Fairfield area news-briefs

Danielle Ryan

(1/23) Call for firefighter and EMS volunteers

During his annual fire and EMS report, Fairfield Fire Chief Bill Jacobs reiterated the necessity for volunteers. There is a real need in the community for volunteers of all types, not just firefighters and EMT’s. Statisticians, fundraisers, computer savvy individuals are all needed. The volunteer fire department saves the town hundreds of thousands of dollars every year through their services, but will not be able to stay operational in that same way if more volunteers don’t step up. Fountaindale Fire Chief, Dave Martin agreed with Jacobs concerning the necessity for volunteers of all facets in the local fire departments. If you wish to volunteer, contact your local department for more information.

Carroll Valley Borough Council position open

During the January 10 Borough Council meeting, Council members accepted the resignation of previous President Janis Ashman. The Borough will be accepting applications to fill the vacant Council member seat through February 8. Applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest, similar to a resume with schooling, related experience etc. All applicants must be registered electors in the Borough of Carroll Valley for at least one year.

Iron Springs Plaza update

The Hamiltonban Township Board of Supervisors voted to add some missing items in the Iron Springs Plaza project agreement on January 3. The developer for the project, David Sites, is asked to deposit $600,000 into escrow account when the bid for the project is accepted. Additionally, the date of June 30, 2019, was chosen for completion of the infrastructure of project. This expiration date is concurrent with the expiration date of the $550,000 CFA Grant that was received in August of last year. However, the 2019 completion date doesn’t guarantee the total completion of the Plaza, it only requires the completion of the entire infrastructure for the shopping center. Sites has advised the Board that the preparation for preparing the bids for the project is underway and should be completed within 30 days. After the pre-bid work is done, the bids will be advertised.

Strawberry Hill receives $837,000

After months, Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve has finally heard word of their potential partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). In December, word was received that DCNR awarded the Conservation Fund $837,000 to help purchase 484 acres from Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve. As part of this agreement, this land will be transferred to Michaux State Forest, who will be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the land.

The $837,000 was only a portion of the $1.2 million purchase by Michaux. The land should be part of Michaux in a year, according to Kyle Shenk, Pennsylvania state director for The Conservation Fund. All programs run by Strawberry Hill will remain as they were, and the additional funds should help contribute to the expansion of nature education. However, official word concerning Strawberry Hill’s planned use for the funds received is yet to be announced.