BoS Meeting Notes - 4/16/2009

Regular Meeting (agenda)

Public Comments (non-agenda)  -

Fernando Cabrera of Cara Court, who appeared at the 4/2/09 BoS meeting to request that the Township create an ordinance regarding abandoned vehicles (and vehicles in disrepair) on private property, said that he brought some examples of PA regulations (for the Board) that he thought might be used verbatim.  He said that he looked ordinances in Northampton and Bucks Counties, among others.  Mr. Cabrera also asked the Board about his request at the last meeting for east/west stop signs on Meco Road at the Thomas/Jamie intersection.  Howell said that it, as well as two other stop sign requests, will be discussed at the next Public Safety Committee meeting (April 21st at 8 AM).

Supervisor Comments

• Supervisor Howell - said that the Township has been contacted by Megan McBride of the Easton Main Street Initiative and Manager of the Easton Farmers' Market to ask if Forks is interested in participating in the Farmers' Market Trolley.  It will be circulating transportation for Forks residents who are interested in going to the Easton Farmers' Market during the season (all summer and into the fall) and is being underwritten by a grant.  Easton Coach Company is providing the trolley.  Ms. McBride has asked to use the Municipal parking lot as a staging area and has already introduced the program to most of the homeowners' associations.  Howell said that there has been overwhelming interest at the over 55 communities.  It will mean free transportation downtown and will run every half hour or so.  Township Manager Schnaedter said that he spoke with Ms. McBride late this afternoon and she intends to begin the trolley program on June 6th - in time for the Strawberry Festival.  Supervisor Nicholas asked that an announcement be put on the Township website when the details are ready.

(Note-update:  An Express Times April 28, 2009 article reports that the trolley rides will cost $1 round trip.)

Treasurer's Report - Egolf detailed the debits (cash paid out) since the last Supervisors' meeting.  The debits and transfers were approved with a 5:0 vote.  The Township's current outstanding debt is $8,346,476. 

Standing Committee Reports (meetings are open to the public - see the official Township calendar for dates and times)

• Public Safety - Supervisor Howell - said that the committee's next meeting will be on the third Tuesday (April 21st) at 8 AM.  He said that he has spoken with Barry Albertson of Suburban EMS regarding the recent Express Times article about the Faith Lutheran Church purchase of the former Forks EMS building.  All of the Forks EMS outstanding balances to the Township have been paid.  Negotiations are pending regarding Suburban's rental of the building (from the church).  Howell said that the location has always been an EMS location and is centrally located to serve the Township.  The lease will be for one year and will be automatically renewable.  Faith Lutheran has future plans for the building and does not want to be tied down in excess of a year nor does Suburban as it wants to find a permanent location of its own in the Township.  Mr. Albertson will attend the Public Safety meeting.
  • Police Chief Dorney announced that the department received (today) six new audio/video units for the police cars.  Two have already been installed.  Their value totals $48,000 and they were provided from a Federal grant - and the "hard work of Congressman Dent's office."  Both Nicholas and Howell congratulated Chief Dorney.
• Public Works - Supervisor Chuss - reported that the committee met on Tuesday and "covered a lot of ground."  There are four 5-year plans in development - parks/recreation, facilities, sewer, and road maintenance.  The committee also discussed:
  • The "Dewalt upgrade" (the five acre tract behind the Community Center).  It was discussed (by the committee) because of a comment to the previously distributed versions of the plans. 
  • The five year plan presentations will be done by DPW Director Mark Roberts at a 6:30 workshop before the May 21st BoS meeting.  It will take 45 minutes.  The plans should be in the hands of the Supervisors by their next meeting.  
  • The proposed public works building was discussed as well.  Roberts said that currently the Township is using five different locations across the Township for vehicle storage.  The current garage on Frost Hollow has environmental, storage, and safety issues.  Roberts said that at his old job (in New Britain Township), there is now a new garage with 16 bays.  "It is a very good working facility."  Roberts was able to obtain copies of those plans.  Chuss added that the committee will further discuss financing for the public works garage at its May meeting (May 12 at 7:30 AM).  Schnaedter said that the committee has looked at two other public works facilities and has taken the "positives" from them, made modifications and now has something they feel is feasible and "certainly financially reasonable."
  • Permissions are needed for the Lieb Road connection.  Nicholas said that she thought there were major drainage issues there.  Roberts noted that that is what they are addressing and that an easement will be needed to Bushkill Drive.
  • The Sullivan/Newlins culvert "doesn't look like it will happen this year."  A design as well as easements from Lafayette College are needed.
  • The curbing on Meadow Lane (ref. BoS Meeting note - 3/19/09) will be expensive to replace, is the responsibility of the landowner, and at this time is still being investigated.

Jim Wideman (resident and write-in candidate for Supervisor) asked if the five year plans will be on the Township website for the public to see.  Chuss said he didn't know but that the plans are available for public review.  Howell said that the Community Relations Committee is responsible for the website and they will discuss it.  The website upgrade has just started.

• Parks & Recreation - Supervisor Egolf - said that at the Monday meeting, every outdoor sport commissioner appeared "to talk about our need for fields."  He said that the Township is experiencing "gratification with our kids" and that the Township has a fantastic athletic program for both indoor and outdoor sports.  Egolf extended thanks to all the teams, coaches, commissioners, and Don Miller for keeping the sports programs going.  He said, too, that "Mark Roberts and his crew" do a great job cooperating with all the commissioners and keeping the fields in shape. 
  • Nicholas spoke to the Community Park amphitheater project.  She said that the committee looked at a prefab amphitheater in Catasauqua and also one done by the Municipal Complex architect in 2007.  She said that one of the concerns was that a wooden structure would not match the other buildings in the complex.  She called CMX, and asked architect Jerry DeFelice to do a simplified plan - as opposed to the elaborate sketches they originally produced. 
  • Nicholas asked the Board to agree to her meeting with the architect at 4 PM on Wednesday.  She then asked Kline if they had to go out for bids to have plans drawn.   Kline said that bids are not necessary for professional services.  Nicholas said that because it is not an advertised public meeting, only one other Supervisor can be present. 
  • She is planning to work with the architect to develop a simplified plan for a structure with good sound quality that will use brick and be less expensive.  She did speak with Catasauqua officials about what is good and bad about their bandshell.  Miller and Schnaedter will be attend the meeting.  Howell offered that he is available should Miller not be able to attend.
• Community Relations - Supervisor Miller - reported that the committee's topic was the quarterly newsletter.  The first draft has been given to the Supervisors and Miller asked that they get back to Schnaedter with their comments.  Howell said that he finds the full page ad by Easton Hospital to be significant.  He is glad they are back (with an ad).
• Finance and Administration - Supervisor Nicholas - said that the committee met on April 8th and the budget for March is on track.  She said that Finance Manager Farley put a three year revenue plan together and it will be discussed at the committee's May (13th at 5 PM) meeting.  She asked that Supervisors email comments to her (and/or attend the May meeting).  Nicholas said that it will help with the upcoming 2010 budget.  Other topics covered include:
  • The archiving of documents - It is still in progress.  Farley has finished going through the boxes stored in the Community Center and is now tackling the boxes stored in the Municipal Building.  Farley will contact the EASD (Easton Area School District) to get their plans for the tax boxes it has stored there as there is no space for them.
  • Going paperless - The committee will discuss Chuss' issues (about access from other than Township owned computers) with the IT consultant.  They talked about emailing his packet to him if he is out of town.  Chuss offered that if they need help with this, this is what he does for a living and if he doesn't know the answer, there are dozens of people he can call on his cell phone, who will know.
  • The committee discussed a cost saving program but it must be discussed further because of Federal regulations regarding the use of taxpayer money for employee incentive programs.
  • The Waste Management trash collection contract will require an increase to residents' rates.  Nicholas asked to schedule a public workshop/meeting on July 16th to explain the rate increase.  She said that the committee would like to include a notice (of the meeting) with the June utility billing.  Nicholas said that the constant rate over the current five year contract was calculated from an average of the five year rates and that the increase in population was not considered (in the figures).  The committee will bring it to the BoS in May when the figures are known.   The workshop/meeting date will be confirmed at a May BoS meeting after the figures have been presented to the Supervisors and will be posted on the Township website.
  • The Stockertown fire protection contract for the Forks Fire Department was discussed.  It is due to expire in April 2010 and the committee does not want to "blind side" Stockertown. If the rate is going to increase, she would like to let Stockertown know so that it can include the new amount in its budget.  The committee will discuss the call volume at its May 13th meeting.  It will be an agenda item.  They will use Fire Chief Bryan Weis' detailed fire call report - making the new rate determination based on facts and not just on a guess.  Nicholas said that it will take a while to figure this out and added that she doesn't think that Forks residents should be paying for Stockertown's fire calls.  She thinks Stockertown should pay for its own fire calls.  Nicholas also said that she would like to invite the Public Safety Committee and the Borough of Stockertown to a meeting as well. 

