Butler Township commissioners declared a disaster emergency due to the COVID-19 virus and opened bids for a paving project at their Monday meeting.

Both measures passed by a 3 to 0 vote.

Commissioners Dave Zarnick, Jim Lokhaiser and Fred Vero attended and voted at Monday's meeting, which they held from a closed Butler Township building. The commissioners broadcast the meeting to the public over a local radio station.

Zarnick said commissioner Sam Zurzolo was still at home recovering from an accident that happened on his farm almost two months ago. Commissioner Joseph Wiest was also absent from the meeting.

“Moving forward, we will only have and allow meetings that are absolutely necessary,” Zarnick said.

This is an excerpt from an article that will appear in Wednesday's Butler Eagle.