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                                                                                                      September 2, 2004

                                                                                                      Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

 

MINUTES

 

Chairman John P. Sivick called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  Also present were Richard C. Vollmer, Vice Chairman, Paul D. Menditto, Supervisor, Atty. Robert F. Bernathy, William J. Greiner, P.E. and Robert H. Rohner, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

No comments were received.

 

APPROVE THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 19, 2004:

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the minutes of August 19, 2004 as presented.  Unanimous.

 

AUTHORIZE THE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS ON LIST #1, LIST #2 AND THE TRANSFERS AS PRESENTED:

 

Motion made by Mr. Sivick and second of Mr. Menditto to approve the bills on List #1, with the exception of the Wm. Orr & Sons, Inc. invoice for guide rail installation until further review, List #2 and the transfers.  Unanimous.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

1.  PROPOSED ROAD – MINK POND ROAD TO BUSHKILL FALLS ROAD:

 

     Tabled.

 

2.  NEW BUSHKILL POST OFFICE:

 

     Mr. Vollmer stated that the supervisors had granted an approval on a request

     for a waiver from the Lehman Township Sewage Ordinance No. 61.  The

     hearing had been conducted on May 20, 2004.  The approval granted the use

     of holding tanks at the U.S. Postal Service’s new post office until the remediation

     of an area for a permanent system.  There were three (3) requirements.  A feasibility

     study outlining where a permanent system could be located.  A copy of a contract with

     a company that will be pumping out the holding tanks, and the establishment of an

     escrow account that will cover two (2) pumpings, should the applicant fail to do so.

     The township received a copy of the pumping contract with Allstate Septic Systems,

     and a check for $520.00 that will be placed into an escrow account.  The feasibility

     study had not been completed, although George Zitone of Zitone Construction, Inc.

     submitted a proposal from Colin M. Brand of Brand Environmental Consulting

     Services, Inc. that states that he will do the feasibility study.  Based upon the

                                                                                                       September 2, 2004

 

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     information that Mr. Brand has be given he recommends a four (4) year fill as the

     potential option.  The two (2) year select fill is not recommended since Daryl Fritz

     of PA DEP indicated that this option has been unsuccessful.  The first step to proceed

     with this option will be to complete soil testing to determine the most appropriate

     area for the placement of fill.  Testing will be scheduled with the township’s Sewage

     Enforcement Officer and PA DEP’s soil scientist.  If that option does not work, then

     the post office will have to install a greenhouse system, which are costly.  They are

     approved by PA DEP.  Mr. Greiner recommends occupancy on a temporary basis until

     receipt of the plan.  Mr. Zitone stated that Mr. Brand will do the perc tests in

     two (2) to three (3) weeks.  The post office is a low flow situation (employee use

     only).  The plan should be completed within three (3) months.  Atty. Bernathy stated

     that the applicant has violated the decision of the sewage hearing dated June 8, 2004.

     Mr. Vollmer stated that the township’s sewage ordinance (No. 61) states that if an

     applicant can not receive a permit, that they can request the use of holding tanks on

     a temporary basis.  Mr. Sivick stated that this has been the second violation, and this is

     negligence on the part of the postal service.  Atty. Bernathy stated that the supervisors

     can impose a fine on a per day basis, until the receipt of the feasibility study, and that

     the supervisors do not have to allow them to open (9/04/04). Mr. Sivick stated that the

     postal service’s bond company is in violation of the decision.  Mr. Vollmer stated that

     it should be advertised that it is the fault of the postal service, not the supervisors.  Mr.

     Zitone stated that Mr. Brand feels that there is an area that has not been touched, and

     may be suitable, but the existing well would have to be relocated.  Testing will prove

     that theory.  Motion made by Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Menditto to grant a

     three (3) month extension.  This waiver is conditional upon the receipt of a feasibility

     study that is acceptable to the township’s engineer, sewage enforcement officer and

     their discretion that if it is not acceptable, the permit can be pulled, and fines levied

     on a per day basis.  December 2, 2004 is the deadline.  The feasibility study is to be

     submitted to PA DEP for their review also.  Unanimous.

 

3.  SIMONE JAFFE COLLINS:

 

     Mr. Menditto stated that William Collins gave a presentation to the supervisors at

     their meeting on August 31st.  Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr.

