Ridgway Twp. Supervisors table Cryptocurrency Ordinance for further discussion

RIDGWAY--The Ridgway Township Supervisors tabled the adoption of Ordinance No 122 until next month for further discussion after receiving a new draft of the law from the township solicitor.

Supervisor Chris Klase could not attend the meeting, and both Supervisors, Millie Bowers, and Carl Shilk found the new ordinance lacking in several ways. It was referred to the March meeting after another submission to the solicitor.

The ordinance would provide specific rules and guidelines, such as sound levels and zoning restrictions if the same company or another tries to move a Bitcoin “mine" into the township. As readers will note, last year, the Cryptocurrency mining site on Long Level Road made life difficult for neighbors and livestock with the constant droning noise, at times far above 65 decibels, for almost a year until it was moved to another township.

The supervisors did approve Ordinance No. 121, which changes the yearly compensation for supervisors elected after this date from $1,200 a year to $1,800. This would not change the salary of the current supervisors only to those who may be elected in the future.

The Ridgway Ambulance Corporation has requested additional money from Ridgway Township to offset costs associated with providing this essential service to the community. Ridgway Township generally budgets $5,000 yearly for a contribution to the corporation but, with the full support of the supervisors, increased that amount to $25,000 with an amendment to the 2023 budget to help this vital provider continue to serve the township throughout the year.

Sandy Beach Park will be looking better than ever this year thanks to the purchase of a new "Gator" tractor for the recreation area at the cost of $14,398.73 from the Park Equipment fund. The Gator will be used exclusively in Sandy Beach Recreation Area to upgrade the playgrounds, volleyball courts, parking lots, dog park, and fishing piers.

The supervisors will be advertising to amend the 2023 Budget to reflect changes to the Equipment and General Fund, reflect the receipt of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, and reimbursements from grants for the new fishing pier at Sandy Beach Park.

The tax collector requested and received exoneration to not collect a total tax of $225 from 45 individuals in the township.

The Dagusahonda Road Project will soon be advertised for bids for the fall construction project. Roads that will be covered under this contract include Old State Road, Bridge Street, and Short Street. There were no bids yet received for the Servidea project, so the paving project awards were delayed until next month's meeting.

With the so far mild winter, Ridgway Township is facing a slight surplus of road salt they ordered for the 2022-23 winter season, just as they must calculate the CoStar amount of salt needed for the 2023-24 season. After some discussion, it was decided to enter into a contract for 400 tons of salt, down from the 500 tons last year, with the option to increase that

amount by 25% if next winter proves to be harsher than this one.

Ridgway Township participates in the Elk County Association of Township Officials organization and announced the 2023 $600 scholarship. This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors pursuing a post-high-school education in all fields of study. Applicants must reside in one of the nine Elk County Townships (Benezette, Fox, Highland, Horton, Jay, Jones, Millstone, Ridgway, or Spring Creek). Applicants are encouraged to attend one of their local monthly township meetings. One township supervisor

must sign applications, which are due by April 30, 2023. Applications are available online through a quick online search or at mshs.rasd.us/wp-content/ uploads/sites/2/2021/02/ ecato-scholarship-1.pdf.

The Ridgway Township Supervisors will participate in a Transportation Roundtable hosted by North Central on March 8 at its headquarters in Ridgway. The roundtable will highlight different funding sources and grants available to local municipalities for the 2023-2024 construction season, from outright grants to reimbursement funds for existing projects.

The next meeting of the Ridgway Township

Supervisors will occur on March 21, beginning at 7 p.m. at the offices at 1537A Montmorenci Road. The public is invited to attend.