FORKS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Northampton County, Pennsylvania

Transcription

1 FORKS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Northampton County, Pennsylvania MEETING GENERALITIES The Forks Township Board of Supervisors met in regular session at the Municipal Building, 0 Sullivan Trail, Easton, Pennsylvania on this date. A Worksession was held at :00 PM, prior to the regular meeting to discuss Job Descriptions for the Administrative positions in the Township. Chairman, David Hoff called the regular meeting to order at :0 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance. Board Members present were: David Hoff, Chairman Donald Miller, Vice Chairman C. David Howell, Secretary/Treasurer John Ackerman, Member Bonnie Nicholas, Member Others present were: Cathy Kichline, Township Manager Karl Kline, Solicitor Fred Hay, Engineer Gregory Dorney, Police Chief Gary Sandt, Public Works Director Tim Weis, Zoning Officer James Farley, Finance Manager Barbara Bartek, Recording secretary MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS BOARD MEETING DATED: May 0, 00 Bonnie Nicholas moved to approve the Minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting held May 0, 00 as submitted. John Ackerman seconded the motion. SUPERVISORS' COMMENTS None. TREASURER S REPORT David Howell moved to approve payment of debits from the following funds: Treasurer s Report Debits: Total Outstanding Debt $,,.00 General Fund $0,.0 (//0) General Fund $,. (//0) Utility Fund $,. Construction Fund $0.00 Tap-In Fund $,. Real Estate Fund $,0. Transfers: Recreation Land Acquisition to General Fund $,.

2 Recreation Land Acquisition to General Fund $. Donald Miller seconded the motion. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS Public Safety/Supervisor Nicholas Still working on the -Year Plan for the Police Department. Received bill regarding non-payment of the Forks Township Emergency Squad, (this will be discussed at the next committee meeting). Commented on dumping on Wagonwheel Drive and Meco Road Commented on portable basketball hoops and children playing in the street. Township Manager noted this has been brought to her attention in the area of Penn s Ridge Development. She suggested possibly using some of the open space as a basketball court to allow the children to play off of the street to alleviate the problem. Greg Dorney: Click it or Ticket is now in effect through Memorial Day Weekend. Chief Dorney is encouraging the residents to follow the applicable traffic laws. Police Department is now accepting applications for the Summer Police Academy which is scheduled for July July, 00. Chief Dorney noted, those interested persons should sign up as soon as possible; the academy fills up very fast. Tim Weis: Attended a seminar this date at Lafayette College, re: Emergency Disasters; speakers from FEMA and Department of Defense were in attendance. Public Works/Supervisor Ackerman Held Committee Meeting this past Tuesday. Stated Engineer Fred Hay was also in attendance to discuss current road conditions and road projects that are planned for this year. June 0, 00 is the date of the next committee meeting. Gary Sandt: Working with Township Manager, re: Skid Seal Loader; through State Piggyback the price would be $,.00. Parks & Recreation/Supervisor Miller During this time of year activities are outside and the park is full. Now beginning to beautify the parks; working with Sue Holland, Master Gardener. Public Works Department has now installed the new score board which was donated by PEPSI. Parks/Recreation Survey will be circulated with the first Newsletter mailing. Five classes from the Easton Area School District toured the historic Log Cabin; Mr. and Mrs. Babp gave a demonstration of looping rugs, and spoke to the students about the history of the cabin. This week Township Manager received a call from Georgia Pacific, re: Donation for the Parks Department s Arboretum. At this time, Supervisor Miller stated it is listed on the Agenda and asked if this could be addressed at this time. Tom Fowler and Frank Losagio of Dixie Cup/Georgia Pacific, were before the BOS to present a check to the Township in the amount of $, Donald Miller accepted the check for the Parks Department s Arboretum and stated this is a tremendous opportunity to move forward with the Arboretum. Community Relations/Supervisor Howell Spoke of including an article regarding the check presentation from Georgia Pacific in the first issue of the Newsletter.