Sandy Hanks (resident and candidate for Elected Auditor) asked about the increased number of residents and the refuse billing.  She wondered why their payments do not cover the difference.  Farley said that the new contract is not yet in place but that Waste Management has offered to keep the current rate for one additional year.  The current contract was for five years with different rates (per resident) for each year.  The rate charged to residents was an average of the five years.  The renewal will be at the fifth year rate - higher than the average that residents are paying now.  In the first two years of the current contract, the Township collected more than it had to pay, in the third year it was the same, and in the last two years it was short - but in the end, ideally (given no increase in residents) it would all work out.  The new residents are paying the year three rate - less than what is being paid by the Township to Waste Management on their behalf.

Township Manager's Report - Schnaedter - verified that he has received only one application for the Planning Commission (PC) opening.  The interview has been set for 7 PM on May 7th (in a workshop) prior to the 7:30 PM BoS meeting.  The (PC) appointment will be an agenda item at the meeting.

Engineer's Report - Hay - not present

Solicitor's Report - Kline - reported that last September the BoS granted conditional approval for Crayola's 15 acre solar panel land development.  Crayola was in a great rush to get the project done by the end of the year (2008 - to take advantage of Federal energy tax credits.)  Since then the credits were extended and Fotowatio (USA) has "fallen off the face of the earth... apparently they lost their power..."  Someone contacted Klein on behalf of Crayola and they will be working with a new company to "resurrect their plan."

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Ordinance 312 – Vacation of portion of Glover Road (Karl Kline, Solicitor) - Kline explained that as a result of the plan for Fort James 3, Glover Road was realigned to intersect with the new Braden Boulevard and a portion of Glover Road - a Township road - is no longer needed.  Ordinance 312 vacates that no- longer-needed portion and gives the land to the adjacent property owners (to the middle of the former road bed) - John and Donald Ackerman get half and JG Petrucci gets half.  The ordinance passed in a 5:0 vote.

NEW BUSINESS

Police CALEA Accreditation (Greg Dorney, Police Chief) -  Chief Dorney explained that CALEA stands for Coalition of Accredited Law Enforcement Agencies and is a national organization.  An overview of the program was in the Supervisors packets for the April 2nd meeting - along with a letter from January 25th to the Township Manager with a detailed overview of the program, a March 23rd memo from Dorney to the officers titled "Why Accreditation Is Important To Me," and a call service report (grouped by codes) for the years 1999-2008.  Police CALEA accreditation was a topic at the January goal setting meeting.

Henning Holmgaard (former Supervisor, Forks' liaison to the EAJSA, and current candidate for Supervisor) offered a definition of what accreditation is:  A police department goes through a series of tests given by their peers to see that their performance standards are up to the standards of the level being applied for. (Forks PD achieved State accreditation in 2005 and was re-accredited in early December 2008.) Holmgaard said that Dorney is now part of the State accreditation team.  Dorney offered that Detective/Accreditation Manager James F. Rowden is a member as well.

Dorney said that there are currently only six CALEA accredited law enforcement agencies in PA - out of 1200 plus departments.

Dorney said that accreditation is the implementation of professional standards based on best practices.  The standards for CALEA are developed by nationally, and in some cases, internationally recognized police practitioners.   There are 438 standards and under each there are sub-sections with a lot more standards.

Police development will be how the standards are implemented within the department.  The department must then meet the adopted standards and maintain them on a day-to-day basis.  It takes three years (and random audits) and at the end, a team of outside professionals comes in for a week and goes through "doors and drawers" and decides if the standards are being met.

Dorney said that it is essentially a risk management program that looks at crucial high risk activities that have the potential, if not done properly, to end up in costly litigation for the municipality.  He offered that he believes in it greatly.

The initial cost for the program is $1,570 (based on the number of authorized individuals in the department - currently 24).  Dorney said that he would like to use the existing training fund.  In year two the cost will be $207 for approximately $1,800 total.  Dorney is looking at a five year timeline and expects to be fully CALEA accredited in July of 2014.

Dorney reviewed the service report that was in the Supervisors's packets.  In 1999, the department responded to 3,428 calls.  Last year there were 7,656 calls for service - no homicides.  In 2007 the department handled its first homicide in a long time.  "It was handled from start to finish by our agency and resulted in one of the fastest convictions in Northampton County history on a murder charge."  Dorney added that they see just about everything (in calls) and that it is important that the department set high standards for itself.

Howell thanked Chief Dorney for his well done presentation and asked for a motion.  It was offered by Chuss and seconded by Nicholas. 

In discussion, Egolf asked how the department officers view the program - because "without a buy-in, things fail."  Dorney said that they all back it.  Egolf offered that it is very good that this is not "from the top down type of initiative" and congratulated Dorney.

Lilly Gioia (resident and write-in candidate for Supervisor) asked if the CALEA program standards cover domestic situations, particularly child abuse.  She said that when the the economy in a downturn, domestic abuse cases rise.  Dorney said that it is covered currently by State law and is in the State accreditation program.  He added that she is right, domestic issues have risen.

The vote was 5:0 to approve Forks Township Police Department's move toward national accreditation.

Request for acceptance of the Community Center roof repair (Mark Roberts, DPW Director) - Roberts explained that the Community Center roof leak repair bids were opened on April 13th.  Three bids were received however, Alfero & Company's low bid of $15,288 did not have the required "statement of bid qualifications" attached.  Robinson Roofing Services was the next low bid at $15,853 and the third bid was from Alan Kunsman Roofing at $24,750.  In a 5:0 vote, the Supervisors accepted the Robinson Roofing bid.

Request for acceptance of the Remediation of the Police Dept. ductwork (Mark Roberts, DPW Director) - Tabled because of questions that need to be researched.

Purchase of World Trail Fitness Package (Rick Schnaedter, Township Manager) - Schnaedter said that last year, the outdoor fitness trail in the Community Park was removed because it was in disrepair.  The Recreation Board's recommended replacement equipment did not meet the PA COSTARS program.  However, comparable equipment was found from Playworld Systems, a State approved COSTARS vendor (no bids needed).  It is currently "on sale" and a little less expensive than the original choice.  The Recreation Board is amenable to the substitution.  The not-to-exceed amount of $8,099 will come from the Parks & Recreation fees (a fund from money paid by developers for that purpose).  Howell said that $9,000 was set aside last year.  The purchase of the "Trail World package 1" was approved in a 5:0 vote.

Review of Public Works (5) year Plan (Erik Chuss, Supervisor) - Chuss said that the BoS has the Recreation and the Facilities Plans.  The remaining two plans will be in the next meeting packets.  They will be reviewed at the Public Works Committee meeting in May and will be presented to the Board by Mark Roberts at a May 21st public workshop at 6:30 PM before the regular BoS meeting.

Nicholas asked that the names of employees in the Facilities Plan be removed and replaced with their position titles.  All the plans will be changed to show titles instead of names.

Executive Session - The session was requested by Nicholas.  The purpose was to discuss a real estate matter.  No action was taken and the meeting was adjourned.

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BoS Meeting Notes - 12/4/2008 - updated

Regular Meeting (agenda)

Note:  These notes were updated on 12/13/08.  The updates are labeled Update and are in this same color blue.

