PALMER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

MAY 7, 2007

 

      A general business meeting of the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors was held on Monday, May 7, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Palmer Library with all Supervisors in attendance.  Also in attendance were the Township Manager, Director of Public Services, Police Chief, Planning Director, and the Township Solicitor.  Colver convened the meeting and led those present in the Pledge to the Flag. 

 

2.   APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS – APRIL 24, 2007 AND MAY 7, 2007

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The report will be provided at the meeting.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      On motion by Panella, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the disbursement of funds for April 24, 2007 and May 7, 2007.

 

3.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES – APRIL 16, 2007

 

      DISCUSSION

 

On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board approved the minutes of April 16, 2007. 

     

4.   STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE

 

INFORMATION       

     

      The ordinance was advertised for public hearing tonight.  The Board needs to approve/disapprove the stormwater management ordinance.

 

      DICUSSION

     

Colver said this was before us a number of times and has been re-drafted.  Bruno noted the ordinance was advertised for public hearing this evening.  Bruno said the changes are pursuant to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requirements.  Bruno said the Township Engineer’s office, the Geotechnical Engineer, and the Planning Director reviewed the changes.  Lammi said he spoke to the Township Engineer regarding the DEP requirements and how they related to our township. Lammi noted he was comfortable with the changes.

 

On motion by Lammi, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board approved the stormwater management ordinance in accordance with the Act 167 requirements.

 

5.   DISCUSSION REGARDING LOWER NAZARETH TOWNSHIP PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

 

INFORMATION       

           

      Palmer Township residents will be present to comment on the development proposed in Lower Nazareth Township.  Enclosed for your information is a proposed draft letter for the Chairman to sign and send to the Lower Nazareth Board of Supervisors.

 

      DISCUSSION

                 

      Colver said our Director of Planning, Amanda Jensen, is in attendance and he asked her for an update on the status of this development.  Jensen said she received information from Lower Nazareth and has included a copy in the Board of Supervisors packets.  Jensen outlined the location of the property and stated Palmer has no jurisdiction for the property, it is all located in Lower Nazareth Township.  Jensen said Lower Nazareth’s zoning ordinance allows this type of building on this property.  Jensen said the developer is proposing three industrial buildings for distribution use.  Jensen said Palmer Township will be impacted with storm water, traffic, etc.  Jensen said she and the Township Manager have been in touch with TiMm Tenges, Lower Nazareth’s Township Manager, asking for the opportunity to review the plans on behalf of the Palmer Township residents.  Jensen said their conditional use hearing is scheduled for May 9th.  Colver read the drafted letter the Board intends to send to Lower Nazareth stating Palmer would like the opportunity of a courtesy review of the plan.

 

      Attorney Ferretti, a resident on Oxford Drive, reviewed the plan.  Ferretti said it includes 91 acres, over one-million square feet of warehouse space, 150 tractor trailer parking spaces, 620 car parking spaces, and 126 truck loading docks.  Ferretti said the proposal indicates it will most likely be a 24 hour operation.  Ferretti said the traffic studies show average weekday trips at 4897.  Ferretti said it isn’t broken down by the type of vehicles but we anticipate that there will be an awful lot of tractor trailers.  Ferretti said a new road is proposed between Newburg Road and Hecktown Road.  Ferretti said even with that road, a lot of traffic will still travel Newburg Road and we believe Palmer police and fire will also have a direct impact due to the increase in traffic.  Ferretti said the developer said they don’t feel there will be an impact.  Ferretti said a few years back the property was rezoned but none of the residents were notified.  Ferretti said Mr. Tenges stated in the Morning Call today that the development will be approved.  Ferretti said there is a zoning issue as to whether this would qualify as the conditional use they are proposing or if it is a truck terminal.  Ferretti said we hope the Lower Nazareth board will require further proof than what was given at their Planning Commission meeting.  Ferretti said anything the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors can do to help us is appreciated.  It’s going to affect not just the immediate area but the whole township.

 

      Colver asked what the response was from the Lower Nazareth Planning Commission.  Ferretti said about a month ago they seemed disturbed by some of the things they heard but they seemed to agree to recommend it with conditions. 

