Sunday, April 22, 2007

BoS Meeting 4/19/2007

On Thursday, April 19th the Board of Supervisors, among its actions, voted to approve the final land development for Weis Market, changed the use of the word "ordnance" for the Stryker Brigade, adopted a new, and more restrictive, stormwater management ordinance, awarded a contract for the purchase of a replacement security camera, instituted a new sports impact fee, and raised the sewer rates! Please read Courtney Lomax (Express Times) for more on the Weis Market and more on the sports impact fees. (Please accept our apologies in advance for any misspelled names that follow.)

Supervisor Comments

Supervisor Ackerman announced that he and Supervisor Howell attended the (Two Rivers Area Council of Governments) COG on Wednesday night. Under discussion was a COG joint appeals board in case problems with "zoning, electrical, plumbing, or whatever." Ackerman said that Bethlehem Township has one - a five member board composed of people with electrical, plumbing, etc. backgrounds - and has indicated that they (Bethlehem Township) is agreeable to Forks using it "probably for a small fee." Ackerman also said that the COG is going to ask the member municipalities if they want a joint comprehensive plan committee. Lastly, Ackerman said that Bethlehem Township bought a "tub grinder" (sic) for recycling all kinds of debris and expects to put in use soon. Ackerman asked Solicitor Kline if he and attorney Monahan (sic) if they had reviewed the COG's bylaws. Kline said that they had and had made a few suggestions that he thought were instituted. Ackerman said that the changes were apparently received but not instituted and that the bylaws are being reviewed now.

Supervisor Nicholas welcomed Boy Scout Troop 29 who were in attendance to work on their "Citizenship In The Community" badge. Nicholas also said that she attended the Eagle Board of Honor for Trevor Caplette. In addition, Nicholas asked if an inexpensive picnic table can be purchased for employee use. It is being done.

Chairman Hoff said that the Board received a letter of resignation from Les Ottenwalder of the Planning Commission. He said that Ottenwalder is retiring from his job and moving out of the area. Ottenwalder's last PC meeting will be on May 10th. The Board agreed to advertise the vacancy both in the newspapers and on the township website. Letters of intend will be accepted by Township Manager Schnaedter until May 31st. In other correspondence, Hoff said that the Board received a letter from Thomas Romhardt (sic) who asked permission to retrieve his family cornerstone from the township property on the corner of Newlins and Richmond Roads. Permission was granted. There was also a letter from Dan Fazekas, President of the Forks Fire Company, asking to allow use of the fitness center by the volunteers. His request was passed on to two committees, Parks & Recreation and Public Safety.

Zoning Officer Weis reported that he, Chief Dorney, a contingent of Forks police officers, and some residents attended the funeral of FBI agent (and Forks resident) Barry Bush in Harrisburg. Weis reported that several thousand law enforcement officers from around the country were there.

Supervisor Don Miller reported that the Recreation Board is planning to replace the park exercise equipment and the parks workers are continuing work to replace all of the baseball infields. Miller said too, that the recreation program is growing and there are more teams. As an example he said that last year there was only one lacrosse team and this year there are four. The land (10 acres) near the airport will soon be graded for more fields.

Standing Committee Reports


  • Public Safety - Supervisor Nicholas said that the committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday. She reported that she's heard from Mr. Kiefer (Forks EMS) and that after two weeks in operation, the squad is doing well. They will report on their progress at the next Board of Supervisors meeting.
  • Public Works - Supervisor Ackerman said that everyone is looking forward to the start of the new Public Works Director on April 30th. He reported that surface milling continues and that barricades were set up for last week's flooding. The next committee meeting will be on May 1st.
  • Parks & Recreation - Supervisor Miller - Miller gave no committee report. His reports on Sunday night's Recreation Board meeting and park/sports activities have been moved to Supervisors' Comments above.
  • Community Relations - Supervisor Howell - No report.
  • Finance & Administration - Supervisor Hoff reported that the committee met on April 11th and that work on the purchase order procedures continues. Schnaedter has staked out the sign board site and safety committee meetings will begin soon.

