Monday night's regular township meeting almost didn't happen for the West Penn Township supervisors. Supervisor James Akins was on vacation, and shortly before the meeting, supervisor David Zeigler informed the board that he was ill.

Under the advice of Attorney David Miscavige, Akins was able to call in to the meeting, and between him and Chairman Alfonso Martinez, the meeting was able to proceed.Supervisors are asking for residents' cooperation with ongoing soil and well testing for the township's sewage facility plan. Township engineer, Ronald B. Madison, of Rettew, explained that the sampling has been going on since May, however, the township has committed to completing this work by the end of the year and is rapidly running out of good weather."We are doing background testing for potentially viable soil sites, for on lot systems, and also background testing for residential wells for cross contamination," said Madison. "We're required to get a certain representative sample of the area.""DEP still requires that we go through the motions and look at all possible applications." Madison also stressed that just because a property is tested does not mean that it will be utilized for an on lot system. "We try to come down to the best opportunities," he said.Ted Bogosh, the chairman of the township's newly formed sewer committee, stressed the importance of cooperation. "We have to find numerous sites. It doesn't mean that a sewage plant would be put there, but it has to be done before the pipe can be put through the ground," said Bogosh. Residents whose properties have been selected for testing will be contacted first by a member of the sewer committee and then receive a follow-up contact directly from a Rettew representative. Resident Paul Breiner expressed concerns that testers had appeared on his property without proper notification. Officials said that that had occurred in error and steps would be taken to be sure that proper communication was established in the future.There are four areas in the township that have been identified as part of the study, South Tamaqua, Andreas, Snyders, and Clamtown, and one area, Reynolds, which is in Walker Township. "Right now, we are looking at what will serve each area best," said Madison, "whether it's piping it to the Tamaqua treatment plant, an on-site treatment plant, or an on-site sewage disposal system, like a large community sewer plant. "We can't stress how important the soil and water testing is," said Martinez. "If you're contacted, please help with it."Madison also announced that the township has received DCNR approval for the proposal for West Penn Park East and the funding for the project is in place. The project will be put out to bid shortly. The supervisors also decided to proceed with the speed reduction study along Pine Hill Road, at a cost of $1400. Madison said that that study should be completed before the next township meeting.Police chief Brian Johnson asked for permission to attend the East Brunswick Township meeting. He explained that he had been contacted about possibly contracting out West Penn's police services to East Brunswick. "This is just a preliminary discussion," he said. "If anything, it may help offset our costs."The supervisors granted final conditional approval for the mino subdivision plan for Jay P. Brubacker and Regina S. Brubacker. They denied a request for a waiver on the de facto subdivision request from Helen Finkbone. Supervisors also recognized township resident Connor Nolan, a member of Boy Scout Troop 755, who was attending the meeting as part of his citizenship merit badge work.