The Penn Forest board of supervisors held a special meeting Thursday evening to handle a few matters that could not wait until the August 5 regular monthly meeting.

The most pressing item addressed was the upcoming renewal of the worker's compensation insurance. The current policy lapses on July 31 and the new premium for 2013/2014 is $76,430.The supervisors had previously instructed township secretary Maryann Lewellyn to seek alternative insurers to try to reduce the premium.On hand Thursday evening was Al Sebia of Coast to Coast Business Solutions to discuss a proposal he had submitted to the township to decrease the cost of workmen's compensation insurance.Sebia pointed out that the township's rates are high because the township has a 1.9 rating. He said insurers look at this rating when determining premiums.Sebia's proposal essentially involves transferring the township employees to his company. Under this model the employees would be covered by his worker's compensation insurance which has a rating of 1. The lower rating allows Coast to Coast to pass along the savings to the township.Coast to Coast would also provide human resource management, payroll and risk management services to the township as part of the proposal.The Coast to Coast contract calls for a charge of 6 percent of payroll and a one-time set up fee of $200. The proposal estimated that the township would save approximately $14,000 per year.Supervisor Alan Katz made a motion to accept the Coast to Coast contract pending review by township solicitor Gregory Mousseau.Also discussed, during public comment was the Penn Forest Number 1 Volunteer Fire Department's need for a new tanker.The old tanker has been condemned by the Pa. State Police and removed from service.Tom Whitely, president of the fire company, has been looking for a base tanker to replace the one which is out of service."We are looking at a new KME, and would like to know that if we approach the board of supervisors and request the $60,000 that the board has set aside for equipment, what are our chances of getting the funds from the township?" asked Whitely."Very likely, since that is what the money is meant for," responded supervisor Katz. "We will need to see a signed contract and have it reviewed by our solicitor, but there is no reason why you shouldn't have the money."The fire department is hoping to put $100,000 down and finance the balance. The fire department should be prepared to make a formal request by the August 5 meeting.Also on the agenda for the meeting was a discussion regarding two certificates of deposit coming due in July. The CD's are invested with JTNB. Supervisor Katz made a motion to keep the CD's in JTNB."It's always a good idea to do business within our community," said Katz.After a recent rash of correspondence from Bruce Haight, PE, on behalf of Bear Creek Lake Association, the township has had an increase in billable hours from Barry Isett Associates, Hanover Engineering and the township solicitor.Katz made a motion to no longer allow any township engineer or solicitor to review or respond to any correspondence received from Bruce Haight Engineering or on behalf of Bear Creek Lake Association without direction from the board of supervisors. The motion passed unanimously.Chairman Christine Fazio made a motion to appoint supervisor Judy Knappenberger to be in charge of building maintenance. Knappenberger was given a budget of $500 per month to help expedite minor repairs. Major repairs will still need approval from the board of supervisors.