Lower Towamensing Township supervisors covered a variety of topics at their meeting Tuesday night. Among them was the issue of whether or not to back Blue Mountain Ski Area in a letter of support.

Recently, the resort received a cease-and-desist order from the federal Department of the Interior regarding its operation of summer activities such as the zip line and other outdoor adventure activities, due to its proximity to federal land, namely the Appalachian Trail. The resort reached out to Lower Towamensing Township for support of its activity, because it lies within the township.

Supervisor Ronald Walbert said he thinks the order was sent because of the legal issues between the resort and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy over the construction plans of the Vista Lodge condominium near Summit Lodge on top of the hill.

“They just want to stop all summer activity,” he said.

Walbert said he was at Blue Mountain recently and walked on the Appalachian Trail behind the resort. Even with the leaves off the trees, the flagpole that stands as high as the proposed building wasn’t visible from the trail.

“You couldn’t see anything,” he said. “I think we should support them.”

As far as the summer activities that the resort offers, Walbert said it doesn’t pose a noise issue and isn’t visible from the trail with or without the leaves.

Supervisors’ Chairman Brent Green said he was a little confused about the wording in the letter supporting the resort.

“I don’t have any problem supporting it,” he added.

The confusion was about what types of activities are permissible uses of federal land. The summer activities at the resort are on land it owns, which lies close to federal land.

James Nanovic, solicitor for the township, offered to review the actual letter from the Department of the Interior for clarification and then after his review, provide approval of the letter supporting Blue Mountain Ski Area. Both Walbert and Green supported that idea.

In other business, the supervisors selected Hayman Water Systems LLC in Lehighton to handle work on the water system at Stoney Ridge Park and Recreation Center. Hayman’s quote for the work was $4,200.

The supervisors received three quotes. The other two were from Longs Water Technology Inc. in Orefield and George’s Plumbing and Heating LLC in Palmerton.

The supervisors also reviewed quotes for pipe repair work on Hickory Road near the covered bridge. The pipe has collapsed, Green said. Of the three quotes the township had solicited, two companies came back to them with proposals.

Bruce George Excavating and Paving in Kunkletown said it could do the work for $19,250, and Stoney Lonesome Excavating and Paving in Summit Hill quoted $25,000 for the job.

“I don’t have a problem awarding it to Bruce,” Walbert said.

Green agreed, noting that it is a highly traveled road and the work needs to be done soon.

In other business

• The supervisors also voted to advertise for one full-time and one part-time position for employment with the road crew.

• The supervisors reviewed language for its purchasing policy. Nanovic said he would rewrite some comments and send it to the supervisors. It will be on the December agenda.

• The Carbon County Fair Association was granted an extension to Feb. 22.

• Discussed whether to store new playground equipment or install it before winter. No decision was made, but conversation favored storing it.

• The Lower Towamensing Township office will be closed at noon on Dec. 8 for the staff Christmas party.