DAMASCUS, PA — At its December 21 monthly meeting, the Damascus Board of Supervisors adopted the township’s 2016 budget, named a new road, scheduled two public hearings on conditional-use applications, appointed a new auditor, and recognized Jeff Dexter’s service to the township.

Jeff Dexter is retiring from the board after 10 years as supervisor. The proud new owner of a John Deere tractor, he received parting gifts from fellow supervisors Joe Canfield and Steve Adams and recording secretary Dolores Card designed to complement and accessorize his new vehicle: John Deere cap, T-shirt, work gloves and calendar. In addition, the supervisors and township employees gave him a fruit basket, memorial plaque and letter of appreciation. The letter reads in part: “It has been an honor and privilege to have served with you on this Board. You have led this township through difficult times. You have been an example of what a person must do in order to preserve the peoples’ trust and move the community in a positive direction. You have been forward thinking and have brought many positive results to our township... You have been a great asset to this township and will be greatly missed. On behalf of all the supervisors, employees, and residents of this township, we would like to thank you for your service.”

One of Dexter’s last official acts as supervisor was to request that highway department crews clear a parking area at Damascus Forest during the winter months. Saying that it has become a popular recreation spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, Dexter added that it should be made more accessible to the public.

Although stepping down from the board, Dexter will continue to serve the township in a new capacity. In Adams’ absence, Canfield nominated him to a six-year term as auditor, effective January 4, 2016. Dexter seconded the nomination. Canfield and Dexter voted to approve the appointment.

In other business, the board assigned a name to the new access road serving the old Jurgenson Road. During discussion at last month’s meeting, several suggestions were considered, Kay Road among them. Canfield observed that the extended Kay family owns multiple parcels in the access road’s right-of-way, and it would be fitting to acknowledge its role in making the new road possible. Dexter agreed, and the two voted to name the new road Kay Road.

Canfield and Dexter noted that no objections to the proposed 2016 budget had been received by phone, email or letter. And Card said that nobody had appeared in person, either to view the proposed budget or to voice an objection to it. In light of those circumstances, the two supervisors voted unanimously to adopt the 2016 budget as proposed.

Two conditional-use permit applications have been received. Grillo Oil company seeks to establish a storage facility at 491 Rutledgedale Rd., and the Andrews Company seeks to operate a kennel at 644 Calkins Rd. Public hearings on the proposals will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively.

The board’s 2016 reorganization meeting will be held on January 4 at 7 p.m.

Visit damascustwp.org for more information on Damascus Township government.