Township Manager's Report - Schnaedter provided the Board with a written informational report. He said that he is continuing to look into a webcam as well as a public access channel for meeting broadcasts. Nicholas asked if he'd talked to "Bob, who does our website." She said that Bob has information "for us" too.

Engineer's Report - Fred Hay asked to put the blinker light for the Bushkill/Arndt intersection out to bid. The plans are signed. This passed in a 5:0 vote.

Solicitor's Report - Karl Kline reported that the Department of Community and Economics Development has given approval for the firetruck PEMA loan. Kline noted that he will need representatives from the Township and from the volunteer fire company for the actual settlement with the State. Kline also reported that the Zoning Hearing Board voted to uphold the the Board's decision to enact Ordinance 298. He said that this decision will probably be appealed.

Comments from the Public

  • Richard and Carol Baranowski (sic) who live near the (former) Friendly Tavern and the Palmer (through Forks) bike trail said that their property was taken from them (by Palmer Township) because they used the wrong paperwork. They reminded the Board that they, along with their neighbors and attorney, appeared before the Board in 2005. (See BoS Meeting 3/15/2005 - agenda item "FORKS RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY PALMER TWP. PROPOSED BIKE PATH.") The Baranowskis said that Forks was notified of the Palmer rails to trails plan in 1998 but no one told them. They have built there for 28 years ago. They asked the Board who they should call when there is a problem like when the tree fell from the Palmer property onto theirs. They called Palmer and a crew was sent to cut up the tree but not take it away. Palmer told them to call their homeowners insurer. Their property was hit with paintballs by someone on the trail - again they were told (by Palmer) to call their homeowners carrier. They told of the damage to the environment caused by the Palmer workers, especially to bird nesting areas. The Baranowski's had photos for the Board of the Bushkill Creek before and after Trout Unlimited moved the creek back 30 feet. They said that they have now been flooded four times.
Hoff said that Schnaedter had been out to look over their property. Kline explained that what took place was eminent domain. At one point, the Township considered buying the rail-bed but decided against it because of the liability of the include rail trestle. Palmer bought it had to prove clear title to get grant monies. The residents hired an attorney and lost. Palmer now has secured grant funding and is proceeding with the rails to trail project. The Baranowskis were advised to contact Forks police for any criminal activities that occur on/to their property. Dorney said that he would pass this on to his officers. The DEP has jurisdiction over what happens in the creek. The Baranowskis were also told that Hay did not have to see their site before they brought in their own engineer, Lou Ferrone.
    • Tom Gillan (sic) also spoke to the flooding and bike-path issues that he has faced as a resident near the Bushkill Creek and the Palmer bike-path. He directly asked the Board for help, for protection. He said that runners on the path make obscene gestures to his little girls. Nicholas asked if Palmer was going to put up a fence. Gillan said that that would exacerbate the flooding problems, that there is no room for one, and that the bike-path is in the flood zone. He said that the creek is now eating the bank away. He added that they now have rats and never did before. Howell asked Schnaedter to discuss this with Palmer and that Palmer belongs to the Two Rivers Area COG. Gillan said, "Help us." He hopes that Palmer will buy him out.
    • Joseph Henry of the Arndt Road/Bushkill Park Drive intersection told the Board of a "cancer-ed out" tree in his yard that needs to be removed. He doesn't have the money to cut the tree himself. Howell asked if the tree was a "clear and present danger to the power lines?" Howell said that they might do some "significant pruning" for him. Henry said that he had spoken to Met-Ed and was told that they would do nothing. Howell then suggested that he speak with his homeowners insurer as they might find that cutting the tree before it caused damage would be better than paying for the damage later. Henry said that he would contact his insurer.

