Chief Jay Scheffler, of Goodwill Fire Company, Germansville, told Heidelberg supervisors at their March 15 meeting that the company had acquired a drone which may be especially useful in finding people who have become lost in the area.

Many of the firefighters are taking classes to learn how to use it.

Fire company members met with state Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, and state Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, to discuss the recruitment, retention and a grant for truck funding.

Fire police will help with a Heidelberg Union Church 5K run. Money from that event will go to the church and a wellness/fitness program.

Emergency Management Coordinator Josh Bingham, said he will be talking to Weisenberg Township representatives about creating a search team.

Heidelberg Township Administrator Janice Meyers and Lynn Township Secretary-Treasurer Tammy White are up dating a list of contacts.

Supervisor Steve Bachman asked if anyone requested help during the recent storms. Bingham said if they did, he did not hear of it. Eighty-five percent of the township was out of power at some time during the snowstorm and aftermath.

Schools are evaluated separately. He said it is not important during summer weather at the schools but in cold weather it is a problem.

Resident Carl Breininger asked why the fire company was not opened to the public as a warming station.

NOVA ambulance missed three days in January but worked 9.9 hours per day.

In February, they missed 10 days but were able to answer all calls. Some of its personnel were on leave cutting down on the number of days.

Supervisor David Fink said the fire company has five vehicles and tries to replace one each year.

In other matters, Meyers said the audit was good with only a few minor changes to be made such as missing information which will be provided. The office is working on a hazard mitigation program.

The planning commission is checking the plan for the walking trail at the community park along Route 309.

Engineer Chris Noll said the major issue for the trail is storm water. A National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit is not required as there will be less than an acre of soil disturbed.

The trail will be six feet wide and work will be paid according to the prevailing wage. Caretaker Jim Hughes was named to fill the member at large position in the recreation commission vacated by Don Link.

Noll is working on pollution controls for the MS4 update.

The six-township COG meeting was held at Weisenberg. Roadmaster Kevin Huber said salt was a major discussion but most have enough for one more storm. He reported getting a used sweeper for $2,000.

Bachman said there was overtime for tree trimming following the storms. Huber said some people on the mountain called for help removing fallen trees and some had cleaned up on their own. The wind took a lot of trees down.

Arthur Oakes, operations director at the school district, said they have purchased the thermo plastic to place signs along the roadway. The school and rec commission will work together to do those signs.

Street signs are being stolen, said Huber. He also has a quote from what he termed a good company for the heating and cooling system at $29,000.

Dawn Didra, assistant zoning officer, said requests for permits are picking up as spring looms. People are coming in with questions about houses that are for sale. She has the newsletter ready for publication.

Teena Bailey of the Rural Preservation Society said its spring cleanup at the Lowhill Township Building will be April 14.