Regular Meeting March 9, 2016

Transcription

1 Regular Meeting March 9, 2016 The Regular Meeting of the Washington Township Board of Supervisors was held on March 9, 2016 at 7:00 pm in the Municipal Meeting Room. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Renaldo called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. Supervisor Smith and Vice Chairman Hess were also in attendance. Also present: Secretary/Treasurer Gail Putvinski, Solicitor - David Ceraul and Zoning Officer Robert Scott. There were twelve (12) people in the audience. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Recited. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Chairman Renaldo reported that the Board of Supervisors and Solicitor Ceraul held an executive session from 6:50 pm to 7:04 pm this evening to discuss personnel issues. APPROVAL OF BILLS: General Fund # $ 60, Garbage Fund # 1146 $ 33, Recreation Fund # 1485 $ Chairman Renaldo moved to approve the General Fund bills in the amount of $60, and Supervisor Smith seconded the motion. Chairman Renaldo moved to approve the Garbage Fund bills in the amount of $33, and the Recreation Fund bills in the amount of $58.00 and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. All bills are on file in the Administration Building and can be viewed during regular business hours. TAX DUPLICATE CHANGES: Interim Additions, Garbage Additions 1) There were zero (0) interim Real Estate additions for the month of February There were three (3) garbage additions in the month of February Chairman Renaldo moved to approve zero (0) interim Real Estate additions for February 2016 and three (3) garbage additions at 225 Treeline Drive, 672 South 4 th Street and 250 Timberlane Drive Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 2) The total 2016 Real Estate bills equaled $1,040, The total 2016 Garbage bills equaled $421, TREASURER S REPORT: Gail Putvinski 1) Account Balance Review Treasurer Gail Putvinski reviewed the account balances as of February 29, APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1) February 10, 2016 The February 10, 2016 minutes were not available for approval. 2) Change to Meeting Minutes of January 4, 2016

2 Zoning Officer Scott reported that there was an error in the spelling of Juli Lemaks name in two locations in the January 4, 2016 meeting minutes. Her name was incorrectly spelled Julie instead of Juli under the reference to Zoning Hearing Board Secretary and Planning Commission Secretary. Chairman Renaldo moved to approve a correction to the January 4, 2016 meeting minutes where the first name of Juli Lemak was incorrectly spelled as Julie in two locations and Supervisor Smith seconded the motion. CORRESPONDENCE: 1) PA Department of Environmental Protection, Changes to Monitoring Requirements for Total Coliform and Sample Siting Plans The Township received notification that a Sample Siting Plan must be filed with DEP and water samples must be taken monthly instead of quarterly. Gail Putvinski worked with a representative from DEP to complete the Sample Siting Plan. The Board of Supervisors reviewed and approved the Washington Township Sample Siting Plan. Chairman Renaldo moved to approve the Total Coliform Sample Siting Plan for Washington Township and to authorize submission to PA DEP and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 2) PA Department of Environmental Protection, Public Meeting Scheduled for April 13, Regarding Proposed Landfill Expansion at Chrin Landfill in Northampton County 3) PA Department of Environmental Protection, Tolino s Fuel Service, Closure/Remediation File Zoning Officer Scott stated the document required no action. 4) Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce, Newsletter March ) Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce, Registration for State of Northampton County 2016 on April 26, 2016 at 8:00 AM Registration is required for attendance. The Board of Supervisors agreed to check their schedules. 6) PennDOT, Notice of Liquid Fuels Payment March 2016 at $210, and Receipt Confirmed Gail Putvinski shared that the Township received $210, from Liquid Fuels funding. 7) David Pongracz, 76 Areland Drive, Requesting Paving of Areland Drive The Board agreed to add the road to the list of future projects. 8) PA American Water, Backflow Testing Requirement Chairman Renaldo stated that the test was scheduled. 9) Community of Economic Development, Northampton County Announcement of Surplus Medicine Collection Program at 20 Police Departments, Including Washington Township Gail Putvinski noted that this is the program that Chief Miller discussed last meeting. The Township is a participant. 10) Meyner Center Announces Internship Program The Meyner Center is coordinating paid and unpaid internships with Lafayette students. 11) Congress of the United States, Invitation to PA-17 Mayors Conference ) Request from League of Women Voters to be in Directory

