Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Roads topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board delays Zieglerville Road base-repair bid after supervisors, residents press for drainage analysis and lower-cost options
Summary
Supervisors tabled the award for the Zieglerville Road base-repair bid to the next general meeting after Supervisor Sachs questioned the scope and cost, urging a lower-cost scratch-coat overlay and drainage evaluation; residents asked for test patches and a faster sewer timeline.
The Lower Frederick Township Board of Supervisors decided to delay awarding a bid for base repairs on Zieglerville Road after supervisors and residents raised concerns about drainage, subgrade problems and cost-effectiveness.
Supervisor Sachs urged the board to reconsider the proposed base-repair approach in favor of lower-cost alternatives and a focused drainage analysis. "I'm against it," Sachs said during the meeting, arguing that the road has drainage issues and recommending a scratch-coat, tack and overlay method that he estimated could cost about $65,000 and last several years while providing time to assess drainage and sewer needs.
Township engineer Carol Schuler and other supervisors agreed that the road needs work but recommended more information before committing to the current bid package. Staff noted the bid opening has occurred and that the township has up to 60 days to award, but the board decided it was prudent to hear additional detail and involve the absent supervisor with engineering experience. The chair amended a motion to delay the award until the next general meeting on July 2.
Residents who spoke during public comment supported testing and targeted repairs. Brian Hill of 1111 Zieglerville Road told the board that sections in front of his property create problems entering his driveway and emphasized the urgency for homeowners who may not be able to wait a decade for sewer extension: "I can't prepare or be prepared to stay in my home for another 20 years... this township continues to put that project off." Another commenter suggested excavating and repairing six test patches to assess subgrade conditions before a full-scale repair.
The board’s decision was procedural: rather than approve or cancel the work, supervisors asked the engineer to return with more detailed drainage analysis and alternative repair options for consideration at the July 2 meeting. The engineer said she will provide additional information before that session.