 

      Ginger Buchser, 2731 Newburg Road, said Lower Nazareth seemed concerned and asked proper questions but Industrial Development International, Inc. had answers for everything.  IDI said they would put traffic lights in, detention ponds, and border the property with trees.  Ferretti said the planners felt sorry for us but said they didn’t feel it couldn’t be passed.  Ferretti said she suggested it go back to zoning to request whether it is a truck terminal but they seem to take the developers word for what it is going to be.  Ferretti said it seemed to her that they are making an assumption that the use is acceptable.  Lammi said it appears to be similar to what is being built behind the Saturn dealership.  Ferretti said that is zoned differently than this piece of property.  Lammi said when the comprehensive plan was revised the property was reflected as a light industrial campus.  Lammi said at that time we noted it was not compatible with what the Palmer Township adjoining property was zoned.  Lammi said it was also noted back in 2001 that if it remained light industrial zoning that it would require a very large buffer.

 

      Ginger Buchser said this is phase one but the next step will be on the opposite side of Newburg Road.  Colver said if the developer follows the land development requirements in the township, they can control some things, but they can’t stop it. 

 

      Colver asked the Board if they agreed with sending a letter to Lower Nazareth.  The Board agreed.  Bruno said he believes that as a minimum the township should have a courtesy review but he would suggest that the developer be on the hook for the costs associated with the Palmer Township review.  Jensen said her understanding is any approvals in Lower Nazareth can be conditioned upon our review.  Colver said we have to get Lower Nazareth on board with this idea.  Smith asked what the surrounding areas were zoned.  Ferretti said it is the same except for the properties in Palmer. 

 

      Bruno also noted the way the letter currently reads it is asking for Palmer’s acceptability of the plan.  Bruno said Lower Nazareth is already at the conditional use approval stage.  Bruno noted the conditional use stage is the best opportunity to address the public safety, health, and welfare issues.  Bruno said if the use is allowed the developer must be allowed to get their approval unless there is a detriment to public safety, health, and welfare.  Bruno said we can request that Lower Nazareth continue their hearing process to allow Palmer Township sufficient time to review the plan.  Lammi said he believes a light industrial campus would be small industrial buildings not something that is a big box.  Lammi said he hasn’t seen their ordinance so he doesn’t know what it says.  Colver said at a bare minimum it would behoove us to be represented at the Lower Nazareth meeting.  Bruno said although we are entitled to a courtesy review, he’s not sure if we could appeal the process as a neighboring township.  Colver asked about sewer capacity.  Ferretti said they requested capacity from the Palmer Township Municipal Sewer Authority.  The Board agreed to revise the letter and have the Solicitor attend the conditional use hearing on Wednesday night in Lower Nazareth Township.

 

      FrankVincent, Oxford Drive, said there is a storm drain that comes off that field and we will be flooded out.  Vincent said we’ve been flooded out before and with all that macadam it will roll right down through our yards.

 

      Frank Ferraini, Brentwood Avenue, said nobody enforced the facts regarding health concerns.  Ferraini said the problem is we will be running into chemicals of all different kinds because we don’t know what they will transport out of this location.  Ferraini said it should also be noted that diesel trucks run 24 hours a day whether they are pulling or parked in a yard.  All of that smoke and pollution will affect Palmer Township.  Ferraini said he can’t pull out of his driveway now and that will only get worse.  Ferraini suggested other areas they could build this complex that aren’t near housing developments.

 

      Jenna Fortner, 222 Brentwood Avenue, said she got flooded before and she can’t imagine going through it again.  Fortner said with the massive amount of concrete and macadam this project will generate up the road from our houses, it will only get worse and we’ll never survive. 

 

      Pat McPherson, 214 Oxford Drive, said when we flooded before, you stated water drained off of the Hampton Inn property but yet you say we don’t have a say in the developing in other townships.  Palmer Township needs to tell Lower Nazareth it’s time to knock it off.  If they blacktop anything we will get the water.  Water will come off of the Easton Hospital property too.  McPherson said she would rather see houses at least we would have some grass.  You have to tell them they can’t ruin our township for their tax dollars.

 

      James Wilbur, 212 Oxford Drive, asked if there was any way to get air samples done before they start the project and if approved, again after completion.  Wilbur said is there any way to find another facility similar to this and take air quality samples showing the amount of pollution it generates. 

 

      Paul Adolf, 2716 VanBuren Road, said it’s my understanding if the group is denied Palmer Township sewage they plan to build an on site treatment facility which could cause even more problems.

 

      Mike Buchser, 2731 Newburg Road, said Mr. Lammi said he sent a letter back in 2001 to Lower Nazareth and he suggested we include a copy of that letter with the letter the Board is going to send.

