SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS - Dilapidated properties in West Mahanoy Township that could prove to be a danger to firefighters responding to a blaze will be identified to avoid injuries or death.
The identification process was discussed during Tuesday's supervisors meeting by Supervisor Chairman Christopher Malocu.
"We are in the process of acquiring permission to designate homes in the Lost Creek-William Penn areas that are dilapidated and abandoned so that firemen should refrain from risking their lives in order to quell a fire," Malocu said.
A similar process has begun in Mahanoy City. Vacant dilapidated properties that could prove to be a hazard to firefighters, such as with holes in floors, ceilings and roofs, missing stairwells, etc., are identified with a placard as a warning.
"This does not mean that the firemen will not douse the fire," Malocu said. "It is for them to know not to take unnecessary risks."
"When a property is clearly an abandoned structure and it's obvious that no one is living there, and it catches on fire, which does happen frequently, we don't want anyone hurt," township solicitor Frederick Fanelli said. "That makes good sense."
How the properties would be marked was not decided upon.
In other business, the supervisors approved the new employees job descriptions for the positions of secretary/treasurer, office clerk, police chief, patrolman, work crew leader and work crew.
Malocu announced that there is a vacancy on the zoning hearing board. Anyone interested in the post can submit an application at the municipal office in Shenandoah Heights.
During his report, Malocu said the William Penn Fire Company has begun to use its allotment of $5,000 for recreational purposes. He said the fire company's plan is the installation of a 54-inch acrylic portable basketball system, eight-foot extra heavy-duty pressure treated portable picnic table and upgrades to recreational facilities.
Malocu said information is being gathered for the regional police proposal. When compiled, the information will be forwarded to Shenandoah Borough Manager Joseph L. Palubinsky, who will forward information from the local municipalities interested in the idea to Ron Stern, local government policy specialist with the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
During the public portion, Malocu answered questions on permits that had been issued to a company about four years ago to begin the preliminary work on placing wind turbines in the Altamont section of the township. Malocu was not aware of any work being done. Malocu said the permits would not be renewed or extended, assuming they are not already expired.