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                                                                                              February 4, 2009

                                                                                              Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.

 

MINUTES

 

Chairman John P. Sivick called the meeting to order at 7:00 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:

 

Wayne Witkowski commented on the proposed Pennsylvania state budget and the governor’s proposal to call for a surcharge on those municipalities that use state police coverage.  Mr. Sivick stated that the township has received no information.

 

Scott Hanna commented on the Highland Village project and the upgrade to SR 2003.  Mr. Sivick stated that it will be discussed under old business.  Mr. Hanna asked if there will be any updates on SR 2001.  He was told no.

 

APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 21, 2009:

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the minutes of January 21, 2009 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.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT-WINONA FALLS ROAD:

Tabled.

 

  1. VAN WHY CELL TOWER:

 

Mr. Vollmer stated that the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.  This item will be removed from the agenda.

 

  1. EAST STROUDSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT-STADIUM BATHROOM

FACILITY:  FINAL MINOR LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN:

 

Tabled.

 

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  1. HIGHLAND VILLAGE:

 

Mr. Sivick stated that it is time that the supervisors sit down and have a serious talk with the developer regarding the master plan.  The active adult communities have been fractured.  There have been changes to the main streetscape.  What are the changes to the overall plan?  The supervisors can not make an educated decision based on current discussions.  The supervisors directed Atty. Bernathy to forward correspondence to the developer stating that the supervisors’ position is that significant changes/deviations have been made to the approved master plan and request that the developer or his representatives attend the supervisors’ meeting on Wednesday, February 11th at 3:30 p.m.

 

  1. RT. 209 BRIDGE WORK DETOUR:

 

Mr. Greiner stated that he has had discussions with representatives from the Federal Highway Administration regarding the bridge repair work on Rt. 209.  The administration proposes a detour of traffic; including commercial trucks, up one side of Sugar Mountain and down the other side.  There are steep inclines especially on East Sugar Mountain Road.  Creek Road can not be used because there is a 15 ton weight limit on the bridge.  The administration could shut down truck traffic for the two weeks that the project is scheduled to be completed.  Traffic could be diverted to Route 402.  Atty. Bernathy stated that this is a safety issue.  Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to direct Atty. Bernathy to forward correspondence to the Federal Highway Administration citing the supervisors position that because of safety issues the detour over Sugar Mountain is denied.  Unanimous.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. DISPOSAL OF 2005 & 2006 TAX RECEIPTS AND RELATED MATERIAL:

 

      Motion made by Mr. Sivick and second of Mr. Menditto to pick up from the

      Lehman Township Tax Collector’s office the 2005 and 2006 tax receipts and

      related materials, and dispose of said records.  Unanimous.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

 

None.

 

 

 

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ROADMASTER/PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR:

 

  1. MINK POND ROAD CULVERT PROJECT:

 

Tabled.

 

Mr. Sivick stated that the crew has been busy with winter maintenance.  There was a traffic accident in Pine Ridge during one of the storms.  Traffic backed up on SR 2001, and the fire company handled the situation very well.  There were two water leaks in Rustic Acres.  Pennsylvania American Water was contacted, and the township maintained the road in the area from ice.  Vehicle maintenance.  Community park work and maintenance.  Dirt is being brought in for the construction of ball fields.  A meeting has been scheduled with PA DEP and GTS; the township’s engineer for the park, to discuss drainage work for the playing fields.  Ice removal from municipal building gutters.  The township received notice from PennDot that a double coat of tar and chip will be placed on SR 2003 this year.  It has been put out for bid.  Correspondence will be forwarded to George Roberts that the supervisors are not happy with this proposal.  The road will be in the same condition within a year.  The county commissioners, the township’s state senator and representative will be copied.  Demolition of the PennDot acquired properties is to begin soon.  Met Ed met with Verizon and Blue Ridge Cable recently to discuss the moving of poles.  All parties seem to working towards a positive conclusion.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m. and an Executive Session regarding real estate and personnel to be conducted by the motion of Mr. Sivick and second of Mr. Menditto.  Unanimous.

