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                                                                                               September 6, 2007

                                                                                                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, William J. Greiner, P.E. and Robert H. Rohner, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer.  Atty. Robert F. Bernathy was not present.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

John De Nooyer inquired on the status of the police study.  The supervisors informed him that the committee is fine tuning their report based upon the first meeting with the supervisors.  The minutes from that initial meeting are available from the municipal office.

 

Scott Hanna inquired on the work being done on the bridge located on Mink Pond Road.  Mr. Sivick stated that the State is doing testing.  Mr. Hanna commented that the township should form their own police department.  Mr. Hanna asked if there is anything new regarding the SR 2001 project.  He stated that not all of the properties have been purchased.  Mr. Sivick stated that SR 2001 will be discussed under the roadmaster’s report. 

 

APPROVE THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 16, 2007:

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the minutes of August 16, 2007 as presented.  Unanimous.

 

APPROVE THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 21, 2007:

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the minutes of August 21, 2007 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. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT – WINONA FALLS ROAD:

 

Mr. Greiner stated that the drafting has been completed, and that he will proof

read the plans.  They will then be submitted to the county.

 

 

                                                                                           September 6, 2007

 

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2.  SITE INSPECTIONS – THE GLEN AND EAGLE VILLAGE POAs:

 

     Mr. Greiner’s comment letters, including an inspection of The Glen, Phase IV,

     Sections 1 & 2 – Drainage Swales are a part of these minutes. 

 

     The Glen:  Item #1 and #4 – Mr. Vollmer has received the as-built plan, and will

     forward to Mr. Greiner.  Item #2 – Mr. Greiner will review the original submitted

     profiles. 

 

     Eagle Village:  #2 – Mr. Vollmer has received the as-built plan, and will forward

     to Mr. Greiner.

 

     The Glen, Phase IV, Sections 1 & 2:  This inspection was at the request of the

     developer. 

 

     The three (3) comment letters will be forwarded to the developer for his review,

     and subsequent action.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. The Fall Clean Up Days will be conducted on Thursday, September 27th, Friday, September 28th and Saturday, September 29th.  Times to be announced.

 

  1. THE BUSHKILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS SEEKING PERMISSION

TO USE THE TOWNSHIP PAVILION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH

BEGINNING AT 1:00 PM:

 

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

society to use the pavilion on the requested date.  Unanimous.

 

  1. COMPLAINT LETTER – MILL POND RESIDENT:

 

The matter has been turned over to the township’s solicitor.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

 

  1. The Zoning Board Hearing continuance for BGS Associates, LP is scheduled for

Tuesday, September 18th at 4:30 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                           September 6, 2007

 

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ROADMASTER/PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR:

 

  1. MINK POND ROAD CULVERT PROJECT:

 

Mr. Greiner stated that the drafting of the plans has been completed, and that he

will proof read.  The plans will then be submitted to the county.

 

Mr. Sivick stated that the crew has been busy with shoulder work and weed cutting throughout the township.  Drainage and guide rail maintenance on the Sugar Mt. roads and Briscoe Mt. Road.  A workshop was conducted with the Middle Smithfield supervisors to discuss options to re-open Community Drive.  Even though the road is located in Middle Smithfield Township, the supervisors received letters, and phone calls from Lehman Township residents who want to see the road re-opened.  It would relieve pressure from Rt. 209, and would be a benefit.  Different scenarios are being reviewed.

 

Addendum No. 1:  Jim Lake, a representative for the homeowners’ association for Pocono Mountain Lake Estates, Section 5A stated that a cooperative agreement with the supervisors, and with the assistance of the Bushkill Fire Company, the community was able to install a dry hydrant.  Mr. Lake presented the fire company with a donation of $100.00.

 

Addendum No. 2:  Mr. Vollmer stated that the cell tower on East Sugar Mountain Road is presently under construction.  When completed, there will be space for five (5) providers.

 

SR 2001:  Mr. Sivick stated that PennDot has received storm water approval for their upgrade plan for SR 2001 from the Pike County Conservation District.  The supervisors continue to monitor communications between PennDot and other agencies.

 

Art Garris stated that his daughter-in-law; Barbara Garris, is present with members of her Girl Scout troop to observe the meeting, as part of their program.

 

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. by the motion of Mr. Sivick and second of Mr. Menditto.  Unanimous.

 

                                                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                            Robert H. Rohner, Jr.

                                                                                            Secretary/Treasurer

                                                                                                September 14, 2007

                                                                                                Friday, 8:00 a.m.

 

MINUTES

 

Chairman John P. Sivick called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.  Also present were Richard C. Vollmer, Vice Chairman, Paul D. Menditto, Supervisor, Atty. Robert F. Bernathy, William J. Greiner, P.E., Robert H. Rohner, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer, Andy Amorosi and Stanley Whittaker, Zoning Enforcement Officers.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

No comments were received.

 

EAGLE POINT:

 

Eagle Point is a townhouse community within Tamiment.  The homeowners’ association’s attorney had forwarded two (2) letters to the township, putting the township on notice that specific townhouses were being used as multi-family units, which is a violation of the Zoning Ordinance.  The units had been granted township approval in 1984/1985.  Each unit consists of four (4) single family dwellings (townhouse).  There are documents which support that fact.  Those units being utilized as multi-family impact water, sewage and other utilities.  The zoning officers obtained proof through two (2) homeowners’ association board members who are friends with occupants of those particular units.  There are multiple occupants within four (4) individual units.  Some have two (2), others three (3) individuals who are not related by blood, or exist as a family unit. 