 

      Phil Spaziani, 2711 VanBuren Road, said he’s concerned where VanBuren Road dead ends at Robin Road.  Spaziani said you know they will ask Palmer Township to open VanBuren Road for a short cut.  Colver and Lammi said it will never happen.  Spaziani said the whole complex is detrimental to the character of our neighborhood.

 

      Sam Moretti, 216 Brentwood Avenue, said he’s concerned about the truckers using portable GPS devises that will tell them to get off on Route 248 and take Northwood Avenue.  Morettti said that road won’t support tractor trailers. 

 

      Bill Agretto, 2715 Newburg Road, said everybody needs to attend Lower Nazareth’s meeting on Wednesday.  Agretto asked if there is a way to limit traffic coming into the Township on Newburg Road.  Lammi said it’s a state road but we may be able to try to convince the state to place a weight limit on the roadway.  Agretto said he wants to preserve the quality of life in our township.

 

      Bob Sutton, 2712 VanBuren Road, asked attorney Bruno if they can’t be held accountable if someone’s house is going to be ruined from flooding.  Bruno asked who are you asking could be accountable, Lower Nazareth or the developer.  Sutton said both.  Bruno said all of you have rights as property owners.  Bruno said there is a fine line that the municipality has to walk.  They have to take the residents concerns into consideration but if the municipality determines the use is allowed in the area according to their ordinance, it has to allow it.  The municipality can add conditions to their approval. 

 

      Virginia Gerspach, 2 Brentwood Avenue, said she is awakened at night by trucks that come down Newburg Road and shake her house.  Gerspach said it will just create more sleepless nights.

 

      Stephanie Kunkle, 208 Oxford Drive, said at the previous meeting they said berms would be on 10 feet of our property.  The closer they were to the homes would help with the sound of the property.  Ferretti said that is also to accommodate the gas line easement.

 

      Gary Reed, 3751 Newburg Road, asked if any study has been done regarding the environmental impact due to sinkhole issues.  Colver said we don’t know if Lower Nazareth has a sinkhole ordinance.  Palmer Township does have an ordinance. 

 

      Charlie Brown, 18 Beaver Lane, asked if an environmental study wasn’t done can this township ask for it to be done.  Brown said diesel fumes will also collect on the houses. 

 

      Lori Dobson, Windsor Street, said we moved to Palmer from Forks because of the mess that area has become.  We don’t even know who will be moving in these buildings and what they will be doing.  Dobson said Keystone impacts the quality of air already and Essroc is just down the road.  Dobson said she would emphasize the environmental impact.   Where are the access roads, are they going through someone’s properties.  Colver said the access roads are all in Lower Nazareth.  Dobson said doesn’t the bridge on Route 33 already have problems and now we’re going to add how many more trucks to Route 33 traffic every day. 

 

      Ron Wall, 3005 Windsor Street, asked if there is a timetable set for this.  Ferretti said the conditional use hearing is next on the timeline.

 

      Mike Solomon, Windsor Street, asked if Palmer reviewed the Wal-Mart area.  Colver said that is all out of Palmer Township, too.

 

      Ethan Berkove, 2705 Cresmont Avenue, said IDI is the company responsible for the mess on Hanoverville Road.  You don’t need to look very far to see that mess.  Berkove said the buildings are going to be 45 feet tall.  With the elevations and the level of the houses the flooding will be atrocious. 

 

      Jim Lee, 2719 Cresmont Avenue, said he agrees with most said tonight and he’s trying to imagine when Route 33 gets shut down where all those trucks are going to go. 

 

      Dave Parsons, 2706 Auburn, asked if Palmer Township ordinances will protect us from things like noise.  Beepers are going all night in the Hanoverville Road complex.  There will be glare from lighting.  Bruno said Palmer has noise and light ordinances that control properties in Palmer.  Colver said he would assume Lower Nazareth also has similar ordinances.

 

      Pat McPherson asked how trucks will be able to exit on Northwood Avenue when Northwood Avenue is currently marked no tractor trailers.  Ginger Buchser said they are saying they will make the traffic use the new access road.  Chief Fretz said the developer may be required to make road improvements to the roadway that would lift the no truck requirement.

 

      Mike Buchser, said he wanted the residents to know that IDI is the developer but the owner is Prologis.

