Benner Township | bennertownship.org

This Web site has been established to provide information to the citizens of the Township and others who are interested in our community. The site will be updated as often as possible to reflect current information. However, the Supervisors of Benner Township do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. For the most up-to-date information, contact the Township office at 814-355-1419 or you may email us at BENNERTWP@aol.com

Upcoming Meetings: All meetings are held at the municipal building unless otherwise noted.

Benner Township Supervisors -(please note that all persons to address the board will be limited to no more than 5 minutes of speaking – non-repetitive)

Friday, December 20, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. – Regular meeting topic items will be discussed. December 20, 2024 Agenda

Benner Township Planning Commission - December 12, 2024, meeting is CANCELLED due to lack of agenda items.

Benner Township Water Authority - Third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The Benner Township Water Authority has recently launched their own website. We encourage you to visit their site at https://bennerwater.com

Spring Benner Walker Joint Authority: 2nd and 4th Mondays at 4:00 p.m. 170 Irish Hollow Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823.

Benner Township has the following openings on its Boards/Authorities and Commissions if interested, please complete this ABC Application (1) form and return it to the Township.

BENNER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

(2 positions open)

Meets the 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays each month (as needed) at 7 p.m. at the Township Building, 1224 Buffalo Run Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823

*Reviews Township Zoning Ordinances and makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for revisions

*Reviews subdivision and land development plans

*Reviews Conditional Use Requests and makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors

SPRING CREEK WATERSHED COMMISSION

(1 opening)

Meets the 3^rd Wednesday of Odd Numbered Months at 7 p.m. in various locations

https://www.springcreekwatershedcommission.org/

MISSION STATEMENT

To establish a long-range vision for the watershed that represents a consensus of thoughts and ideals that are commonly shared by the people of the Spring Creek Watershed.
To establish a leadership role within the watershed to advance and coordinate projects and programs that are consistent with the long-range vision of the Spring Creek Watershed.
To develop a long-range comprehensive Watershed Management Plan and a program of meaningful associated projects to protect and enhance the quality of life within the Spring Creek Watershed.

NITTANY VALLEY JOINT RECREATION AUTHORITY

(1 opening)

Meets the 2^nd Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Bellefonte Borough Building

The Benner Township Supervisors are seeking a volunteer to serve on the Nittany Valley Joint Recreation Authority (NVJRA). The Authority consists of four member municipalities: Bellefonte Borough, Benner Township, Spring Township, and Walker Township. Each municipality appoints two members to the Authority. According to the bylaws, the Authority “may acquire, hold, construct, finance, improve, maintain and operate land, buildings, or other facilities to be devoted wholly or partially for recreational purposes, including the operation of a regional swimming pool for public use.” The Authority is currently focusing on the rebuilding of Kepler Pool and it is actively pursuing funding for this purpose. Interested individuals should send a letter of interest to the Benner Township Supervisors.

GARBAGE CONTRACT FAQ: Please click here to view the list of frequently asked questions concerning the upcoming changes in the garbage contract. Garbage Contract FAQ

A summary of the 2025-2030 Refuse and Recycling Residential curbside Collection Contract can be view by clicking here. Summary Flyer (1)

COSTS OF SERVICE – New Burgmeier’s Hauling Contract beginning April 1, 2025

Cart Selection is now due to the need of placing orders for the carts. Please make your cart selection by September 30, 2024. You may select your cart by going to www.burgmeiers.com/cogcarts calling 1(800)491-8975 or by using the QR code on your postcard. Most received their post cards in August 22nd’s mail. Garbage carts are on display inside the municipal building. They can be viewed through the front door if the office is closed. Those who do not select a cart will be issued the 95 gallon cart.

All Collection Services (Curbside weekly collection of refuse and recycling and annual curbside collection of bulk waste, bulk recyclables, and Christmas trees)	Monthly fee per Residence for YEAR 1
95 – gallon Cart Service (approx. 7 Kitchen size bags)	$31.09
65-gallon Cart Service (approx. 4 Kitchen size bags)	$29.83

35-gallon Cart Service (approx. 2 Kitchen size bags)	$28.01

STATE COLLEGE BOROUGH WATER AUTHORITY LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set forth revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule to ensure that communities are protected from lead in drinking water. A requirement of the new rule is that all water systems develop a service line inventory for all service lines in their distribution system.

The State College Borough Water Authority (SCBWA) is making a concerted effort to meet the requirements of the new regulations deemed by the EPA and PA DEP. We began developing the inventory in 2022, submitting the initial inventory by the October 2024 deadline. SCBWA is taking a swift course of action to identify service lines and notify customers by mail when appropriate.

