Regular Meeting February 13, 2019

Transcription

1 Regular Meeting February 13, 2019 The Regular Meeting of the Washington Township Board of Supervisors was held on February 13, 2019 at 7:00 pm in the Municipal Meeting Room. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Vice Chairman Hess was also in attendance. Supervisor Diehl was absent. Also present: Secretary/Treasurer Gail Putvinski and Township Engineer Jeffrey Ott. Solicitor Ceraul notified the Township last month that he would not be available for this meeting. There were eleven (11) people in the audience. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Recited. APPROVAL OF BILLS: General Fund # $ 90, Garbage Fund # $ 34, Recreation Fund # $ 14, Chairman Smith moved to approve the General Fund bills in the amount of $90, and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. Chairman Smith moved to approve the Garbage Fund bills in the amount of $34, and the Recreation Fund bills in the amount of $14, 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 five (5) real estate interim additions for 2018 in the amount of $ and zero (0) garbage additions. Chairman Smith made a motion to approve the five interim real estate additions for 2018 in the amount of $ and zero (0) garbage additions, and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. TREASURER S REPORT: Gail Putvinski 1) Account Balance Review Treasurer Gail Putvinski reviewed the account balances as of January 31, APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1) Re-organization Meeting of January 7, 2019 Chairman Smith moved to approve the minutes of the Re-organization meeting held on January 7, 2019 and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 1) Regular Meeting of January 9, 2019 Chairman Smith moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on January 9, 2019 and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. CORRESPONDENCE: 1) County of Northampton, Board of Elections, Agreement for Use of Polling Place

2 The polling place document was signed and returned. 2) Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce, Newsletter February ) PSATS NewsBulletin January ) Pennsylvania Community Rights Network This is a new group seeking to support public officials with issues they are facing. 5) PA American Water, Environmental Grant Program 6) Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County, Notice of Sheriff Sale for 92 Creek Road on May 10, 2019 The Board has the option of opposing the Sheriff Sale of 92 Creek Road. No opposition was noted. 7) Governor Wolf Announces Investments in 50 Multimodal Projects to Improve Safety, Mobility, Local Economies 8) Lehigh Valley Inspection Service, Proposal for Enforcement of Zoning and UCC 9) Northampton County Conservation District, Deer Trac Subdivision NPDES#PAC480044, Earthmoving Activities Engineer Jeff Ott shared that the NCCD notified Ken Snyder, the developer for Deer Trac Subdivision, that there were earthmoving violations. 10) Slate Belt COG Minutes January 23, ) Northampton County Emergency Management Services, Hosting G205 Recovery from Disaster Training May 2-3, ) PA Chamber of Business and Industry, Request Support of Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week 13) Met-Ed, Changes to Default Service Program The Township has a contract with Constellation. 14) LVEDC 2019 Annual Meeting, Tuesday March 19 at ArtsQuest Center 15) AES, Licensed Electric Broker Offering Services 16) Slate Belt Heritage Center, March 10 th Presentation - PA Slate Lands PUBLIC COMMENT: 1) Jim Merklinger, 750 Creek Road Excess/junk vehicles Mr. Merklinger was not in attendance. The topic was not discussed. SUBDIVISION: 1) Pennsylvania-American Water Company Minor Subdivision Applicant: David R. Kaufman, Vice President, Pennsylvania American Water Location: 1760 Valley View Drive Engineer: Frank J. Smith Jr. Inc. Approval Deadline: February 15, 2019

3 An overview of the PA American Water Minor subdivision plan was provided by Engineer Frank Smith and Township Engineer Jeff Ott. Mr. Ott explained that the plan was approved by the Washington Township Planning Commission at their meeting on July 17, Delays were encountered during the approval process with Upper Mt. Bethel Township (UMBT). UMBT approval is required because the property crosses both municipalities. Engineer Ott reviewed his letter dated July 12, Mr. Ott detailed a number of waivers and expressed his support of each. The waivers include: SALDO 7.3.A.3 waiver to allow the plan to be drawn at a scale of 1 =300 SALDO 7.3.C.1.C waiver to allow 10 contours instead of 5 contours SALDO 7.3.C.2, 7.3.C.3, 7.3.C.4 and 7.3.C. waiver of permanent and seasonal high water table areas, watercourses, lakes, wetlands, etc. on the plan SALDO 7.3.C.5 waiver of location and extent of soil types with definition on the plans SALDO 7.3.E waiver of location of existing man-made features for site and within 100 of entire site SALDO 7.3.F.4. waiver of building setback lines on the plans SALDO B waiver of utility easement of a minimum of 10 in width for electric, gas, etc. SALDO 1012.C waiver of at least one approvable driveway access from an existing or proposed street to each lot Chairman Smith made a motion to approve the waivers as reviewed by Township Engineer Jeff Ott and outlined in the Ott Consulting Inc. letter dated July 12, 2018 for the PA American Water Minor Subdivision and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. Engineer Jeff Ott recommended Conditional Approval for the Final Plan for PA American Water Company Minor Subdivision and reviewed the conditions as follows: SEO review and/or approval Compliance with all conditions set forth in the Township Engineer s letter of July 12, 2018, except comments 11 and 14 which have been removed. Concrete monuments/iron pins or security posted before recording Payment of all fees and costs plus $0 Recreation Fee for each lot subdivided Signature and Notarization of Plan Chairman Smith made a motion to accept the Conditional Approval for Final Plan for PA American Water Company Minor Subdivision, as recommended by Township Engineer Jeff Ott, with the conditions reviewed by Mr. Ott and outlined on the February 13, 2019 form, and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. RECREATION: Robert Smith/Justin Huratiak 1) Recreation Complex Phase 2 Plans and Status Justin Huratiak reported that work is progressing. He shared that soil testing results were complete and Len Policelli from URDC needs to discuss the results with a member of Ott Consulting Inc. Jeff Ott recommended Len speak with Steve Sell. The goal is a March submission of the E&S plan. Justin also shared that a complaint was filed with the Army Corp of Engineers expressing concerns regarding past and/or future building on wetlands. Justin discussed the plans for the Recreation Complex with the representative of the Army Corp of Engineers and satisfied any concerns that were raised. Justin outlined the selfimposed buffer plan that the Township was pursuing to avoid any potential wetland impact.

