BUTLER TWP — Butler Township commissioners introduced an intergovernmental agreement ordinance that would allow the township and the city to share public works equipment and personnel.

The ordinance is aimed at increasing efficiency and saving money, said Ed Kirkwood, township manager, at Monday’s township commissioners’ meeting.

Kirkwood cited winter maintenance of West Penn Street Extension as an example of how the agreement would work.

Most of West Penn Street is in the city, but two houses on the extension are in the township and township plow truck drivers have to drive through the city to clear the extension, he said.

The city could plow the extension in exchange for the township clearing Brown Avenue, which also runs through both municipalities, Kirkwood said.

He said the township would supervise its employees and the city would supervise its employees.

“I think it would be a big plus for the township and city,” Kirkwood said.

Flood plain

The commissioners adopted an updated flood plain ordinance based on the latest flood plain map from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that removes 220 properties from the plain and adds 15.

Adoption came after the commissioners conducted a hearing in which engineer Daniel Deiseroth outlined the ordinance.

With the proper permits, construction can take place in the flood plain, but not the floodway, which is the path of waterways such as Connoquenessing Creek, Deiseroth said.

Buildings constructed in the flood plan would have to be elevated 18 inches above the 100-year flood level, he said.

Zoning officer Jesse Hines said the ordinance allows homeowners to get lower rates on flood insurance because the township will enforce it.

Dave Zarnick, commissioner president, said residents will be able to get cheaper flood insurance, but they don’t have to buy it.

Preston Park easement

Commissioners also tabled action on an easement requested by Peoples Natural Gas to install a regulator station on a 20-by-20-foot piece of property in Preston Park along Eberhart Road near East Drive.

“I’m still having a problem with the location,” Commissioner Fred Vero said. “I would have a tough time voting in favor of the location you’re looking at now.”

He said the site is too close to the road and the park walking path.

A representative for Peoples Natural Gas said the company will look at other locations for the station.