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MILL HALL -- Lamar Township Supervisors addressed a wide range of public safety, infrastructure and community issues during their October meeting, including an increase in fraud complaints, storm-related road damage and possible winter road closures.
The township's police report included 24 incidents during the month, with Mill Hall Police Chief Brandon Coleman noting several reports of fraud and warning residents to be cautious when contacted by people requesting personal or financial information.
Coleman said there has been an increase in residents having been targeted by scams involving checks, Social Security and other financial opportunities. In one case, losses involving a single individual may have exceeded $25,000.
"If somebody calls you and the deal seems too good, it is too good," Coleman said. "Don't ever give your personal information out there."
Residents were additionally warned not to provide bank account or routing information in response to unsolicited calls or messages.
The discussion also focused on scams targeting older residents.
"These people are preying on a group, or a generation, of Baby Boomers. They want to help people, they want to make things good, they want to do things like that. That's the problem," said Coleman.
Residents were encouraged to independently verify calls claiming to be from government agencies or financial organizations rather than relying on caller ID.
Residents also raised concerns about damage caused by the heavy rainfall and flooding seen early last month.
Several locations were identified as needing shoulder repairs, drainage work and additional maintenance, including Ridge Road, East End Mountain Road and other areas.
Officials said some of the work has already been placed on a list, while other projects will need to be addressed as time and funding allow.
Drainage issues were also reported near homes and along ditches where residents said debris and logs could obstruct pipes during another major storm.
The discussion highlighted the continuing effects of the recent flooding and the amount of maintenance needed throughout the township.
During public comment, residents raised additional concerns about drainage, deteriorating road shoulders, pipes and bridges following the recent storms.
Residents specifically pointed to areas where culverts and drainage pipes may be clogged with debris and asked township officials to inspect locations before another major storm.
Supervisors also continued discussion from previous months on whether East End Mountain Road should be closed during the winter because of hazardous conditions following public comment.
Further road discussion followed after several residents at the meeting supported closing the road during severe winter weather, citing previous incidents in which vehicles have slid off the road.
"Might save somebody's life sometime," one resident said.
Supervisors noted that local residents familiar with the road may understand its dangers, but motorists unfamiliar with the mountain may underestimate how quickly conditions can become hazardous, recalling several accidents during wintery conditions over recent years.
The discussion also included concerns about the township's ability to plow the road safely during severe winter conditions as that road does not have winter maintenance.
According to Supervisor Wade Vonada, PennDOT is not in favor of having a gate across the road to close access during the winter.
Supervisors also discussed a request from Keystone Little League seeking authority to remove disorderly individuals from township-owned ball fields.
According to the discussion, the Little League contacted several municipalities after an incident at one of the ball fields and requested that municipalities give the organization authority to remove people from the property.
According to Secretary Tracy Roberts, the organization also contacted Renovo, Beech Creek, Mill Hall and Woolrich to ask for this authority.
Township supervisors quickly agreed they were not comfortable granting that authority.
Roberts additionally shared she had contacted the other municipalities that received the request and found that most were not willing to grant the Little League such authority.
Coleman said police should be contacted when an individual is disorderly or causing a disturbance and be handled, saying township supervisors, as elected officials responsible for township property, should retain that authority.
The township plans to respond to the Little League in writing with their decision.
Supervisors also discussed establishing a formal agreement with organizations using township ball fields. Such an agreement could address insurance, maintenance responsibilities, board membership and other requirements.
The meeting also included discussion of upcoming vaccination clinics offered within the township and surrounding area.
The clinic is offered through the Department of Health for underinsured/uninsured residents and children 18 and under with Medical Assistance. The immunization clinic offers a range of vaccinations and provides STD/HIV testing.
A vaccination clinic is offered by appointment at the Lamar Township building, 148 Beagle Rd., Mill Hall, from 9:15-10:30 a.m., on the first Wednesday of odd months. There is also a clinic at the Clinton County State Health Center, 300 Bellefonte Ave., Suite 100, Lock Haven, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., every other Thursday. To schedule an appointment, call 570-893-2437.