MARION TWP – Township supervisors approved spending $5,000 to replace the community’s aged fire siren and supporting equipment during a meeting Monday, March 13.

Emergency management coordinator Doug Dick said the community needs a modern, reliable system to serve as an essential component to an Emergency Management Plan.

Steve Nevel, of the fire department, said the estimate to repair the existing siren received from Dumbaugh Electric of Butler is approximately $1,500. Replacement parts for the electrical equipment supporting the function of the existing siren are unavailable, so those items will be purchased and replaced, too.

The decision to replace the siren came following a presentation last month in which members of the Marion Township Volunteer Fire Department informed council of reliability issues related to the current siren.

The cost of installation will be covered by the fire department.

Dick also explained what initial steps will be taken to create and submit an emergency plan in accordance with state requirements.

The plan begins, Dick said, with collecting data from residents regarding volatile fuel storage, hazardous materials and health-related issues affecting mobility and medical needs, such as oxygen tanks or other aids.

This data is noted and township then will form a plan in case of emergency.

Dick sited a 2022 electrical malfunction at Autumn Grove that could have resulted in the emergency placing of 93 elderly residents.

Dick, CEO of Superior Ambulance, was recently appointed EMC for Marion Township and Harrisville. The EMC position is required to obtaining disaster funding and preparedness grants from FEMA and the state.

Michele Burd, township secretary, said the $4.2 million dollar sewer project, managed by the EADS Group, Clarion, is on track to begin in early June.

An initial preconstruction meeting is scheduled for next week. All parties in attendance will review procedures and coordination of the various aspects of the project, Burd said, adding the project is one of the largest the township has undertaken.

She said she anticipates a series of preconstruction meetings.

The remaining easement agreements are being finalized, and the pump grinders will be delivered next week, Burd added.

The project is scheduled to be completed Dec. 31.

Supervisors also discussed obtaining financing, approximately $400,000, to pay the balance owed to the EADS Group for project engineering and the work of township solicitor Andrea Parenti. This debt is the only one the township will carry due to the grants received.

Burd said financing is available from the Butler County Infrastructure Bank but noted the relatively short term of 10 years impacts the budget. Burd noted that longer term financing better suits the finances of the township and is exploring other options.

The Feb. 13 treasurer’s report regarding township balances was approved as submitted.

A $50,000 Butler County Parks Renovation/Development Grant awarded to the township earlier this year was formally approved by supervisors. The township is required to provide a funding match of $20,000. This money, Burd noted, can come from in-kind contributions, such as township labor, or from other grants for local parks that the township can apply for.

Council agreed to donate $150 to Boyer Sportsman Association to help offset expenses for the kids community fishing event in April.