    UNFINISHED BUSINESS

    RESOLUTION #070419-1/REVISED FEE SCHEDULE ADOPTION - Weis said that the fees schedule was complete. Nancy Bonfanti, of the Athletic Association, expressed her concern at the brand new sports impact fee of $20 per child per sport. She said she emailed Farley and Miller to make her concerns known. She said that the AA was not informed and she was unsure if the website could be changed in time to accommodate the form changes. She was assured that it could be done. Bonfanti said that the new fee means that she will be paying $360 for her three children to play sports and she hoped that the Township would institute a family plan. She also said that the AA donates $15,000 per year to the Township and last year donated $30,000. Hoff told her that he was President of the AA when the fees were first instituted and that things have changed since then. Now the Township employees are taking care of the fields and facilities and that costs more money. Miller said that the AA imposes the fees and that up until now, the Township has not had fees. Farley detailed some of the costs to the Township and Miller said that he would be willing to work out a special rate - after the vote. The fee schedule (for all Township fees) was approved in a 5:0 vote. Read more in

    Courtney Lomax's Express Times article.

    POSSIBLE USE OF RECYCLING BUILDING FOR SIGN ROOM - Ackerman explained that the bids to insulate the building where too high. The plan was scrubbed.

    MET ED RESOLTUION/STREET LIGHT ACTIVATION - RIVERVIEW ESTATES DEVELOPMENT, PHASE 3A - Weis said that this resolution was strictly for street lights. Hay said that Phase 3 is half built out. The lights are for the safety of the residents. The resolution was approved 5:0.

    SECURITY CAMERAS - Schnaedter received three bids for the camera/installation. The one from Fox Bros, at $6,000 was the highest. The other two were close and after discussion, the Board, in a 5:0 vote, awarded the contract to Hi-Tech (sic) Security - at $3675.. The Hitachi camera that they will be installing is a newer model than the one offered by ICU (bid $4075.)

    CROP FARMING LEASE - REMAILY TRACT - The Board voted 5:0 to sign the 2 year lease with the Rinadis.

    NEW BUSINESS

    FORKS COMMONS/WEIS MARKET/FINAL LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN - LOT CONSOLIDATION PLAN - After discussion about the Planning Commission recommendations to require that the rooftop HVAC system be unseen from a distance of 1/4 mile and that the gas station traffic be one way, the Board voted 3:2 to grant conditional approval. The conditions include the PC recommendations and the engineer's letter. Ackerman and Nicholas cast the nay votes. Ackerman explained that he liked the plan and that the Township needs another grocery store but he is not happy with the Sullivan Trail changes. Nicholas asked Kline if the appeal in the courts should impact this vote and was told that the Township must take action because the "clock is running." Kline further explained that the developer understands that they are proceeding at their own risk and is also planning to intervene in the appeal(s). Attorney for the developer, Jim Preston, that he believed the appeal is an attempt to delay the process, hoping that the developer will go away. Hoff read a letter from attorney for the appellants, Gary Asteak, that the appellants object to this agenda item. Ackerman noted that he received lots of phone calls and that most were in favor of the store. He added that when he explained his reasons for objecting to it to the callers, they then were "on the fence." Howell said that the right-in/right-out must be submitted to PennDot for approval. Please read Courtney Lomax (Express Times) for more on the discussion.

    ORDINANCE NO 302/STORM WATER MANAGEMENT ADOPTION - The ordinance was adopted in a 5:0 vote.

    ROUTE 611 CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT - Sal Panto, representing Strausser Enterprises, appeared before the Board at Ackerman's invitation to explain the progress on the Route 611 project. Panto said that Board help to get a construction easement from Mr. Soda would not be necessary, that he met with him last week, and things are positive. Panto said that with the DEP modification of the permit, construction could start in 45 to 90 days.

    STRYKER BRIGADE ARMORY/CLARIFICATION OF APPROVAL TERMS - Mark Austin, representing the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs of the Pennsylvania National Guard, explained that when the document granting conditional approval arrived at his office for signature, the word "ordnance" was noticed and a dictionary was consulted. He asked that the word be changed because by definition "ordnance" means ammunition, weapons, and military equipment. The wording was changed to read that no live ammunition will be stored on-site unless there is a State or National emergency event. The Board voted 5:0 to accept the changes.

