TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HUNTINGDON, BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017, 7:00 P.M. 11279 Center Highway, North Huntingdon, PA 15642 Presiding Officer Tony Martino, President, Board of Commissioners CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Martino called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. ROLL CALL Commissioner Herold Present Also Present: Commissioner Haigis Present John Shepherd Commissioner Bertani Present Michael Turley Commissioner Gray Absent Solicitor Bruce Dice Commissioner Faccenda Present Rich Albert Commissioner Kucera Present Dan Miller Commissioner Martino Present PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE OPENING PRAYER Commissioner Martino called for a moment of silent prayer. PUBLIC COMMENTS Sarah Urey 11762 Dartmoor Drive states she is here to talk about the proposed tower at Kerber. She comments about the last meeting with Verizon and Horvath Communications and states that George Francis was there on behalf of Verizon and Horvath who stated he was on the Dartmoor neighborhood site which is a site used to communicate amongst neighbors about things occurring in their neighborhood, etc. He stated, with a grin, that he was on their site and can see what they are doing. Ms. Urey rescinds the invite to their end of year social. George Wright from Horvath described the tower as stealth and says the Ordinance does not describe or define what a stealth tower is. He also stated the antennas would be on the outside of the pole when there was discussion saying the antennas would be on the inside of the pole and would have four rows of the antenna on the outside. Ms. Urey states she understands they cannot deny anything based on reasons other than what is laid forth in the FCC Act, but when asked why she is fighting against the tower, she states she is fighting for her kids and the community. She states studies and documentation does not detail prolonged exposure especially for children. The Zoning Board followed what the minimum requirements are for the notifications. She feels the Board needs to look at the notification process and to protect the residents and community.
Kim Giansante 560 Cedar Glen Drive states a few months ago she requested their road be resurfaced. She publicly wants to thank the Board for responding and encourages them to drive through the neighborhood. She states the paving company was first class, efficient and professional. Kari Bauer Police Office NHT states her K9, Vegas, recently died two weeks ago. She has devoted her life to K9 work and came to specifically thank Commissioner Haigis, Commissioner Gray, President Martino, John Shepherd and Commissioner Herold who supported her one hundred fifty percent when she got K9 Vegas. She states she worked very hard with Vegas to not only make him her dog, but the Township s dog. She devoted the last nine years since she got him to do that. There will be a memorial service for him at the high school on Saturday at 11AM and the public is welcome. The morning that Vegas died, Sergeant Bauer was testifying in front of Judge Meagan Bilik DeFazio on a case from 2015 of a drug dealer on which Vegas assisted and found drugs. The dealer was arrested and Judge DeFazio classified Sergeant Bauer as an expert witness as a K9 handler. She lists eight memorable moments in his service, one being trapping an armed robber, several assists to the State Police with tracking drugs and drug dealers. Sergeant Bauer passes the article to the Board. She states she had the opportunity to see forty eight new K9 s from Holland at Shallow Creek Kennels who sells them and trains the officers and because of her notoriety in the K9 professions, Sergeant Bauer was given the opportunity to pick her dog first out of the forty eight if she is afforded the opportunity to get the dog. She asked the Board for their help and support as she has dedicated her life to this. Joe Lovinfosse 2116 Belgian Drive states he is here regarding the cell phone tower and what he has seen from both ends. He states some things he has noticed is when talking about the tower, he believes in everyone s personal right to do what they want within their property line, but his issue comes from the fact of how can a pre-existing ordinance be granted a variance. This has never been answered which is where some of the frustration comes from. Some other issues are with the program itself to provide better cell phone coverage and the maps they have seen have not been based on fact but based on estimation. The other issue is 911 where nobody would deny 911 access or proficiency, but how long has this been an issue and has this been discussed before. Why is it now that this 911 issue has become front and center as an active push to put the tower in place. The community has now turned against itself. Were the signs able to be seen, how large were the signs, did they meet ADA Act for individuals with poor eyesight. He states they don t know the specifics about the tower, but if the tower goes through and deemed necessary for the Township for the better, why is it not done in a form that will allow the Township to review with the citizens and council. This was a new business opportunity for Verizon, that s all. The right thing to do is for the Board to take a step back and reevaluate. RESPONSE TO CITIZENS INPUT CELL TOWER Commissioner Martino states the Board will address this when it comes up on the agenda.
