Last month, Bemis said ten of the township’s road signs have gone missing and he asked for approval to replace them. Bemis said he did not report the missing signs as thefts, as it is unlikely the signs would be recovered. Supervisors voted to authorize purchase of the replacements.

This month, Bemis said he would report the signs as missing.

Township secretary Jacqui Blose said she received a telephone call from a township resident who said they found some of the township signs, however, Blose did not know which signs had been found.

Bemis said the thefts are getting expensive as state law requires new “high intensity” road signs. The new road signs cost near $65 each compared to the old style which cost $35 each.

Supervisor Robert Carbaugh said the board should consider offering rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those stealing the signs, but no action was taken on the idea.

Bemis also reported continuing problems with the township’s 2002 Dodge truck.

Bemis said the truck recently needed brake repairs, new wheel bearings, ball joints and new brake lines.

Bemis said the ball joints will cost between $150 and $190 not including installation which requires specialized tools.

“I was told ‘You don’t want to do it,’” Bemis said of replacing the parts himself.

The truck has 80,000 miles of use.

“It’s starting to get expensive,” Carbaugh said of the truck.

“Yes, but up until now we really haven’t had to do much to it,” said Bemis.

In other business, the board appointed Dennis Smerker to the township’s sewage authority board.

Blose said there are several vacancies on the board and Smerker agreed to fill one of those openings.

Supervisor Mark Beichner said the township needs to find more people willing to serve on the authority.

“We need to get some pushers – some people who can get things done – on the authority,” said Beichner. “Right now, nothing is getting done.”

Acknowledging finding people willing to serve on the authority is difficult, Carbaugh asked, “What are the qualifications needed? What are Dennis Smerker’s qualifications?”

Ralph L.S. Montana, township legal counsel, quipped, “He’s alive, breathing and willing.”