4 2) BOG Turtle The Township received two proposals for Phase 2 of the bog turtle studies. One proposal is approximately $7,000. The second proposal consists of $1,800 to flag areas then perform a survey estimated at a total of $3, Justin recommends the Township pursue the second option. Chairman Smith made a motion to pursue the wetland delineation and survey proposal at an estimated cost of $3,000 and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 3) Buffer Plan Justin Huratiak reiterated that the self-imposed buffer plan exceeded requirements to address concerns of residents. While Mr. & Mrs. Zengulis did not sign the buffer plan, as requested, it is not a requirement. Justin asked for confirmation that the Board of Supervisors support continuation of the buffer plan. The Board agreed. 4) Authorization to Obtain Quotes for Portable Restrooms Discussion took place regarding the type of restrooms needed. It was agreed that the Township should have one portable, wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant restroom and one standard, portable restroom. Chairman Smith made a motion to authorize the Secretary/Treasurer to obtain quotes for one portable, wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant restroom and one standard portable restroom for the 2019 season and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. POLICE CHIEF REPORT: Chief Miller 1) Incident Report There were 191 documented calls for service in January. 2) Police Vehicle Mileage Total mileage for the police vehicles for the month of January was 4,939 3) National Night Out, August 6, 2019 The Police Department is considering hosting a National Night Out event in the Recreation Complex on August 6, The Recreation Committee was asked for input and stated their support of the event. The Board of Supervisors confirmed their support. Kathy McNew, Police Clerk and Katie Purdue, Administrative Clerk will take the lead on the project and provide an update at a future meeting. 4) Buckle-Up Grant Obtained Chief Miller stated that Officer Brown was instrumental in pursuing this grant. The department was denied the grant in 2017 and 2018 and is now a recipient. The grant provides reimbursement for officers performing traffic enforcement, at the overtime rate, during a predetermined date range. ZONING REPORT: 1) Activity Report 2) Eric Smith, Resolution for Agricultural Security Area for Parcel E , 1290 Five Points Richmond Road Chairman Smith made a motion to adopt Resolution amending the Agriculture Security Area of Washington Township with an application for 41 acres at tax parcel E received by the Township on August 10, 2018 from owners Eric and Milissa Smith, where the Township took no action and application is approved by virtue of expiration of the one hundred eighty day period as of February 6, 2019 and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion.

5 3) Frederick Silver, Resolution for Agricultural Security Area for Parcel F , 1476 Flicksville Road Chairman Smith made a motion to adopt Resolution amending the Agriculture Security Area of Washington Township with an application for 106 acres at tax parcel F received by the Township on July 30, 2018 from owners Frederick and Lisa Silver, where the Township took no action and application is approved by virtue of expiration of the one hundred eighty day period as of January 26, 2019 and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. ENGINEER S REPORT: Jeff Ott 1) MS4 Permit Engineer Jeff Ott stated that his office is working on the MS4 permit. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: Robert Smith 1) Co-Stars Salt Contract Participation for Due March 15, 2019 Road Foreman Lee Messinger recommended a salt contract amount of 650 tons. Chairman Smith made a motion to authorize the Secretary/Treasurer to submit the costars salt contract for the season for 650 tons and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 2) 2019 Road Project Planning Chairman/Roadmaster Smith stated he would discuss options with Foreman Messinger in more detail and asked that this be an agenda item for next month. 3) Future LV: Open Call for Transportation Plans and Projects, Letter of Support for Rt.512/611 Transportation Study Due to time constraints, Chairman Smith authorized a letter of support of a transportation study for Rt. 512/611. Chairman Smith moved to authorize a letter of support for the Rt. 512/611 Transportation Study and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 4) 2018 Gaming Grant Use Chief Miller stated he is continuing to pursue the body cameras. In addition, he is researching options for additional security at the Township Administration building. 5) Municipal Elected and Appointed Officials Document and Survey of Financial Condition Report Filed with DCED, As Required Gail Putvinski noted that the reports were submitted. The timely submission of these and other reports will allow for the release of Liquid Fuels funds in early March. 6) Renewal Due on Letter of Credit for James Dotta/Coldot for Highlands East Engineer Ott reported that he reviewed the data and recommended the renewal of the letter of credit for James Dotta/Coldot for Highlands East. Chairman Smith made a motion to approve the renewal of the James Dotta/Coldot for Highlands East letter of credit with Merchants Bank for $26,746.18, the current amount, as recommended by the Township Engineer, and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 7) Renewal Due on Letter of Credit for Church of the Nazarene Engineer Ott reported that he reviewed the data and recommended the renewal of the letter of credit for Church of the Nazarene.

