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

Commissioners Dave Zarnick, Jim Lokhaiser and Fred Vero attended and voted at Monday's meeting, which they held at 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 on his farm which happened 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.

Commissioners settled into a groove with the new medium, following all of their normal protocols and procedures.

Their first act was a 3-0 approval of a motion declaring a disaster emergency in the township due to the coronavirus.

Township manager Tom Knights said the measure gives the township more flexibility when reacting to coronavirus situations.

“It's in line with both the state and the county declaration,” Knights said. “It gives us a chance to act quickly to any situations that come up.”

Commissioners also opened two bids for a paving project that would include work on the following roads: Hopewell Avenue, 40th Street, Eckstein Road, Marshall Drive, Carlynn Drive, Randy Drive, Alhambra Drive, Balboa Court, Art-lin Drive and Artley Avenue.

“(The) remainder of it is actually the new road being constructed at Preston Park for the bathroom and parking project,” Knights said.

Weist Asphalt Products submitted a bid with a bid bond for a total of $367,493. Shields Asphalt Paving submitted a bid with a bid bond at a total of $344,233.

Commissioners voted 3-0 to table the decision on the bids.

Knights said the bid had gone out about four weeks ago, and now the commissioners wanted to wait to evaluate the financial status of the township after the coronavirus crisis dissipates.

“This project isn't set in stone,” he said.

Commissioners had asked anyone interested in commenting or asking questions to call a phone number and extension that would patch them through. The news media, including the Butler Eagle, also asked questions by phone.

The meeting ended with a long silence as no residents called in.