     Vollmer to accept the proposal of Simone Jaffe Collins for grant writing for planning

     and acquisition grants.  Total cost is $8,500.00.  Unanimous.  This is considered

     professional services, so there are no bidding requirements.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

None.

 

 

                                                                                          

                                                                                                      September 2, 2004

 

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MISCELLANEOUS:

 

None.

 

ROADMASTER:

 

Mr. Sivick stated that the road crew has been busy with ditch cleaning.  Truck and equipment maintenance.  Drainage maintenance within Rustic Acres, Section 6. 

Mink Pond Road work in preparation for resurfacing, which will be done no later than

the second week of October.

 

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. by the motion of Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Menditto.  Unanimous.

 

                                                                                       Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                       Robert H. Rohner, Jr.

                                                                                       Secretary/Treasurer

   

    


                                                                                                    September 16, 2004

                                                                                                    Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

 

MINUTES

 

Chairman John P. Sivick called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  Also present were Richard C. Vollmer, Vice Chairman, Paul D. Menditto, Supervisor, Atty. Robert F. Bernathy, William J. Greiner, P.E. and Robert H. Rohner, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

No comments were received.

 

APPROVE THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2004:

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the minutes of September 2, 2004 as presented.  Unanimous.

 

AUTHORIZE THE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS ON LIST #1, LIST #2 AND THE TRANSFERS AS PRESENTED:

 

Motion made by Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Menditto to authorize the payment of the bills on List #1, List #2 and the transfers as presented.  Unanimous.

 

ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, ALL FUNDS, FOR THE MONTH ENDED AUGUST 31, 2004:

 

Motion made by Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Menditto to accept the financial statements, all funds, for the month ended August 31, 2004.  Unanimous.

 

PRESENTATION – BUSHKILL FIRE COMPANY:

 

Tim Rohner, the Fire Chief represented the fire company.  He presented the list of current and new fire police nominees, along with their background checks and driver license information.  Also presented was a list of individuals to be removed as fire police (all lists are a part of these minutes).  Chief Rohner stated that he met with Gary Vanhorn of Full Star Construction in the new sections of the Glen at Tamiment to look over the fire hydrant locations, and found that the hydrant locations are acceptable.  No fire flows, or water main sizes were given to the fire company.  Mr. Greiner stated that he had been given that information, and the flows are good.  Some of the 2 ½” caps were missing.  The fire company’s new address is P.O. Box 1206, Bushkill, PA 18324.  Atty. Bernathy stated that he reviewed the background checks, and driver license information, and they are fine.  Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the 2004 fire police list which includes the new nominations, and to remove those members as outlined by Chief Rohner’s correspondences dated September 13, 2004.  Unanimous.  This will be Resolution No. 201.  Mr. Sivick will swear in the new members.

 

                                                                                                  September 16, 2004

 

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PRESENTATION – BUSHKILL WATERSHED CONSERVANCY:

 

Tom Shimalla, newly elected president for the group gave the presentation.  An objective of the group is to preserve and protect the Little and Big Bushkill Creeks and Saw Creek. Goals are to develop a brochure, website, newsletter and offer educational programs.  The group will begin a water monitoring program under the parameters of PA DEP.  Meetings are conducted on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the municipal building, with the next one to be conducted on October 12th. 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

1.  PROPOSED NEW ROAD – MINK POND ROAD TO BUSHKILL FALLS ROAD:

 

     Tabled.  The engineer has not completed.

 

2.  CELL TOWERS:

 

     Mr. Vollmer stated that the cell tower company SBA has contracted for a site off of

     East Sugar Mountain Road.  Cell One will be a provider.  It will be six to eight weeks

     to begin the process of submitting a land development plan, and obtaining permits.

     An antenna has been placed at the Top of the World restaurant in Saw Creek Estates.

     Tara Gandolfo stated that she has contracted with SBA for a tower, but no provider

     has been signed as of this date.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

1.  RESOLUTION NO. 198 – DCNR GRANT APPLICATIONS:

 

     Motion made by Mr. Sivick and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve Resolution No.

     198 that will allow for the submission of the grant applications for the acquisition,

     and master plan for the Lehman Township Community Park (Magic Valley). 

     Unanimous.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

 

1.  The Minimum Obligation (MMO) for the township’s pension plan for the year

     2005 is $24,022.72.

