Regular Meeting March 8, 2017 The Regular Meeting of the Washington Township Board of Supervisors was held on March 8, 2017 at 7:00 pm in the Municipal Meeting Room. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Renaldo called the meeting to order at 6:59 pm. Vice Chairman Hess and Supervisor Smith were in attendance. Also present: Secretary/Treasurer Gail Putvinski, Solicitor David Ceraul, Township Engineer Jeff Ott, and Zoning Officer Robert Scott. There were seventeen (17) people in the audience. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Recited. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Chairman Renaldo reported that the Board of Supervisors, Solicitor Ceraul, and Chief Miller held an executive session this evening from 6:15 pm 6:50 pm to discuss police personnel issues. APPROVAL OF BILLS: General Fund # 15469-15522 $ 70,758.05 Garbage Fund # 1158 $ 34,352.49 Recreation Fund # 1522-1523 $ 457.90 Chairman Renaldo moved to approve the General Fund bills in the amount of $70,758.05 and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. Chairman Renaldo moved to approve the Garbage Fund bills in the amount of $34,352.49 and the Recreation Fund bills in the amount of $457.90 and Supervisor Smith 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) Secretary/Treasurer Gail Putvinski stated that the 2017 Real Estate bills equal $1,046,578.40 with 2017 Real Estate deductions equal to $269.50. The $269.50 represents the tax amounts for the rental fields owned by the Township. In addition, there were eight (8) 2016 interim additions for $290.78 and one (1) 2016 interim deduction for $34.88. The 2017 Garbage bills equal $423,720.00 and there were no (0) garbage additions in February 2017. Chairman Renaldo moved to approve the tax duplicate information and changes, as read, and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. TREASURER S REPORT: Gail Putvinski 1) Account Balance Review Treasurer Gail Putvinski reviewed the account balances as February 28, 2017. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1) Regular Meeting of February 8, 2017 Chairman Renaldo moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on February 8, 2017 and Supervisor Smith seconded the motion.
CORRESPONDENCE: 1) Northampton County Conservation District, Notice of Termination Submission NPDES Permit Washington Township Quarry Fill to Peter Iselo Zoning Officer Scott reported that there have been on-going issues at the quarry, as reported previously, for earth moving violations. This is a follow-up notice regarding the expired permit. 2) PA DEP, General Permit for Short-term Construction Projects, General NPDES Stormwater Permit No. PAM115039 Slate Hills Operation Zoning Officer Scott reported that DEP issued a short-term permit allowing the owner to move slate. 3) PA DEP, MS4 TMDL Requirements, Washington Township Engineer Jeff Ott reported that the letter provided additional information regarding TMDL requirements that were previously reported as being waived. Mr. Ott contacted DEP for clarity. 4) Pennsylvania DEP, Notice of Violation Regarding NPDES Permit to Student Transport of America Zoning Officer Scott reported that there was a report that buses had been observed being washed at the STA site on Lower South Main which is not allowed. The Township was copied on the notice of violation. 5) PennDOT, Notice of Payment Liquid Fuels March 2017, $221,232.76 Chairman Renaldo noted that the $221,232.76 is the state provided liquid fuels funds for 2017. The liquid fuels funds provide the money used by the Township for the annual road project. 6) Tax-Exempt Leasing Corp., Information Regarding Low Cost Lease Rates Noted. 7) PA DEP, Sewage Complaint #48935-1 Jeffrey Ott reported on behalf of the SEO. The DEP forwarded a complaint regarding 1491 and 1493-1495 Second Street. The site was inspected by the alternate SEO and it appears to be a valid violation. A letter has been sent to the owner and an update will be provided to DEP. 8) Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce, March 2017 Newsletter Noted. 9) Stephen Reider, Director of Slate Belt Rising, Informational Posters Noted. POLICE CHIEF REPORT: Chief Miller 1) Recommendation for Hiring of Two Part-time Police Officers Chief Miller shared that the Department completed interviews and all necessary hiring requirements for the two part-time police officer positions and is proud to present Daniel Dieter and Andrew Bouch to the Board of Supervisors for approval to hire to the Washington Township Police Department. Chairman Renaldo stated that the Police Chief and Sergeant complete the interviews and have an outside agency complete the background checks. The Chairman stated that the Board of Supervisors meets with the candidates to confirm a good fit with the Township. That took place during the executive session this evening. Chairman Renaldo moved to approve the hiring of Daniel Dieter and Andrew Bouch as part-time patrol officers with the Washington Township Police Department and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. Public Comment:
Zoning Officer and Township resident Robert Scott, 1431 Mill Road, Mr. Scott asked for the justification to hire more police officers. He stated that during the budget process the plan was to replace one part-time officer. Mr. Scott went on to state that Washington Township is one of the safest and most desirable locations to live in and the residents are the reason why our community is safe. He confirmed that with this hiring the Township would have a total of five (5) full-time and five (5) part-time officers. Chairman Renaldo responded that the addition was discussed during the fall budget sessions and approved a few meetings ago. It was noted that the Township is growing and the addition of another part-time officer would not increase the wage allocation for part-time officers in the budget, but would provide more resources. Mr. Scott asked for statistics proving the Township is growing. None were provided. Mr. Scott went on to comment that the Township needs roads fixed, not additional officers. Chairman Renaldo commented that he did not believe this was the appropriate time for this discussion since the plan to hire more part-time officers had been discussed since the fall and approved. Mr. Scott stated he felt it was the appropriate time and requested data. Chief Miller stated that the data was presented in the fall during the budget meetings. Since the positions were approved, Chief Miller did not see the need to bring the data to this meeting, but offered to provide it later. Chief Miller also reiterated that the budget for part-time officers did not increase, the allocation is being spread among a larger number of part-time officers. Mr. Scott stated that the police department makes up almost half of the Township budget and asked for data on income. Chairman Renaldo stated the police department is not an income department; it is in place for public safety. Mr. Scott again asked for justification for the additional officers if the Township has a budget deficit. Again, it was noted that the hiring of these officers was discussed by the Supervisors at previous meetings. The decision was based on data presented by Chief Miller at a prior meeting and the fact that it is not increasing the budget. Chairman Renaldo asked if the basis for this discussion related to the proposal under review since the fall to consider outsourcing the Zoning Department to a third-party agency. Mr. Scott stated that was not the issue. Stacy Diehl, 1431 Mill Road Ms. Diehl stated she is running for Supervisor. She commented that she does not want 10 cops and neither do the residents. She also requested justification for 10 police officers. Ms. Diehl questioned the reason for a ghost car. Chairman Renaldo noted it was a common practice. In addition she stated it took twenty minutes for an officer to respond to a call when she reported gun shots near her home and no corrective action was taken. Chief Miller said he was not aware of the specific incident, but offered to research the matter if Ms. Diehl requested. Ms. Diehl did not reply. Ms. Diehl asked Chief Miller about the number of citations issued by the department and how many he had written in the last week. Chief Miller noted that he had not written any in the last week. Richard Hanna, 629 Front Street Mr. Hanna asked for input on the process of police fine payments. Chief Miller stated that the Township receives a portion of the monies collected. The funds are sent to the Treasurer from the County. Mr. Hanna suggested this data may be valuable at each meeting instead of the number of miles per vehicle. Chairman Renaldo noted that from January 1 through March 8, 2017, the township received a total of $687.10 in fines. Ed Carroll, 80 Mark Dylan Drive Mr. Carroll recommended that data be placed on-line for people to review. Police Chief Miller agreed to research that suggestion. Lorraine Carroll, 80 Mark Dylan Drive Mrs. Carroll asked for information regarding the role of the part-time officers. Chief Miller responded that they will have the same responsibilities as the full-time officers. They are
fully trained to respond to the calls from the 911 dispatch and handle all situations. Mrs. Carroll asked for confirmation that this includes medical emergencies. Chief Miller stated that the under the requirements of the State, the officers are trained in CPR, AED and first aid. Mrs. Carroll asked if the addition will provide for coverage 24/7. Chief Miller reported that the Township has 24/7 coverage 97% of the time. The part-time officers help to provide more coverage, but the Township will not be 24/7. Mrs. Carroll asked for an average response time. Chief Miller stated response time is dependent upon several factors including; the number of officers on duty, their location at the time of the call, and their activity at the time of the call. Justin Huriatak, OW Road Mr. Huriatak shared that he has seen the police department patrolling and expressed appreciation of their support. He went on the say that he is not in support of outsourcing Zoning to a 3 rd party agency because there is a loss of personal attention. Ed and Lorraine Carroll, 80 Mark Dylan Drive Mr. & Mrs. Carroll reported the positive experience they received in obtaining a recent permit. Mrs. Carroll also stated that a change in the economy may result in the increase in businesses within the Township and possibly an increase in building. Chairman Renaldo noted that the Board of Supervisors proactively decided to