Residents complain about storm drain maintenance
By Jamie Richard, Correspondent, CoatesvilleTimes.com
Caln township secretary Bambi Warren and Township Manager Greg Prowant address resident issues as commissioners Lorrain Tindaro and Josh Young look on, Thursday night.
CALN — Thursday’s Board of Commissioners work session turned into a public forum as community members and representatives came forward seeking aid or approval from the board.
Coatesville residents Christie Fritsch and Ralph Jilek spoke before the board to express concerns over storm drain maintenance issues. According to Fritsch, a drainage pipe that runs through her and Jilek’s properties is leaking or otherwise compromised, causing sinkholes to form on both properties. Fritsch and Jilek sought the board’s aid in having the pipe repaired, despite the fact that it is located on private property.
“I’d just like to see what can be done,” said Fritsch. “We didn’t put the pipe in …I didn’t even realize the pipe existed until October.”
Concern arose within the board over whether or not the township is accountable for the pipe’s maintenance. Although the pipe is located on private property, it connects the storm pipes on Seltzer Ave. and Watson Ave., both of which are public works. The board ultimately decided to review township records to verify who was responsible for the pipe’s installation. If the township was not responsible for the pipe’s installation, the board would be forced to set precedent if they wished to repair the pipe. Though no definitive conclusion was reached, board vice-president Charles Kramer assured Fritsch and Jilek that the issue would be addressed in a timely manner.
“We understand your concern,” said Kramer. “We’re on your side…we want to help as much as we can, if we can.”
Ronald Klos Jr. and Kristin Ritz came as representatives of Bohler Engineering and Wawa respectively, seeking approval on Wawa’s request to sell diesel fuel at their location on Lincoln Hwy. According to Klos, a 15,000 gallon tank would be installed to provide diesel fuel specifically for diesel-powered cars and trucks; tractor trailers will not be permitted to fuel at the Wawa. Klos estimated that construction would last approximately two weeks and, despite concern from board members, would not cause additional traffic congestion at the Wawa. The board unanimously approved the request.
Other business included the resignation of Zoning Hearing Board member Anthony Polini and discussion on the publication of township community map.
The Board of Commissioners will next convene for a regularly scheduled business meeting on Jan. 26 at 7:30 PM.
