Delaware Renews Cable Agreement For 5 Years
The Pike County Dispatch
Thursday, June 30, 2022
By Wayne Witkowski

INGMANS FERRY -- Delaware Township supervisors unanimously approved, after a brief public hearing, an ordinance for a new five-year franchise cable agreement with Blue Ridge Communications during the regular meeting on Wednesday last week.
The ordinance agreement keeps the same terms as the expiring five-year contract in which Blue Ridge intends "to maintain, construct, operate and upgrade its cable system over, under and along the aforesaid right-of-way for use by the township's residents," according to the ordinance.
It is done by "utilizing public right-of-way and properties within the township's jurisdiction."
Fees for the cable maintenance and upgrades come from a 1.5 percent tax built into township residents' monthly bills for cable television usage.
Fees that are not used go back to the township for its general funds on a quarterly basis, which is estimated at about .5 percent of that customer tax.
The agreement, in compliance with state and federal standards,  comes after nearly two years of ongoing meetings and discussions between the supervisors and Blue Ridge and some executive sessions during Board of Supervisors workshops that preceded their regular meetings..
During the regular meeting, supervisors agreed to pay American Rescue Fund bills of $72,882.81 for three culvert replacement projects for Long Meadow, Log & Twig and Spencer roads. The American Rescue Fund is a COVID 19 federal endowment. Supervisors also approved a motion to extend by 14 days for contractors to receive materials and complete the Log & Twig Road work. It will be done by July 3.
Also, Kevin Riker was appointed full-time assistant roadmaster at a rate o $27 per hour and a $3,000 hiring incentive bonus, including $2,000 of that incentive toward future work service.
Supervisors also approved a payment of $7,700 to Kirk Summa & Co. LLP for the audit of financial records to year end Dec. 31, 2021.
Little Wonders Learning Center again was granted use of Akenac Park for fields days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 24, July 29 and Aug. 15.
The township noise ordinance again was discussed briefly during the workshop prior to the regular meeting but was set aside until further information is gathered comparing the township's proposed ordinance to the noise restrictions of the State Liquor Control Board.
Board of Supervisors Chairman John Henderson reminded the gathering during the Announcements segment at the end of the regular meeting that the application deadline has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, 2022 for the property tax/rent rebate program for older and disabled Pennsylvanians by the Department of Revenue and Aging. Applications can be filed online by visiting mypath.pa.gov. Supervisor Jane Neufeld said further questions can be directed to the office of state Rep. Rosemary Brown.