At Tuesday night's meeting of the Douglass Township supervisors, officials provided an update on the progress of the new emergency services building. The project, located at 1454 East Philadelphia Ave., is moving along well.

            It has been 214 days since demolition of the original building. The drywall, paint, and additional site work has been completed. The outside of the building is done. The electrical work will be complete in the next few weeks.

            The building is expected to open within three to four months, according to Joshua Stouch, chair of the township's board of supervisors. He described the project as approximately 75 percent complete. The supervisor estimated the total cost at less than $3 million.

            Gilbertsville Fire and Rescue, which is overseeing the project and will own the building, is documenting the work on its YouTube channel. The link can be found on the organization's social media page.

            Stouch described Gilbertsville Fire and Rescue as one of the best departments in the area. "Very proud to have this fire department in the township," he said during the meeting.

            A layout of the parking lot and landscaping was provided for review. The final site plan was done by Pennoni, the township's engineering firm. It also designed stormwater management of the site.

            Eventually, the Douglass Township Police Department will relocate to the building. A lease agreement between Gilbertsville Fire and Rescue and the police department is prepared. There are a few more things that are in process with the document before it's reviewed by Solicitor Robert Brant. 

            The planning agency recommended the approval of waivers and a preliminary plan by the township solicitor in regard to the Holly Road mixed use land development project. It is a 52-acre site that will include 30 acres developed for housing and commercial use pad sites. The remaining acreage will be set aside for open space.

            The board authorized Brant to prepare the preliminary plan resolution. 

            Manager Peter Hiryak presented the board with the eighth escrow release request for the  Zern phase ll project in the amount of $85,675.18. All work has been completed and reviewed by the township engineer. The board approved.

            The board also approved tuition reimbursement for police officer Daniel Castellucci. The funds for tuition reimbursement were put into the 2022 approved budget. 

            During public comment, resident Alex Brumwell requested post construction stormwater management reports of areas impacted by flooding.

Hiryak stated that he would provide multiple reports done on certain areas prone to flooding as well as a report on the wetlands in New Hanover Township. 

            Resident Tom Link asked how the newly added snow removal ordinance is working out this year.

            Michael Heydt, of public works, informed him that the township is focusing on certain areas, in particular the developments where residents park on the streets.

            The township is in the process of contacting the homeowners associations of various developments urging them to post the information on their social media pages. In addition, Heydt stated that they are getting the word out and knocking on doors to inform residents.