Franklin Township Supervisors will allow township police officers to offer the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation assistance during the McCall bridge detour through Weissport.

Supervisors will charge $80 per hour for a minimum of an eight-hour shift."If they aren't needed for eight hours, then they can work here in the township because their shift will be paid for," Green said, noting that PennDOT asked for officers to work evening shifts that begin at 6 p.m.Supervisors said that $80 per hour is becoming the standard rate for police officers to work outside of the department because of the cost of pensions, use of police cars and fuel, as during the shift the cars will be kept running.Green also noted that the officers will be paid their regular pay and not the $80 per hour the township will charge.The township has approved purchasing new bulletproof vests for the police department.Brenda Neeb said that the last time bulletproof vests were purchased was in 2010, and they will be five years old next year. Vests have a shelf life of five years.Neeb said that in 2010 the township purchased three vests, which cost $1,600 apiece. The township paid $800 each for a total of $2,400 and received a matching grant for the other $2,400. She said a grant is available again and the township intends to purchase four vests this time."We're going to have to adopt a mandatory wear policy," Neeb said. "That is required as part of the grant."Neeb noted that police have to be measured and fitted for vests."I have no idea if the costs have gone up," she said.Supervisors also approved hiring Joseph Eremus as a full-time employee.The board also approved a motion to bid for road materials. No specific roads were determined, said Rob Cressley, supervisor and township road foreman.Cressley said that fewer roads will be oiled and chipped this year because costs have risen. He said that the township has lowered the estimated amount of materials to be purchased from 46,000-square yards down to 40,000-square yards. He said costs had been at 95 cents a square yard and are now estimated at $1.15 to $1.25 a square yard.Franklin Township residents can take part in an electronics recycling event from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Drop-offs can be made in the area near the recycling bins.She also reminded residents that anyone paving or repaving an existing driveway must obtain a driveway permit.There is no charge for the permit.