3 0 0 Received first contribution of articles for the Newsletter which will be reviewed by the committee. Mailing of the first Newsletter is anticipated for August. The committee is trying to find revenue sources to cover postage. Township Manager will be speaking with the Postal Service regarding possible reduction in the cost for postage. Finance & Administration/Supervisor Hoff Tonight a worksession was held prior to the BOS regular meeting. Stated the worksession went well; there are a few changes to be made and brought back before the BOS for review. The next committee meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday. The committee is currently working on Organizational Charts, and a Review Process. Also the committee is trying to formalize the process upon the hire of a new employee to ensure the initiation is timely and effective. MANAGER'S REPORT/CORRESPONDENCE Cathy Kichline: Received a number of s in reference to Penn s Ridge Development, re: Children playing basketball in the road, etc. She, Tim Weis, and Greg Dorney will meet to discuss this and come up with a form of a policy to alleviate a potentially dangerous situation. The BOS remember discussing this but were not sure if an ordinance was in place, therefore, Solicitor Kline will research this and report back to the Board. ENGINEER S REPORT Fred Hay: Agenda items only. SOLICITOR'S REPORT Karl Kline: Received notice from Delaware Nations Case It is now in the third circuit of the Court of Appeals. 0 0 COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR/NOT AGENDA ITEMS. Jeff Kichline, Derhammer Street, was before the BOS regarding the height of the speed bumps in the area of the Township Park. Gary Sandt told Mr. Kichline that the speed bumps were milled down a few weeks ago and this has already been addressed.. Pete Rossi, resident, came before the BOS to offer rocks (0 tandem loads), that are stored at another property location. He told the BOS this may be good material that could be used for the construction of Valley View Drive. John Ackerman said this was discussed at the committee meeting; Engineer Hay will review this and Mr. Ackerman said he will then contact Mr. Rossi. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 0. ZONING CHANGE TO PERMIT A GROCERY STORE IN THE EMPLOYMENT CENTER DISTRICT Chairman David Hoff asked the BOS to keep focused and to look at this particular item as to whether the BOS wishes to proceed with a change in the Zoning Ordinance/EC Zoning District. At the previous meeting of the BOS, Solicitor Kline indicated if there is a zoning change in the process proposed, it would need to be sent to the LVPC/JPC to allow for a 0-day comment period. At the last meeting, Solicitor Kline read aloud the drafted Proposal to allow a Grocery Store in the EC/Employment Center District, which would add a new use at Section 00-. E.

4 This states use shall primarily involve the retail sale of groceries and household items, and shall have a maximum building floor area of 00,000 square feet. The use may also include accessory or closely related commercial uses within the same building, such as a bakery, pharmacy, financial institution or restaurant. The use shall not include drive-through service, except for a financial institution or pharmacy. Proposed also states, this use may be placed on the same lot or tract as use E-0 Gas Station, provided the requirements for each use are met. A letter was received from the Planning Commission (included in the BOS meeting packets), which states the Planning Commission voted to pass along its recommendation for the Zoning Ordinance amendment to permit a grocery store in the EC Zoning District with the noted correction that this use shall not include any drive through service. John Ackerman moved to proceed with the Zoning Change to allow for a grocery store in the EC/Employment Center District. Bonnie Nicholas seconded the motion. Before the vote was called, Mike Russik, MSR Engineering asked to speak. He told the BOS he had forwarded a letter to the BOS in relation to Forks Land Business Park to ask the BOS to strongly consider this, as he believes it is unique regarding location on a limited size of property. The Vote was then called: - All in Favor. Solicitor Kline indicated he would begin the process, and that the BOS would now need to set a date to hold the public hearing. Following discussion, the BOS agreed to hold the public hearing on June, 00 at :00 PM, with possible consideration for adoption at the regular meeting of the BOS, July 0, 00. (This will appear on the Agenda of July 0, 00) 0. MAILDROP DESIGN Bonnie Nicholas moved to accept the design recommended by the Township Manager. Donald Miller seconded the motion. 0. ORDINANCE NO. /LOCK BOX SYSTEM CONSIDER FOR ADOPTION Chairman David Hoff asked Tim Weis if he had any additional comments regarding this ordinance. Mr. Weis responded he has spoken on this very thoroughly to date and had no additional comments. Solicitor Kline drafted Ordinance No., which is an ordinance amending the Code of the Township of Forks by adding Article V. Key Lock Box System to Chapter, Fire Prevention; requiring designated buildings and structures to install a key lock box system or lock box document installed on the exterior of the building or structure for fire safety and other emergency services; establishing specifications for the Key Lock Box Systems. Ordinance also appoints the Forks Township Fire Code Official to have the overall responsibility for the administration and operation of the Key Lock Box System, to amend Article IV to Chapter Fire Prevention of the Code of the Township of Forks, to reflect adoption of the 00 International Fire Code; and providing fines and penalties for the violation thereof. Following some additional comments by the BOS, David Howell moved to adopt Ordinance No. as presented. Donald Miller seconded the motion.

