Brian Hagberg
RUSSELL, Pa. – Nearly a dozen dead ash trees need to be removed from Larimer Park in Russell, and the Pine Grove Township supervisors believe they’ve found just the person for the job.
(Photo by Brian Hagberg. Larimer Park in Russell, Pennsylvania.)
During their regular monthly meeting Wednesday, the supervisors passed a motion to enter into a service agreement with township resident Nate Welker for the removal of the ash trees.
“A resident offered to cut down the trees for wood,” Pine Grove Township Chairman Carmen Ferranto said. “It won’t be resold, and he’ll be a sub-contractor for the township.”
There was one clause in the contract, dealing with liability insurance, that the supervisors wanted to discuss with Welker before finalizing the agreement. If it moves forward, the work will be completed no later than March 31, 2021.
“We will want to close the park during the felling process,” Ferranto said.
BUDGET TALK
The supervisors touched briefly on the 2021 budget.
They’re expecting a reduction in revenue and are preparing for that fall out by creating a “conservative” budget.
ROAD REPORT
The township will have a little less road to plow this winter.
PennDOT will be taking over the plowing for both Priest Hollow and Valentine Run Roads this winter. Pine Grove residents with questions or comments about the plowing of those roads should direct them to PennDOT, not the township supervisors.
LOOKING GOOD
Supervisors will be looking at whether to designate certain parcels within the township as LERTA (Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance) eligible. They will be focusing primarily on the Route 62 corridor between Warren and Jamestown, and areas near the former Fox Mart in Akeley.
With the township moving from “dry” to “wet,” the township now has more to offer potential developers.
“The liquor license makes it more attractive for restaurants,” Ferranto said.
