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                                                                                                March 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:

 

Scott Hanna requested that the supervisors’ meetings dates and times be posted on the informational board located at SR 2001 and Municipal Road.  Mr. Hanna commented on the township’s new property on SR 2001.

 

APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 18, 2009:

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the minutes of February 18, 2009 as presented.  Unanimous.

 

APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 26, 2009:

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the minutes of February 26, 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. EAST STROUDSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT-STADIUM BATHROOM

FACILITY:  FINAL MINOR LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN:

 

Mr. Greiner stated that he has reviewed the revised land development.  The applicant is requesting a waiver from the Township Stormwater Management requirements.  As of this date the written waiver request has not been received.  All other engineering comments have been addressed. 

 

Mr. Greiner will contact the applicant and request that the applicant grant the

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township an extension of time for deemed approval.  If it is not received the application will be denied. 

 

  1. HIGHLAND VILLAGE:

 

The developer is requesting a reduction in potable water per unit.  The developer has submitted data to support their request.  Mr. Greiner has reviewed that data, and his comment letter is a part of these minutes.  After a short discussion Mr. Sivick recommends that the domestic flow be reduced to 280 gpd/du.  The developer was directed to supply additional flows information/data to the township.

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve a domestic flow of 280 gpd/du, with the requirement that the developer shall submit additional flows information.  Unanimous.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. NEW TRUCKS:

 

Mr. Sivick recommends that the township purchase two (2) new trucks from Penske GMC Commercial Trucks at a cost of $55,389.47 per unit.  The purchase is through a State contract.  Mr. Sivick also recommends purchasing the chassis for each truck from E. M. Kutz, Inc.  The purchase is through Costars Contract #008-032.  Price per unit is $37,896.00.

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the purchases.  Unanimous.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

 

  1. The supervisors will conduct a meeting on Tuesday, March 10th, at 10:30 a.m. with PennDot, Park Service and Met Ed to discuss the SR 2001 project.

 

  1. The supervisors will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, March 18th, at 7:05 p.m. for proposed Ordinance No. 119-General Power to Open Drains and Ditches.

 

ADDENDUM NO. 1:

 

Mr. Vollmer stated that Horizon and AT&T have recently been issued permits to be placed on cell towers within the township.  Nextel had been previously permitted.

 

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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 community park repairs and maintenance.  Dirt and stone has been delivered for ball field construction.  Engineers are presently working on the designs.  Hanson can no longer supply anti-skid.  They have run out of material.  Rt. 209 can supply the material, and the township will purchase the material from that company for the remaining winter season.  Sweeping of anti-skid off of the roads.  Pothole repairs on Winona Falls Road.  Vehicle maintenance and repairs.  Stone is being delivered and stored at the township’s new property which will be known as the “annex”.  The stone will be used for future projects.  The potholes on Bushkill Falls Road from Bushkill Corners to Rt. 209 are getting very bad.  Residents have called PennDot, and PennDot is telling people that it is the township’s responsibility, which is not the case.  Mr. Bernathy added that the stretch of road from the school complex to Rt. 402; which is a State road, is in deplorable condition, and that he has never seen a State owned road in such bad shape. 

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m. by the motion of Mr. Sivick and second of Mr. Menditto.  Unanimous.

 

                                                                                                   Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                                   Robert H. Rohner, Jr.

                                                                                                   Secretary/Treasurer

                                                                                               March 10, 2009

                                                                                               Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.

 

MINUTES

 

Chairman John P. Sivick called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m.  Also present were Richard C. Vollmer, Vice Chairman; Paul D. Menditto, Supervisor and Robert H. Rohner, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer.  Atty. Robert F. Bernathy and William J. Greiner, P.E. were not present.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

No comments were received.

 

SR 2001 UPGRADE PROJECT:

 

Representatives from PennDot and Met Ed were present.  No representatives from the Park Service were present. 

 

Denise Youorski, PennDot stated that there are two (2) outstanding issues; the land swap with the Park Service, which is in the process and the coordination of the replacement of utility poles.  Met Ed states that the utility pole coordination should be completed within the next two (2) weeks and the information forwarded to PennDot.  Met Ed reviewed the information with Blue Ridge Cable, and the cable company has requested additional information. 

 

There is a problem with property acquisition for the pole relocations.  There are two (2) property owners that Met Ed must meet with to discuss the details.  Those meetings should happen within the next couple of weeks.

 

The demolition of PennDot acquired structures has begun, with a completion date of March 27th. 

 

Mr. Menditto inquired about the alternate design for the utility pole relocations, and will the existing time table be maintained.  Met Ed stated that they will not be held up by the two (2) remaining property owners. 

 

A final design will be established within the next few weeks.  Bid letting in April, with a construction start date in June.

 

Thomas Krause a resident of Pocono Mountain Lake Estates asked how travel time will be affected by the construction.  Mr. Sivick stated that the flow of traffic will be maintained at all times.

 

 

 

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In conclusion, Met Ed will submit their final design to PennDot within the next two (2) weeks, and they anticipate no significant changes to the design.  PennDot will update the supervisors when the design has been submitted to Harrisburg for review.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 11:54 a.m. by the motion of Mr. Sivick and second of Mr. Menditto.  Unanimous.

