At the start of the Lowhill Township April 12 supervisors’ meeting, Chairman Richard Hughes introduced Lowhill resident Diana Marshall. She attended to discuss independent redistricting.

Marshall brought along Terry Schettini, who represents Fair Districts PA, a nonpartisan, citizen-led, statewide coalition, which is working to create a process for redistricting that is transparent, impartial and fair.

Schettini’s presentation involved topics about what gerrymandering including why it’s a problem, how to help fix it and how to prevent it from happening.

According to township Secretary Jill Seymour, Schettini wants the township to pass a resolution against gerrymandering, which creates a political advantage for a particular party or group by manipulating district boundaries.

In other matters, Carole Dorsch, presented the auditor’s report. She basically said that all of the township’s funds are being well taken care of. Dorsch also noted that there was an excessive amount of money spent this year, but that was because it was not spent last year.

This was because paving Gruber road was in the budget for 2016, but it did not get done until 2017.

The projects were budgeted properly.

Leroy Sorenson and Dean Zimmerman from Sorenson construction joined the board to discuss their final construction plan for 2883 Windy road.

Hughes made a motion to accept the plan for review and Werley seconded that motion.

Ryan Christman, engineer described that they have made the technical changes they commented on at the planning commission meeting from March 23. However, they still need to have the approvements agreement and the outside agents agreement. Wessner made a motion that the reviews and approvals of the planning commission should be made before it goes forward. Werley seconded the motion.

Administrator Brian Carl commented on what is occurring at the detour for Game Preserve Road.

PennDOT is asking to use Weidasville Road, detour through Highland road, down Reuton Hill and back around Game Preserve Road. This detour would be caused from a pipe replacement occurring at Game Preserve Road. It would be about a six week detour. Hughes made a motion to allow Penn-DOT to use Weidasville, Highland and Reuton Hill roads, while Game Preserve Road is under construction.

Werley seconded the motion. Hughes also made a motion not to allow trucks to use that detour. Werley seconded it. Lowhill had to approve the request, since PennDOT would be using township roads.

Roadmaster Joe Kalusky stated during March there were 13 days of winter maintenance and three storm clean up days due to rain.

Michele Schock recently noticed Bittner’s Corner Bridge was closed. She reported the closure to Administrator Brian Carl. He discovered PennDOT performed an inspection and the bridge failed due to the winter weather.

PennDOT approved making Bittner’s Corner Bridge a one-lane bridge for now, but signage would have to be posted to alert drivers.