3 The Township was asked to consider being included in the League of Women Voters Directory. The Board reviewed the draft entry prepared by Gail Putvinski and agreed to be included. PUBLIC COMMENT: 1) Valerie Nicholson, 44 Washington Blvd. Mud in basement from storm 2/24/16 Ms. Nicholson reported that she has never had a water issue in the past. She stated that she had significant damage from the February 24, 2016 rain storm and estimated $6,000 - $8,000 for clean-up alone. This does not consider any damage or loss of property. Ms. Nicholson stated that she believed the water was the result of run-off from Deer Trac Development. She stated she was opposed to the development when earlier construction for Treetop and Deer Trac was underway and attended Board meetings in At those meetings she wanted it on record that she would hold the Township responsible if she had water issues in the future. She stated she is now seeking legal support. Based on the recommendation of Solicitor Ceraul, the discussion between Ms. Nicholson and the Board was discontinued due to the statement that this will be a legal issue. 2) Wendy Happel, 60 Washington Blvd. Mud from storm 2/24/16 Ms. Happel reported that she had significant water problems from the rain storm on February 24, She presented photographs to the Zoning Officer. It was also noted that the Zoning Officer, Robert Scott and the Township Engineer, Jeff Ott went to the Deer Trac Development to observe the condition of the area prior to the meeting. 3) Brooke Kerzner, 20 Washington Blvd. Water runoff from storm 2/24/16 Ms. Kerzner reported that she had significant water problems from the rain storm on February 24, Ms. Kerzner attended a BOS meeting December 10, 2014 and reported that she has had water problems from the development over the last few years. Chairman Renaldo stated that this storm was unusual since there had been a high volume of snow with frozen ground followed by a significant amount of rain. Ken Snyder, Deer Trac Developer The developer for the current phase of Deer Trac, Ken Snyder of Spectrum Homes, stated that he did not believe the problems experienced were a result of his development. He asked for clarity regarding the location of these specific homes. Mr. Snyder went on to state that he has followed and met all of the defined requirements for the development. He also stated that the area has a high water table and he installs sump pumps in each of his homes as a protective measure. A statement was made by one resident that the fence around the swale was down and unsafe. Mr. Snyder stated he has not been authorized to make the fence permanent, but he would have it checked tomorrow. 4) Ms. Campbell, 75 Washington Blvd Requesting mirror and hidden driveway sign for safer access to Washington Blvd. Ms. Campbell was not present, but had requested the installation of a mirror and a Hidden Drive sign in a phone call to the Township. Per PennDOT, the Township must ask PennDOT to perform a study to determine the need and location of a mirror and sign. Installation is the responsibility of the resident or the Township. Chairman Renaldo moved to authorize contacting PennDOT to state the Township approves the

4 Hidden Drive sign at 75 Washington Blvd. and installation can be done by the Township road department with the cost of the sign being covered by the resident and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 5) Jacqueline Bartosh, Trout Hatchery Ms. Bartosh presented the Board of Supervisors with a letter addressing her concern of water runoff. She asked the Board of Supervisors to minimize future development in the township to prevent additional storm water problems. RECREATION: Robert Smith 1) Award Portable Restrooms for 2016 Secretary/Treasurer Gail Putvinski reviewed the bids received for two portable restroom units from April through November: Biros Utilities, Inc. - $1, Allstate Septic Systems, LLP - $ Mr. John - $1, Chairman Renaldo moved to award the portable restroom bid to Allstate Septic Systems, LLP, the lowest bidder, for a seasonal rate of $ for two units and Supervisor Smith seconded the motion. 2) Recreation Committee Requests Approval of $3, for Fertilizer/Grub Control for 2016 Chairman Renaldo moved to authorize the purchase of Fertilizer and Grub control for the 2016 season for the Township at a cost of $3, and Supervisor Smith seconded the motion.public Comment: None Vote 3 0 3) Requesting Support from Road Department to Pick Up Dump Truck Load of Topsoil Lee Messinger, from the Road Department, shared that the Township has topsoil available. He will work with Tighe Lane. 4) Recreation Committee Planning to Retain Infield Mix, Topsoil and Gravel within Barricades or Large Concrete Blocks Behind Dumpster Need Blocks/Barricades The Township does not have any blocks or barricades in stock. The Recreation Committee will need to obtain the blocks. 5) Recreation Committee Approved $1, on Appraisal of Former Railroad Bed 6) Members Recreation Committee Chairman Nelson Hill asked the Board of Supervisors to authorize additional advertising for members. He noted that Upper Mt. Bethel Township has a request for members in the Rambling Around Town Section of The Press. Chairman Renaldo asked for input regarding possible members from the organizations using the fields. Mr. Hill stated he did not think that was a likely pool, but agreed to post a notice in the Recreation message board. Chairman Renaldo moved to authorize the advertisement for Recreation Committee members and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 7) Quorum Clarification Recreation Committee Chairman Nelson Hill stated that the Recreation Committee is having trouble reaching a quorum since two positions are vacant. Solicitor Ceraul stated that the

