By John Chambless
Staff Writer

At the July 15 meeting of the Franklin Township Board of Supervisors, Paul Lagasse of the Historical Commission reported on the ongoing work on the Eastern Shore Natural Gas pipeline through the township.

Lagasse reported that the National Park Service has recommended that Eastern Shore use the route of the existing pipeline to add a second line. The recommendation, which is called Alternate Route 2, seems to be progressing because surveyors were seen in the Walker Road area recently, working along the path of the existing pipeline. Lagasse said the Historical Commission will bring any buildings of historical significance along the route to the attention of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The proposed speed tables to be installed as a traffic-calming measure along Old Schoolhouse Road were also discussed. No bids have been received for the project after a second advertising. Chairman John Auerbach made a motion to authorize the township engineer to advertise the project again, omitting the requirement that contractors must be pre-qualified by PennDOT. The motion, seconded by board member David Snyder, passed unanimously.

The board discussed the services of the SPCA and the associated costs to the township. While the board agreed that the basic costs for SPCA services are reasonable, the township incurs additional cost when animals are turned over to the shelter. Some of the strays are dogs with tags and licenses on their collars. If residents who found these animals called the Chester County Treasurer's office, the owners could be identified and the animals returned without additional costs to the township or the owners. More information will be included in the next township newsletter, as well as online (www.franklintownshp.us).

The Planning Commission did not meet in July, but will take up the subject of homeowners being allowed to keep chickens at their meeting in August.

The treasurer's report noted these disbursements: The General Fund with disbursements and

transfers of $141,865.42; the Park & Recreation Fund with disbursements and transfers of $16,449.61; the Open Space Fund with disbursements of $7,363.94; the Capital Reserve Fund with disbursements of $66,971.56; the Emergency Services Fund with disbursements of $48,552.80; and the Fire Hydrant Fund with disbursements of $580.80, leaving a balance in all funds totaling $1,261,192.22.

Upcoming public meetings include: The Historical Commission and HARB (Aug. 5, 7 p.m.), Planning Commission (Aug. 6, 7 p.m.), Gourmet's Delight zoning hearing (Aug. 18, 7 p.m.), Board of Supervisors (Aug. 19, 7 p.m.). All meetings are held in the township municipal building. Visit www.franklintownship.us.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].