 

                                                                                               Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                               Robert H. Rohner, Jr.

                                                                                               Secretary/Treasurer

                                                                                                February 11, 2009

                                                                                                Wednesday, 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; William J. Greiner, P.E. and Robert H. Rohner, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

No comments were received.

 

PERMISSION FOR LITTLE LEAGUE TO USE THE MEETING ROOM ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST:

 

Motion made by Mr. Sivick and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the request.  Unanimous.

 

HIGHLAND VILLAGE:

 

Representing the developer were Susan Menno and Ed Campbell, Esq.

 

Mr. Sivick stated that the Board of Supervisors is stating its position regarding the proposed changes to the approved master plan.  The changes are significant.  When the public hearings were conducted there was much input by residents and officials of the local school district.  All liked the plan.  The school district officials were confident that the plan as approved would not put a great influx of children into the school system.  A major concern is the fracturing of the active adult communities.  The supervisors are not interested with the opinions of developer’s present engineering firm regarding the placement of active adult communities.  Changes to the main street are not what had been envisioned. 

 

Mr. Menditto stated that each past meeting something different was being proposed.  What exactly is the developer proposing?  There is confusion.

 

Mr. Vollmer stated that the supervisors have not seen anything substantial that can be looked at and determine what is being proposed.  Decisions are being made out of convenience and money.  He is also opposed to the fracturing of the active adult communities.  The supervisors have no idea where the township’s emergency service building is going to be located.  Presently it is not located where originally planned.  There were few negative comments from the public because the plans had been well structured.

 

Mr. Campbell began by stating that the decision has been made by the developer that the active adult communities will be as originally planned.  They will be centrally located. 

                                                                                                  February 11, 2009

 

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Main street will be designed so that everyone is happy, and proud of the final product.  Changes were being made because of convenience and costs.  Topographic problems have been discovered.  Areas will be developed that is conducive to the location of existing infrastructure. 

 

Mr. Sivick stated that there are certain individuals within the developers company that think the supervisors are just three guys in the woods.  The key is communication.

 

Mr. Vollmer stated that he has a concern that if sections of the property are sold to other individuals those individuals will not follow the approved master plan.  Atty. Bernathy stated that it will be placed within the body of the deed/covenants that development of the property must follow the approved master plan.  A note can also be placed on the approved subdivision maps.

 

A revised master plan for the township’s review will be submitted in approximately one month.  It is also possible that the developer may stick with the original plan.

 

The developer will submit to the township for their review all information as it relates to the water and sewer company.

 

Mr. Sivick stated that the supervisors want an update on the Teicher property and any outstanding issues.

 

Functions are being planned for the art center for this year.

 

Ms. Menno will be meeting with The Glen’s community association to discuss problems with the new recreation building on February 26th at 10:00 a.m.  Representatives from the township will attend.

 

Mr. Sivick stated that the developer’s engineers need to address the flooding that occurs at the intersection of The Glen and SR 2003.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m. by the motion of Mr. Menditto second of Mr. Sivick.  Unanimous.

 

                                                                                               Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                              

                                                                                               Robert H. Rohner, Jr.

                                                                                               Secretary/Treasurer

                                                                                               February 18, 2009

                                                                                               Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.

 

MINUTES

 

Chairman John P. Sivick called the meeting to order at 7:00 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:

 

Ed Armstrong commented on the SR 2001 upgrade project, and the relocation of utility poles, and the demolition of PennDot acquired buildings. 

 

Scott Hanna commented on the SR 2001 upgrade project.

 

APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 12, 2009:

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the minutes of January 12, 2009 as presented.  Unanimous.

 

APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 4, 2009:

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the minutes of February 4, 2009 as presented.  Unanimous.

 

APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 11, 2009:

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the minutes of February 11, 2009 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.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT-WINONA FALLS ROAD:

 

Tabled.

 

 

 

 

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  1. EAST STROUDSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT-STADIUM BATHROOM

FACILITY:  FINAL MINOR LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN:

 

            Tabled.  The deadline for deemed approval is April 8, 2009.