    SEWER RATE INCREASE - Hoff explained that Farley did an analysis of a recent back billing by the EAJSA for 2004 and 2005. The bill was in excess of $100,000 and was a result of an audit that showed that Forks was being billed for the wrong percentage of use. Forks uses 17% of the sewer plant capacity. The rate charged is $180,000 over what the Township budgeted. As a result, sewer fees to residents must be increased from $20 for the 1st 8 units of use to $25. In addition, the charges over 8 units will increase approximately 25% from $3.60 to $4.58/unit. Farley said that 1/3 of Forks residents are being billed at the base rate only so the impact to them will be $5 per Quarter. The new rates will be in effect with the July 1 billing. An additional back billing for 2006 is expected. Farley recommended that the Township look at the EAJSA expenditures. It was noted too, that the Forks representative on the EAJSA, Henning Holmgard, read the sewer authority the riot act about not performing its audits in a timely manor. The rate increase was approved in a 5:0 vote.

    TOWNSHIP DROP OFF MAIL BOX - Nicholas said that the new mailbox is filled up and that things are getting wet. This was referred to the Finance Committee for a recommendation.

    RIVERVIEW ESTATES/CONDITIONS OF TIME EXTENSION/RESOLUTION NO. 070419-2 - This item was tabled after Kline said that he sent a courtesy copy to Strauser's attorney and that the attorney could not be at tonight's meeting. It will be on the May 3rd agenda.

    EXECUTIVE SESSION - There was an Executive Session to discuss the non-uniformed employees contract negotiations as well as the uniformed employees contract. The police department contract is up for renewal this year. No action was taken during the executive session. There was a discussion after the session about the (non-agenda) Municipal Complex sign for Sullivan Trail and no action was taken. The meeting was adjourned.

    Our objective is to relate what is experienced at Forks Township meetings for those who cannot attend. We are attempting to be as factual as we can. If we make a mistake, tell us via email or COMMENT here in the blog, and we will do our best to correct it. We are not perfect. We want to get it right.

    Candidates Forum - Tonight!

    The Lehigh Valley League of Women Voters is hosting a forum featuring all six of Forksʼ Supervisor candidates: Ackerman, Billings, Chuss, Egolf, Fisher, & Wideman.

    Date: Sunday, April 22, 2007
    Time: 7:30 - 9:00 PM
    Place: Fellowship Hall, Faith Lutheran Church - 2012 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township

    This event is being held three weeks before the May 15th Primary Election. It is the first, and maybe only, opportunity that you will all have to hear all the candidates voice their visions for our town before you cast Primary ballots. You may read about it in the papers after the fact, but it will NOT be the same as being there and hearing it for yourselves.

    The local media have been invited to ask questions. The audience will be allowed to submit questions as well. So, whether you have a question to ask, or simply want to get a better sense of which two candidates will best represent you, this is an evening not to be missed!

    Please share the linked flyer with your friends and neighbors! COME to the forum! It's for you!

    Saturday, April 21, 2007

    Kings Mill Zoning Hearing - Round 11 Reminder

    Round 11 is coming for the zoning challenge hearing by Kings Mill & partners! When? - Monday, April 23rd at 7:30 PM Where? - Forks Municipal Building meeting room The Kings Mill partnership (Zawarski, Maloney, & Benner) alleges that the Farmland Protection District zoning is too restrictive. Their vision proposes 3,042 dwelling units -- apartments, townhomes, and a mobile home park. To us, that looks like:
    • 6,000 more cars on town roads everyday
    • 8,000 more students in the schools
    • 25% of open farm fields covered with roof tops and asphalt

    This can't be a good thing for Forks. We urge you to attend these zoning challenge hearings. The developers do! Your presence makes a difference. It is a reminder that Forks residents do care about their quality of life and about what they (KMRD, LP) want to do to it!

    Bring family, bring friends, bring neighbors... let's not leave an empty seat in the room on Monday, April 23rd - 7:30 PM.

