reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph.

Guinan said she would look into the speed limit reduction but in the past, the township had been told the speed could not be reduced on that road.

The resignation of Constable Bob Starr was accepted, with regret.

The township also voted to buy road salt from Cargill at $67.50 per ton.