sign only a one-year agreement with the Road Department this past year, pending potential changes to Health Care and other issues as a result of the election. Mrs. Carroll asked for more input regarding the deficit. Chairman Renaldo asked Secretary/Treasurer Gail Putvinski to explain. Gail stated that the budget is based on estimated income and expenses. Frequently there is a deficit in the budget. In the last few years the actual has been minimal and covered by a reserve. This deficit, or a portion of it, if realized, will also be covered by the reserve. Each department is asked to be conservative through the year. In addition, departments are guided that they are to spend on needed items, but should not use their allocation at the end of year, just to use their budgeted dollars. That action helps to minimize the deficit. Chairman Renaldo stated that he, and the Board, would not be doing their job if they did not question the effective spending of the Township funds and look for the most effective ways to support the residents. Mr. Scott stated that he would waive any additional questions until the Zoning section. No other comments were made and Chairman Renaldo called for a vote to the motion. Vote 3 0 PUBLIC COMMENT: 1) Tony Lupo, Introduction to Board of Supervisors and Attendees, Running for Magisterial District Judge of the Slate Belt Mr. Lupo introduced himself to the Board and the meeting attendees. Mr. Lupo is running for the position of Magisterial District Judge of the Slate Belt. He provided information regarding his credentials and also reviewed his goals. 2) Richard Hanna, 629 Front Street Mr. Hanna asked to have the speed limit reduced from 35 to 25 mph on Front Street Chairman Renaldo moved to authorize a traffic study by Ott Consulting Inc. at Front Street as the first step in pursuing a potential speed limit reduction and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. RECREATION: Justin Huratiak 1) Membership No update. 2) Rails to Trails Project Update Including Acquisition of General Store Lot
Justin Huriatak reported that he has been working with DCNR to seek grant opportunities for a variety of projects. DCNR stated that property ownership will be valuable in the seeking of grants. More information will be provided regarding the goal to purchase the property along the railroad. The Recreation Committee is still seeking support for the Township to purchase the Old General Store property along Rt. 191, currently owned by PennDOT, for future parking. Gail Putvinski reported that she contacted State Representative Emrich s office, as requested last meeting. The first step in the process is a formal letter of interest. A draft letter was presented to the Board for review. The Board and Justin supported the wording of the letter. Chairman Renaldo moved to authorize the sending of the letter to PennDOT for information regarding the cost and process for purchasing the Old General Store property on the corner of Rt. 191 and Ackermanville Road and Supervisor Smith seconded the motion. 3) Award Portable Restrooms for 2017 Season Secretary/Treasurer Gail Putvinski reviewed the bids received for two portable restroom units from April through November: Biros Utilities, Inc. - $1,160.00 Allstate Septic Systems, LLP - $910.00 Gotta Go Potties, Inc. - $960.00 Chairman Renaldo moved to award the portable restroom bid to Allstate Septic Systems, LLP, the lowest bidder, for a seasonal rate of $910.00 for two units and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 4) Approval for Dr. Pepper 2017 Recycling Bin Grant The Recreation Committee supported the application of a grant for recycling bins. Each Supervisor supported the application. 5) Assistance with Grant Writing The Recreation Committee received two proposals from Urban Research & Development Corporation in the amount of $1,500.00 each to prepare and submit grant applications for funding to support the next phase of development in the Recreation Complex. One grant is a PaDCNR C2P2 Development Grant and the other is the Northampton County Municipal Park & Environmental Services Assistance Program Development Grant. The Recreation Committee is seeking approval of the Board of Supervisors to authorize the $3,000.00 expenditure. It was noted that the grants require a Township match. Chairman Renaldo moved to authorize the Recreation Committee to accept the proposal from Urban Research & Development Corporation to prepare a PaDCNR C2P2 Development Grant application in the amount of $1,500.00 and accept the proposal from Urban Research & Development Corporation to prepare a Northampton County Municipal Park & Environmental Services Assistance Program Development Grant application in the amount of $1,500.00 and Supervisor Smith seconded the motion. Public Comment: Lorraine Carroll, 80 Mark Dylan Drive, asked if the improvements would support individuals with disabilities. Justin Huriatak stated they would. Vote 3 0 POLICE CHIEF REPORT: Chief Miller 1) Officer Commendations Chief Miller presented commendations to Sergeant James Krome and Officers Tom Beiser and Molly Brown for their outstanding service in the processing, investigation and apprehension of two suspects in the Santander Bank burglary occurring on October 24, 2016 in Washington Township.