On this night, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to donate the balance of the 2007 EMS set-aside money to Suburban EMS.  In exchange, all Forks residents who paid 2009 subscription money to Forks EMS (and not to Suburban EMS), will be covered by Suburban.  The Board acknowledged that Suburban has worked hard for Forks residents over the last 2-1/2 years and has not always been paid.  (see Suburban EMS Forks squad)

The BoS also voted 4:1 to donate a portion of the money earmarked for an employee Christmas party to Safe Harbor of Easton.  This is to be a one time donation $2,000 on behalf of the Board of Supervisors and the employees of Forks Township.  The 2008 employee Christmas party has been cancelled.

Please read Sarah Wojcik's two Express Times articles - one on the EMS donation  and one on the Safe Harbor donation - and Christopher Baxter's Morning Call piece for more on both donation decisions.  

Public Comments (non-agenda) - None

Supervisor Remarks:

• Supervisor Nicholas suggested that the Board "go green" and use the new smart-board to show the agenda instead of printing so many copies.  Zoning Officer Weis said that if the Board is to be used for a presentation, the agenda will have to come down.
• Supervisor Howell said that he sent an email to Township Manager Schnaedter about the upcoming vacancies on the appointed boards.  There is one on the Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB), one on the Planning Commission (PC), and one on the Recreation Board (Rec Board).  All are four year terms. 

December 29th was set as the deadline for applicants to submit their intentions and qualifications.  A legal notice will be published and interviews will be conducted - possibly at the first (or second) BoS meeting in January.  All boards have quorums and can hold their first meetings in January.

Howell noted that Lou Moyer (ZHB) has already asked (via email to the BoS) to be reconsidered.  Applications may be sent via email or via the US postal service. 

The vacancy on the Vacancy Board was also discussed.  It is a one year term.  Currently the position is held by former Supervisor Henning Holmgaard.  Howell asked Kline if that position must also be advertised and Kline said that since the Vacancy Board doesn't do anything unless "the Board fails to act in a particular situation" he does not see the need to advertise it - if that person is willing to do it.   Schnaedter will call Mr. Holmgaard to ask his intentions.

• Supervisor Chuss asked if there is to be a Conditional Use Hearing before the next BoS meeting.  Weis confirmed and said it is scheduled for 6:30 PM. 

Treasurer's Report - Egolf detailed the debits (cash paid out) since the last Supervisors' meeting.  The debits and transfers were approved with a 5:0 vote.  The Township's current outstanding debt is $7,400,223.

Standing Committee Reports (meetings are open to the public - see the official Township calendar for dates and times)

• Public Safety - Supervisor Chuss - said that the committee met last Tuesday in its final meeting of 2008.  He reported the following:
  • The Police Department (PD) is receiving its re-accreditation award this week in Carlisle. 
  • The PD is going to investigate what will be needed for national accreditation and if the requirements seem doable, may try for it next year.  
  • The modular furniture/evidence locker is to be installed on December 10th. 
  • The emergency services tower should be completed by the end of the month and available for training early next year.  The Fire Department is developing standard operating procedures, guidelines, and a suggested fee schedule (by other municipalities or organizations) before use.
  • In Fire Company voting, Bryan Weis was re-elected as Chief and Charles Chapman was elected Deputy Chief.

Chuss also congratulated the police for the apprehension of the Washington Township burglary suspects on Route 611.  He said they did a very nice job.

• Public Works - Supervisor Miller - said that there was no meeting since the last BoS meeting.  No report.
• Parks & Recreation - Supervisor Howell - said that there was no meeting since the last BoS meeting.  No report. 
• Community Relations - Supervisor Nicholas - said that she will be out of town and the upcoming Monday meeting is cancelled.  No report. 
• Finance and Administration - Supervisor Egolf - reported that the 2009 proposed budget is online (click the Finance tab).  Finance Manager Farley noted that the budget is scheduled for approval at the December 18 BoS meeting.  The Township Manager's current year goals will be reviewed at the next committee meeting (December 10th at 5 PM).  There will be no committee meeting on December 24th. 

Township Manager's Report - Schnaedter reminded all present that the Kiwanis annual tree lighting at the Municipal Building will be on December 7th at 7 PM.  Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable goods to be given to local food banks. 

Engineer's Report - Hay - updated the Board on PennDOT and the Meco/Sullivan traffic light.  He said that he met with PennDOT and that PennDOT will allow a right-in/right-out driveway at Leiser's Rental Barn - further from the intersection than the current driveway - as well as a new full size driveway on Meco Road.  Hay said that Mr. Leiser has had this information for three weeks and that he (Hay) does not think that he (Leiser) will sign - which will kill the project. 

Chuss asked if Mr. Leiser has provided any insight into his concerns.  Hay replied that he (Leiser) is upset with the Township for what happened three to five years ago when he applied for land development. 

Howell said that PennDOT is approving ingress and egress far beyond what he originally asked for...  Hay offered that this driveway arrangement will increase the value of the Leiser property.  He said that if he (Leiser) were just beginning to develop the property, PennDOT would make him put in the signal.  In this arrangement, he gets the signal for free.

PennDOT will not issue the permit for the light with the driveway in its existing location.

Nicholas said that the Township traffic study rated that intersection a "F" (one of the worst) and because Mr. Leiser does not want a new driveway, the Township is unable to improve a very bad intersection.

Howell said that the intersection is clogged at rush hour with cars trying to get onto Sullivan Trail.  The improvements included turn lanes, sight lines... and the Township has probably already spent - in traffic studies and other things - in excess of $70,000 (on this project.)  The landowner is "withholding approval without explanation" and would rather keep his "grandfathered" driveway.  

Kline said that this is so unfortunate because this traffic light is to be on a state highway.  PennDOT has said that  it doesn't have the money to do the improvements.  The Township recognizes this and is willing to spend the money to design the improvements and to pay the costs of putting in the light.  PennDOT says that unless this one individual cooperates, "it's dead."  PennDOT is willing to give Mr. Leiser a larger driveway and an additional one on Meco.  Kline said, "It is so unfortunate that this one individual like this is really standing in the way of substantial improvement of the safety for this community."  Howell noted that the Township has no means to force it upon him.

Resident Thomas Humcheck (sic) asked who would be paying for the driveways, him or the Township?  Hay answered, "The Township."

Egolf asked if there is a time limit on the project.  Hay said that there is none on the application and that the Township has met all the requirements except "this."  Egolf asked, "So next year, he could say yes and it would be a go?"  Hay noted that the only danger is that PennDOT could change the requirements and make them more stringent.

Kline offered that PennDOT could say that it is not going to let one person "hold this whole project hostage" and proceed with the improvements.

Hay noted that in 1986 Mr. Leiser got a permit from PennDOT for the current driveway.  Kline noted that it is ironic that PennDOT thought it safe enough in 1986 but is now willing to hold up the project over it.  He offered that PennDOT does not have to impose that requirement.

Hay said that the driveway is an alternative to Mr. Leiser signing the indemnification agreement which was originally requested.  PennDOT does not want to be sued.  Kline said that PennDOT was perfectly willing to allow the light if Mr. Leiser would sign a paper holding PennDOT harmless.

Update:  On December 10th Christopher Baxter (Morning Call) followed up with a more indepth article on this issue and its history. 

Solicitor's Report - Kline - said that in view of the fact that the real estate market is terrible and because banks are tightening credit standards, it is more important than ever that the Township keep a close watch on letters of credit.  Letters of credit provide the security that developers will provide municipal improvements as part of their projects.   If the improvements are not done and the developer "walks or goes belly up," the letters of credit provide the money to complete the improvements. 

Kline warned that banks' tightened credit standards may mean that some letters of credit will not be renewed.  He asked that the BoS authorize him to notify all the developers that unless their letter of credit is renewed no less than two weeks before expiration, the Township "is going to draw on the letter of credit."  

Kline said that Strausser's Riverview letter of credit is the next to expire - on January 7th.  Kline said that he contacted the issuing bank and that the bank is in the process of renewing all Strausser's letters of credit.  Also, the language is being changed so that the letters will automatically renew unless informed that the developer does not want them renewed.

