ROTE — Lamar Township Board of Supervisors covered a wide range of business during their latest meeting. including infrastructure planning, community projects and ongoing concerns over sewer billing practices affecting local residents.

Ongoing dispute over sewer charges

A significant portion of the meeting centered on concerns raised by representatives of Rote Water, a local, private water company regarding a controversial surcharge imposed by the East Nittany Valley Joint Municipal Authority (ENVJMA), the township’s sewer authority.

Rote Water President Robert Reem expressed frustration that customers were being charged an additional $5 fee to offset unpaid sewer bills from a small number of delinquent users. Water company officials argued the measure unfairly impacts nearly 300 customers and lacks transparency.

Residents and officials expressed frustration over lack of communication from the sewer authority, uncertainty about how collected funds are being used and raised questions about enforcement efforts against delinquent accounts.

“They just tacked it on,” Reem said. “We just want some accountability into what they’re doing.”

Another representative of Rote Water added, “to the best of our knowledge, they haven’t even talked to these people,” referring to those with overdue balances.

Supervisors agreed to draft a formal letter requesting accountability and clarification from the sewer authority and plan to publish the correspondence publicly.

“We understand your frustrations,” said Vonada. “We need to communicate with them and try to get some information.

The letter will be requesting transparency about how funds are being used and whether rates will be reduced once debts are recovered, according to the supervisors.

Public works

and infrastructure

Chairman Wade Vonada outlined several upcoming projects, including crack sealing on township roads and a potential bridge improvement project supported by an 80/20 grant.

The township will begin crack sealing roads as weather permits, with materials already delivered.

A potential grant opportunity for improvements to Eisenhower Bridge, which may require engineering and hydrology studies before moving forward, was brought to the supervisors by Vonada.

“We have to do a hydrology study and determine what will work there,” Vonada explained. “Once we get information, we’ll bring it to you guys.”

Supervisors also discussed practical concerns such as a sidewalk and pedestrian access in that area, however there may be a better solution.

“Sidewalks are very hard to maintain,” Vonada noted, suggesting wider berms as an alternative to still allow foot traffic.

Further discussion on the project will happen as more information becomes available.

Park opening

and improvements

Supervisors voted to officially open the township park for the season, along with the approval of several requests from Long Run Little League.

Improvements from Long Run Little League president Dan Burfield include: installation of a temporary fence around the T-ball field for safety; placement of stone around bleachers and batting cages and consideration of drainage improvements to dugouts per supervisors request.

Supervisors agreed the improvements would be beneficial to the kids during practice and games.

“The fence is gonna be safer for the kids,” said supervisor Dan Chappell, acknowledging it may reduce parking but improve overall safety during the season.

Additionally, newly donated dog waste stations have begun to be installed throughout public areas.

Major Project Bids

Under Review

The board additionally reviewed bids for the Spruce Run Road project, with four contractors submitting proposals. While no final contractor was immediately selected, supervisors voted to accept the lowest qualified bid pending review by the department of dirt and gravel.

Submissions were received from Charles Construction for $149,924.28; John Clark for $114,990.92; Wyde Excavation for $111,142.12; and Hawbaker for $118,815.14, all for 2,332 tons of material.

“We can either make a motion to accept the lowest passing bid… or wait until next meeting,” Vonada said before the board opted to move forward conditionally.

Solar ordinance

update denied

Following the presentation from SunShare Solar last month, supervisors discussed growing concerns about large-scale solar developments in nearby areas.

Some residents continued to voice concern over large-scale projects in nearby areas, expressing concern about water usage and environmental impacts.

Ultimately, the supervisors voted not to amend the current zoning ordinance, which restricts solar farms in agricultural zones.