During their last meeting of 2015, authority members once again faced the inevitability of the PennEast Pipeline, though they spoke favorably of the PennEast officials they’ve had dealings with so far.

President John Tallarico sighed as he said there is no getting around the pipeline – though there maybe some of the pipeline getting around authority property. Discussion has been ongoing to move the planned pipe route away from water transmission lines, which in the case of an accident could spell serious danger, and over a mountain and under a lake instead.

But the authority must be prepared. “We have to plan as if the pipeline will become reality,” Tallarico said. He said he recently spoke with higher-ups and found little to complain about. “So far they’ve been very accommodating. They’re covering legal and office time … so far the cost to the authority has been zero.”

Vaughn Gower agreed, saying PennEast has shown a willingness to compromise and has been thoroughly professional, even if it’s obvious they have every intention of building the pipeline no matter what.

Tallarico nodded. “At least they’re trying their best.”

The board approved a three-part addendum to PennEast’s access agreement, allowing for a $20,000 geotechnical study, among other items.

Members also decided on a gift policy, leaving the countless details and circumstances that could arise with such a subject to a simple rule against accepting nothing worth more than $100.

The first meeting of the new year is scheduled for 4 p.m. Jan. 14 at city hall.