    And, don't forget to check out the F.A.C. 2007 Primary

    candidates' page and the candidates' blog! Learn more about your four outstanding friends and neighbors who are willing to give their time and energy to serving you! Primary Day is Tuesday, May 15th. Please give them your full consideration in making your selections. (Also in the running are incumbent Supervisor John Ackerman and 2005 candidate - former Forks police chief - Leon Fisher.)

    Sunday, April 08, 2007

    BoS Meeting 4/5/2007

    The April 5th Board of Supervisors’ meeting, although not long, was important. Mr. Mark Roberts was appointed to the position of Director of Public Works and the Board accepted a bid of $20,000 for the old backhoe! The Roberts appointment was covered by Courtney Lomax (Express Times). Supervisor Miller announced that the Forks Township Community Center is hosting the "Downtown Easton Business Fair" on Saturday, April 14th from 10:00 - 4:00. (There is nothing on the Township calendar about this event!) Miller said that there will be about 30 Easton businesses participating. He hopes that Forks will turn out to support them.

    A moment of silence was held for (Forks resident) FBI agent Barry Bush who was killed in Hunterdon County earlier in the day. Read Courtney Lomax (Express Times) for more.

    Supervisor Comments

    • Supervisor Howell said that the Board received a letter from Anthony Branco, chairman of the (recently revived) Northampton County Council Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. Branco indicated that he hopes to hold public meetings in each of the districts in the County. Forks Township will not host the first meeting. Forks is in District 2 along with Easton, Glendon, Palmer, Stockertown, Tatamy, West Easton, Williams, and Wilson and one of them will host. More details to follow when they are known.
    • Supervisor Nicholas reported that she attended the EMS Open House as did Supervisor Ackerman on April 1st. She expressed congratulations to them. Nicholas also reported that Community Days is scheduled for September 15 & 16 and that the committee is seeking a volunteer secretary to attend its (six Monday night) meetings and take minutes. The committee is also looking for volunteers to work at Community Days. Interested parties should contact her or Sue/Harry Bennett. Nicholas said that her special project for Community Days will be organizing a "battle of the bands" and that a band shell doner is needed. She has a couple of bands interested and she noted that the music will be appropriate and will have no vulgar language. Nicholas said too, that she presented Troop 29's newest Eagle Scout, Michael Brodniak with a certificate from the Board at the Troop’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony.
    Standing Committee Reports


    Public Safety (Supervisor Nicholas) - reported that the committee held two meetings and that their number one priority is updating the EOP (emergency operating plan.) She thanked "Adam from Lafayette" for helping out.

    Public Works (Supervisor Ackerman) - said that he, Rick Schnaedter, Fred Hay, and Don Miller get an update from Hay on upcoming projects including going out for bid on Newlins Road W work. Ackerman said that the work on Zucksville should wind up on Monday and that they will begin "milling" the roads in upper township. Some patching has been done also.

    Parks & Recreation (Supervisor Miller) - no committee report.

    Community Relations (Supervisor Howell) - reported that the committee met once since the last meeting to discuss the new community guide. They hope to have a more expanded map integrated with the bike/recreation trails. The size and definition discussions are ongoing. Schnaedter reported that the Quarterly should be going out to residents within a week of the Easter deadline.

    Finance & Administration (Supervisor Hoff) - said that the committee met on March 28th and that they have resurrected the sign board installation. The project has been given to Township Manager Schnaedter. Also, Hoff reported that discussions with T-Mobile regarding their request to install a cell tower in Forks Community Park (between the parks garage and the old Laneco property) are ongoing. It will be 150 feet in the air. Hoff said that it’s still in the "information gathering stage." Hoff said too, that Schnaedter has been assigned to the newly reactivated Safety Committee. Discussions of the purchase order policy and bidding process continue.

    Township Manager’s Report (Richard Schnaedter) - reported that he is gathering representatives from the Township’s departments for the newly resurrected Safety Committee and that one of its first items will be the manual and a facility tour to identity hazards. Schnaedter talked also of the Municipal Complex punch list provided to him by the staff. On it are the leaking roofs and the sign in storage. The general contractor will be coming to the Township to locate the installation site for the sign. Nicholas asked that the areas around the leaks be checked for molds/mildew and that the inconsistency of the heating system also be checked. Schnaedter said that the roofer is due in within the next two weeks and that the heating contractor was on site two weeks ago.

