Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company reported it responded to 23 calls in September and 13 in October. If people would like to learn about upcoming events, they can visit its website at

www.polkfire35.org or Facebook.In a letter to the township board, the fire company said it is experiencing increases in its operations and requested monetary aid from the township in the amount of $1,000 a month ($12,000 for the year). It also asked if the township would plow and salt its driveway and parking lots this winter. The board approved, 3-0, to give the fire company the $12,000 and to continue plowing and salting.West End Community Ambulance business manager C.J. Dickinson reported it responded to 38 calls this month. Also, it will be holding a Grocery Bingo at 1 p.m. Dec. 14 at the West End Fire Company in Brodheadsville.Brian Ahner, supervisor chairman and roadmaster, reported the road crew has paved some sections on Dorshimer, Whitey B. and Gernerd roads. They have taken down five dead trees along roads, did crack sealing and replaced some 35 mph road signs near Polk Elementary School. Paving was done in front of the township's salt building and the area in front of the township building was sealed.Ahner told the board Smithfield Township uses a product called ClearLane Enhanced Deicer with good results for snowy roads."Once you plow the road, if you apply the ClearLane, you don't have to go over it again," Ahner said. He wants to try 50 tons of it this year on roads that don't get sun as an experiment.The township wants the residents to know the Monroe County Municipal Waste Management Authority takes long fluorescent bulbs at $2 each.The township wants to keep pumpkins and mums out of dumpsters and wants these items put in the brush area.Trick or Treat night is from 5-8 p.m. Friday. The rain date is Saturday at the same time.Zoning officer Gerald Zurat reported the township issued 39 permits, conducted 14 inspections, has four pending permits and received five complaints.Ahner wants the Pleasant Valley School District to maintain the traffic light at the intersection of Burger Hollow Road and Route 209. He wants to encourage the district to purchase a battery backup in case the light fails. Township solicitor James Fareri said he would talk to the district's solicitor, Dan Corvelyn.The board discussed joining the West End Park and Open Space Commission. It would cost $2.80 a person, and Polk has 7,874 residents, bringing it to over $22,000 a year. Ahner said he thought that was a lot of money if only about 200 residents used the parks."The only advantage to joining is that Bernie Kozen, the WEPOSC executive director, can write grants," Ahner said.The board wants to think more about that decision.Resident Jack Witmer sent a letter to the township asking for a zoning ordinance amendment so he can convert an existing garage into a cabin. The board requested the solicitor draft a letter to Witmer stating the applicant must say what he would like to see in the ordinance.Valor Clinic, located on Route 534, requested information on installing a pedestrian crossing. They want to have a clothing drop-off across the street. Valor would like the township to install signs and maintain it. The board expressed concerns about foot traffic at that area. Fareri said he would contact Valor's engineer and suggest that Valor not use that area for a drop-off.The township received a letter from resident Kyle Dempsey in which he voiced his concerns about a neighbor's outdoor wood burner. Fareri will draft a letter to Dempsey that there are private remedies. The supervisors at this time do not want to consider an ordinance to regulate outdoor wood burners.The board approved, 3-0:• purchasing a TuWay Radio for its 2001 Dodge pickup, estimated at $1,200.• the Lot Joinder Plan of two lots for Henry and Roberta Areias at Robin Hood Lakes.• a budget workshop meeting at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 17. The presentation of the proposed budget will be at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 24 and the adoption of the budget will be 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22.