North Cornwall Township General Meeting Minutes for April 1, 2014

Transcription

1 30 North Cornwall Township General Meeting Minutes for April 1, 2014 Call to Order: The April 1, 2014 meeting of the North Cornwall Township Board of Supervisors was called to order by Mr. Abram at 7:00 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. In attendance were Samuel D. Abram, Jr., Ammon K. Peiffer, Jr. and Michael Wahmann, Supervisors, Robin L. Getz, Township Manager and Tom Harlan, Solicitor. Also in attendance representing the Township were Tom Long, Public Works Director and Chief Todd Hirsch, North Cornwall Township Police Department. Others in attendance per the attached sign-in sheet. Public Comment: Perry Hilbert, Quittapahilla Drive Provided information from Congressman Dent s office concerning the county damage reimbursements for Storm Lee. North Cornwall Township is at approximately $80, Also, he attended a meeting in Dauphin County and met someone who provides goats to clear grassy areas. The only cost is fencing and thought this could be considered along the Quittie. Brian Deiderick, Catherine Court Questioned what residents should do with all of the remaining stone from winter material. Frank Stewart, Millbridge Drive Inquired what the township does with the sweepings. Marilyn Tyson, N. Mill St Noted that she contacted Jon Beers concerning the 15,000 gallon minimum for well customers. She was informed that it will stay that for this year and will be re-evaluated next year. Public comment closed at 7:06PM. Plan Briefing/Related Request(s) Chief of Police: Frederick Chevrolet Mike Wahmann began the presentation. It was a real estate office to be placed along Isabel Drive. Jennifer Eirich was in attendance and expanded that there was also an anticipated coffee shop proposed as well. Further, she raised a concern with the traffic at Isabel and Rt. 72 during their Planning Commission meeting. There was discussion concerning the past Zoning Hearing Board application and how township staff handled the process. The manager noted that the applicant was advised that it would be an acceptable use if it were an accessory to the real estate office, however the applicant wanted an independent entrance making it a secondary use under zoning, thus the use variance request. Bob Gearhart arrived and continued the presentation. He relayed that they will offering a fee in lieu of the traffic study and they will also need a variance related to the setback issue. He relayed that many of these issues are a continuation from the township not following through with the August 2013 recommended changes to the zoning. He noted that the plan this evening is not ready for a vote but will be at the next meeting. Chief Hirsch provided the department activity as well as the monthly summary report, including a Chaplain report. Brian Deiderick inquired about speeding in the left turn lane of Catherine Court. The Chief will work through this with him directly. 4/1/14 General Supervisor s Meeting Page 1

2 31 Public Works Director: Sewer Report: A quote was received from Gassert s Roofing to replace the upper level roof. Also needed would be interior repairs due to water damage. Mr. Abram made motion to accept the quote of $9, Mr. Wahmann seconded the motion. Vote was It was noted that a highway member is going to be out on medical leave. Mr. Wahmann made motion to have the seasonal employee continue until the full time employee returns to duty. Mr. Abram seconded the motion. Vote was The Snitz road bridge was discussed. More information will be provided. There was discussion related to the delay of paving of Chestnut St due to the bridge replacement. Mr. Long is recommending it be rolled into the next PIB application. There was a request to purchase a Scag mower and new 12 plow. Mr. Long noted the plow was $1, over what was budgeted. Mr. Peiffer inquired where we are at with the winter storms related to budget. Mr. Abram estimated $4, was our overage. Mr. Abram made motion to authorize the purchases as requested, including the overage. Mr. Wahmann seconded the motion. Motion passed with two in favor and Mr. Peiffer opposed. It was noted that the meeting with Creekside will take place on Wednesday in an attempt to get the dedication process back on target. Mr. Wahmann inquired if it is all roads. Mr. Long responded those North of the creek only, with the exception of all of Creekside Drive. It was noted that the Lions Club will be hosting an Easter Egg hunt on the 18 th at 9Am at the Tot-Lot. Ms. Eirich inquired where the Carlton residents should place their green waste. Will be addressed later in the agenda. Fire Chief/Representative: Mike Nelson was in attendance and apologized for being absent but has been busy with vacations and all. He provided the monthly activity report to the manager and provided and overview to the members. He reported that the Fire Company invested in two Knox Boxes and were converting the key system accordingly. Also that the Easter Flower sale would be from April 17 thru April 19. Recreation Board: Mr. Deiderick reported on the following: If the worksessions were to continue and overlap their meetings they would need to consider adjustments. The Rec association, due to the numbers, is looking to host the T-Ball program at the Snitz Park. There would be no back stops needed. Mr. Peiffer inquired is the grass was ready. It was noted that they were ready to proceed with the summer playground program and also address a request for having the tot-lot open for additional hours. 4/1/14 General Supervisor s Meeting Page 2