 

                                                                                           Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                           Robert H. Rohner, Jr.

                                                                                           Secretary/Treasurer

                                                                                                March 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:

 

Scott Hanna commented on the SR 2001 project. 

 

APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MARCH 4, 2009:

 

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

 

APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MARCH 10, 2009:

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the minutes of March 10, 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.

 

PUBLIC HEARING:  ORDINANCE NO. 119 – GENERAL POWER TO OPEN DRAINS AND DITCHES:

 

Atty. Bernathy stated that this is the date (March 18, 2009), time (7:05 p.m.) and place (Lehman Township Municipal Building) for the public hearing for Ordinance No. 119 – General Power to Open Drains and Ditches.  Copies of the ordinance are available for public perusal.  Notice of the hearing was posted on the municipal building on February 26, 2009.  Notice of hearing was published in the Pocono Record on February 28, 2009 and March 7, 2009 and in the Pike County Dispatch on March 4, 2009 and March 11, 2009.  The ordinance will allow the supervisors to enter any lands or enclosures and cut, open, maintain and repair drains or ditches through the property when necessary to carry water from the roads.  Prior to entering any lands for the purposes outlined within the ordinance, the supervisors shall provide reasonable advance notice to the owner of said lands, said notice including a timetable by which the work will be started and completed along with a copy of the plan, or if not practicable, an opportunity for the property owner to review the plan. 

 

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No public comments were received.  The hearing concluded at 7:07 p.m.  Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve Ordinance No. 119 – General Power to Open Drains and Ditches.  Unanimous.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT-WINONA FALLS ROAD:

 

Tabled.

 

  1. EAST STROUDSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT-STADIUM BATHROOM FACILITY:  FINAL MINOR LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN:

 

Steven Beattie, engineer with HRG represented the school district.  The project consists of the construction of a 3,800 sq. ft. building that will include restrooms, storage and a snack bar.  The area will be fenced to secure access.  This project was a part of the original master plan for the school complex. 

 

Mr. Menditto asked if this will be a full service concession stand.  Mr. Beattie stated that no, it will be a snack bar with no cooking facilities, but that portable grills will be used for cooking.  Mr. Sivick stated that the south concession stand has cooking facilities, and they are not portable grills.  The structure will comply with L & I. 

 

Mr. Menditto stated that there is a disparity between the north and south campuses.  When a group of north parents worked together, and obtained a contract with Pepsi, the north was forced to share the money with the south.  But, when the south recently obtained $2 million to rebuild the south stadium, they did not have to share it with the north campus.  The school district treats the north like second class citizens.

 

The district is requesting a waiver from township Ordinance No. 104, Stormwater Management.  Though this project will disturb more than 10,000 sq. ft. the proposed impervious surface area is 7,535 sq. ft.  This proposed improvement was included in the previously approved plan for the North Campus High School.  Included with this request are initial calculations summarizing the pre and post-development stormwater runoff and volume amounts (they are a part of these minutes on file).  All proposed storwater run-off will be conveyed to the school’s existing stormwater management basin and ultimately discharged to a wetland.  Mr. Greiner stated that this is a legitimate request.  The township’s planning commission recommends approval.  The project also has an approved Soil and

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Erosion Control Plan. 

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the waiver

            request.  Unanimous.

 

      Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the final

      minor land development plan.  Unanimous.

 

  1. HIGHLAND VILLAGE:

 

    1. TAMIMENT 902, TRACT 2-MINOR SUBDIVISION (CHANGED TO MAJOR SUBDIVISION):

 

Ed Campbell, Esq. represented the developer.  The plan had been submitted as a minor subdivision, but is now classified as a major subdivision.  This parcel is part of a larger tract and the maximum number of previously approved lots allowed by a minor subdivision has been exceeded.  The total area of the proposed subdivision is 11.4 acres.

 

The following waivers are being requested.  From Section 602.1.5.1 and 602.1.5.2 the minimum scale for subdivision plans.  The developer proposes to indicate the entire tract on one plan, at a scale of 1” = 250’.  This will simplify plan presentation, as a second sheet will not be required to indicate the entire parcel to be subdivided. 

 

From Section 604.1.14.1 the requirements to provide existing contours at an interval of 2 feet for slopes less than 15% and 5 feet for slopes of 15% or greater.  The developer proposes to indicate contours at 10 foot intervals.  This is intended for plan clarity, since no site development or grading is proposed as part of this plan.  Contours at 2 foot intervals are provided for the areas of the on-lot septic testing.

 

From Section 604.1.14.3 the requirement to highlight slopes of 15 to 25% and greater than 25%.  This is intended for plan clarity, since no site development or grading is proposed as part of this plan.

 

The township’s planning commission recommends approval of the waiver requests, and approval of the major subdivision.  The county’s planning commission comments have been received with a recommendation for approval.

 

 

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Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to grant the waiver requests.  Unanimous.

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the

the major subdivision plan.  Unanimous.                                                             

 

The Planning Module will have two (2) testing sites to cover the requirements of the subdivision. 

