December's meeting of Heidelberg supervisors was dominated by resident comments and complaints.

On the agenda was response to the question of possibly closing Rex Road Bridge due to the cost of repairs.

A letter had been sent to residents of Rex Road, soliciting their input.

Resident Don Reifinger was first to address the board.

He raised numerous questions about the state of the bridge and the options being considered.

Reifinger said he talked to other residents and did not find anyone who wanted it closed.

Supervisor Forrest Wessner III said when Hunter's Hill Bridge was in need of repair, the township received letters from residents asking for that bridge to be closed.

That was why Rex Road residents were asked for their input.

Reifinger asked what would happen if that section of the road is vacated.

Supervisor Steve Bachman replied it could be turned back to the property owners.

"We could tear it up," said Bachman, adding it would depend on any agreement that would be worked out with the property owners.

Reifinger asked if the portion of the road from Buckery Road to the bridge would have a dead end or a cul-de-sac.

"Would it be a real cul-de-sac?" he asked?

"It would have to be big enough for snow equipment to turn around," Wessner replied.

"Can we just pipe it at a lower cost?" asked Reifinger, meaning the bridge would be replaced with a road bed pipes underneath the stream water.

This suggestion seemed to generate no interest.

Wessner said the less expensive option of having the road crew re-deck the bridge would not really save that much, and would only last 20 years.

He said $38,000 of the cost was for repainting the beams, which must be done so that no paint chips fall into the stream.

Reifinger asked how long the more expensive option would last.

This was not known.

George Rex Jr., then addressed the board, saying the estate of his late father, George Rex Sr., includes property on both sides of the bridge.

He was concerned removing the bridge would depreciate the value of the farm, which he and his sister, Linda Uhl, are trying to sell. "How are we going to mow the meadows on both sides [of the stream]?" he asked.

Rex also said the road was used by many other people, and the bridge has a lot of history connected with it.

He said his grandfather helped lay the stone foundation for the bridge, and the house on his property dates back to 1750 and may be the oldest house in the township.

"This is very valuable input," Bachman said, explaining again the board wanted residents' input.

Resident Wayne Frey then addressed the board, saying he owns the land where the Jordan Creek starts.

"I think one thing has been forgotten, and that's the fire company," he said, asking what would happen when fire trucks need to access the properties.

"If our ancestors wanted the bridge we should keep it," he said. "It's something we've always had."

Paul Grothouse, another Rex Road resident, said there was a problem with snow drifting on one portion of the road.

"When it snows, [Roadmaster Kevin Huber] has to get up there with a grader." he said. "If you do close it, you'll have to put in a snow fence."

In other business, Secretary-Treasurer Janice Bortz asked the board to adopt a policy regarding placement of items on the agenda.

She asked for a deadline of 4 p.m. the day before the meeting for submitting agenda items, and also that the request identify a specific topic.

The measure was approved by the board.

Bachman announced there are two openings on the Environmental Advisory Committee and two on the Uniform Construction Code Board of Appeals.

For the latter, applicants must be in the trade or have first-hand knowledge of the UCC. Also, an alternate is needed for the zoning Hearing Board.

The township office will be closed Dec. 24.