3 He advised that a resident will be meeting with them in April concerning a volunteer outreach program for the Snitz Park. He would report on the details at the May meeting. There was discussion regarding the appointments of John Hoffman and Greg Miller to the board per their letters of intent. Mr. Wahmann made motion to approve those appointments. Mr. Peiffer seconded the motion. Vote was In line with that, Mr. Wahmann made motion to authorize the solicitor to modify the ordinance reducing the membership from 7 to 5 members and advertise for adoption at the May meeting. Mr. Abram seconded the motion. Vote was The last item was to offer their support of the Cell Tower. Announcement of Personnel/Executive Sessions (as applicable): -None were held since the last announcement Approval of Minutes: -Regular Meeting Minutes of March 4, 2014 and Work Session of March 17, Mr. Wahmann made motion to approve the March 4, 2014 minutes and the March 17, 2014 minutes. Mr. Abram seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous Treasurer s Report/Fund Balance Report: Mr. Abram presented the Treasurer s report. The Board reviewed expenditures totaling $238, and receipts totaling $287, Following review of expenditures and receipts the fund balances were presented as follows: General Fund $568,356.26; State Fund $307,885.57; Sewer Fund $1,305,549.76; Escrow Account $47,606.06; Bridge Fund $1,192.24; Police Pension Account $1,000.33; COPS Grant $1,007.48; Parks & Recreation Fund $78,816.24; Community Policing Account $6,423.41; for a grand total of all funds $2,317, Planning Commission Report: Mr. Peiffer made motion to approve the Treasurer s report and pay bills as presented and to file the report subject to audit. Mr. Abram seconded the motion. Vote was -Updates from meeting of March 26, 2014 Ms. Eirich reported that they are working on the SLDO and will work parallel with the Zoning corrections as the SLDO is anticipating pulling items from Zoning and putting them into the SLDO. There will be several chapters involved, so care will be needed to make sure the adjustments are made completely. Also that they worked through some language changes for the Stormwater Management Ordinance to make it in line with the County and neighboring townships. In line with this, the manager noted that it was part of her report, however she would be looking for approval to move forward with the language change to the exemption portion, the addition of an appendix dealing with the operation and maintenance of the BMP s and to include language that would give discretion of determination to the engineer in special cases. Mr. Abram made motion to make the amendments as outlined. Mr. Peiffer seconded the motion. Vote was 32 4/1/14 General Supervisor s Meeting Page 3

4 Bill Yeagley inquired if the public was going to have input to all aspects of the SLDO and Zoning since changes are being made anyway. Manager s Report: New Business: Items requiring action To authorize the engineer to proceed with preparing the bid packet to remain within the timelines of the DCNR grant in parallel with proceeding with the required subdivision of land for the proposed cell tower. Mr. Wahmann made motion to authorize the engineer to prepare the bid packet. Mr. Abram seconded the motion. Vote was Remaining items under new business. -Execution of EIT Service Mr. Abram made motion to accept the contract. Mr. Wahmann seconded the motion. Vote was -Resolution for consideration at the 2014 State Conference -Announce next set of featured Businesses of the Week (4) by order of draw 1. The Spine Specialist 2. Cedar Lanes 3. Swiss Premium 4. Lebanon Orthopedics Assoc. -Action-Continuation of Mid-Month Meetings Mr. Abram made motion to continue worksessions for the second quarter, those dates being April 17, May 20 and June 17 with a start time of 6:00PM. Mr. Wahmann seconded the motion. Vote was -Action-Proceed with subdivision of land for Cell Tower It was noted that the township had received overwhelming support for the tower. Mr. Abram reminded everyone that if they had not signed up for the system of notice through the township they should do so as it is an excellent way of communicating with residents. Mr. Abram noted that he personally had spoken to 23 residents outside of his normal circle who were in favor of the cell tower. Mr. Abram made motion to proceed with placement of the cell tower in Gloninger Woods Park including the lease detail and finalize zoning requirements as part of the placement. Mr. Wahmann seconded the motion. Mr. Peiffer noted that he did not oppose the concept but wished it would be placed somewhere else. Mike Dietzler inquired what the other cell tower was generating. Ms. Getz responded. Vote was -Action-Authorize the Engineer to Proceed with Park Bid Documents Conducted under managers report 33 4/1/14 General Supervisor s Meeting Page 4