May17, 2017 CEDAR GLEN Commissioner Martino thank Ms. Giansante for the kind words. KARI BAUER Commissioner Haigis states he appreciate her and Vegas service in the Township. He states she has his full support in the search for a new dog and will make the motion to proceed. Solicitor Dice states he thinks that is appropriate. Motion to add to the agenda to allow Sergeant Bauer to explore options for a new K9 officer. Second: Commissioner Kucera There is no public input. Second: Commissioner Kucera Motion to allow Sergeant Bauer to explore options for purchasing a new K9 officer. Commissioner Bertani states he would like to see the Police Department go back to three K9 s on the force. Manager Shepherd states this should be worked into the 2018 Budget. Commissioner Kucera states drugs are bad today. Prior to Bruce Keffer retiring, there were three dogs allowing more availability, especially on the weekends and days off. He would support the increase of K9 s. Commissioner Bertani states there are other officers who are K9 trained making the training minimal. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Special Meeting 4/13/17)
Motion: Commissioner Faccenda (Regular Meeting 4/19/17) PAYMENT OF BILLS I make a motion we pay Voucher No. 74148 through Second: Commissioner Kucera Voucher No. 74236. STAFF REPORTS PUBLIC WORKS REPORT Motion Carried 6 0 0 Commissioner Haigis states that in driving some of the Township roads and seeing the newly paved road, he has heard a lot of good responses. They are doing a great job. Rich Albert states they are pleased with everything they have done and this is the second year they ve used the contractor. Commissioner Kucera states the Department of Public Works have done a great job in getting the roads ready. Commissioner Faccenda asks about Buttermilk Hollow Road. The gas company was working in that area. Rich Albert states the milling machine hit the gas line that was not very deep under the surface. The gas company is replacing the entire line. Buttermilk Hollow will be in Phase II of paving project. Commissioner Faccenda asks about the saw-cut on Center Highway and will the gas company repair it. Rich Albert states they are required to repair it. Commissioner Bertani thanks Public Works for the work in the cul de sac on Drop Road and looks great. Commissioner Kucera states the cul de sac looks really nice.
PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT Commissioner Kucera asks what are the plans for Penns Woods playground. Mr. Miller states the structure at the park is being disassembled. It has been budgeted for a piece of playground equipment to be installed. Commissioner Kucera asks about the tree that came down on the Hilltop Park pavilion. Mr. Miller states there was no structural damage and the Parks staff have made the repairs. Commissioner Faccenda asks how the paving went on the Indian Lake parking lot. Mr. Miller states he could not be more pleased about the paving on the back parking lot. Access is easier and handicapped parking will be available in both parking lots. POLICE REPORT There were no Board comments. Manager Shepherd states Lieutenant Mahinske was away at training. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORT There were no Board comments. PLANNING AND ENGINEERING REPORT FIRE OFFICIAL S REPORT There are no Board comments. SUBDIVISION & LAND DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION REPORT 1) S-07-2017 / Paul Kerber II Subdivision *Action to approve a Resolution for proposed boundary line adjustment along First Street and Kifer Lane. Motion: Commissioner Herold
2) S-08-2017 / Weber Estates *Action to approve a Resolution for a proposed residential development on Colonial Manor Road. Motion: Commissioner Faccenda Second: Commissioner Herold 3) S-09-2017 / Stratton Plan *Action to approve a Resolution for a proposed subdivision on Guffey Rillton Road. 4) SP-02-2017 / Verizon / Horvath Communications Cell Tower *Action to approve a Resolution for a site plan for a proposed cell tower on the Kerber Farm property which denies the site plan. Manager Shepherd reads the Resolution denying the site plan. Solicitor Dice confirms that the staff has not received an application for conditional use. Manager Shepherd states he is not aware of any coming in. Solicitor Dice states he has not been made aware of it as of 7:40 P.M. on. Commissioner Bertani clarifies that by approving the Resolution is actually denying the site plan. Manager Shepherd states that is correct. Motion: Commissioner Bertani Second: Commissioner Faccenda Commissioner Haigis states he is happy when the room is full and feels informed residents is a good thing. He appreciates Commissioner Gray broadcasting the meetings online. He also appreciates the residents being involved. He is in favor of not approving the site plan. Commissioner Kucera thanks the residents for being here.