    Engineer’s Report (Fred Hay) - Agenda items only.

    Solicitor’s Report (Karl Kline) - reported that the Township has been sued 2 more times - in the last week. A suit has been filed against the Conditional Use granted to Weis Market by the Board of Supervisors at the February 15th meeting. The other suit is by the Kings Mill developers who disagree with the Board’s ruling to reject the by-right plan they presented under the old zoning. In one case the Township is being told it is too easy on developers and in the other, too tough. Kline added that the Township will continue to defend both cases.

    Comments from the Public

    • Sandy Hanks (Forks resident and appointed member of the Board of Elected Auditors) - told the Board of a Morning Call article that discussed the Borough of Emmaus and its decision to use a webcam at its public meetings and to make the videos available on its website. Hanks thought that Forks should do the same and that the cost would be around $1000. Nicholas commented that the Forks’ website could handle it and that she already made inquiries. Hanks also told the Board about the new sign that is in front of the Firehouse building. She said that it is very close to the road and because it is solid at the bottom, it makes exiting from Richard’s Drive-in very difficult. The Board will have Zoning Officer Weis look into it.
    UNFINISHED BUSINESS

    REVISED FEE SCHEDULE/ADOPTION - After discussion and questions by Nicholas and Howell, this item was tabled in a 5:0 vote until the next meeting on April 19th. There were "question marks" on the schedule and the Board learned that brand new liquor licenses are not charged fees by the Township (per the PLC).

    POSSIBLE USE OF RECYCLING BUILDING FOR SIGN ROOM - Ackerman said that he did not have all the figures yet and asked that this item be tabled. It was - in a 5:0 vote.

    NEW BUSINESS

    APPOINT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR - Ackerman said that there were 28 applicants for this position. The field was narrowed to 7 and then to 4 and Mark Roberts was offered the job. He accepted. He was there for the 5:0 vote. Roberts will begin his new post on April 30th at a starting salary of $59,000. After a three month probationary period, he will be eligible for a $1500 increase. In 2007, he will get two-weeks of pro-rated vacation as well as all other benefits that Township employees receive. Roberts has 30 years experience as a township public works director and retired from New Britain Township (Bucks County) two years ago. Since then, he worked as equipment manager for a construction company. He chose to return to township work.

    ESTATES AT STEEPLECHASE NORTH - WERKHEISER HOMESTEAD AGREEMENT - Kline explained that the Werkheiser family and the Township entered an agreement in 1975 stipulating that there were to be no improvements (road widening and curbing) to Church Lane (bordering their property) until their home was no longer occupied by a member of the Werkheiser family. Ackerman added that in exchange for the agreement, the Werkheisers donated the right of way on the south side of Church Lane. Neither the Township nor Zawarski was aware of the agreement when the plans for the development Steeplechase North were okayed and now trees are in the way. According to Hay, Zawarski has given the Township $28,168 for future improvements. The Township will honor the 1975 agreement with the Werkheisers. It was approved in a 5:0 vote.

    ORDINANCE NO. 302/NEW STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE/AUTHORITY TO ADVERTISE - Kline said that the Federal government is pressing for all States and municipalities to tighten up on their stormwater plans. The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission drafted a model ordinance. It took them two years. Both Lehigh County and Northampton County have signed it. And, the DEP wants all municipalities to adopt it by the end of April. It will revise Chapter 163 of the Forks Ordinance and was tightened even further by Keystone Engineering. Hay said the ordinance follows Act 167 and that his office made it even more restrictive - prohibiting building in the 100 year flood plain and requiring that developers "look downstream" all the way to the confluence of the Bushkill or the Delaware. Authority to advertise the ordinance was approved 5:0.