Chuss made the motion that the Township notify developers that unless their letters of credit are renewed at least two weeks prior to expiration, the Township will draw on the letters to complete improvements.  Nicholas seconded.

In discussion, Howell asked about Strausser's letters of credit.  Kline said that he has one in January and two in March.  He said that he bank assured him that everything would be in place by the end of the year. 

Howell asked if there is an adequate tickler system in place and was told "yes."

The motion passed 5:0.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Suburban EMS Agreement (Erik Chuss, Supervisor) -  Kline explained that he met with Barry Albertson and Jeff Young from Suburban EMS (SEMS) and circulated a draft of the proposed agreement to the BoS and to the attorney for SEMS. 

The agreement includes some of the background of this EMS situation.  Kline recounted that on July 11, 2006, when Forks EMS (FEMS) abruptly ceased operation, SEMS agreed to pick up both ALS (advanced life support) and BLS (basic life support) coverage for Forks.

On August 28, 2006, after FEMS restructured, the Township gave it the opportunity to provide BLS service to Forks.  Suburban continued to provide ALS.

FEMS restarted and "things didn't go very well."  On July 17, 2008, the BoS adopted a change and made FEMS the only squad to go on BLS calls and SEMS the only one to go on ALS calls.  This change allowed SEMS to bill separately for its services. 

On October 16, 2008 the BoS appointed SEMS as the sole ALS and BLS provider.  Meanwhile an unknown number of residents sent subscription money to FEMS and not to SEMS, so they were then without coverage. 

Kline said that the BoS desires to recognize the services that SEMS has provided in difficult circumstances over the past 2-1/2 years and also to protect Forks residents who paid (FEMS) in good faith.  He said that the BoS "wishes to provide efficient and fiscally sound" EMS services to all Forks residents.

The terms stipulate that SEMS will honor all subscriptions from residents made to FEMS from the beginning of the current 2008-2009 subscription drive to the date of the agreement. 

The Township agrees to make a one time contribution of $17,322 to SEMS.  There will be no money set aside for EMS in 2009.  This money is in addition to the $2,678 approved by the BoS at its November 6th meeting.  There are no oral agreements and any changes must be agreed to by both the Township and SEMS.

Chuss made the motion to approve the contribution.  Egolf seconded. 

Howell asked how residents will know that they are covered - assuming the Township sends all the information it has on hand to SEMS on residents who paid FEMS?  Albertson said that SEMS gives a small card and can also provide a whole packet of information (to the people who have given Schnaedter their cancelled checks) to acknowledge that they are now covered by SEMS.

The vote to approve the donation was 5:0.

NEW BUSINESS

Contribution to Safe Harbor (Robert Egolf, Supervisor) - Egolf said that Tyson Sprandell of Safe Harbor spoke at the November 6th BoS meeting.  The Board learned that 11 Forks residents sought help from Safe Harbor last year.  Egolf said that at the Finance & Administration committee meeting the holiday party for employees and spouses was discussed and the thought was that it would be appropriate, because of "dire straights," to not have the party.  Instead some of the money could be used to make a one time contribution to Safe Harbor.  Egolf said that this is not to set a precedent.  He noted, too, that area food banks are empty.

Egolf said that he thought that it was very important and he read the second paragraph from a "very friendly" letter sent to employees by Schnaedter regarding the holiday party. In it Schnaedter acknowledges that the Township truly appreciates their "diligence, performance and dedication."  He said these qualities help to make the Township what it is. 

Egolf made a motion for a 2008 contribution at the amount that the Finance & Administration committee recommended, $2,000.  Howell seconded.

In discussion, Chuss, the first to speak, said that the initial intent of the cancelled holiday party was to relieve the tax burden on residents and "to take money from the Township and give it to a charitable organization - although Safe Harbor is a fine charitable organization - is an injustice to the employees and more so an injustice to the residents of the Township."  He added, "If we do this for Safe Harbor who's to say that the Salvation Army or the American Heart Association, Cancer Society, or whatever won't come next month?"  He said that he is opposed to the motion.

Egolf said that he understood what Chuss had to say but wanted to remind everyone that only ten minutes ago, the Board voted to give $17,000 to Suburban EMS without them even submitting a bill.  It was given in a "goodwill effort."  Egolf said, "$17,000 contrasted to $2,000 is hardly a significant amount."  He offered that this money has nothing to do with the 2009 budget and is money that is in the Township coffers right now.  Egolf said too, that if the Township is inundated with funding requests, it will deal with them then.  He pointed out that some of Forks citizens have used Safe Harbor. 

Nicholas asked that since the money is not in the budget, where will it come from?   Farley said that it usually comes from the BoS "discretionary fund."  Howell asked if that's what would have paid for the party and Farley said, "Yes." 

Howell said that he was embarrassed two years ago when the BoS stopped supporting non-profits that have served our community.  He noted that the Township used to support Forks EMS ($5,000 then $10, 000 and on), Safe Harbor ($5,000), the SPCA... "Now the Township has a contract with SPCA... and to say that we will ignore Safe Harbor but we will take care of the SPCA contractually, the other non-for-profit, and not Safe Harbor..."  Howell said that he's been coming to BoS meetings for five years and never seen any "national" non-profits there.  He noted that this is a local non-profit that provides a benefit to the Township.  He said that if the Supervisor don't give money to them tonight that that each write a check for $100 and give it to Safe Harbor or if going by in the summer time bring coffee and donuts and sit down and talk with the "folks" there.

Resident Larry Kitson also said that he understood what Chuss said about residents objecting to the donation but that there are residents of Forks who have lost their jobs and may need Safe Harbor.  He thought the donation a good idea.

Chuss replied that he knows people in dire straights right now.  He said that the tax increase is going to have a serious impact on them.  He also said that there are many other local charities.  He said that he talked to several people who are very angry and upset that the BoS is considering this (donation.)

Resident Thomas Humcheck (sic) asked if the contribution would be less than the cost of the party?  Egolf said that last year the party cost $2,500.  Mr. Humcheck (sic) said that if they are giving up something that the Township is willing to give up and shifting it to help people who need it, and spending even less is okay. 
 
Howell said that he spoke with some employees and they very pleased to to give this gift on behalf of the Supervisors and the employees of the Township.  He said it's a "token" and probably just a small amount of Safe Harbor's budget.  Howell added that municipalities are ignoring some moral obligations.  He added that it's "not going to break bank" and that limits have been placed on expenses. 

Chuss argued that if the money is not spent this year, it would be carried over to next year.  He said that anything that reduces expenses for next year, should be taken.

Nicholas commented that she was on the fence on this issue because in her five years on the BoS, the policy was not to give to charities because everyone would be "knocking on our doors."  She said that Mr. Kitson made a very good point, that there are a lot of people in Forks who may be losing their jobs and need to use Safe Harbor.  She said that she has been there with her son and the Scouts - they have help prepare food and serve it.  Nicholas added that she knows that it is a very good cause.  

Miller commented that the motion is just for this year and next year may be different.

The $2,000 one time donation to Safe Harbor was approved in a 4:1 vote.  Chuss cast the "nay" vote.

Update:  On December 13, the Express Times published an editorial on Lehigh Valley municipal contributions to area homeless shelters.  Turkeys were awarded to both Bethlehem Township and to Supervisor Chuss.

Executive Session - There was no executive 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.

BoS Meeting 2/7/2008

Workshop

Board Vacancy Interview and Discussion of Commission Vacancies - Scot Abert was interviewed for the opening on the Recreation Board.  He has been a Forks resident since 1999 and is active in the Athletic Association.  He grew up in Williams Township where his father served on the Williams Recreation Board for thirty years.  Mr. Abert said that he likes to think he can make a difference and that more can be offered in the way of recreation programs for older residents.

Planning Commission (PC) Chairman Dean Turner reviewed the process used by the PC to arrive at the two applicants the PC recommended to the Board, from PC participation in the formal interviews, to a PC workshop and executive session, to the final selection(s).  (Note: The two recommendations were announced at the PC workshop, Nicole Viscomi Alexander and David Billings.)  An email was sent to the Supervisors with the names and reasons for their selections. 