SOLICITOR S REPORT Solicitor Bruce Dice *There are no action items. TOWNSHIP MANAGER S REPORT 1) Action to approve the April check register. 2) Budget Report April 2017 Report. 3) Action to approve a Resolution to authorize overhead banners for the St Agnes Church bazaar on Route 30 near Malts Lane and Lincoln Highway at Jodie Lane. Motion: Commissioner Faccenda Second: Commissioner Haigis 4) Action to approve the tax sale for property identified as tax map # 54-07-12-0-032, 10499 Broadway Street in accordance with the April 17, 2017 letter from Westmoreland County. Motion: Commissioner Faccenda 5) Action to approve the request of Penns Woods Civic Association for a fireworks display on July 4, 2017 in Penns Woods Park. Motion: Commissioner Kucera 6) Action to approve payment to Liberoni, INC. in the following amounts: 2017 Millings and Resurfacing Program - $697,336.09 Indian Lake Park Parking Lot - $70,634.11 Motion: Commissioner Herold Second: Commissioner Faccenda
7) Action to accept the resignation of John M. Shepherd effective May 29, 2017. Motion: Commissioner Herold Second: Commissioner Haigis Commissioner Kucera comments that John will be sadly missed. He is a credit to this Township and will missed. He is an asset to this community. Commissioner Martino seconds those remarks and states John has always helped him out and helped him understand and gave direction. Commissioner Bertani thanks John for his service to the Township and wishes him well. Commissioner Herold wishes him the best. Rich Albert states it has been a pleasure working with John and is going to miss working with him. Solicitor Dice states he has been doing this business for many years and has seen hundreds of managers. Unfortunately for North Huntingdon Township, we are losing the best. 8) Action to appoint Mike Turley as Acting Township Manager and Secretary / Treasurer at an annual salary of $95,000.00 and approval of a severance agreement contract. Motion: Commissioner Bertani Second: Commissioner Haigis 9) Action to award the bid for the Lilac Street Retaining Wall to Westmoreland Construction Group in the amount of $60,052.00. 10) Action to hire Jonathan Beskid as Administration Department intern at a rate of $10.00 per hour. Manager Shepherd states Jonathan is with the Township as an unpaid intern and Mr. Turley is requesting his assistance over the next few months in finalizing the new web page. Second: Commissioner Faccenda Motion to add to the agenda. There is no public input.
11) Action to hire Jonathan Beskid as an Administration Department intern at a rate of $10.00 per hour. Commissioner Haigis states he is in favor of hiring the intern and after a new manager is selected to reevaluate the need for the intern. Second: Commissioner Kucera Motion to hire the intern at the rate of $10.00 per hour. 12) Action to adopt a Resolution which approves a Letter of Intent which requests assistance from the Governor Center for Local Government Services to provide assistance with the Township Manager search. This will utilize the assistance of Mike Forman. Motion to add to agenda. There is no public input. 13) Action to adopt a Resolution which approves a Letter of Intent which requests assistance from the Governor Center for Local Government Services to provide assistance with the Township Manager search. Second: Commissioner Kucera FURTHER BOARD COMMENTS There are no further comments. ANNOUNCEMENTS 1) The Department of Parks & Recreation has officially started the Tagged Fish Contest and will continue through October at Indian Lake and Oak Hollow Park. Participants can win a prize by turning in the appropriate ATF tag to the Town House.
ADJOURNMENT Second: Commissioner Kucera Motion to adjourn. (7:57 P.M.) Regular Meeting Minutes of were approved by the Board of Commissioners on John M. Shepherd, Township Secretary /jjm Tony Martino, President