 

      Lori Dotson said they live off Fisher Road and there are two stop signs on that road and people go right through those signs every day.  Dotson asked how can we enforce the trucks use on Fisher Road.  Dotson said there are four school bus stops on Fisher Road.

 

      On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved sending a letter to Lower Nazareth and having the Solicitor attend the conditional use hearing in Lower Nazareth on May 9th. 

 

      Bruno asked if the Board agreed to ask Lower Nazareth to allow us to participate in those proceedings.  If the township of Lower Nazareth says we get a courtesy review he can see the developer covering the cost.  However on the other hand, if we oppose, the developer will not want to cover the costs.  Lammi said residents of Lower Nazareth are not being impacted so he agrees we should participate in the proceedings.  Lammi also said we should include a copy of the 2001 letter that was previously sent to Lower Nazareth. 

 

      Ginger Buchser thanked the Board of Supervisors for helping the residents and asked all the residents to do the same.

 

6.      DISCUSSION REGARDING ACT 14 NOTICE – NORTHEAST HIGHWALL RECLAMATION PROJECT

 

INFORMATION       

     

      The Board should discuss the Act 14 notice and if necessary prepare comments to DEP.

 

DISCUSSION

 

      Jensen said this is an application from Hercules Cement for a large project to reclaim the pre-act highwall in the northeast corner of the Hercules Quarry.  Jensen said it includes realignment of the Bushkill Creek and Route 191.  Jensen said the township has 30 days to submit comments on the project.  The Board agreed to review the information and comment at a later date.  No action to be taken tonight.

 

7.      ROAD MATERIAL BID AWARDS

 

INFORMATION       

     

      The Public Services Director will provide bid information and recommendation at the meeting.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board approved awarding of the bids for road materials as follows:

 

ROAD MATERIALS

 

                                                                                    F.O.B.                         DELIVERED 

 

Eastern Industries –

            Type 2 Anti-Skid                                              7.90/Ton                        10.79/Ton

            UPM Cold Patch                                              89.00/Ton                          - -

           

Hanson Aggregates 0

            Cold Patch Regular                                           62.75/Ton                        67.75/Ton

 

           

Highway Materials –

Superpave 9.5mm Wearing*                             40.00/Ton                      44.50/Ton

Superpave 19.0mm Wearing*                           37.55/Ton                      42.05/Ton

Superpave 25.0mm Binder*                             34.85/Ton                      39.35/Ton

Superpave 25.0mm Base*                                34.85/Ton                      39.35/Ton                     

Superpave 9.5mm Wearing**                           39.25/Ton                      43.75/Ton

Superpave 25.0mm Base**                              34.50/Ton                      39.00/Ton

Superpave 19.0mm Binder**                           36.80/Ton                      41.30/Ton

            FABW or FJ1C                                               42.00/Ton                      46.50/Ton

            FJ1                                                                  48.00/Ton                      52.50/Ton

 

* 0.0 to 0.3 mil ESALS

**0.3 to 3.0mil ESALS

 

CRUSHED LIMESTONE –

 

F.O.B.                         DELIVERED

 

Eastern Industries –

 

            1B                                                                    - -                                12.79/Ton

            #57                                                                  7.75/Ton                      10.64/Ton

            #3                                                                    6.45/Ton                        9.87/Ton

            #2A                                                                 5.25/Ton                        8.67/Ton

            #3A Modified                                                   5.95/Ton                        8.84/Ton

            Gabion                                                             10.60/Ton                    14.02/Ton

            Rip Rap                                                            13.00/Ton                    16.92/Ton

            Surge Pile                                                         7.25/Ton                      10.67/Ton

            Screenings (#10)                                              8.90/Ton                      11.79/Ton

 

ABE Materials –

 

            1 (4 Ballast)                                                      8.00/Ton                      13.00/Ton

 

On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board awarded the traffic line painting bid to A-1 Traffic Control Products, LLC, Douglasville, PA, in the amount of $27,995.

 

On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board awarded for construction equipment rental hourly rate (without operator) to Plasterer Equipment Company, Inc. for the following equipment: 

 

JD 655C Loader (953) equiv) –

                  Daily - $669.00

                  Weekly - $1989.00

                  Monthly - $5958.00

 

JD 450J Lt. Dozer –

                  Daily - $351.00

                  Weekly - $1044.00

                  Monthly - $2691.00

 

JD 160CLC Excavator –

                  Daily - $450.00

                  Weekly - $1350.00

                  Monthly - $3969.00

 

IR SD105DX Soil Roller –

                  Daily - $432.00

                  Weekly - $1179.00

                  Monthly - $3546.00

 

Delivery charge is $95.00 per hour

 

      On motion by Smith, seconded by Lammi, and agreed by all, the Board agreed to re-bid the construction equipment rental with operator, the paving crew with equipment, and the concrete bids.