Supervisor Chuss noted that the criteria used by the PC included "participation and leadership" in the Comprehensive Plan subcommittees and that the large younger population in Forks should be represented.

Read more in Madeleine Mathias' Morning Call report.  The Express Times was not represented.

Regular Meeting (agenda)

Supervisors' Comments

Supervisor Nicholas announced that Boy Scout Troop 29 is looking for Eagle Scout projects and asked that anyone with ideas for the troop call her at 484-239-0866.  Chairman Howell asked what kinds of projects are being sought and Nicholas said that in the past the Eagle Scouts have done landscaping, bat houses, pathways and basically "projects where they build things."

Nicholas said too, that the next Community Days committee meeting is set for March 17th at 7:00 PM in the Community Center.

Supervisor Egolf said that he and Township Manager Rick Schnaedter attended the Better Models for Development in Pennsylvania (full day) workshop.  Edward McMahon was the speaker.  Egolf said of McMahon that he is very active in the state and nationally in getting communities to look at different ways of approaching development.  Egolf said too, that the Township has several copies of McMahon's book and that if any PC member or (the general public) would like to read it, a way can be worked out to loan it.  Nicholas said that she also has a copy that she will loan if needed. 

Treasurer's Report - Robert Egolf detailed the debits (cash paid out) since the last Supervisors meeting. The debits and transfers were approved with a 5:0 vote.  Current outstanding debt is $7,929,292.

Standing Committee Reports (meetings are open to the public - see the Township calendar for dates and times)

• Public Safety - Supervisor Chuss - reported that the February 5th meeting was very productive.  Topics discussed included: 
  • The status of the police department new hires (for several vacancies).
  • Police department modular furniture purchase and installation planning.
  • A communication issue with Northampton County that will be resolved shortly.
  • The fire department site plan sketch of the new tower/training facility.
  • Security cameras - a committee will be headed by Schnaedter to look into this issue across the municipal complex.
  • Heating and ventilation issues in both the fire and police departments.  The FD issue is resolved.  Correction of the PD issue is in progress.
  • Emergency operations procedures.
• Public Works - Supervisor Miller - announced that the first committee meeting is scheduled for next week.
• Parks & Recreation - Supervisor Howell - reported that the committee held its first meeting the last Thursday of January.  Egolf was introduced to the committee.  Discussed were a review of the finances of the Community Center for the five-year plan (being prepared by the Recreation Board), the priorities of capital improvements throughout the park system, and the very serious gym #1 (the largest of the gyms) air conditioning issue.  Schnaedter is working on specifications for an upgrade to the AC system. 
  • Resident Gretchen Gerstel asked Howell if he planned "on doing something about adult recreation... when and what?"   Howell said that adult recreation is a community priority and that the committee is waiting to hear from the Recreation Board.  He suggested that she can attend the Recreation Board meetings on Sunday nights or the Parks and Recreation standing committee meetings to give her ideas. 
  • Undeterred, Ms. Gerstel produced sample program publications from Forks, Palmer, and Bethlehem townships for comparison.  She said that Forks single sided sheet of paper is a disgrace and that she worked on the Comprehensive Plan and "nothing is ever done."  Ms. Gerstel said that she has been screaming for four or five years about getting a dog park.  She said that it's time for Forks to do something.
  • At this point Miller said that the Community Center has a lot of adult programs and that the building was built for a lot of different programs.  He said that both yoga and a senior exercise program by Easton Hospital were tried but there was no interest.  Miller said that the Senior Citizens met there today and had a guest speaker, an artist from Forks and it was well attended.  Gerstel said that it wasn't advertised and Miller said that the group does its own advertising. 
  • Howell noted that perhaps she should address her advertising issue as an agenda item at the Community Relations standing committee meeting. 
  • Resident Sandy Hanks said that she attended a Finance and Administration standing committee meeting and was not given a chance to talk. 
• Community Relations - Supervisor Nicholas - reported that the Township website updates are in progress and among the improvements, is the new calendar.  She said it looks great, "like a regular calendar."  (See it here.)  Schnaedter said that the new edition of the Forks Quarterly and the new Township map (the last one was done in 2002) are at the printers and should be in residents' mailboxes within 30 days.  Nicholas asked that anyone with ideas for the website contact her. 
• Finance and Administration - Supervisor Egolf - said that the committee met on January 23rd and reviewed the goals and objectives for each department.  They also had updates on the the email system and the meeting room projector system.  A major committee concern (and now goal) is the way legal and other important documents are stored. 
  • Egolf addressed Sandy Hanks' (above) issue about not being allowed to speak during the meeting she attended.  He said that he was there early and that at the end of the meeting he asked if anyone had anything to say.  No one did.  Egolf explained too, that the standing committees are administrative committees and although their meetings are open to the public, they are not public meetings. 
  • Howell explained that they are working committees and the public may attend as witnesses, not as employees of the Township.  He said that at the end of the meetings there may be an opportunity to speak with the chairman and that the other committee members (township employees) may leave as they have other things to do.  Howell noted that the public cannot expect to attend "public administrative meetings" in Easton or Northampton County and be a participant.  He added that this is open government and that there is plenty of time to comment - at the end of the meeting to the chairman - not during the one hour work meeting.
  • Ms. Hanks said that when she attends Board of Supervisors meetings she knows that if she has a comment to make and it's not on an agenda item, she must sign up before the meeting.  She wondered, however, when she could comment on things under discussion that are agenda items.  Howell said that she may make her comment at the appropriate time but it is to be a comment and not a discourse or accusatorial.  Howell said that if she attended the Easton City Council meetings she would see that Forks is much more transparent and allows for much more interactive comment.  Howell added that the Board, however, "cannot allow comment to get to a point where it takes over the whole meeting. We just won't get anything done." 

Township Manager's Report - Schnaedter - said that he received a letter from Senator Rob Wonderling announcing that Forks was awarded $58,870 for its recycling program.  He commended both Finance Manager Farley and Sharon Fisher for their efforts re. obtaining the grant.

Schnaedter also reported that a public works employee submitted his letter of resignation and that the position will be advertised. 

The Historical Society has requested that their restored merchant's wagon be displayed in the Municipal Building lobby.  After much discussion about the pros/cons - the size, insurance, how to keep people/kids off of the wagon, where it should be located, egress, the time period for display - it was decided in a 5:0 vote to have Schnaedter prepare a letter of agreement to the Historical Society (and submit it to Kline for review.)  The letter will state the Historical Society's responsibilities. 

Supervisor Egolf was elected in a 5:0 vote as the alternate representative to the TRCOG (Two Rivers Council of Governments).

Schnaedter reported too, that Congressman Dent sent a notice that 2009 grant applications for up to 55% funding of a project are due February 29th.  Schnaedter recommended that the Township submit an application for funding of the amphitheater (bandshell) project.  Nicholas asked if there is a time limit to use the grant money since the Township also needs a public works garage.  Schnaedter said that the grants are for things in wide use by the public and that it's a "stretch to think we'll get it."  He will prepare the grant and ask for $150,000 for construction only.  It will not include the sound system or anything else.  Confirmation that the application has been received will be in March and notice of award will be in December 2008.

Howell asked Engineer Hay about the specs for the air conditioner in gym #1 and whether the compressor will be internal or external.  Hay said that first the load must be determined and then its location will fall from that. 

Engineer's Report - Hay - no report.

Solicitor's Report - Kline - agenda items only.

Comments from the floor - None.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Executive Session - to discuss the applicants for the Recreation Board and Planning Commission vacancies and a personnel matter.  Kline reported that no action was taken by the Board during the executive session.

Appointments to fill vacancies - Recreation Board and Planning Commission - The first appointment was to the Recreation Board.  Miller made the motion to appoint Scot Abert.  It was seconded by Egolf.  In a 5:0 roll call vote, Scot Abert was appointed to the Recreation Board. 

Planning Commission - Chuss made a motion to appoint Sharon Davis.  Egolf seconded the motion.  The roll call vote was 2:3 with the nay votes coming from Miller, Nicholas, and Howell. 