5 quorum is determined by seated members. Therefore the Recreation Committee can meet with three members. 8) Grant Support Recreation Committee Chairman Nelson Hill stated that the Recreation Committee would like to seek a grant for the next phase of improvements. The Committee is considering changing the master plan. It was noted that the Township has been successful in obtaining grants, but the process is time consuming. Most recently the Township obtained the Gaming Grant for the police car and the Parks Development Grant for the oil & chip of the Recreation Parking Lot. Nelson asked about the Mt. Airy grant. This is the Local Share Award grant with Monroe County. The Township applied for this for the Verona Storm Water Project and is waiting for the award/non-award notice. Chairman Renaldo suggested Nelson ask Senator Scavello for support at the next meeting. 9) Conference Room Use April 26, 2016 The Recreation Committee has a meeting scheduled on Tuesday, April 26. This is also Election Day. Solicitor Ceraul was asked if there was any problem with the Recreation Committee using the conference room. Solicitor Ceraul stated that only the meeting room was designated for the actual voting event and the Conference Room can be used by the Recreation Committee. POLICE COMMISSIONER S REPORT: Chief Miller 1) Update Chief Miller reported that the Township is taking part in the Naloxone program. Naloxone is an antidote for Opiate overdoses. Opiates can be found in heroin, morphine, oxycodone and several other narcotics; prescription and non-prescription forms. All officers have been trained and Naloxone will be accessible to all officers for use on March 23, ) Incident Report 3) There were 100 documented calls for service filed in February. 4) Police Vehicle Mileage Police vehicle mileage for February was 5,584. The mileage per vehicle is as follows; #381 1,167, # , # , #384 2,192 and #385 1,555. 5) Adoption of Communications Policy, Naloxone Policy and the Safe Handling of Firearms Policy Chairman Renaldo moved to adopt the Communication Policy, the Naloxone Policy and the Safe Handling of Firearms Policy for the Washington Township Police Department, reviewed and approved by Solicitor Ceraul, and Supervisor Smith seconded the motion. 6) Status on Interrogation Room and Security Cameras The interrogation room construction is complete. Chief Miller stated the research of a security system for the municipal building is in-progress with proposals being obtained. Chief Miller discussed the importance of a specific need for a camera and audio system in the new interrogation room to facilitate its full functions. ZONING REPORT: Robert Scott 1) Update Mr. Scott reported that the BCO course was excellent and he is now certified by the Department of L&I 2) Status Regarding Streetlight Research for Treetop Development Zoning Officer Scott stated that there is no prewire in the subdivision plan for Treetop. He will contact Met-Ed to determine if it is possible to connect to the existing transformer. 3) Status Regarding Forestry West Bangor Road

6 Mr. Scott stated that at a previous Board of Supervisors meeting it was stated by Upper Mt. Bethel Township Supervisor David Due that Upper Mt. Bethel did not have the proper permits on file from RGM Hardwood. Mr. Scott stated that the Zoning Officer for UMBT confirmed that the documents are on file with UMBT. Mr. Scott also stated that RGM has approval from the County Conservation district. Additional research was conducted regarding Timber Harvest activity in a watershed district. Research identified that commercial forestry in a watershed district is a Special Exception Use. It was determined that there is a conflict between the Zoning Ordinance and the PA Municipality Planning code. Per Zoning Officer Scott, the Zoning regulation is not enforceable and RGM Hardwood cannot be required to go to the Zoning Hearing Board or be required to have a site plan review. The triple fee for the permit does apply. The Zoning Ordinance will require an amendment. 4) LVPC Course A free zoning course is available by the LVPC on April 5, 12 and 19. The course is in the evenings. Mr. Scott requested approval to attend, noting that he will flex time to avoid additional hours. The Board supported the request. 5) Printer/Copier Mr. Scott reported that the color desk top printer used by the Zoning Department is no longer working. He recommended that the main copier used by the Administrative office be replaced with a color copier. He also requested a large format scanner/printer. Chairman Renaldo asked that the discussion of a copier be moved to a personnel meeting now planned for Monday morning. ENGINEER S REPORT: 1) MS4 Permit Status No update. 2) 142 Peter Jacob Drive Drainage Update Surveying work was being performed today. An update will be provided at the next meeting. 3) 2016 Road Project Specification Status Ott Consulting Inc. prepared a project plan. The formal specifications will be developed for review and approval at the next meeting. The goal is to advertise in April and award in May. 4) Deer Trac Sidewalk Waiver Request The Board of Supervisors discussed the request for the waiver of a sidewalk and obtained additional input from Ken Snyder, the developer for Deer Trac. Chairman Renaldo moved to waive the sidewalk requirement in Deer Trac development, along the Smith property that is located in Washington Township, and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: David Renaldo 1) Washington Township Elementary School Ownership No update. 2) Plan for Rental of Recreation Fields For Farming No update. 3) Co-Stars Salt Contract Participation for Submitted for 650 Tons 4) Newsletter Update by Gillian Bartholomew BAHS Intern Gillian Bartholomew, the Bangor Area High School intern, presented the Draft Newsletter to the Board for their review. Comments are requested by March 30 with a goal of reviewing