    FORT JAMES III/STREET LIGHTING - Hay said that he met with Petrucci and Met-Ed last week and that Petrucci wants the utilities for Fort James III to be above ground. It’s less costly. Petrucci also wants to put their own special lights on the utility poles and Met-Ed will only enter into a maintenance agreement with the Township and not with a developer. Met-Ed charges $12/mth per light ($260/month - not counting increases) and the fees would go on forever. Hay recommended against it and said that the lot owners should have to individually own the lights. Nicholas said that she wants the utilities underground. There was no vote.

    ADOPTION OF ESWA BACKFLOW PREVENTION PROGRAM - This was tabled in a 5:0 vote. Hoff said that he wants someone from the Easton Suburban Water Authority to attend a workshop with the Board at 6:30 PM on May 3rd before the regular meeting to explain the program. Schnaedter was asked to arrange it. The ESWA has asked that an ordinance be adopted but provided no sample.

    MET ED RESOLUTION/STREET LIGHT ACTIVATION - RIVERVIEW ESTATES DEVELOPMENT, PHASE 3A - Tabled (5:0) until Tim Weis, Zoning Officer, can be in attendance.

    SECURITY CAMERAS - Nicholas said that ICU checked the camera in the parking lot and that the wires were blown out (since last July’s power hit). The estimate is $4075 and Kline said that because it is more than $4000, the Board must get three bids (by telephone). Ackerman asked if the repair might be covered by insurance. Schnaedter will call the Township’s insurer. Nicholas also said that it probably will cost $1000 to fix the DVR. If that is near the cost, Schnaedter was told to get it fixed. The security camera wiring was tabled in a 5:0 vote.

    RENEWAL OF CROP FARMING LEASE - Miller explained that this is the land at the corner of Newlins and Richmond that the Rinaldis have been farming. Ackerman said that because the Township has been dumping leaves there, the soil has become acidic and the Rinaldis must treat it with lime in order to farm it. The lime takes a year to become effective and the Rinaldis would either want the Township to pay for the lime or to give them a 2 year lease. He added that the DPW is getting bids to level the farmland near Lafayette’s land. Miller said that there are no plans for the land either this year or next and that Hay’s office is doing a topo map so that they can begin planning. The rent is $55/acre for the 53 acres or $2915 per year. Howell asked when the house on the property will be leveled as it is a safety hazard. He was told that the fire department will be done with its training exercises there this summer and that Schnaedter will get bids to raze it. Miller asked to put in the agreement that if for some reason the Township breaks the farming lease (and notifies the Rinaldis by March 1, 2008), the Rinaldis will be reimbursed for the lime. This passed in a 5:0 vote.

    AWARD BID FOR USED BACKHOE - The only bidder for the used backhoe was Plasterer Equipment. Their bid was $20,000. (Note: It equaled the price they offered for the backhoe as a trade-in when the Township purchased the new one.) The bid was accepted in a 5:0 vote.

    EXECUTIVE SESSION - An executive session was held to discuss the non-uniformed employee contract negotiations. No action was taken after the session.

    Our objective is to relate what is experienced at Forks Township meetings for those who cannot attend. We are attempting to be as factual as we can. If we make a mistake, tell us via email or COMMENT here in the blog, and we will do our best to correct it. We are not perfect. We want to get it right.

    Friday, April 06, 2007

    Candidates' Forum - Update!

    Incumbent Supervisor John Ackerman has had a change of heart and has now agreed to participate in the April 22nd non-partisan League of Women Voters Candidates Forum - at the Faith Lutheran Church (7:30-9:00 PM.)

    All six of the Supervisor candidates will be there. This is an extraordinary opportunity for Forks voters. Plan to be there! Don't miss it!

    Sunday, April 01, 2007

    Candidates' Forum

    The Lehigh Valley League of Women Voters is hosting a public candidates' forum on April 22nd! Five of Forks' six Supervisor candidates have agreed to participate. (Supervisor Ackerman has declined the invitation.)

    Forks voters are the fortunate ones. We will have an opportunity to listen, submit questions, and become informed voters!

    It will be held on Sunday, April 22 from 7:30-9:00 PM at the Faith Lutheran Church on Sullivan Trail. SAVE THE DATE!