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) categorizes service lines into 4 groups which include lead, galvanized requiring replacement (GRR), non-lead and lead status unknown. Lead status unknown is defined as when the service lines does not fall into any of the 3 other categories mentioned above or where there is not enough documented evidence supporting material classification. Service lines categorized as lead, GRR or lead status unknown require a written notice be provided to the property owner. SCBWA is pleased to note that there have not been any service lines identified as lead. If they have identified that your service line is made of an unknown material or GRR, a letter will be sent to the owner of the property by mid-November.

SCBWA encourages you to go to their website and view their Service Line Inventory page (link here) for more information. There you will find a self-reporting survey and more detailed information on service line categorization in addition to beneficial resources regarding this rule. If you have any questions, please contact their office at 814-238-6766. Thank you for being a valued customer.

HAVING TROUBLE PAYING YOUR WATER OR SEWER BILL – You may qualify for assistance. Click here for more information. LIHWAP

SPONGY MOTH: Attached is a list of spongy moth spraying contractors that was given to us. We don’t have an opinion on any of them. We are just offering the list as a resource. Spongy Moth Spraying Contractors Click here for some additional spongy moth treatment options. Treatment Options

ZONING ORDINANCE: The Township’s Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors have been working to revise the Township’s Zoning Ordinance for the last several years. The Supervisors adopted Ordinance 134 on August 2, 2021 which is now the new Benner Township Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance can be viewed by clicking Benner Township Zoning Ordinance7-15-21 (1) . The major changes from the last version can be viewed by clicking here Changes to Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Map can be viewed by clicking here BennerZoning_May2021 map. Please ignore the map that is shown within zoning ordinance document.

Click the link below for the Updated Nittany Valley Joint Comprehensive Plan - Nittany Valley Joint Comprehensive Plan

Septic Management Ordinance - Was adopted on May 19, 2014. Below is the map indicating the various pumping/inspection schedule. Mrs. Horner is the Administrator of this program. She can be reached by calling (814)422-7688 Her mailing address is 166 Cooper Street, Spring Mills, PA 16875 . A copy of the adopted ordinance is available by clicking here. Ordinance 117

The Township’s trash hauler is Waste Management. They can be reached by calling (866) 272-6861. Through a competitive bidding process, the seventh contract for the residential refuse and recycling services was awarded to Advanced Disposal for a 5 year term, January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2024. The COG continues to keep the monthly rate for the contracted Refuse and Recycling Program much lower than the average rate prior to the program’s inception; the current rate is about the same as the 1991 rate for refuse service. Rates for 2024 are:

*Service*	*Monthly Rate*	*Quarterly Invoice*
Regular (up to 8 bags) Service	$23.38	$70.14
Low-Use (1 bag/week) Service	$19.38	$58.14
Regular + At-Door Service	$33.38	$100.14
Low-Use + At-Door Service	$29.38	$88.14

Late fee	$10.95
Special Pick-up	$30

This contract will include the following changes for residents:

Service levels: The levels of service have been re-defined. Unlimited service will be replaced with a limit of 8 bags or containers of refuse per week. Low Usage service will remain 1 bag or container of refuse per week. 1 bag or container is defined as 35 gallons and no more than 40 pounds. For the handful of customers who produce more than 8 bags every week, the cost will be negotiated with the contractor. If an additional amount of refuse is needed to be disposed of, please contact Advanced Disposal at (814) 237-3713.

Below is the ordinance that was adopted by the Board of Supervisors meeting to be held on December 7, 2009. Ordinance 105 Benner Township 150 Years of Families, Forging, Farming, Fishing and Flying Looking for a unique gift? There are still a number of the Benner Township History Books available. This hard bound book is now available at the cost of $15.00. This book is filled with pictures and lots of stories about the families that settled here in Benner Township and the industries that followed. Stop by the office during regular business hours or call 355-1419 for a list of evening hours for your copy. Nittany Valley Comprehensive Plan Need to file a complaint?

The Kepler pool study is available for viewing by clicking below:

Kepler Pool Study 2009 Part 1

Kepler Pool Study 2009 Part 2

ABCs

Benner Township’s ABC ( Authorities, Boards, and Commissions) Bank is seeking interested people who reside in the Township and have a concern for the well-being of the community to be available to give service by volunteering for positions that become open on the various Boards, Authorities, and Commissions/Committees that are appointed by the Supervisors. The Township needs dedicated people who are willing to serve in many different capacities. If you have any particular talents, concerns or interests that you feel would be appropriate, please contact the Township Office at 355-1419 for more information. Click here to download an application form. ABC Application form