The Schuylkill Township Supervisors decided on insurance for township personnel, but not on upgrades to township facilities.

The supervisors decided Monday night to buy a $100,000 blanket insurance policy for $400 a year that will cover all elected and appointed officials including the supervisors, secretary and streets employees against computer fraud, fund transfers, forgery and telecommunications fraud.

When it came to awarding a bid for telephone, security, and electronic improvements the supervisors voted no.

The improvements would phone system upgrades for voice access for those with hearing issues, telecommunication improvements that include the ability to put their meetings on Zoom, additional microphones for the supervisors’ meeting room that will take away an “echo chamber,” plus security cameras inside and outside the township building, key fobs to enter the township building, and security doors.

The supervisors received a bid on that work from the state’s Costars program, which eliminates the bidding process for the township.

After going back and forth whether on to open the bid - because the supervisors want to look for other bids - they opened the bid after an executive session that recessed the meeting.

The bid was for $48,578, which the supervisors rejected.

The supervisors are planning to use approximately half of the $95.500 in American Recovery Plan Act funds on the improvements, and the other half to purchase equipment.

The supervisors plan to advertise for bids for all of the work.

One of the pieces of equipment they may replace is a generator that powers the municipal building’s main power panel.

Supervisor Gary Feathers said three companies have shown interest. Two have looked at the generator, and another will, Feathers said. One is anticipated to submit a bid soon.

The supervisors are replacing a lawn mower. They are buying a Toro riding mower with a 54-inch cut for $6,304.03. And they are placing their old mower with a 52-inch cut up for sale on MuniciBid.

On another matter, the supervisors decided to junk a 2002 Jeep police cruiser with 105,000 miles on it despite a $2,500 investment in December 2022, and having been driven only 683 miles. It would not pass inspection because of excessive rust.

Supervisors tabled appointments to the vacancy and auditor boards.