Murray to lead ATMA

PAT FRIDGEN, Echo Pilot

Soon the path will be clear should repair to sewer lines along Armada Drive become necessary. Over three dozen trees were cut down to provide access to the underground piping near Food Lion Distribution Center. Removal of the remaining branches and stumps will be scheduled by ATMA.

Chad Murray was elected chairman of Antrim Township Municipal Authority at the reorganization meeting Jan. 27. The leadership for 2014 includes Rodney Eberly, vice chair; Dale Hostetter, secretary; and Rick Baer, treasurer. The board still has one open seat and will entertain interest from the public for another member.

Public works director Carl Rundquist informed the board that he had had 40 large trees removed from the Food Lion Distribution Center right-of-way. The aspen trunks ranged from 12 to 24 inches, and were growing right over the sewer line. The clearance would allow for better access to the line if repairs were ever needed.

Rundquist and Murray agreed that the rogue trees represented the worst growth in any right-of-way in the township, based on their inspections. The stumps were left in place until the best way to remove them could be determined.

Because ATMA did not receive a PennWorks grant, sewer customer fees were going up the second quarter of 2014, Rundquist continued. The rate would jump from $115.50 to $135, with the monies helping to pay for capital projects.

“Now we have to go out and get the money,” he said.

ATMA needed $3.3 million in financing for the projects, and Rundquist planned to bring a consultant to the next meeting to explain loan options.