7 and approving the final version on April 13, The Board of Supervisors agreed to plan for mailing of the newsletter to the residents. 5) Senator Scavello to Attend April 13 th Board of Supervisors Meeting 6) Audit of 2015 Records Underway, Request for Meeting Date Change from March 23, 2016 to March 30, 2016 Authorize Ad if Agree to Move Date The Board of Supervisors discussed the request from Riley & Co. to move the date of the audit presentation to March 30 th due to the change in financial statement structure. Chairman Renaldo moved to authorize the change of the 2 nd March meeting from March 23 to March 30, and to also authorize the advertising of the new meeting date and Supervisor Smith seconded the motion. 7) PEMA Status Regarding Storm Jonas The required expenditure has been met by the County. Additional approvals are pending. 8) Slate Belt COG Update, Including Animal Control Officer The Board of Supervisors discussed re-joining the COG. It was noted that the COG has advertised for the Animal Control Officer (ACO). A list of issues was prepared by Gail Putvinski regarding the ACO position, care of animals and the maintenance of the kennel. The list was sent to Scott Parsons prior to the most recent COG meeting. A copy of the same document was given to the Board. Scott Parsons also prepared a written summary of the COG plans that was given to the Board. The Board agreed to make a decision regarding membership at the next meeting. 9) April 26, 2016 Election Day Plans Light Reserved from ORE A light has been reserved with ORE for the April 26 Election and the November Election. Sunset is estimated at 7:45 pm on April 26 and polls close at 8 pm. 10) Transfer a total of $109,160 from General to the Sinking Funds, as follows: Transfer of $24,000 from General Tax Fund to Sinking Fund 2013 Genl Note, Transfer of $54,160 from General Tax Fund to Sinking Fund, with $39,000 For the Building Loan and $15,160 for the Police Car Payment, and Transfer of $31,000 from General Tax Fund to Sinking Fund 2015 Road Emer Chairman Renaldo moved to approve the Sinking Fund transfers of $24,000 from General Tax Fund to Sinking Fund 2013 Genl Note, $54,160 from General Tax Fund to Sinking Fund, with $39,000 For the Building Loan and $15,160 for the Police Car Payment, and $31,000 from General Tax Fund to Sinking Fund 2015 Road Emer and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 11) Authorize Obtaining Quotes for Crack Seal Chairman Renaldo moved to pursue quotes for crack seal for 2016, with an estimated amount of 800-1,000 gallons applied and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 12) LVCPC Meeting March 15, 2016 to Feature Asset Management Presentation Noted 13) Bridge Project and Public Meeting at Beehive March 14, 2016 The public meeting for the Lower South Main bridge project that was originally planned for February was changed to March 14, 2016 at the Beehive. The contractor is requesting use of Flicksville road as a detour. ROADMASTER S REPORT: David Renaldo 1) Sign Reflectivity Plan Requirement

8 In progress. 2) Potential Attendance of Road Department Members at PSATS Road Symposium in April The Board of Supervisors discussed having the members of the Road Department attend the Symposium for increased learning on new equipment and maintenance procedures and supplies. Chairman Renaldo made a motion to authorize the attendance of the three road crew members at the PSATS Road Symposium on April 19 at a cost of $65.00 per employee, to be taken from their training/seminar budget, and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. Public Comment: None Vote 3-0 3) Street Sweeping Scheduled for Week of April 11, 2016 SOLICITOR S REPORT: David Ceraul 1) Waste Management Unit Count The contract with Waste Management includes a statement regarding unit changes. Specifically, the revised unit count is to be communicated by mid-december. The Township confirmed a new unit count with the distribution of the tax and garbage bills in February. Solicitor Ceraul recommended the Township communicate the revised unit number now. ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Renaldo moved, and Supervisor Smith seconded to adjourn at 9:29 pm. Respectfully submitted, Gail Putvinski Secretary/Treasurer Washington Township Board of Supervisors