Cold weather brings year-end

and township budget business By Jerry Goldberg DINGMAN — Dingman is ready for winter weather, according to Roadmaster Jim Snyder. Earlier this month, Snyder told the township supervisors that all the winter salt and anti-skid had been delivered. “All winter materials have been stored away and are ready for use when the snow comes,” Snyder said. “Our plow vehicles have all been retrofitted to handle the plows when we need them,” he added. Supervisor’s Chair Tom Mincer asked if he was completely prepared and Snyder replied, “Absolutely!” Sewage and Zoning Enforcement Officer Chris Wood showed the supervisors some samples of new ground glass compounds that can be used for septic mounds, one sandy fine and the other coarse. Processed at a recycling center near Scranton, they are lighter and can be delivered using bigger trucks. This will save the end user, the homeowner, some money, Wood said. Wood also expressed concerns that some lake communities in the township have too many trees which can be a potential fire hazard. He noted the raging fires that have plagued California and other western states. “One of the community’s concern is the Woodlands, which could be a major forest fire,” said Wood. In recent budget preparations, five local service organizations sought support increases based on growing client lists and higher operating costs. Executive Director Ann Gillerlane said the Center For Developmental Disabilities serviced 160 Dingman residents in 2006 and this year they are already up to 180 and it is only November. “We are making a big push to get more young children enrolled in pre-school but that costs money,” she said. Executive Director Liz Torkildsen of Pike County Developmental Center said they have gone from 20 to 25 adult clients. “Local businesses are using our clients for more than just stuffing envelopes. They are having them do much more complex tasks. “We have two vans we use to take our clients to work and then back home afterwards. Our gas expenses for the vans is costing us $735 to $800 a month.” Linda LaStarza, executive director of Safe Haven, which assists victims of domestic violence, reported a similar increased client load. The Pike County Humane Society and the Dingman Library Branch are also seeking additional township funding for the coming year. Mincer said, “We have to be careful who we give financial support to and be sure they are serving our community.” When completed, the new budget will posted for public review and put before a public hearing, prior to adoption before year’s end.