Trash dumping a problem at Conococheague Creek outlet

William Yaukey and Glen Dice brought a survey map to the Antrim Township Board of Supervisors meeting Nov. 24, and asked that the gate on Patton Bridge Road be moved forward. The gate is near the Conococheague Creek in a 50-foot right-of-way for Antrim Township, but on the property of Yaukey. He reported that the lane has been a dumpsite for trash and people hanging around, which has led to environmental and safety concerns.

"We take a trash can every single time we go," said Yaukey. "It's always full."

He has found sofas, deer carcasses, oil filters and personal items.

Dice, his father-in-law, hoped the township could care for the site, hauling off the garbage, some of which ends up in the creek. With no parking lot, people park in the ROW, blocking neighboring farmers from accessing their own fields.

The Park Committee recommended starting conservatively in addressing the problem, which has been ongoing for years. Chairman Nate Bacon suggested signs to prohibit littering, advising private property and no parking. He said the access point was targeted as an entrance for a future boating trail. Closing the end of the road could be done later if necessary.

The supervisors planned to visit the remote site before acting.

Park business

The concession stand is finally a done deal. The board members present, James Byers, Rick Baer, Curtis Myers and Fred Young III, took another vote on how to construct the building at Antrim Township Community Park, and settled on a one-story block style. Antrim project manager Lynda Beckwith had discovered through talks with DCNR and Centura architect Dave Molina that the grant would not cover the second floor because it would not be handicap accessible. Administrator Brad Graham said the cedar-building originally considered through the Pennsylvania CoStars program likely would not have been totally covered either, as it had a second story and would also require stairs and another door for fire safety.

Byers moved to keep it simple with just one level. The motion passed 3-1 with Young opposed. He said he found value in the upper level.

Graham explained that the inspection of Martin's Mill Bridge by Ehrlich revealed better than expected results. The historic structure still contained carpenter bees, carpenter ants, woodboring beetles and wood decay fungi, but it was treatable. The board approved a two-step approach to eliminating the insects - a one-time treatment for $3,800 and six monthly treatments through the spring and summer for $3,240 total.

Other business

The final meeting of the year was moved from Dec. 22 to Dec. 29 at 11 a.m. The budget will be passed at that time.

Employees will receive a $100 gift card for the Christmas bonus. The supervisors said it would be up to the employees to claim the income.