Ross Township supervisors are developing a plan for what to do when township employees have COVID-19 and need time off.

A member of their road crew recently tested positive for the virus, said Chairwoman Tina Drake following Monday’s monthly supervisors meeting.

Due to the uptick in virus numbers recently, the meeting was advertised as a phone conference.

However, there was some miscommunication. Some people arrived at the township building to attend, while others including Drake and members of the public participated via phone.

The township paid for the employee’s test. He did not miss work time because he recovered during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday break.

“I think the township should pay for employees’ testing and then compensate them for the days they need to stay home sick,” she said.

Supervisor James Zahoroiko offered to do research into what other municipalities are doing and to share the wording of their policies with his colleagues later this week. He will also look at what the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors is recommending.

“We have to come up with a plan to protect our employees and our community,” Drake said.

She does not want anyone to avoid getting tested because they fear the associated costs and then having to disclose their positive test result. Those who have the virus are feeling stigmatized, she said.

“We need an open policy that the township will take care of its employees,” Drake said.

In addition to the compensation, she said taking care of employees includes social distancing, disinfecting surfaces inside the cabs of the trucks, and if one employee tests positive, then other employees need to be tested.

Solicitor Tim McManus said the supervisors can have a special meeting this month to discuss this emergency plan. That way, they are ready to move forward with adopting it at the February supervisors meeting.

As of right now, the Feb. 1 meeting will occur inside the building. Supervisors did not discuss changing it to a phone conference. If that should occur in the meantime, Drake said it will be announced.

In other business

• Supervisors received one price quote so far for a guide rail in front of Dave Trout’s home along Meixsell Valley Road. Since this past summer, Trout has been pleading with the township to take action so his family can feel safe. His house sits close to the road on a dangerous turn, where cars have lost control and ended up in his yard.

Zahoroiko expressed frustration when his colleagues delayed action until they get a second quote and can discuss it at the February meeting.

“I feel bad for this man. We need to do something soon,” he said.

The first quote is for about $11,000 for 340 feet of guide rail and posts. The township wants to spend less than $18,000 on this project.