Salem Township unanimously adopts ordinance adding roads to weight‑restricted list after residents report damage

The Salem Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Feb. 24, 2026, to adopt Ordinance No. 2‑2026, amending the township’s restricted roadways ordinance to add additional roadways to the weight‑restricted highway, roadway or bridge list.

The ordinance followed public reports that heavy hauling was damaging local roads. Resident Chad Shifko told the board he had been hauling large amounts of dirt onto his Quarry Drive property and that nearby residents had reported damage. "Quarry Drive is posted with a 10‑ton weight limit," Supervisor Todd Paulich said, adding that he visited the site and "asked Chad to stop work because the road is posted with a 10‑ton weight limit and it should have been bonded." Todd Paulich moved to enact the ordinance and Bob Zundel seconded the motion; the three supervisors voted in favor.

Why it matters: supervisors said the ordinance gives the township clearer authority to restrict heavy commercial traffic on specific roadways that are not intended for frequent, heavy loads. Residents pressed the board for clarity on how the township will distinguish routine local deliveries from repeated commercial hauling. "Will it be 2 loads or 6?" asked resident Tim Kepple. Supervisor Kerry Jobe responded that local delivery is treated differently and said, "it will not be a problem because it is considered local delivery," and he added that farmers are exempt from the restrictions.

Board action and votes: the meeting record shows an initial motion to discuss the ordinance, followed by a formal motion to enact Ordinance No. 2‑2026. The enactment motion passed unanimously; the minutes record votes by Supervisors Kerry Jobe, Bob Zundel and Todd Paulich in favor. The minutes do not specify an effective date for the ordinance or a full list of the roadways added beyond the notation that additional roadways were being added to Exhibit A of Ordinance No. 1‑2024.

Enforcement and next steps: board members acknowledged questions about enforcement and the scope of existing businesses. Kerry Jobe noted that Orrs is a pre‑existing business and expressed that shutting down an established business was not the board’s intent; he drew a distinction between a few trucks per day and sustained heavy traffic. Supervisor Paulich said the township has not yet audited all roads and that "we will add more down the road," indicating further reviews and additions to the restricted list may follow.

Other business: the board voted to adjourn at 7:02 p.m. and set a special meeting for March 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., and the regular meeting for March 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Kerry Jobe also reminded the public of a Feb. 26, 2026, special meeting to hire a Building Code Official.

The minutes were submitted by Kelly Otto, township secretary.