5 Old Business: -Action-Resolution # Relinquish Annual Stipend Mr. Abram had concerns that the members would still be responsible for the taxes under IRS standards. Mr. Wahmann responded that this was the remedy provided by PSATS and he, for one, would pay taxes if it in fact were required. Further, when Mr. Peiffer suggested it in December of last year he thought it a good and responsible decision. Mr. Abram designated his back to the General Fund to be placed as determined by the board. Mr. Wahmann made motion to approve Resolution # Mr. Peiffer seconded the motion. Vote was -Action-Resolution # Support Annual Sojourn Clean-up (Swatara Watershed) Mr. Abram commented that he thought the word navigable gave liability exposure to the township citing several web site articles he located. The manager noted that it was for clean streams and as a result we could claim it as credit for our MS-4 reporting. Mr. Peiffer made motion to approve Resolution # Motion died due to lack of a second. -Action-Resolution # Paycheck Protection Mr. Abram made motion to approve Resolution # Mr. Wahmann seconded the motion. Vote was - Action-Execute Marcellus Shale Grant Award Partnership Mr. Abram made motion to accept including reimbursement of reasonable administrative fees. Mr. Wahmann seconded the motion. Vote was -Discussion/Action-Cell Tower at Park Site handled previously -Discussion/Action-Accept Appointment Letters for Rec Board handled previously -Discussion/Action-proceed with sewer billing change Mr. Abram reiterated that the same 23 people he informally polled were also in support of moving the sewer billing to Lebanon City Authority. There was much discussion on this matter. Mr. Peiffer pointed out that these were two issues separate of each other and was uncertain why Mr. Abram was trying to treat them as one in the same. Mr. Abram disagreed in that the billing was part of the study. Mr. Peiffer noted the numbers proposed and commented that no one has addressed the loss of $50,000 in the general fund as a result. Ms. Eirich commented it would be a loss of admin duty which would balance the loss of maintenance revenue. She did not agree that the Authority was the answer and if she had a choice would move the water billing. Mr. Peiffer was firm that this was not a true representation of the facts and as such he would not support it. He was not pleased that this was being pushed as one motion when it was listed as two and was clearly two issues. He agreed that the imbalance of the rates was the issue, not the billing. Frank Stewart inquired if Mr. Peiffer was supporting this. Mr. Peiffer declared he was not and thought it was a mistake noting that the residents will lose an additional 7½ hours per week of office time. Marilyn Tyson commented that she reviewed the information provided and felt it was too convoluted to take action on this evening. Mr. Peiffer continued that Ellie Salahub met with Mr. Long at length to review and the only true benefit he could provide is that everything will be on one bill. There was no true savings noted where billing was concerned. Mr. Wahmann confirmed he had received similar information from Ms. Salahub as well. Mr. Deiderick and Fred Tomco wanted to know what the net impact was to the residents and how the authority could do it cheaper. Mr. Abram responded the economy of scale would lead to a positive impact. Mr. Abram made motion to implement the new structure and proceed with having the City do the billing pending the solicitor s approval of the agreements based on the information provided by the engineer and Public Works director. Mr. Wahmann seconded the motion. Motion passed with two in favor and Mr. Peiffer opposed. 34 4/1/14 General Supervisor s Meeting Page 5

6 Mr. Hilbert inquired if there was a way to cancel the agreement. It was noted there is a 180-day written notice clause. -Discussion/Action-proceed with Rate Study Ordinance amendments handled as part of the above item Solicitor s Report: Tom Harlan noted he has been working on many things but has nothing ready as of yet. Supervisor s Report: -None Standing Reports: -Fire Company Reports -Zoning Activity (posted) Additional Public Comment: -None Adjournment: Meeting was declared adjourned at 8:53PM. Respectfully submitted, 35 Robin L. Getz Secretary slw 4/1/14 General Supervisor s Meeting Page 6