BoS Meeting 6/21/2007

The 6/21/07 Board of Supervisors meeting was attended by four Supervisors (Supervisor Nicholas was unable to be there) and no press. At 7 PM the Board re-interviewed the four Planning Commission applicants. Chairman Hoff was not at the first interviews. Notes on the regular meeting follow.

Supervisors Comments

Supervisor Howell said that he attended a City of Easton meeting in which the zoning ordinance was under review. Easton is beginning its work with the zoning ordinance (they got a substantial grant for the project) and will then do its comprehensive plan. Howell said that Easton is looking to its neighboring municipalities for input, particularly from Forks since Forks has three or four zoning districts contiguous with Easton. He said that he volunteered Planning Commission Chairman Erik Chuss and Township Manager Rick Schnaedter as informational references for questions from the zoning subcommittees.

Supervisor Miller reported that Baseball is winding down and that the (big) Annual 4th of July Baseball Tournament will be the weekend before the 4th. Basketball is in full swing and should end the 2nd week of August. Miller also said that the park workers are "beautifying the grounds" and it "looks nice out there in the park."

Treasurer’s Report - Secretary/Treasurer Howell detailed the debits (cash paid out) since the last Supervisors meeting. Acceptance of the debits and transfers was approved 4:0.

Standing Committee Reports

• Public Safety - Supervisor Hoff said that there was no meeting in June and there will be one meeting on July 3rd.
• Public Works - Supervisor Ackerman noted that the committee had a June meeting and will have another in July but because of the 4th holiday, the meeting date may be changed.
• Parks & Recreation - Supervisor Miller - Miller gave no committee report. His announcements have been moved to Supervisors' Comments above.
• Community Relations - Supervisor Howell reported that the committee met last Wednesday and discussed the summer edition of the Forks Quarterly. Howell said that the publication of Forks Quarterly will be handled exclusively by Township Manager Schnaedter.
• Finance & Administration - Chairman Hoff said that the committee met on the 13th and among the discussion items were:
  • Installation of the drop-off mailbox is near
  • Computer system and backup programs
  • Next year's budget items - including a project to replace the server and some of the software
  • A projector for the meeting room
  • The cell tower
    • Hoff took a poll of the Supervisors present for their feelings on whether or not discussions with T-Mobile and the cell tower should continue.
      • Ackerman said it is "worth proceeding" and that the Board should discuss what they want for rent. He saw no problem with recreation or residential area. He said that it (the rent income) was a "plus for us." He said too, that it could go on property next to the Township but he prefers that Forks sees the money rather than somebody else.
      • Miller said, "John said it all. I'm for it." He sees it as a lot of money coming in every year.
      • Howell said that he is the only Supervisor (he knows of) not for it - at the proposed park location. He said that a tower "only 235' from this room is inappropriate" and that the neighbors (of the municipal property) cannot have the tower as none of their lots is "a self-supported lot of 5 acres" - per the zoning ordinance - with the exception of the property of Virginia Jackson. Howell noted too, that to date, no data or research has been received from T-Mobile to justify why the park is the only place the tower can go. He feels that it is T-Mobile's habit to go directly to municipalities and not to private enterprise - probably because they know that municipalities need the income. Howell said that he is not against cell towers, just against the proposed location. He added that he wouldn't mind talking to T-Mobile about other locations.
      • Hoff voted to proceed. He said that the committee will get more information at its July 11th meeting. He also said that the Finance & Administration Committee is meeting once a month in June, July, and August.

Township Manager's Report - Schnaedter reported that he and Zoning Officer Weis met with a representative from One UP, LLC, the company that owns the old Laneco property who indicated that there had been several potential buyers - one of which was the Easton Area School District, the other was a health club - both dropped out. As of now, they will likely renovate the building, making some improvements, to make it more attractive (to tenants/buyers.)

Schnaedter said too, that he met with Laurie Swinski (sic) of the Northampton County Economic Development Grant Department to discuss open space grants and procedures.

Also mentioned in his report were band shelters, the municipal sign, and the fact that a Monday lightening strike created havoc with the Township's computer system. The system is back online (mostly).

Schnaedter said that Forks will host the July 18 Two Rivers Council of Governments (COG) meeting. The meetings (going forward) will be quarterly instead of monthly. He gave the Board a copy of the proposed COG bylaws and a copy of the COG's mutual aide agreement - Public Works For Emergencies (participation results in FEMA reimbursement eligibility). Both will be reviewed by Solicitor Kline.