Miller then made a motion to appoint David Billings.  Nicholas seconded and the vote was 4:1 with Egolf casting the nay.  David Billings was appointed to the Planning Commission. 

NEW BUSINESS

Northampton County Farmland Preservation - Speaker Maria Bentzoni - Schnaedter introduced this agenda item and the speaker, Maria Bentzoni, Farmland Preservation Program Administrator. 

Ms. Bentzoni said that they are requesting that the Forks Board of Supervisors support Act 4 and HB 87.  Act 4 allows for a millage freeze for preserved property at the rate in effect at the time that the last entity signs on.  Three entities must sign - the county, the township and the school district.  So far the Northampton County is "on board."  She is currently working with both the EASD and the (Nazareth) NASD.

At this time there is only one preserved farm in Forks, 103 acres of the Brown farm.  Ms. Bentzoni said that another Forks farmer has filed an application for preservation.  She said that the dollars removed from taxation are far less than the costs associated with development and additional children in the school system - a $6,000 deficit per child per year.  In Northampton County that deficit is $9,000 on average. 

Howell asked if there was an impact with Agricultural Security Areas (ASA - Act 43) and was told that there is no impact because ASAs designate a use - agricultural - and does not mean that the farm is preserved.  Farmland Preservation is Act 149, a different program.  The Act 4 program is strictly for farms that have sold their development rights to the State, County, or Township.  However, a farm must be in an ASA in order for the county to purchase its development rights.  It's the "starting point."

The Board learned that there are 84 farms preserved in Northampton County and that Lower Mount Bethel Township (LMBT) has the most preserved acreage - 2,603 acres.  The Bangor Area School District passed Act 4 in 2006.  Pen Argyl School District has passed it as have Williams/Wilson and Saucon Valley. 

There are six other townships that have passed it:  East Allen, Plainfield, Lower Saucon, Lehigh, Upper Mount Bethel, and Bushkill is expected to pass it this night. 

Kline asked if the millage freeze is forever.  The answer was that the Act is not specific and that as long as the law is active and not amended, there is no sunset clause.  Kline also asked if the easements are in perpetuity and yes, they are.  Bentzoni said that the farmland preservation easements cannot be reversed.  Kline remarked that "forever is a long time." 

Chuss asked about the size of the farms acceptable for preservation and was told that 25 acres is the minimum - or 10 acres contiguous to other farmed acreage is eligible. 

Jim Wideman (former PC member) asked if there were instances were a smaller parcel producing $2,000 in receipts would qualify and was told that unless it is attached to a larger tract, it would not qualify for preservation.  Wideman also asked if there were programs to extend county monies so that farms could be preserved today?  Ms. Bentzoni said that there are three and five year installment plans and that the interest rates are paid based on market rates. 

John Ackerman (former Supervisor) recommended that the Board approve the freeze because "you hear so many times that you want to preserve farmland - and this here should not even be a question.  This should just be voted in because if you want to really preserve farmland then help the farmer out."  Ackerman also said that the farmer has to pay capital gains on the money given (the easement purchase) to them so anything the Board can do to help the farmer is the way to go.

Ms. Bentzoni said that they are working with the federal government to reduce or eliminate capital gains on development rights purchases.

Howell remarked that it's a "no brainer" to help Forks farmers who've resisted the "lure and gold and continued to farm." 

Nicholas made a motion to have Kline write an ordinance to support Act 4 (was House Bill 87).  Chuss seconded the motion.  The vote was 5:0.  Applause!

Center for Animal Health and Welfare/2008 Service Agreement - Schnaedter said that the Center for Animal Health and Welfare changed the contract from previous years and in addition to raising the per animal fee from $40 to $50 (per day per animal), added "cats" to the list of eligible animals.  The attorney for the center was contacted and he said that concerned municipalities can simple remove the term "cats" and initial the change and return the signed contract along with a cover letter indicating the Board's direction.  Chuss' motion that the Board go with the recommendation of the manager and include the cover letter was approved in a 5:0 vote. 

Correspondence - Howell said that the Board received a letter from Alan McFall (solicitor for the EAJSA) stating that Wilson Borough intends to sell capacity to Williams Township.  Howell asked, "Are we interested or not?" Kline commented that the Board looked at its needs last year and acquired 150,000 gallons per day capacity from Wilson. 

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.

BoS Meeting 1/17/2008

Forks Township's Board of Supervisors in a 5:30 PM workshop, interviewed one candidate for the Zoning Hearing Board vacancy and five candidates for the lone slot on the Planning Commission.  (Planning Commission members were included in the PC interviews and will make a recommendation to the Board at a 7 PM workshop before the February 7th BoS meeting.) The sole candidate for the Recreation Board was unable to attend the interview session. 

A good portion of the regular meeting was spent discussing the Riverview recreation trail(s), specifically along Winchester Drive.  Read JD Malone (Express Times) and Madeleine Mathias (Morning Call) for more on the recreation trail(s).  We did learn from Township Manager Schnaedter that there is a varmint (a.k.a. beaver) in the Bushkill creek feasting on the new plantings at Lions Park.  And, we learned that Forks is getting a post office substation inside the Ace Hardware.  Read below for more details.

Supervisors' Comments

Supervisor Nicholas announced that the Forks Community Days committee will be meeting on Monday, January 21st at 7:00 PM in the Community Center.  Anyone who wishes to volunteer and help out should come to the meeting.  For more information, Nicholas suggested contacting Sue/Harry Bennett and said that contact information is on the website.

Treasurer's Report - Vice Chair Erik Chuss filled in for Secretary/Treasurer Bob Egolf (who was on vacation) and detailed the debits (cash paid out) since the last Supervisors meeting. The debits and transfers were approved with a 4:0 vote.

Standing Committee Reports (meetings are open to the public - see the Township calendar for dates and times)

• Public Safety - Supervisor Chuss - reported that the committee met on January 8th.  He noted that the meeting was positive and productive.  Discussed were the police department five year plan, current year plans to implement the five year plans of both the police and the fire departments, the initial phase of the fire department training facility in the northern part of the township, and emergency preparedness planning.  Chuss offered that the goals are attainable.  The next meeting will be February 5th at 5 PM.
• Public Works - Supervisor Miller - said that the committee will meet next week.  DPW Director Roberts announced that leaf collection is done!
• Parks & Recreation - Supervisor Howell - noted that the committee's first meeting will be on January 24th at 4 PM.
• Community Relations - Supervisor Nicholas - said that at the meeting on Tuesday, the committee discussed the upcoming Forks Quarterly and website updating.  She said, too, that they are working at getting an "updatable" page for the police department.  Also, by the end of the month (or early February) the website calendar will get a new look.  It will look like a regular calendar and will be interactive. 
• Finance and Administration - Supervisor Egolf - absent - Howell noted that the committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday (January 23rd) at 5 PM.

Township Manager's Report - Schnaedter - said that he received an invitation for the Board of Supervisors to the open house and ribbon cutting for the new Forks post office (substation) inside the Ace Hardware store.  The ribbon cutting is scheduled for 10 AM on Saturday, February 2nd. 

Schnaedter also reported that he was contacted by the Bushkill Stream Conservancy because of what they thought was vandalism to the new trees on both (Forks and Palmer) sides of the creek.  Zoning Officer Tim Weis, Schnaedter, and representatives from Fish & Game and the Conservancy investigated.  It was determined that the vandal was a young rogue male beaver!  The area will be sprayed with a non-harmful substance to ward off the beaver.  No one could say for certain if it was Forks beaver, a Palmer beaver, or one that had wandered down from Tatamy. 

There has been no resolution of the contract with the Center for Animal Health & Welfare yet.  Schnaedter promised an update soon.  The sticking point is "cats." 

Engineer's Report - Hay - reported that the Bushkill/Arndt blinking light is energized and all the road markings are done.  He believes the switch will be thrown on Monday or Tuesday.  Hay also reported that the Meco/Sullivan Trail light is probably going to go in in the summer when school is out (because of traffic disruptions.)  He spoke with the traffic engineer recently and they are still meeting on the PennDot "comments."

Solicitor's Report - Kline - agenda items only.