 

2.  The Fall Clean Up Days will be conducted on Friday, October 8th and Saturday,

     October 9th from 7:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

                                                                                                    September 16, 2004

 

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ROADMASTER:

 

Mr. Sivick stated that the road crew busy with drainage work on Mink Pond Road.  Re-erected the arrow sign on Wickes Road and East Sugar Mountain Road.  Tree Clean up throughout.  Preparations for Clean Up Days.  Equipment maintenance.  Grass cutting on the ball field.  The Park Service was in attendance at the Pike County Road Task Force meeting.  Repairs to Rt. 209 have begun.  They will also conduct public meetings on September 17th and 18th to discuss the ban of commercial traffic on Rt. 209.  The present legislation banning the commercial traffic expires September 11, 2005.  The supervisors support the ban, as well as the county commissioners.  The commissioners have been in contact with Congressman Sherwood.  There will also be an increase in the fee structure.  Commercial traffic limited to Monroe, Pike and Luzerne Counties.

John Frawley stated that there is a large branch over hanging SR 2001 on the “S” curve above the legion.  Mr. Sivick stated that he will notify PennDot.  The repaving on SR 2001 was delayed, but will be done.  PennDot has been working on SR 2001 doing site distance cutting and drainage work.

 

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. by the motion of Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Menditto.  Unanimous.

 

                                                                                          Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                          Robert H. Rohner, Jr.

                                                                                          Secretary/Treasurer

 

 

 

 


                                                                                                     September 28, 2004

                                                                                                     Tuesday, 3:30 p.m.

 

MINUTES

 

Chairman John P. Sivick called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.  Also present were Richard C. Vollmer, Vice Chairman, Paul D. Menditto, Supervisor, Atty. Robert F. Bernathy and Robert H. Rohner, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer.  William J. Greiner, P.E. was not present.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

No comments were received.

 

PIKE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS:

 

Atty. Bernathy referred to his opinion letter to the supervisors dated March of 2004 (a copy is on file) that outlines the requirements for purchasing property.  An agreement to purchase the property from the Pike County Fair Association was signed in June of 2004.  The Debt Ordinance was passed on July 15, 2004.  The work for a grant application to DCED began August 27th.  Title insurance was obtained through Accord Abstract.  The township’s insurance carrier was notified of the additions to be added to the insurance policy on September 28th.  The township was required and obtained a certified appraisal, and an environmental impact study to pinpoint any potential liability from Susan Beecher of the Pike County Conservation District.  Water/sewer is not an issue.  The property is serviced by a central system.  There were inspections for radon, lead and insects.  One structure has termites.  It will be addressed.  A HUD statement will be prepared before closing.  An agreement with the Pike County Fair Association to continue to conduct the fair on the property will be signed.  The seller or grantor will sign the deed.  Atty. Bernathy did a “bring down” through the abstract company.  There were no changes.  As far as the agreement with the fair association is concerned, the group will have access for the function of the fair for 30 calendar days, and may be used for however they deem appropriate.  The property must be used for parks, recreation, public entertainment and amusement.  The fair association must give 30 days notice, and receive the supervisors approval if they wish to use the property for any other type of venue.  The request will not be unreasonably withheld.  By ordinance the supervisors will regulate the use of the grounds, and put into place rules and regulations.  The fair association will be provided office and storage space designated on a year to year basis by the supervisors.  It will permit only agricultural equipment, materials and supplies.  A caretaker will stay on in the house, and a separate lease (profess judgment) will be signed, along with the responsibilities of that person.  The HUD statement will reflect the prorated water/sewer and electric costs.  The utility companies will be notified after closing.  Atty. Bernathy will review the tax exempt status of the property. 

 

 

 

                                                                                                            September 28, 2004

 

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BUSHKILL POST OFFICE:

 

Mr. Vollmer stated that he as SEO will meet with PA DEP and the soil scientist in mid October at the site as it relates to the location of a permanent sewage disposal system.

 

MT. LAUREL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS:

 

Mr. Menditto inquired of Atty. Bernathy if there would be a problem with a supervisor serving on the board of directors of the center.  Atty. Bernathy will review, but it may have an appearance of impropriety, and result in a conflict in the future should further development occur. 

 

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m. by the motion of Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Sivick.  Unanimous.

 

                                                                                             Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                             Robert H. Rohner, Jr.

                                                                                             Secretary/Treasurer