6 Chairman Hess made a motion to approve the renewal of the Church of Nazarene letter of credit with Merchants Bank for $15,870.00, the current amount, as recommended by the Township Engineer, and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 8) Street Sweeping Tentatively Scheduled for April 8-12, 2019 The tentative dates of April 8 th 12 th for street sweeping were shared with Road Foreman Lee Messinger. 9) Audit of 2018 Records to Begin by Riley & Co., Presentation Scheduled for March 27, 2019 Meeting at 3:30 PM Gail Putvinski and Susan Scallon have provided numerous documents to the auditor for their review of the 2018 records. The presentation of the audit results is scheduled for the March 27 th meeting at 3:30 pm. The goal is to have the financial data submitted to DCED by April 1, ) 2019 Washington Township Real Estate Tax and Garbage Bills Mailed Berkheimer Associates mailed the 2019 real estate tax and garbage bills last week. 11) Open Receivable Real Estate Tax Balances as of December 31, 2018 for 2017 Taxes and Prior Years $40, The County of Northampton reported that the real estate tax balances as of December 31, 2018 for 2017 taxes and prior years is $40, ) 2018 Unpaid Real Estate Taxes to Lien in the Amount of $34, Chairman Smith made a motion to approve the lien of $34, in unpaid real estate taxes for 2018 and transmit the report to the County of Northampton and to approve the lien of $14, in unpaid garbage fees for 2018 and transmit the report to Creditech and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 13) 2018 Unpaid Garbage Fees to Lien in the Amount of $14, See motion under item ) Approval to Open Account for Supplies with W.B. Mason Katie Purdue did a cost comparison of supplies and found lower costs with W.B. Mason. Chairman Smith made a motion to approve opening an account with W.B. Mason for the purchase of supplies and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 15) Formal Approval for Nurture Nature Center to Use Township Admin. Building for Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Meeting on March 21, 2019 at 7:00 PM Chairman Smith authorized usage for the meeting prior to the meeting. The following is the formal motion. Chairman Smith made a motion to authorize the Nurture Nature Center to host the Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Meeting on March 21 st at 7:00 pm at the Township Administration Building and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 16) Approval for Secretary/Treasurer to Attend DCED Grant Session February 27 th Chairman Smith made a motion to authorize the Secretary/Treasurer to attend the DCED Grant session on February 27 th and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 17) Senator Scavello Hosting Grant Session March 13 th at 1:30 pm, Request Attendee and List of Needs/Projects

7 Gail Putvinski responded that needs include road paving and stormwater support in West Bangor. Additional needs and/or projects can be submitted prior to the session. 18) Commonwealth of PA, Department of Auditor General, Plan to Address Pension Distress Score Accepted The plan to address the distress score for the police pension was accepted. Additional action will be needed if the score does not improve. 19) DEP Annual Inspection, No Findings The inspection performed by DEP resulted in no findings in the water system. DEP is interested in receiving the nitrate results in the spring. ROADMASTERS REPORT: Robert Smith 1) PA American Water Project on OW Road Update Chairman Smith reported that the contractor for PA American Water will be on-site tomorrow. They will be closing the road and performing paving. 2) Flicksville Bridge Project (Bridge 54 TCP) and Alternate Detour Chairman Smith stated that work is being scheduled for the replacement of the Flicksville Bridge. A main detour has been established. In addition, an alternate detour was established for part of the construction period. The project is tentatively scheduled to begin in April. Engineer Jeff Ott shared that the Messinger Street project is scheduled to begin February 19. The road will be closed for an estimated 2 months. The detour goes through Washington Township. A question was raised about the potential for both projects to overlap and a possible conflict with the detours. Additional information will be pursued. SOLICITOR S REPORT: David Ceraul (absent) 1) Planning for Zoning Ordinance Revisions A message was sent to the Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board to ask for suggested revisions to the Zoning Ordinance, as requested by Solicitor Ceraul last meeting. No comments have been received to date. PUBLIC COMMENT 1) Charlie Carcione, 43 OW Road Mr. Carcione asked why the pay rate of the four part-time, seasonal road department members differed. Chairman Smith stated the rates were based on licensing, specifically CDL license, and experience. ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Smith moved, and Vice Chairman Hess seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:56 pm. Respectfully submitted, Gail Putvinski Secretary/Treasurer Washington Township Board of Supervisors