On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, Chairman Renaldo expressed sincere appreciation for the actions taken by these officers. 2) Incident Report There were 142 documented calls for service filed in February. 3) Police Vehicle Mileage Mileage total for the police vehicles for the month of February was 4,511. 4) Status Regarding Part-time Clerk Position Pending PMRS Agreement ZONING REPORT: Robert Scott 1) Update Zoning Officer Scott stated that an updated Stormwater Best Management Practices Operations and Maintenance Agreement between John & Betty Jane Kulak and Washington Township required review and sign-off. The document was given to Chairman Renaldo for review. Zoning Officer Scott stated he was waiving the presentation of prepared statements he planned to communicate. 2) Staffing Update Chairman Renaldo shared that the Board of Supervisors received a letter from Planning & Zoning Secretary Juli Lemak communicating her intentions to reduce hours and resign in the near term. A subsequent letter was sent to the members of the Washington Township Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board that communicated resignation. Chairman Renaldo read the content of that letter. Solicitor Ceraul stated that the Board of Supervisors had the right to act on that notice. Chairman Renaldo moved to accept the resignation of Juli Lemak, with her last day being March 9, 2017, per email notice, and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. Public Comment: Justin Huriatak, OW Road, stated that Juli was an asset to the Township. Vote 3 0 ENGINEER S REPORT: Jeff Ott 1) MS4 Permit Status Mr. Ott noted that the MS4 renewal application is due August 31, 2017. A public presentation will be planned for the May 10, 2017 Board of Supervisors meeting. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: David Renaldo 1) New Cash Balance Non-Uniform Agreement and Updated Defined Benefit Agreement by PMRS in Legal Review Secretary/Treasurer Gail Putvinski shared that the Board of Supervisors agreed to add a new Cash Balance Plan for non-uniform employees hired on or after January 1, 2017. A requirement from PMRS was to bring the existing Defined Benefit Plan into compliance with IRS guidelines. The Board of Supervisors had a conference call with the PMRS representative and addressed a series of questions prior to the development of the first draft. A new series of questions were identified during the legal review. An example is that the defined benefit plan states regular part-time employees and this now requires a specific number. Solicitor Ceraul has reviewed two versions and provided input to the questions. Based on the fact that additional questions have been identified, the recommendation is to
hold a conference call with the PMRS representative, the Board of Supervisors and employees to review the updates. The Board supported the recommendation. 2) Approve 2017 Road Project Specification and Authorize Advertisement The 2017 Road Project will consist of paving Hester Road, Palmer Road and Areland Drive. The specifications were prepared by Jeff Roback, PennDOT, and reviewed and approved by Township Engineer Jeffrey Ott and Solicitor Ceraul. If approved, the project will be advertised with a mandatory pre-bid meeting on March 21, bids due April 4 and plan to award April 12. Chairman Renaldo moved to accept the specifications as written and authorize the advertisement of the 2017 Road Project and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. Public Comment: Non Vote 3 0 Road Foreman Lee Messinger recommended a letter be sent to the residents of OW Road, since they were notified last year that the plan was to pave OW Road if the Township received a grant. Since the grant was not received the project scope changed. The Board of Supervisors reviewed the draft letter and approved mailing. 3) Audit of 2016 Records Underway by Riley & Co., Presentation Scheduled for March 22, 2017 Meeting The audit is underway and a presentation of findings will be presented at the March 22, 2017 meeting at 3:30 pm. The goal of the meeting is to authorize advertisement of the data and authorize submission of the report to the DCED. 4) May 16, 2017 Election Day Plans No specific needs were identified. The Police Department will coordinate the early opening. 5) Transfer a total of $143,490.00 from General Tax Fund to the Sinking Funds, as follows: Transfer of $24,000 from General Tax Fund to Sinking Fund 2013 Genl Note, Transfer of $88,490 from General Tax Fund to Sinking Fund, with $39,000 for the Building Loan and $15,160 for the Police Car Payment, and $34,330 for the Dump Truck 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, $88,490 from General Tax Fund to Sinking Fund, and $31,000 from General Tax Fund to Sinking Fund 2015 Road Emer and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion. 6) Authorize Obtaining Quotes for Crack Seal Chairman Renaldo reported that the Township seals areas of roads each year prior to linepainting. The process is referred to as crack sealing. Bids are obtained annually. Chairman Renaldo moved to pursue quotes for crack seal for 2017, with an estimated amount of 800-1,000 gallons applied and Supervisor Smith seconded the motion. 7) Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan Update, Potential Adoption of Resolution 10-2017 to Pursue Grant Funding The Slate Belt Council of Governments (COG) previously requested support from members to participate in the development of a Multi-municipal Comprehensive Plan and Washington Township agreed. The COG is now requesting that each municipality establish a resolution to allow for pursuit of a grant to help fund the project. Chairman Renaldo moved to approve Resolution 10-2017 authorizing and supporting the submission of a Municipal Assistance Program application to Pennsylvania Department of
