DAMASCUS, PA — Exhibiting a professionalism that raises the bar for public officials at all levels of government, four Wayne Highlands eighth-graders learned firsthand about government at the township level, by conducting the May 19 Damascus Board of Supervisors meeting. Leah Jay, Jon Kabonick, Julia Polt and Will Reiger spent part of the day as acting supervisors at the Damascus Community Hall. They left early to participate in mandatory school testing, but returned to direct the evening supervisors’ meeting, with only minimal coaching from the elected supervisors.

Obviously well acquainted with parliamentary procedure, the students recognized speakers, introduced motions, seconded motions and called for votes with the ease of seasoned statesmen. Acting board chairman Jon Kabonick called the meeting to order and opened the floor to Dime Bank branch manager Pam Kerber and Damascus food pantry director Dora F. Henry, who requested board approval for a scrap-metal collection/recycling fundraiser to be held in July. Citing increased need for food pantry services, Kerber stated that this year the pantry has served twice the number of individuals it served last year, and that additional funding is necessary for continued operation of the program. The request was approved unanimously.

In response to Kabonick’s call for public comment, several residents expressed concern over the condition of Chicopee Road, asking operations supervisor Steve Adams when it is scheduled for repair. Adams explained that a recent change in state law now requires Department of Environmental Protection permits for road work that involves water crossings; there are four water crossings on Chicopee. Permit applications are being prepared now, and Adams anticipates that work will begin as soon as the permits have been issued.

Following a lengthy review, thorough research and considerable discussion, the planning board recommended to the board of supervisors that there be no change to current zoning ordinances, including those pertaining to minimum property lot size requirements; the supervisors voted unanimously to accept that recommendation.

At the urging of the Upper Delaware Council (UDC), Damascus Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey Dexter has attended several New York and Pennsylvania information sessions regarding updating of local ordinances that pertain to communications towers. There he learned that communications towers are changing rapidly in size, shape, type and functionality. The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors advised that planning boards should become familiar with all aspects of this new technology, as it will undoubtedly impact their localities in the near future. To that end, Dexter proposed a review and update of current township communications tower ordinances.

Reveaing that funding for the review is available through the UDC, Dexter said that the UDC asks only for a copy of review findings and recommendations in exchange. Dexter favors accepting the UDC funding. Supervisor Joe Canfield does not. Dexter maintains that UDC funding is offered merely as incentive for review completion and that no strings are attached, regardless of review findings and recommendations. Canfield is unconvinced that UDC funding comes without ulterior motive. No decision on acceptance of funding will be made until Adams has had a chance to study the proposal.

Zoning officer/webmaster/emergency management coordinator Ed Lagarenne announced that Dexter has been awarded the UDC’s prestigious Oaken Gavel Award, in recognition of his leadership and service as UDC chairman since February 2013.

For complete meeting minutes and additional information on Dexter’s award, visit damascustwp.org.