Easton Area Joint Sewer Authority - Liaison Report - Henning Holmgaard - reported that the letter written by Easton to the DRBC (Delaware River Basin Commission) and dated November 30, 2007 was presumptuous - Easton did not "copy" Forks.  The Board had just received a copy.  The letter was not read but Holmgaard did say that there is a sewer (EAJSA) meeting this coming Monday and that it will be discussed.  He added that there is no reason for Forks not to support the letter since it will be very costly not to (support it). 

Schnaedter said that the letter was just handed to him last night and that it is about the special protection water designation for the Delaware River.  Schnaedter said that Allentown, Bethlehem, and Catasauqua have signed it.  Kline will report further on this at the next meeting.

Holmgaard said that the I&I (infiltration/inflow) study will not be (one half) paid by the DEP as promised last year and that Easton will be in trouble because the older the system the more chance that it has significant rainwater infiltration.  Holmgaard said too, that Easton cannot pay up front and will have to find the money somehow - from part of a EAJSA capital project.  Holmgaard said, "I just don't think it's right but they have six votes on the board."   

Holmgaard asked the BoS to direct the solicitor (Kline) to study the 1988 agreement with the EAJSA.  He said that there are three agreements between the member municipalities and the EAJSA and that the 1988 one is the latest.  In the 1988 one, Holmgaard believes, there is a provision for representatives based on capacity ownership.  Holmgaard suggests enforcing this provision to increase Forks board members.  Forks has purchased substantial capacity over the last few years.  Easton has sold a lot of their capacity.  Currently Easton controls the twelve person board with its six members.  Forks has only one.  Holmgaard would like to see a thirteen member board so that things can get done. 

Holmgaard added that the sewer plant is "cash cow" for Easton since it is paid for treatment (Easton owns the plant - the EAJSA has the permit that allows dumping in the Delaware River) and Easton employees run it.  As to the water treatment plant, Holmgaard said that ESWA pays Easton for water treatment and the plant capacity may not be there for it.

Kline will analyze the 1988 contract for the next meeting.  Holmgaard offered that the minutes of the EAJSA meetings are not very descriptive.

Comments from the floor - East Elizabeth Avenue resident, Craig Ward, asked who owns the road in front of his house.  He has issues with speeders.  He was told to contact PennDot since it is a PennDot road.  Chief Dorney said that Pennsylvania is the only state that does not allow local police to use radar. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Bike Path - Nicholas said that she had hoped to have the minutes of the January 10th Planing Commission (PC) meeting for this agenda item discussion.  They are not yet available. The segment she wanted resolved was the Broadway/Winchester Drive section.  It was cut by Strausser (at Hay's suggestion) from the old railroad bed walking trail to Broadway Road.  It was returned to grass per order of the BoS on 11/1/07. 

PC Chair, Dean Turner, reported that the PC consensus was that the path continue (on the north side of Winchester) west through to Broadway Road.  The PC felt that a four-way stop intersection was a safer place to cross Winchester Drive.  The path would then cross over to the south side of Winchester and continue west. Chuss said that the PC vote was 4:2.  He however, recommends that the path be on both sides of Winchester Drive.  He said that then it should be prioritized to determine what to actually build now.

Howell said that the Parks & Recreation committee is aware that there are gaps in the current trail system and that some of the gaps can actually be filled now.  Regarding Riverview, the plans show what Strausser will and will not do.  There is no path on the north side of Winchester (from Danser to Frost Hollow) on the Riverview plans.  Howell said that he would like to have a complete plan of the Riverview trails before the Board to decide which gaps will be filled and for how much. 

Nicholas said that she would like to know how much money has been budgeted for recreation paths and how many empty spots are in the trail system.  She said she would like to see a priority list. 

Miller said that there is no money budgeted and that the distance of the path and the cost (to the Township) must be examined.  Nicholas added that the cost of maintenance has to be considered, too.

Hay said that Riverview plans were approved without sidewalks and that Strausser has installed a sidewalk on the south side of Winchester from Ramblewood to Iron Lane.  Kline said that the plan shows no sidewalk on Winchester from Broadway to Iron Lane. 

Howell said that there is money in the capital improvement fund from impact fees charged developers.  Farley offered the amount - $1.8 million.  Howell then said that the Township owes it to the residents to complete projects it has started.  He stated that the all unfinished capital projects should be reviewed along with whatever new ones should be undertaken.  Howell added that this will be the principal role of the Parks & Recreation committee in the early part of this year.

Nicholas suggested tabling the bike path agenda item pending a project priority review and the spending involved.  She cited some of the recent recreation survey results - a bandshell and a pool - as things that require further review.  Howell offered that there isn't enough money from impact fees to prepare a site for a pool.  He added that a bandshell and refurbishing tot-lots (and other lots) will take priority. 

Chuss said that there is no official document/plan for recreation in the area and that it needs to prioritized so that residents know (what to expect).  Howell stated that the Township cannot do anything until the entire thing is planned.

Turner offered his personal (not the PC) opinion that the recreation survey is going to be part of the new Comprehensive Plan and that the Board take a look at the overall (rec) plan and spend wisely. 

Nicholas made a motion that action be delayed until the Board sees the entire Township recreation trail plan.  The vote was 1:3. 

Chuss clarified his earlier suggestion that the path be on both sides of Winchester.  He said it can be planned but not built at this time.  Miller thought that would be okay since it doesn't say that it will be built.  He added that a feasibility study should be done for a swimming pool. (It was number one on both the most recent recreation survey and on the one ten years ago.) 

Miller motioned that the bike path agenda item be tabled until the approved PC minutes are available.  This passed 4:0.  It will be appear again - on the BoS February 21st agenda.

Zoning Hearing Board Appointment - Nicholas motioned that Robert Kimmel be appointed to the Zoning Hearing Board.  Miller seconded the motion and the vote was 4:0 to appoint.

NEW BUSINESS

Vehicle Bids / Public Works Department - Roberts explained that the vehicles are to be purchased through the PA State purchasing program.  They do not have to go out for bid.  The funds are in the 2007 budget.  In a 4:0 vote the Board agreed to the purchase of a John Deere backhoe ($91,600), a John Deere Gator utility vehicle ($9,668), and a Morbark brush chipper ($32,800).  The old backhoe and old chipper will go the parks department for its use. 

Penn's Ridge / Commercial Land Development - The developer presented concept drawings of the final phase of the Penn's Ridge project, the commercial land development.  The whole plan was approved in 1997 and the commercial use was allowed.  It is grandfathered.  The developer is making an effort to comply with the spirit of the new Heritage Corridor zoning and showed a sketch with a building constructed of natural looking materials, a porch, an interesting roof line, and a stepped retaining wall with indigenous plantings.  The tenants are as yet unknown but there will be 4 or 5 retail stores. 

Kline reviewed the project's history.  He said that in 1990 there was the first of a number of legal challenges and in 1995, after five years of litigations and 13 months of hearings, a settlement was reached.  The settlement was contingent upon the developer submitting plans and getting approval.  In 1997 the BoS gave tentative approval to the PRD and stipulated that the included commercial building was not to exceed 10,000 square feet. 

Nicholas expressed a design concern - that she did not want to see large windows like there are in typical strip malls.  Kline said that at the PC meeting last week, the developer committed to the style shown, including the pitched roof, and the indigenous plantings. 

Miller asked about the planned bike path.  He did not see it on the plan.  Hay confirmed that it is on the full plan set.  Miller said that it starts in LMBT and comes all the way to the bridge in Palmer.  It crosses Bushkill Drive at a spot determined by PennDot.

Chuss noted that the developer has been very cooperative and in the future he recommends that the BoS get minutes from PC meetings for review - before voting.  This was an agenda item on the weather-canceled December 13th PC meeting.  Had the meeting been held, the BoS would have approved copies of the minutes for consideration.  As it happened, the PC reviewed the concept drawings at its meeting on January 10th.  The minutes will not be approved until the PC meeting on February 14th.  

The developer offered a time extension so that the minutes can be reviewed. 

A motion was made to accept the grant of an extension from the developer until February 22nd.  It was accepted 4:0.  Another motion was made to table until the BoS meeting on February 21st.  The vote was 4:0.