 

Atty. Bernathy stated that he spoke to the association’s attorney, and asked three important questions.  The first being, how long has the association known that this violation existed?  The answer given was one (1) year.  The second question was why has the association not enforced their covenants and restrictions by going to court to have the individuals evicted?  The reply was that the association has limited resources for counsel.  The final question was what is the association doing about the situation now?  The answer was that they brought it to the township’s attention, and that they would assist the township, but they would not be enforcing their covenants and restrictions.

 

Mr. Amorosi and Mr. Whittaker also confirmed the violations by physically going into the units under question, and witnessing that there are multiple tenants.  This is a clear violation of the Zoning Ordinance.  Each townhouse has three (3) doors, and each door has a different number.  Atty. Bernathy stated that the township can obtain an injunctive order/relief from the county judge within a day.

 

Atty. Bernathy stated that this will be a matter of litigation, and that the regular meeting will be adjourned, and an Executive Session conducted.  Motion made by Mr. Sivick and second of Mr. Menditto to adjourn the regular meeting, and to go into Executive Session

 

                                                                                                September 14, 2007

 

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regarding litigation at 8:35 a.m.  Unanimous.

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                                Robert H. Rohner, Jr.

                                                                                                Secretary/Treasurer

                                                                                                September 20, 2007

                                                                                                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 and Robert H. Rohner, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer.  William J. Greiner, P.E. was not present. 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

John Frawley commented on the potholes on SR 2001.  Mr. Sivick stated that PennDot is presently filling potholes. 

 

Omar Weathersby and Diane Apple representing the Pike County 4-H Club commented that they are interested with forming a Bushkill 4-H Archery Club.  They would like to use the Community Park, and begin this October.  The supervisors will review the packet of information submitted.  They feel it would be a good fit for the park, as it is in the process of being developed and promoted.  A time will be scheduled for Mr. Weathersby and Ms. Apple to visit the park.  Ms. Apple also stated that volunteers are needed.

 

Scott Hanna commented on the shorter days for the Fall Clean Up.  Mr. Hanna asked if the township will be doing the winter maintenance on SR 2001 this year.  Mr. Sivick stated that the township will continue with the winter maintenance since there is a five (5) year agreement. 

 

APPROVE THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 6, 2007:

 

Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the minutes of September 6, 2007 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, 2007:

 

Motion made by Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Menditto to accept the financial statements; all funds, for the month ended August 31, 2007.  Unanimous.

 

 

 

                                                                                             September 20, 2007

 

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PIKE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY:

 

Charlie Eible, president for the board of directors, and Noel McCullough, associate board member represented the library.  Mr. Eible stated that libraries are as important today, as they have been in the past.  Not every one has a computer at home, and a recent survey conducted of patrons at the Dingman Township branch reflects that approximately 50% of users do not own a computer.  People still read.  If that was not the case book stores would be out of business.  Circulation has increased 17% over last year, with Lehman Township reflecting a 23.7% increase over the same time period last year.  Mr. Eible, Ellen Schaffner, Director and Mr. Rohner met with Charlie Eyer who is interested in donating land to the library for a future Lehman Township branch.  The system is presently engaged with having a new main branch constructed in Milford.  It will replace a woefully undersized building.  Mr. Eible discussed the reasoning behind the design chosen for the new main branch in Milford.  Mrs. McCullough proposed that the supervisors approach the developer of the large Highland Village subdivision with the idea of them constructing an additional branch in that area that will also serve Porter Township.  The supervisors stated that they will take an active role in the construction of a Lehman Township branch.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT – WINONA FALLS ROAD:

 

Tabled.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. The 2008 Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) for the Lehman Township Pension Plan is $50,281.00.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

 

  1. The Fall Clean Up Days will be conducted on Thursday, September 27th from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 28th from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and

Saturday, September 29th from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Mr. Sivick stated that those number of days were selected because that is the only time the township has to spend on clean up this fall.  There is no charge.  Lehman is the only township to offer clean up at no charge.


ADDENDUM NO. 1:  Mr. Vollmer stated that the cell tower on East Sugar Mountain Road is being stacked.  Construction should be completed by the end of the month, or early October.  There will be space for five (5) providers. 

 

                                                                                              September 20, 2007

 

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ROADMASTER/PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR:

 

  1. MINK POND ROAD CULVERT PROJECT:

 

Tabled.

 

Mr. Sivick stated that the road crew has been busy with paving on Sunset Road.  The township is partnering with Middle Smithfield Township to re-open Community Drive; which is located near the border of Lehman and Middle Smithfield.  This will ease traffic off of Rt. 209.  Popular alternate route for residents.  Shoulder work on Creek Road.  This road is popular with runners, bikers, and people walking their dogs.  Building and vehicle maintenance.  Preparations for the clean up days have been completed.  The annual Pumpkin Patch will be held in October.  Date and time to be announced.  The date and time for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in December to be announced.  The SR 2001 project has been pushed back because the governor directed $320 million to Philadelphia’s SEPTA system.  The Pike County Conservation plan has been approved for this project.  A problem area for PennDot is the intersection of SR 2001 and Brodhead Road, in that the storm water that goes through the culvert must maintain its temperature.  Bid letting is now scheduled for April 2008.

 

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m. by the motion of Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer.  Unanimous.

 

                                                                                              Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                              Robert H. Rohner, Jr.

                                                                                              Secretary/Treasurer