 

  1. HIGHLAND VILLAGE:

 

A meeting with the developer will be conducted on Thursday, February 26th at 3:30 p.m. to discuss water and sewage flows.  A revised master plan has not been submitted to the township as of this date. 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. MINOR SUBDIVISION-ARMSTRONG:

 

Frank Smith the engineer for the plan represented the property owners Ed and Judith Armstrong.  Mr. Armstrong was also present.  The property is located on SR 2001. 

 

The plan involves only the relocation of existing lot lines.  No new building lots are being created.  The pond will be kept with the Armstrongs’ primary residence.  The second parcel will include the rental units, and the third parcel will be empty with the exception of a septic system mound.  The front section of the property that borders SR 2001 had been acquired by PennDot for the SR 2001 upgrade project.  A highway occupancy permit application has been filed with PennDot to service the third parcel. 

 

Mr. Vollmer informed Mr. Smith that a septic is only good for one (1) year once a structure has been removed.  If a new structure is not built, then the septic is no longer usable.  This is based on State regulations.  A planning module would have to be prepared and submitted.  Mr. Smith will contact Bob Corby of the local PA DEP office to discuss.  The supervisors can not approve this plan at this time.  PennDot will be contacted and informed that the septic field has been rendered useless by the condemnation. 

 

The township has an extension for deemed approval that expires March 12th.  Mr. Smith gave an oral extension for deemed approval, and will follow that up with a letter.  The extension grants the township an additional three (3) months, expiring May 18, 2009.

 

The applicant is also requesting two (2) waivers from the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.

 

                                                                                       February 18, 2009

 

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Request #1 – Section 702.11:  No principal building, on-lot septic system or vehicle parking areas shall be placed within 25 feet from any regulated wetland. 

 

Motion made by Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Menditto that since there is no land development, and there is only the moving of lot lines this waiver is granted.  Unanimous.

 

Request #2 – Section 708:  This section requires the minimum required lot area excluding certain features as are listed in this section (i.e. wetlands).  The applicant is requesting that the delineation and survey of wetlands not be required at this time.  There are no proposed improvements or changes to the existing conditions on the proposed lots.  Should any improvements or changes be made to the property, a Land Development Plan would be submitted to Lehman Township for approval, and wetlands would be delineated and located at that time.

 

Motion made by Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Menditto to grant this request as outlined above.  Unanimous.

 

  1. PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO 119-GENERAL POWER TO OPEN DRAINS AND DITCHES:

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to schedule the public hearing for proposed Ordinance No. 119 – General Power to Open Drains and Ditches for Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. 

 

The proposed ordinance has been reviewed by the township’s planning commission, and they recommend approval. 

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

 

  1. REQUEST OF BYA TO USE THE MEETING ROOM ON MARCH 21ST, 8:30-10:30 AM AND MARCH 28TH, 8:30-1:00 PM:

 

Motion made by Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Menditto to approve this request.  Unanimous.

 

ADDENDUM NO. 1:  Mr. Sivick stated that he had received a telephone call that PUC will conduct a meeting in the Saw Creek community regarding the upgrade to the electrical lines on March 20th.  The community expects a big turnout, and is requesting the use of the parking lot at the community park.  They will bus people from the lot to the meeting site.  Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the

                                                                                              February 18, 2009

 

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request conditional upon receiving the application and any other pertinent documents.  Unanimous.

 

ROADMASTER/PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR:

 

  1. MINK POND ROAD CULVERT PROJECT:

 

Tabled.

 

Mr. Sivick stated that the crew fixed potholes on Winona Falls Road.  Vehicle maintenance and repairs.  Sweeping of anti-skid from the roads.  Maintenance work continues at the community park.  Fill is being brought into the community park.  Required permits are being acquired by GTS for the park projects.  Winter maintenance.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m. by the motion of Mr. Sivick and second of Mr. Menditto.  Unanimous.

 

                                                                                              Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                              Robert H. Rohner, Jr.

                                                                                              Secretary/Treasurer