Community and Economic Development to assist in the creation of the Slate Belt Comprehensive Plan and Supervisor Smith seconded the motion. 8) TCC Plan for EIT Collection The Tax Collection Committee is pursuing a five year extension with Keystone Collections for the County-wide collection of EIT. 9) Five County Wide Electronic Recycling Events Planned Two in Slate Belt Northampton County has identified three specific dates and locations for electronic recycling this year. Two additional events in the Slate Belt are in the planning stages. 10) Proposal from The Water Store for Filter System for High Nitrate Level Chairman Renaldo reported that the Township has the water tested on a regular basis and has had some high nitrate results. The Township met with DEP and agreed to pursue corrective actions. The first was the pumping of the septic. This was done after a high reading in 2014 and levels improved. In addition the Township pursued an estimate from the The Water Store for a filtration system. Pending specific input for a system needed from DEP, the high level estimate was $6,500.00. The Township plans to re-test the nitrate level three weeks post the pumping to see if there is a change in the nitrate level. Tony Lupo suggested that the tank may have a problem if pumping results in a good reading. Lee Messinger stated the tank was inspected at the time of pumping and no issues were identified. 11) Alternate Insurance Quote Opportunity A representative from WSA insurance offered to provide a quote on the Commercial and Workers Compensation insurance for the Township. Renewal comes due May 1, 2017. The representative will need support in completing a questionnaire, obtaining loss runs and other data. The Board of Supervisors stated their satisfaction with the current insurance and decided not to pursue the quote at this time. 12) Township Health Insurance, Act 4 Option Secretary/Treasurer Gail Putvinski reported that Pennsylvania Chamber Insurance (PCI) our broker for Health Insurance asked that the Township clarify in writing if it is or is not selecting the Act 4 option that allows a dependent between the ages of 26-30 to remain on health insurance through the Township policy. If selected, the Township will be billed and must seek re-payment from the individual or their parent. The Township did not select the option when it moved to Capital Blue, but it was selected with a prior plan. Chairman Renaldo moved to NOT accept the Act 4 Option on the Health Care plan that allows a dependent between 26 30 to remain on the Township Health Care plan and Supervisor Smith seconded the motion. ROADMASTER S REPORT: David Renaldo 1) Sign Reflectivity Plan Requirement Work in progress. 2) Purchase of Trailer Road Foreman Lee Messinger presented a quote for the trailer from S&S Builders, Inc. for $5,725.00. Chairman Renaldo moved to authorize the purchase of a trailer for the road department from S&S Builders, Inc. at a cost of $5,725.00 and Vice Chairman Hess seconded the motion.
Chairman Renaldo moved to prepare a letter to S&S Builders, Inc. allowing Lee Messinger to accept the trailer on behalf of the Township and Supervisor Smith seconded the motion. 3) Co-Stars Salt Contract Participation for 2017-2018 Submitted for 650 Tons The Township submitted a request of 650 tons of salt for the 2017-2018 season. 4) Street Sweeping Scheduled for April 10-14, 2017 Noted. 5) Line Painting Lee Messinger reported that A-1 Traffic Control has been asked to plan for line painting in early May. SOLICITOR S REPORT: David Ceraul No additional items. PUBLIC COMMENT: 1) Richard Hanna, 629 Front Street Who is responsible when a sewer line sinks? Chairman Renaldo responded that it was a PennDOT issue. Mr. Hanna also asked about plastic that had been placed on the road. Chairman Renaldo confirmed the location and stated that was also a PennDOT issue. The problem has been reported to PennDOT previously. 2) Resident, Are there any plans for a dumpster for yard waste? Chairman Renaldo acknowledged that this was raised last year. He asked the Recreation Committee to see if it would be possible to obtain a dumpster and place it in the complex. Justin Huriatak agreed to pursue. ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Renaldo moved, and Supervisor Smith seconded to adjourn at 9:04 pm. Respectfully submitted, Gail Putvinski Secretary/Treasurer Washington Township Board of Supervisors