Resolution #080117-1 Non-Uniform Employees Pension Plan - Waiver of Employee Contributions for 2007 and 2008 - Kline explained that as long as the pension plan is appropriately funded, required employee contributions are waived.  It is also a provision of the contract.  Also, Kline said that in the future this must be done on an annual basis - per the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement Board.  The vote was 4:0.

Resolution #080117-1 Police Pension Plan - Waiver of Employee Contributions for 2008 through 2012 - Kline explained that this resolution is for the entire contract period and need not be done on an annual basis.  The purpose is also so that auditors can see proof that the contributions were waived. It passed with a 4:0 vote.

Sandy Hanks (resident) asked why employees would not want to add money to their pension plans?  Kline said that the employees have a separate plan similar to a 401K for their contributions.  The plans with contributions waived this night would not give contributing employees more pension money.  They are only required to contribute when the plan is deemed actuarially unsound. 

There was an Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter.  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.

BoS 1/2/2007 - Interviews, Re-Org Meeting, & Regular Meeting

INTERVIEWS - Boards & Commissions - 5:30 PM

This evenings’ meeting schedule began at 5:30 PM with candidate interviews for the Recreation Board, the Planning Commission and the Zoning Hearing Board. A total of six candidates submitted letters of interest. Of them, 4 were reapplying for their expired terms.

Ray Guffy, ending his term on the Recreation Board, and David Billings, a newcomer to Forks involvement but not to Forks (and Easton area) sports, interviewed for the Recreation Board slot.

Dean Turner and Jim Wideman, whose terms on the Planning Commission ended 12/31/06, were interviewed as was newcomer to Forks, but not new to zoning, William Nicusanti. Mr. Nicusanti applied for consideration to both the Planning Commission and the Zoning Hearing Board. Also, interviewed for the Zoning Hearing Board was Peter Rossi, whose term expired at the end of December.

The Board left the room after the interviews and met in the Supervisors room to discuss the candidates. (This was not an announced Executive Session.)

RE-ORGANIZATION MEETING

This year, the Board avoided the impass of last year and tabled elections of Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary Treasurer until the January 18 meeting when the full Board will be present. 2006 Chairman, David Hoff was absent. Joe Nixon (the Morning Call), Courtney Lomax (Express Times) and Jan Schott (The Easton News) were there. The only article appearing in an online edition was Schott’s. Please read it. We will try to fill in any blanks.

All of the elections and appointments were unanimous except one, a Planning Commission appointment. The vote on that was 3:1 to table the appointment and to re-advertise the vacancy. Howell voted nay to table. Solicitor Kline cautioned the Board that they only have 30 days from the date of the vacancy to fill the position.

The 2007 appointments:

• Chairman - NONE
• Vice Chairman - NONE
• Secretary/Treasurer - NONE

PNC Bank and PLGIT were voted in as depositories of Forks Township. Signatures of either 2 Supervisors or one Supervisor and the Township Manager are required for withdrawels.

• Township Manager - Interviews are ongoing
• Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer of the General Fund - NONE
• Solicitor - Karl Kline ($130.00/hr)
• Engineering Firm - Keystone Consulting Engineers (at fee schedule provided)
• Township Engineer - Fred Hay (at fee schedule provided by KCE )
• Auditor(s) - France, Anderson, Basile & Company, P.C.
• Earned Income and E.M.S. Tax Collector - Mary Ann Kessler
• Assistant Collector - Anne Bennett-Morse
• Mercantile Tax Collector - Sandi Rossi

The 2007 meeting schedules for the Board and for the Planning Commission were set also. The BoS will meet on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month at 7:30 PM with a possible 3rd meeting (if necessary) on the 4th Thursday. Thirty or 60 minute workshops may be scheduled before or immediately after the regular meetings.

The Planning Commission will meet on the 2nd Thursday at 7:30 PM and their workshop sessions, which will be treated in the same manner as regular meetings, are set for the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. PEMA’s Emergency Operations Plan was adopted.

More Appointments:

• Emergency Management Coordinator - Tim Weis
• Assistant Emergency Management Coordinators - Greg Dorney & Richard Bassett (until a Township Manager is hired when this will be revisited)

The Board voted to approve payment of routine bills that may have penalties or interest if they are not paid before the next BoS meeting.

The Municipal Building's daily hours (open the public) were set at 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Office employees’ hours range between 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Hours for the Director of Public Works can vary from the standard hours (due to inclement weather).

Yet More Appointments:

• Vacancy Board - Henning Holmgaard (1 year term)
• Planning Commission - Dean Turner
• Planning Commission - Tabled - will be re-advertised (3:1 - Howell nay) - must be filled within 30 days
• Zoning Hearing Board - Peter Rossi
• Recreation Board - Ray Duffy
• Fire Chief - Bryan Weis
• Deputy Fire Chief - Charles Gallagher
• Zoning Enforcement Officer, Building Inspector, & Code Officer - Tim Weis
• Flood Plain Permit Officer - Chris Noll (and alternate Fred Hay) - Keystone Consulting Engineers
• Assistant Zoning Officers - Loretta Fuehrer & Matt Miller
• Sewage Enforcement Officer - Chris Noll, primary with Lisa Kern & Fred Hay as alternates, Keystone Consulting Engineers
• Electrical Inspectors - David Shields, Keystone Electrical Inspectors

The Wages & Benefits Packages of the Collective Bargaining Unit for the police continues through 2007.

No agreement with the non-uniformed collective bargaining unit has been reached and wages will remain at 2006 levels until there is an agreement. The Re-Organization Meeting was adjourned.

REGULAR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING

Supervisors Comments - none

Standing Committee Reports:

• Public Safety - Bonnie Nicholas reported that the next committee meeting is scheduled for February 6th at 5:30 PM. (2007 2nd Supervisor - David Hoff)
• Public Works - John Ackerman had no report. (2007 2nd Supervisor - Don Miller)
• Parks & Recreation - Don Miller had no committee report but did note that winter sports are going full blast. He took the opportunity to thank the DPW and Ed Kleppinger, Parks Crew Chief, for the good job they did on the Christmas lights. (2007 2nd Supervisor - David Howell)
• Community Relations - David Howell asked that the Board vote on replacing Nunet, the current webhost for the Township’s website, with WSI. Howell said that WSI is offering up to 1 GB of storage for the same price as Nunet’s 100 MB and at approximately the same price, $365/yr. Nunet invoices annually and the bill is due now. WSI will invoice the Township monthly. Ackerman asked that a "case" be presented before the Board by both vendors. This was tabled in a 3:1 vote with Howell voting nay. (2007 2nd Supervisor - Bonnie Nicholas)
• Finance & Administration - David Hoff was absent. (2007 2nd Supervisor - John Ackerman)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

GENERAL CODE CORRESPONDENCE/REVISED PRICING ESTIMATE - Kline reported that the $10-$12K price includes the entire new zoning ordinance and it runs 300 pages. He was advised that the price may be reduced if the document is submitted electronically. URDC will be contacted as they have an electronic version of the ordinance. This was tabled in a 4:0 vote.

DVR/REQUEST FOR PURCHASE - Nicholas explained that this unit will replace the fuzzy one and that that one will be kept as a back-up. The new one will cost $7000-$8000. Purchase was approved in a 4:0 vote.

NEW BUSINESS

WEIS MARKET/FORKS, INC/TIME EXTENSION - Kline said that he had a letter from their attorney offering a time extension to January 31, 2007. The Public Conditional Use Hearing for this project is scheduled for 6:30 PM before the January 18 Board of Supervisors meeting. The time extension was approved in a 4:0 vote.

EXECUTIVE SESSION - The session was held to discuss various personnel matters. No action was taken during the executive session. After the session, the Board voted 4:0 to:

• Raise (Zoning Hearing Board) attorney Michael Shay’s hourly rate to $100/hr
• Re-assign DPW Director, Gary Sandt, to the road crew. The Public Works committee will be in charge of the crew chiefs (per Ackerman) and a meeting will be held with them on January 5th at 7:00 AM to review their responsibilities.

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.