5 NEW BUSINESS 0. ACCEPT KEMIE HECKMAN S RESIGNATION & APPOINT JOHN O NEIL TO FULFILL UNEXPIRED TERM Memorandum was received from the Forks Township Recreation Board, stating Kemie Heckman s resignation from the Forks Township Recreation Board has been submitted and accepted by the Recreation Board at their April, 00 meeting. It is also stated, the Forks Township Recreation Board recommends that John O Neil be appointed to fill the remaining unexpired term which expires, December, 00. Donald Miller moved to accept Kemie Heckman s resignation from the Recreation Board. David Howell seconded the motion. Discussion then took place regarding the appointment to the Recreation Board to fill the unexpired term. Following discussion, Donald Miller moved to advertise the vacancy in the newspaper and to accept letters of interest until the second meeting in June. David Howell seconded for discussion. The BOS then discussed holding interviews prior to the June, 00 meeting, which was then incorporated into the motion and seconded. 0. LOVINE HELLER/VACATE TOWNSHIP LAND/ARNDT ROAD Lovine Heller, Mitman Road came before the BOS regarding a piece of land on his property that apparently is owned by the Easton Area School District. Mr. Heller told the BOS he has maintained this property since the early 0 s with the understanding that he owned the property. The land in question is from the radius of the curb line. Mr. Heller feels as though he has been falsely charged with maintaining this property for many years. He stated his surveyor feels when Arndt Road was constructed, it may have been constructed in the wrong place. Mr. Heller told the BOS that he paid for the sewers and the curbing and again feels he has been falsely charged with these expenses. Following a lengthy discussion, Donald Miller moved to direct Engineer Fred Hay to review this further and to take the necessary measurements and consider sidewalks where they would be most appropriate and report back to the BOS. Bonnie Nicholas seconded the motion. 0. PRESENTATION OF CHECK FROM GEORGIA PACIFIC FOR ARBORETUM Presentation of check from Georgia Pacific was held during the report of the Recreation/Parks Committee. 0. KNOLLWOOD ESTATES/PHASE II/PRELIMINARY PLAN Donald Frederickson, T. Zawarski, present representing. Mr. Frederickson stated the Planning Commission has recommended preliminary approval as outlined in Engineer Hay s review letter. Letter dated May 0, 00 from Keystone Consulting Engineers states their office received a Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Knollwood Estates, Phase II, dated March, 00, latest revision February 0, 00 as Environmental Design & Engineering. Plan proposes the development of. acres into single family residential building lots, north of Phase I.

6 Tract is located in the Country Residential Zoning District. The following comments were offered:. The developer () shall not enter into an exclusive service arrangement with a cable television and/or cable communication system provider, and () shall permit equal access to all Township approved franchisees to lay cable throughout the subdivision or land development at the time of initial utility infrastructure construction.. All agreements shall be entered into and all applicable fee paid to the Township.. A temporary cul-de-sac shall be constructed at the Mitman Road and Ben Jon Road intersection to allow for emergency vehicle turn around.. Rear yard inlets shall be shown between the units on Knollwood Lane and Winding Lane. Grading shall be revised to show rear yard and side yard swales. A typical lot grading detail shall be added to the plans.. Approved D.E.P. plans for the culvert shall be submitted. LVPC and Northampton County Soil Conservation District reviews and approval shall be received. Discussion ensued regarding water retention and box culvert. Engineer Hay stated the plans do meet Act, state law. Bonnie Nicholas was said she was opposed since the development would only force more water into the Bushkill Creek, which has been known to overflow. Following further discussion, John Ackerman moved to grant Preliminary Plan approval based on Engineer Hay s letter dated May 0, 00. Donald Miller seconded the motion. - Vote Called: Four Ayes, One Nay, Bonnie Nicholas. - Motion Carried. 0. G&G LAND DEVELOPMENT/FINAL PLAN Tom Schaunessy, Steve Pany, present representing JG Petrucci. Mr. Schaunessy indicated the manufacturing building proposed will be an adhesive plant producing security based tags, which is a company that has relocated from Southeastern Pennsylvania. The plant will employ people. It is a clean operation with no emissions. Letter dated May 0, 00 from Keystone Consulting Engineers states their office received a Final Land Development Plan for G & G Land Development dated April 0, 00, as prepared by Pany & Lentz Engineering. Plan proposes the construction of a,00 sq. ft. manufacturing building on lot C of the Fort James II Subdivision. The following comments were offered:. The developer () shall not enter into an exclusive service arrangement with a cable television and/or cable communication system provider, and () shall permit equal access to all Township approved franchisees to lay cable throughout the subdivision or land development at the time of initial utility infrastructure construction.. All agreements shall be entered into and all applicable fees paid to the Township.. The plan shall show widening with curb and sidewalk along Kuebler Road frontage.. A C top detail is required. (remove cast iron frame M top detail). Belgium block curb detail shall be per Township detail.. Remove bitumastic interior coating from the sanitary manhole detail, should be epoxy. A lengthy discussion was held regarding comments from the planners regarding sidewalks and whether to construct them all at one time or during the phasing of development. Following additional comments, Bonnie Nicholas moved to allow the developer to construct the sidewalks as planned, during lot phasing. David Howell seconded the motion. John Ackerman then moved to grant Final Plan approval based on Engineer Hay s review letter dated May 0, 00. Donald Miller seconded the motion.

