EF Supervisors Approve Two-Way Radio Purchase

by David Croyle

Supervisors in East Franklin Township last night voted to upgrade their private two-way radio system so they can better communicate with their staff.

The cost for the upgrade was set at $3,228.20. According to township secretary/treasurer Debra Cornman, the bulk of the cost is to install a base station unit at the municipal building. She said that unit alone cost $1,241. She said that she currently has to go out to one of the township trucks, and crawl up into the cab to initiate radio calls to other township staff. The new base station would eliminate that procedure and streamline the process directly from the office.

Supervisor Vice-Chairman Dan Goldinger led the discussion. He was concerned that a radio for Supervisor David Stewart was not included. He felt Stewart should also have a radio in his vehicle because he is the township’s first responder in the event of storms or other emergencies. Goldinger explained that cell phones are useless in many areas of the township.

While Goldinger admitted he didn’t know the final cost of adding another radio, he estimated it to be several hundred dollars. The money will be taken from the General Fund budget.

Goldinger made the motion and it was approved by Stewart and Chairman Barry Peters.

In other business, supervisors reminded residents that Trash Week began on Wednesday, Sept 24.