Board appoints assistant roadmaster, increases backhoe rental rate and approves cell-phone stipend

The Huntington Township Board of Supervisors approved several operational and personnel items affecting the road department.

The board reviewed an application for assistant roadmaster from Greg Gasly and moved to appoint him at a 32-hour work week with potential to increase hours to 40 as needed; the motion carried. Supervisors said the new assistant would support the roadmaster during peak work periods.

Supervisors also voted to increase the backhoe rental rate to $110 while leaving truck rental rates at $100; the motion passed with one dissent from Supervisor Mark Lear, who said he opposed the increase. The meeting record notes the motion passed "2 to 1 with Mister Lear dissenting."

The board approved paying $40 per month toward the roadmaster's cell phone, with the motion seconded and carried. A temporary CDL driver application was discussed but deferred because the applicant had not been interviewed and there were questions about prior township employment; that item was placed on the next agenda.

Road-related reports during the meeting described recent winter maintenance, equipment delivery (backhoe attachments) and hydraulic plumbing needed for an Extend-A-Hoe knuckle; staff said vendors will perform plumbing and that additional inspections and minor repairs are planned.