7 Tom Schaunessy then asked the BOS if they would consider waiving fees dedicated to putting the sidewalks and curbing in Chairman Hoff responded, the motion was in favor that the developer agreed to pay all applicable fees. 0. RANDY DEWALT MINOR SUBDIVISION/DEVELOPER S AGREEMENTS Solicitor Kline indicated all is in order and the agreements are ready to be accepted by the BOS this evening. Therefore, Bonnie Nicholas moved to accept and sign the Developer s Agreements for the Randy DeWalt Minor Subdivision. John Ackerman seconded the motion. 0. OLDCASTLE STAGING AREA/LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN Charles Givler, Engineer; Randy Gottlieb, General Manager of Old Castle, present representing. Mr. Givler indicated the staging area proposed will allow trucks to be kept off of the street and will enable the company to bring several trucks in at one time, which would smooth out loading times. Letter dated May 0, 00 from Keystone Consulting Engineers states their office received a Preliminary Land Development Plan for Oldcastle, dated April, 00, as prepared by L.B. & W. Engineering. Plan proposes the construction of a trailer staging area, east of the main entrance to the Oldcastle plant. The following comments were offered:. The developer () shall not enter into an exclusive service arrangement with a cable television and/or cable communication system provider, and () shall permit equal access to all Township approved franchisees to lay cable throughout the subdivision or land development at the time of initial utility infrastructure construction.. All agreements shall be entered into and all applicable fees paid to the Township.. The plans shall be numbered in relationship to the total number of sheets in the set. The BOS discussed concerns of screening, etc., based on the recommendation of the Planning Commission to place additional trees on the site. It was noted that there would be no expansion of the existing yard. Following discussion, John Ackerman moved to grant Land Development Plan approval based on Engineer Hay s review letter of May 0, 00, and the agreement that there will be no products stored at this location, and that sufficient screening will be placed on this tract. Bonnie Nicholas seconded the motion. 0. G.H. WAGNER II PROPERTIES YMCA LAND DEVELOPMENT/FINAL PLAN Alex Makitta was present, representing the YMCA. Engineer Hay stated at the meeting of the Planning Commission, the planners recommended a wide area be striped to outline the area of the sidewalk. Letter dated May 0, 00 from Keystone Consulting Engineers states their office received a Final Land Development Plan for G. H. Wagner II Properties, dated March 0, 00, latest revision dated April, 00 as prepared by Cornerstone Consulting Engineering and Architectural, Inc. Plan proposes to convert a portion of the existing building into a YMCA daycare facility. The property is located in the Towne Center Zoning District and the use is permitted by right. The following comments were offered:. The Developer () shall not enter into an exclusive service arrangement with the cable television and/or cable communication system provider, and () shall permit equal access to

8 0 0 all Township approved franchisees to lay cable throughout the subdivision or land development at that same time of initial utility infrastructure construction.. All agreements shall be entered into and all the applicable fees paid to the Township.. The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and Northampton County Soil Conservation District reviews shall be received. BOS discussed the permanent easement which was also recommended by the planners; if this easement is not granted, the plans would need to come back through the process. Supervisor Howell questioned the increase in traffic and recommended parking on one side of the street to allow better passing conditions. Chairman Hoff said this could be addressed as a separate issue; Engineer Hay and Chief Dorney could review this and make recommendation to the BOS. Following, John Ackerman moved to grant Final Land Development Plan approval based on Engineer Hay s review letter dated May 0, 00 and the addition of the agreement of the permanent swale easement and the wide striping to delineate a walkway (with three spaces to be moved back). David Howell seconded the motion. : PM The Chairman called a short recess before entering into Executive Session. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board returned from Executive Session at 0: PM. Solicitor Kline reported that the purpose of the Executive Session was to discuss collective bargaining for the new non-uniformed employees contract. No action was taken by the Board during the Executive Session. There being nothing further to come before the BOS, the meeting as adjourned at 0: PM.