 

    1. PARK PROPERTY – CONVEYANCE BY THE DEVELOPER

TO THE TOWNSHIP:

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to authorize Atty. Bernathy to begin condemnation proceedings on the “bow tie” shaped property; as reflected on the map (a copy is a part of these minutes on file), which will be used as a park.  Unanimous.

 

  1. AT&T TOWERS:

 

Mr. Vollmer stated that AT&T has submitted an application for the placement of an antenna on the tower behind the municipal building, and an antenna on the tower located on Mink Pond Road.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. DISABLED VETERAN’S REAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION

CERTIFICATE:

 

Mr. Sivick stated that correspondence had been received from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs stating that a resident of Lehman Township had applied to the Pennsylvania State Veterans’ Commission for Real Estate Tax Exemption.  The State Veterans’ Commission has determined that the applicant has demonstrated the required financial need.  The applicant is totally and permanently disabled as result of service connected causes incurred during a period of war or armed conflict.

 

Motion made by Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Menditto to approve the exemption.  Unanimous.

 

  1. REQUEST FOR INSPECTION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY, FINAL

RELEASE:  LEHMAN’S POINTE AT THE GLEN AT TAMIMENT, PHASE IV, SECTIONS 1 & 2:

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Mr. Greiner stated that the request had been recently received.  He will conduct an inspection, and have a report for the next supervisors’ meeting.

                                                                                     

  1. ROAD RESURFACING:  RUSTIC ACRES, SECTION 6:

 

Mr. Sivick stated that Pennsylvania American Water Company has completed its upgrade of water lines within this section.  The top coat can be applied, and this project will then be completed.

 

Motion made by Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Menditto to put the project out for bid.  Unanimous.

 

  1. MODIFICATION TO A LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN:  SAW CREEK

ESTATES – GATE PROJECT:

 

Kevin Fruck, engineer for Cornerstone Consulting represented the community.  The previously approved plan included the widening of Winona Falls Road at the front gate/entrance to the Saw Creek Estates community.  There are budget restraints due to having to move utility poles.  The community has opened another entrance gate within Middle Smithfield Township.  The township’s planning commission recommends the modification with the following conditions.  When traffic entering the gate backups, one lane will be taken from the members and will be used by visitors entering the community, and a second security guard (24/7) will be summoned to the site.  Holiday weekends there will be two (2) patrol officers, and if there is a backup of vehicles, an officer will be summoned to the gate.  The community will install a flip down sign designating the “visitors” and “members” lanes.  The applicant will provide the township with a count of vehicles that are using the gate located in Middle Smithfield Township so as to verify the reduction in traffic that would have used the proposed gate (the applicant has submitted the count and it is a part of these minutes on file).  Striping/arrows for the lanes will be added.  Notes will be added to the plan as it relates to the second lane; in that the second lane will be opened as needed for visitors.  If this does not work the community will need to resubmit for road widening.

 

Motion made by Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Menditto to approve the modification to the land development plan for the Saw Creek Estates’ gate project.  Unanimous.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

 

1.      PUC public input hearings regarding the proposed PPL Electric Utilities Corp.

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Susquehanna-Roseland transmission line site application will be conducted at the Top of the World in Saw Creek Estates on Friday, March 20th at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  It is open to the general public.

                                                            

2.      The supervisors will conduct a Well Hearing on Thursday, April 2nd at 3:30 p.m. for property located in Pocono Mountain Lake Estates, Lot 50, Section 4A.

 

3.      The Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Sunday, April 5th at 2:00 p.m. at the municipal building field.

 

 

ROADMASTER/PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR:

 

  1. MINK POND ROAD CULVERT PROJECT:

 

Tabled.

 

Mr. Sivick stated that the crew has swept anti-skid from the roads throughout the township.  Litter pick up throughout the township.  Vehicle inspections, repairs and maintenance.  The supervisors met with the community park engineers to review the Soil and Erosion Plan for the park.  Building and field maintenance.  Delineators placed throughout the township.  In mid April the blacktop plants will re-open.  Road repairs will begin, the first being Mink Pond Road. 

 

The SR 2001 project is moving along.  The relocation of utility poles is coming to a conclusion.  There is one property owner who is a holdout, but the pole can be moved without touching his property.  Tree trimming will also be done.  Scott Hanna asked if sections of the road will be closed during the project.  Mr. Sivick stated that traffic will be flowing at all times during the reconstruction, as was done during the previous sections that had been upgraded.  The supervisors will do whatever it takes to get this project done.

 

Marianne Walsh of EPCN inquired about the five (5) acres that will be acquired from the developer of Highland Village.  Mr. Sivick stated that according to the decision for the master plan approval the developer shall pay the township for recreation uses.  The money to be received will be used to develop this parcel.

 

Ms.  Welsh inquired about the request for security release discussed earlier in the meeting.  Mr. Sivick stated that it represents funds which are held by the township to ensure that improvements are made, in this case the Lehman Pointe community.

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ADJOURNMENT:

 

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m. by the motion of Mr. Sivick and second of Mr. Menditto.  Unanimous.

 

 

                                                                                     Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                      Robert H. Rohner, Jr.

                                                                                      Secretary/Treasurer