Solicitor says Authority may pursue temporary condemnation to secure sewer easements

The Susquehanna Township Authority discussed legal options April 7 for securing easements tied to the Southeast Sewer Extension Project after staff reported outstanding tapping fees and uncompleted connections.

Township Manager Theresa Eberly outlined the outstanding tapping-fee situation; board member Yves Pollart urged making one additional attempt to obtain voluntary compliance before moving to enforcement. Solicitor Stan Laskowski advised the Authority could "pursue a temporary condemnation to obtain the necessary easements to complete the work, followed by placing a municipal lien on the property, or alternatively proceed through the court system." He said he will meet with Manager Eberly to discuss next steps.

No legal action was authorized at the meeting. The discussion produced a direction for the solicitor to consult with the manager about whether to attempt further voluntary compliance or to initiate formal proceedings. Mr. Pollart’s stated preference for one more voluntary outreach was noted on the record.

Laskowski also told the board he is scheduled to appear before the Commonwealth Court on Monday to argue an ongoing Authority case that has lasted "approximately two to three years," indicating concurrent legal matters outside the tapping-fee discussion. The board did not vote on any enforcement action during the April 7 meeting.

Next steps noted in the meeting record are a solicitor-manager consultation to firm enforcement strategy and potential return to the board with recommendations. No timelines for legal filings were given in the transcript.