S. Woodbury Twp. Adopts Public Comment Policy

South Woodbury Township supervisors adopted a public comment policy during their May 7 meeting.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that citizens are allowed time to present their views pertaining to issues concerning South Woodbury Township, while at the same time permitting the board of supervisors to conduct their meetings in an effective manner.

Public comments shall be limited to five minutes per person unless the chairman grants additional time. Total time is 30 minutes unless extended by the chairman.

The chairman may deny a citizen’s request to speak if the individual has addressed the board on the same subject.

The board asks that a spokesperson be selected to address the board if a group has similar views on an issue.

Public comments are strongly encouraged to cover topics related to the agenda of the South Woodbury Township Board and may include old business not currently before the board.

Citizens who wish to speak with individual board members are encouraged to directly contact board members before or after an open meeting to discuss board issues.

Citizens making public comments shall respect the privilege and refrain from the use of inappropriate language, innuendos, or other offensive actions or gestures.

Supervisors said public comments are not a forum to be used by political candidates to advance their candidacy for any public office.

A thank you letter was-received from South Cove EMS for the money received for its LIFT system. South Woodbury Township will give $22,982 to the local ambulance service. Also giving money were Bloomfield Township, $1,395; Woodbury Borough, $2,790; Woodbury Township (Bedford County), $1,000; and Hopewell Township, $1,000. The EMS will pay $2,533 toward the LIFT system.

The township’s roadmaster reported concerns have been received concerning the speed limit in Loysburg. Concerned citizens would like to see the speed limit reduced from 40 to 35 mph or lower as they are seeing speeding and racing on Town Hill Road. Also, many people do not stop at the stop sign. Supervisors agreed to send a letter to PennDOT and ask for a road study before the next step. Also, supervisors discussed looking at “Stop Ahead” signs.

Work will begin on the bridge on Replogle School Road in June. Logistics are being worked out but there may be a detour of 6.3 miles for motorists. The detour route had not completely determined as of the meeting.

Bob Detwiler brought to the attention of the township that the area could soon be designated as a historic area.

Detwiler would like to have the township discuss with the engineer about the bridge on Golden Rule Drive. That application is being made under the Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road Program. Detwiler suggested the bridge be 20 feet wide to assure accommodation of larger farm equipment.

Genevieve Zabrosky, township secretary, said the township is trying to eliminate the erosion from water into the stream under the storm water program.

Supervisors are scheduled to hold their next meeting on Tuesday, June 4.