 

8.      AUTHORIZATION OF SALE OF STREET SWEEPER

 

INFORMATION       

     

The public works superintendent has an offer from Milford Township to purchase our 1995 Elgin street sweeper.  The Board needs to approve the sale.

 

DISCUSSION

 

      On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board approved the sale of the 1995 Elgin street sweeper to Milford Township for $13,500.

 

9.      SWARTZ FENCE AGREEMENT

 

INFORMATION       

     

      The Swartz’s own a residence at 3188 Timber Ridge Drive and are requesting to install some fencing into an existing drainage easement.  The director of public services reviewed the request and determined it is acceptable provided the attached fence agreement is signed and then approved by the Board of Supervisors.

 

DISCUSSION

 

      On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the Swartz fence agreement for the property at 3188 Timber Ridge Drive.

 

10. PUBLIC COMMENT

 

      Ron Grimsby, 337 Springfield Way, said on April 16th  the township held a hearing and it was surprising that the building inspector found that the fence was not a four foot fence and the spacing of uprights were placed incorrectly.  Grimsby said an answer is to be given by May 16th.  Grimsby said over the winter the pool was covered and now the cover has been removed and he’s concerned for his grandchildren and the neighborhood children.  Grimsby said he would like the water removed from the pool or the pool cover put back on the pool immediately.  Bruno said as of this date the Appeals Board has not granted a final decision.  Bruno said he would recommend this Board reserve judgment until that decision is made.  Colver said we will be able to discuss it at one of our upcoming meetings.  Grimsby said you gave him two months notice in July and another 30 days after that, and after that.  Grimsby said you didn’t do anything until March.  And then he was granted another 30 days.  Public safety is at hand.  Colver said two weeks from tonight we can make a decision based on the Appeals Board decision. 

                 

11. REPORTS

     

Solicitor

·        Bruno had a request on behalf of Atul and Kharecha who previously received land development approval.  Bruno said they are asking for an extension until June 20th.  On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the extension request.

·        Bruno had a request from Nic Zawarski and Sons, regarding the Charlotte Avenue development.  Bruno said they have assigned rights to Charlotte Avenue Development, LP.  The extension request is for 90 days until July 25th to allow them to enter into an agreement.  On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the extension request.

·        Bruno had a proposed resolution with respect to the Crossing Court subdivision.  Bruno said the request is to have right-of-way within Crossing Court for Stones Crossing Road dedicated by the developer and accepted by the township.  On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the resolution accepting the right-of-way.

·        Bruno had an extension request from Commerce Bank to allow them until December 30, 2007 to complete their improvements as required by their plan.  Lammi asked if it includes the additional parking spaces.  Bruno said yes.  Lammi said he has a problem with it and would like to see the reason for the request.  On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board agreed to extend until the end of the month, May 31st, so they can see the reason for the request and still be able to act on their request at a future meeting this month.

·        Bruno said there is an issue regarding Dunn and Noble - who did the Walgreen’s project.  Bruno said the only thing left to complete are right-of-way plans required by Penndot.  The developers position is the township already accepted the right-of-way plans so the township should complete the plans with Penndot.  This has always been the developer’s responsibility.  Bruno said the developer is requesting they be given the right to go into the maintenance period except for approximately $5,000 to cover the finalization of the right-of-way plans.  They are asking for an exception from the standard procedure.  Bruno said the Planning Director said she has no problem with the proposal but he feels the township should hold the developer responsible for getting it done and paid for.  Colver said we need to keep a number that is substantial enough for them to complete the work.  Bruno said the amount still being held is well over $100,000.  The Board agreed to release a portion of the funds but to keep five times more than what it will cost to ensure the developer complets the project.  Smith made a motion to authorize release of escrow to Dunn and Noble, except for holding $25,000 to ensure the remaining items of work are completed for engineering purposes, without the need for the developer to enter into a maintenance agreement for public improvements.  The motion was seconded by Panella, and agreed by all.

