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                                                                                               February 6, 2008

                                                                                               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, Atty. Robert F. Bernathy and Robert H. Rohner, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer.  Paul D. Menditto, Supervisor and William J. Greiner, P.E. were not present.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

Scott Hanna commented on the intergovernmental agreement the township has with Middle Smithfield Township regarding Community Drive.  Mr. Hanna also requested an update on SR 2001 and the proposed new road off of Mink Pond Road.

 

APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 16, 2008:

 

Motion made by Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Sivick to approve the minutes of January 16, 2008 as presented.

 

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. Sivick to authorize the payment of the bills on List #1, List #2 and the transfers as presented. 

 

ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; ALL FUNDS, FOR THE MONTH ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007:

 

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

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT – WINONA FALLS ROAD:

 

Tabled.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. LETTER OF INTENT – DCED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:

 

Mr. Vollmer stated that the supervisors are requesting assistance from the

Governor’s office as it relates to the study of forming a police department within the township.  Motion made by Mr. Sivick and second of Mr. Vollmer to forward

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the Letter of Intent. 

 

  1. ZONING OFFICER’S MEMO – DANGEROUS STRUCTURE:

 

Mr. Sivick stated that the zoning office received a complaint letter from John Frawley regarding two (2) structures on SR 2001 north of the American Legion building.  Mr. Vollmer stated that he spoke with a representative of PennDot in charge of acquiring properties for the SR 2001 project, and that the Lester Bensley property has been purchased and that the Percy Bensley property is in the process of being purchased.  Those structures will be demolished in the Spring of 2008.  Motion made by Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Sivick to take no action at this time.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

 

  1. HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION ACT:

 

Mr. Sivick stated that two (2) years ago home owners should have filled out a form, and submitted it to the county’s assessment office in order to qualify for property tax relief.  There is a new submission date of March 1, 2008.  Forms are available in the business office of the municipal building.

 

  1. The Zoning Hearing Board will conduct a hearing on Tuesday, February 19, 2008

at 4:30 p.m. at the municipal building.  BGS Associates, LP is appealing the determination of the Zoning Officer dated December 27, 2007 wherein the Zoning Officer determined that the proposed use of BGS’s property located on Route 209 and Bushkill Falls Road (the general store) as a professional medical office is not permitted, whereas the appellant believes that the use is permitted under the doctrine of non-conformity.

 

ROADMASTER/PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR:

 

  1. MINK POND ROAD CULVERT PROJECT:

 

Tabled.

 

      Mr. Sivick stated that PennDot continues to push back the SR 2001 project.  They are

      misleading the public.  The proper job is not being done by the agency.  The super-

      visors have had discussions with the State representatives regarding this ongoing

      matter. 

 

      The crew has been busy with winter storm maintenance.  Park maintenance.  The

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      delivery of salt and cinders is back to normal.  Cleaning of drains, and the trimming

      of trees throughout the township.

 

ADDENDUM NO. 1:  BUSHKILL YOUTH ASSOCIATION DONATION:

 

The supervisors presented a check for $3,000.00 which represents the township’s 2008 donation.  Representatives present stated that their current basketball program is a success.  There are fifty (50) participants.  Mr. Sivick informed those present that playing fields are being developed at the community park.  There is space that currently can be used for playing.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m. by the motion of Mr. Sivick and second of Mr. Vollmer.

 

                                                                                              Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                              Robert H. Rohner, Jr.

                                                                                              Secretary/Treasurer


                                                                                               February 20, 2008

                                                                                               Tuesday, 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:

 

John Frawley stated that veterans can salute the flag while stating the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Scott Hanna commented on the 911 Addressing.  Mr. Hanna also commented on the letter sent to PennDot from Atty. Bernathy.

 

APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 6, 2008:

 

Motion made by Mr. Sivick and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the minutes of February 6, 2008 as presented.  Mr. Menditto abstained because he was not present at that meeting.

 

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:

 

Tabled.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN:  POCONO RANCHLANDS MAIL CENTER:

 

Frank Fruck of Cornerstone Engineering represented the applicant.  The property is located near the club house.  Three (3) lots have been combined, and one (1) deed prepared.  The township’s planning commission recommends approval.  Mr. Greiner requested that chords be provided for all curves along the property line.  That has been completed.  A copy of the survey map shall be a part of this submission.  An easement of 50’ has been added to the plans to reflect a right of

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way for the two properties land locked.  It is recommended that the easement be designated as a “Blanket Easement”.  The applicant is requesting a waiver to not perform a wetlands study of the proposed development area.  The waiver is being requested because the mail center development area is located in an existing gravel area and picnic grove.  The township’s planning commission recommends the granting of the waiver.  All other minor issues have been addressed.  The Pike County Planning Commission reviewed the plans, and had no comments.  Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to grant the waiver request for the wetlands study.  Unanimous.  Motion made by Mr. Menditto and second of Mr. Vollmer to approve the plan with the conditions that the right of way easement be designated as a “Blanket Easement”, and the final review by Mr. Greiner.  Unanimous.

 

  1. PIKE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY:

 

The supervisors will be forwarding a check for $4,000.00 to the humane society.  This represents the township’s donation for the year 2008.  Mr. Sivick stated that the organization provides a great service for the county.

 

  1. PENNDOT LETTER – SR 2001:

 

Atty. Bernathy stated that at the direction of the supervisors he forwarded correspondence to PennDot’s Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. putting the department on notice of the dangerous condition of SR 2001.  Atty. Bernathy’s letter is a part of these minutes on file.  Mr. Sivick stated that the last few days there has been a lot of water that runs out onto SR 2001 and 2003 that then freezes during the night.  It makes for hazardous driving conditions.  A field inspection will be conducted with PennDot representatives so as to identify the problem areas.  Mr. Menditto stated that PennDot has recently stated in another letter that there are issues with the park service.  Issues with the park were to have  already been settled.  A meeting will be scheduled with the park service and PennDot.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

 

  1. Mr. Menditto stated that the East Stroudsburg Little League North will have sign ups on Saturday, February 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Lehman Township Municipal Building and Middle Smithfield Township Municipal Building.  

 

  1. Mr. Vollmer stated that the police committee would like to meet.  A meeting will

 

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     be scheduled with a representative from the Governor’s office to discuss a police

     study report.

 

ROADMASTER/PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR:

 

  1. MINK POND ROAD CULVERT PROJECT:

 

      Tabled.

 

Atty. Bernathy stated that proposed Ordinance No. 109 as it relates to the intergovernmental agreement with Middle Smithfield Township for the re-opening of Community Drive is ready for a public hearing.  Motion made by Mr. Sivick and second of Mr. Menditto to schedule the public hearing for Wednesday, March 5th at 7:00 a.m.  Unanimous.

 

Mr. Sivick stated that the road crew has been busy with winter storm maintenance.  There has been a lot of ice.  Vehicle maintenance.  The cleaning of drains throughout the township.  The cutting of trees from the roadways.  Litter pick-up on the Brodhead Road.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m. by the motion of Mr. Vollmer and second of Mr. Menditto.  Unanimous.

 

                                                                                               Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                               Robert H. Rohner, Jr.

                                                                                               Secretary/Treasurer