Jones Township residents voice concern over local Bitcoin operations

JONES TOWNSHIP - The Jones Township Supervisors Regular Meeting opened Tuesday afternoon with public participation by two Ridgway Township visitors who came to share how the Bitcoin operations in Ridgway had affected their lives.

Visitors to the meeting held at the Wilcox Community Building shared how the operation affected their lives, the health of their many farm animals, their sleep and Wi-fi abilities.

They also noted the operations ran 24/7 each day and the operation was not compressor generated, but used solely gas.

Also noted was an operation in Clearfield County that had been shut down by the DEP because of documented pollution. It was also noted Bitcoin operations are banned in other countries, including China.

A third person from Ridgway stated she also lived near the operation but her Arabian horses were not affected at all by the operations, stating they were more affected by the near-by roadway with the semi trucks going past the stables and the paper mill in Johnsonburg. However, she was able to hear the operations which she said sounded like a vacuum cleaner that was running.

There were 44 Jones Township taxpayers in attendance at the meeting. Fifteen of those taxpayers also made comments with the majority of the questions and concerns regarding the decibel level of the operations and the possible pollution of air and water.

One of the taxpayers, Ron Northroup stated, he has been researching many of these issues. "I have found a stationary Bitcoin Mining operation in Texas that is using a tremendous amount of energy to operate. I feel small municipalities, without zoning regulations, are being taken advantage of by these large companies and corporations. We need to have regulations that address all of these issues," he added.

Another resident questioned the decibel levels and how it can affect not only human life, but wildlife as well. Others noted, they live in Jones Township for the peace and quiet it offers, and questioned how a neighbor could do this to a community by putting a Bitcoin operation on their property. Another asked if anyone had been inside a Bitcoin mining operation, and then explained the energy/gas usage for such an operation, and then questioned, could Jones Township afford to lose the revenue generated by this operation. Another taxpayer noted Jones Township would still receive impact fee money, as it is based on several factors, and it was felt in the end it would have little impact on the amount they received.

Those heard regarding the Bitcoin mining operations in Jones Township and the upcoming vote on the Ordinance #125 in question, included the following: Amanda Balon, Joe Martonik, Danielle Taylor from Ridgway Township. Don Frank, Jerry Caribardi, Dan Shaffer, Mary Destephano, Alicia Dankensreiter, Tammy Brawand, Ron Northrop, John Newman, Jake Sprague, Audra Sidelinger, Dan Morgan, and Carley Shaffer from Jones Township.

Also present at the meeting were Supervisors Laurie Storrar, Fred Maletto III and Jeff Roberts; Roadmaster Harry Markert.

The Bitcoin ordinance has been prepared and the Hearing/adoption to take place at the April supervisors meeting. The supervisors are working with the solicitor to give consideration to the fact the Subdivison and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) may not be the best vehicle for the proposed ordinance. Work will continue on the ordinance, and if decided some changes need to be made by making it a stand-alone ordinance. Proper advertising will take place in both The Ridgway Record and The Johnsonburg Press.

Under public participation: Supervisor Fred Maletto, Jr. commended the road crew and supervisors on the overall condition of the area roads. "The roads in Jones Township are far better than what they used to be," stated Maletto. "I also want all of you who are here tonight, everyone has the right to make a difference, and that right, is to vote! The three supervisors are all elected officials," he added to a large round of applause.

Under additions to agenda: The supervisors approved the discussion to the purchase road based material, Wilcox Hometown Festival and the Multi-modal Transportation Grant Program.

The minutes of the February 14th supervisor meeting, the Treasurer's Report and bills presented for payment, were all approved as presented.

Under Correspondence: The Wilcox Volunteer Fire Department 2022 report was received and accepted. The Elk County Office of Elections requested the use of the community building for May 16 elections which was approved. The PA DEP requested assistance in alerting residents of NPDES Stormwater Construction Permit regulations. The Elk County Planning Department will hold a public meeting on April 26 at 3 p.m. to discuss the CDBG program. PSATS has proposed an increase for 2023 dues.

Babst/calland Attorneys at Law regarding proposed Ordinance #125.

Under Reports: Wilcox Volunteer Fire Department shows year to date calls: 36 total: Medical 19; Motor Vehicle Accidents 9; Investigations 2; Traffic Control 1; Mutual Aid 1; Brush fires 2; Trees on power lines 2. The Recreation Board: November 2022 minutes approved. Next meeting scheduled is March 29 at 6:15 pm and one vacancy remains on the board. Park: Continue to work on April DCNR grant application with EADS Group which entails a pedestrian bridge over the Clarion River from 737 Marvin Street to the park property, ADA parking, sidewalk, benches and gardens.

Under New Business: A motion was approved to advertise for requires stone with bids to be opened at the April meeting. Resolution #2023-05 was approved and will be submitted for the DCNR grant application. The sweeper rental from A&H Equipment rental period from 3/27 - 4/3 at the cost of $4,000 was approved. Purchase of road based material up to the cost of $22,500 was approved without going out for bid. Quotes are being obtained from Paper City, North Star and Hawbaker. It was approved to purchase from the lowest quote.

Wilcox Hometown Festival will be held May 27 and 28 and activities include Battle of the Beach Ball, volley ball tournament, power lifting contest, pirate boat races, lawn mower races and a few more. Music will be provided by local musicians along with Second Act and TRIXX on Saturday and a band comprised of Nashville/pittsburgh musicians for Sunday. Reservations are now being taken for vendors. Help is needed and if you can give an hour or more please contact Laurie at the community building.

Multi-modal Transportation Grants are due 7/31/2023. EADS has previously submitted for many of our bridges, most recently Joy Gardens. Supervisors approved the submitting of a MultiModal Grant by EADS group.

Sharkey, Piccirillo Keen LLP will begin the 2022 DCED audit on March 15.

Under Right To Know Requests: Open Books (Boca Raton,fl) for all payment transactions for the 2022 year. Filled in part and denied in part.

Terry Brawand requested Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for years 2012 - 2022. Request denied due to the documentation requested does not exist.

With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 4:57 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Jones Township Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11 at 4 p.m. in the community building.