·        Bruno had an inter-municipal sewer agreement related to the Northwood Surgery Center, Milheim Property.  Bruno said it was reviewed by Mr. Hosking and the Sewer Authority and they are recommending the conveyance capacity be approved.  On motion by Smith, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the inter-municipal agreement.

·        Attorney Schlottman said there was an issue regarding damage to the community center gymnasium floor.  Schlottman said Worth was the HVAC contractor and they agreed to pay a portion to correct the floor.  Schlottman said there is a mutual release agreement releasing them from any further liability in exchange for paying the $10,300 to assist in the repair.  Adams said it is to refinish the floor.  Adams said Worth has a portion, CC Inc. has an equal portion, and the township has a $4,000 contribution.  Anckaitis said it’s for replacing the current floor and current striping.  Schlottman said Worth sent over a release agreement that was very broad and they revised it and Worth has now signed the agreement and it is ready for the Board to sign.  On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the agreement.

·        Schlottman had one litigation item for executive session.

 

      Township Manager

·        Anckaitis said he received a telephone call from Congressman Dent’s office stating Congressman Dent will be coming to the township on May 25th to conduct a community outreach program.  Anckaitis said he will be doing some door to door, he will be touring Acopian, and he will have office hours from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the community center.  Anckaitis said Dent’s office will take care of advertising.

·        Anckaitis said the Board needs to establish the new garbage rate for billing purposes.  Anckaitis said tonight we need to approve the administrative fee.  Anckaitis reviewed 8%, 10%, and 13% administrative fees.  Anckaitis said it was previously at 8% for many years and the Billing Supervisor and he would recommend the 10% administrative fee.  Anckaitis said we’ve recently replaced equipment and software, the cost of supplies have gone up, and each year salary and benefit costs go up.  Colver said through the whole process we were figuring in a 13% administrative fee so if we agree on 10% it’s actually a little less.  On motion by Lammi, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board approved a 10% administrative fee for a total annual garbage rate of $309.00, which will be billed quarterly. 

·        Anckaitis said he received a letter from a 75 year old resident, a widow, that says she gets $90 a month from her husband’s pension, half of her husband’s social security, and she owns her own home.  Anckaitis said she states the garbage increase is a huge expense for her and she only puts out one small garbage bag per week.  Anckaitis said he will respond to her that the rate she will have to pay is the same for every township resident but he wanted the Board to be aware of the letter.

·        Anckaitis said Hollo Road has been temporarily closed until a temporary light is in place at Route 248 and Hollo Road.

 

Public Services Director

·        Adams said late in 2006 we asked Penndot to do a traffic study at Greenwood Avenue and William Penn Highway.  Penndot responded they do not see a need for a left turn signal with the current traffic conditions.  Lammi said he’s disappointed and he can’t understand why. 

·        Adams said at the pool we have some juvenile probation kids painting the fence.  Anckaitis said sometimes we receive requests from township kids who want to do community service hours and the answer is no to them because we don’t have the insurance to cover them.  Anckaitis said the juvenile group is covered through the juvenile program.

·        Adams said we had budgeted to have a portion of the pool sandblasted prior to the pool opening this year.  Adams said due to weather conditions it couldn’t be done in time to guarantee opening of the pool on Memorial Day weekend so we will now wait until fall to complete the sandblasting. 

·        Adams had agreements for the Greenwood Avenue extension project that needed the Chairman’s signature.

 

Police Chief

·        Chief Fretz said last Wednesday the police department participated in a drill at Tracy School along with representatives of the school district.  Fretz said 18 teachers participate in the drill.  Fretz said the drill went well.  Lammi said he attended and he felt very comfortable with the team and how they handled the negotiating and the whole drill.  Lammi said it’s pretty scary to know we have to prepare for these kinds of things but it was good to see our team knows how to handle these situations.  Anckaitis said he was proud of the way the police force handled the training and the way they briefed all the participants that were involved in the drill.

 

      Supervisors

·        Lammi asked where we stand on the Bushkill Creek bike path.  Adams said the contractor should be finishing up in the next two weeks and our workers are also working on it.  Adams said the wearing course still needs to be finished.

·        Panella thanked Paul Hosking, Director of Public Utilities, and Tom Adams, Director of Public Services, for fixing VanBuren and Newlins Mill Road.

 

      On motion by Smith, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. with one litigation item for executive session.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Robert G. Anckaitis

Township Manager