Engineer's Report - No report.

Solicitor's Report - Solicitor Kline reported that the appeal of the Zoning Hearing Board ruling on (the appeal of) Ordinance 298 (the ordinance that added a grocery use to the EC) has been filed by Scott Gingold. Kline said that there are no other names on the appeal so it is "Scott Gingold vs. the Zoning Hearing Board." The appeal is at the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. Kline said that he is "optimistic that the ordinance will be upheld."

Kline also said that there is also an appeal of the Conditional Use (granted by the Board of Supervisor to Weis Market) and he thinks there also may be an appeal of the land development plan. The parties will likely file a motion to consolidate so that the appeals will be heard by one judge at one time. The process:

1. The Zoning Hearing Board written decision, exhibits, and transcripts to the court
2. Briefs to the court
3. Oral arguments before the court
4. Approximately 90 days after the arguments, a decision by the court

Howell asked about the expenses involved in the appeal and Kline said that Michael Shay, Solicitor for the Zoning Hearing Board, is responsible to assemble the documents and submit them to the court. Kline noted too, that the attorney for Weis market was granted a "petition to intervene." This means that Weis "can submit briefs and have the oral argument."

Comments from the floor

1. Resident Sandy Hanks asked the status of the webcam (for meeting broadcasts) and was told that a meeting is to be set up between the Community Relations and the Finance & Administration Committees to discuss and review the information that has been received. In other words, the status is "ongoing."
2. Resident Ken Nagy asked the Board "for the third time" in as many weeks, if they had taken any action on his suggestion to ask the County to return Forks' 1/2 mill open space tax. Nagy said that the Township Manager is going to go to the County and ask for Economic Development money but there isn't any. Bethlehem got all $17 million dollars. He said, too that the money is going to "create estates." He said that they bought easements in Bushkill at three times the assessment and that they even bought property in Bucks County! He added that the promised community parks do not exist. Nagy advised the Board to "think beyond Forks Township" and he warned that the County wants to control zoning as well as to "annex some of the townships to some of the cities." He suggested that the Board learn from the "Chiefs" as the "Chiefs" get grants (the reference was to the fire and police department grants). Nagy said too, that the Township should consider hiring a full-time grant writer and that that person would pay for his/her salary. He asked if the Board would authorize Kline to ask if the Township can get its 1/2 mill (collected for the County) from the County. He also asked the Board to authorize Kline to write a letter to the County an ask for Forks' money back. Ackerman asked Kline if it is possible and Kline replied that he needs more facts. He suggested that Schnaedter find out how much is collected and how it is allocated and why there is no money available to the Township - and then the Board should ask him to research the law.
3. Resident Michelle Fleck reported on a June 16 incident in her neighborhood involving sound amplifiers at a private event. She said that the police were called and could do nothing because Forks has no Noise Ordinance for residential areas. She asked that the Township develop and adopt a noise ordinance with enforcement provisions. She gave the Board copies of Pen Argyl's, Easton's and Bethlehem's for reference. Hoff told Schnaedter and Zoning Officer Weis to review the document. Howell said that the Township is purchasing one - of a quality that can be used in hearings and other judicial proceedings.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENT - Ackerman nominated Dan Fazekas. Miller seconded the nomination. The vote was 4:0 in favor.

NEW BUSINESS

PLAQUE PRESENTATION - TOM SEIP - 25 YEARS - Ackerman presented Tom Seip with a plaque of appreciation for his 25 years of dedicated service to the Township. Seip is also the dog ("no cats") officer.

BUSHKILL CREEK/FRIENDLY TAVERN LANE - Tabled to the July 5 meeting in a 4:0 vote.

REAL ESTATE TAX CERTIFICATION FEE/JUNE VAIL - The Board received a letter from Elected Tax Collector June Vail requesting that the fee for tax certification be increased from $10 to $15 effective July 1. Tax certification is an extra job for the tax collector. He/she certifies (for a title company) that things like taxes, sewer bills, and garbage bills are up-to-date prior to a house being sold. Ackerman said that he had no problem with the raise. Howell asked if the revenue stays with the Township or is paid in full to the tax collector. Kline said that the Township sets the rate but it all goes to the tax collector. Kline said too, that from his research, Palmer charges $10, Bethlehem gets $20 plus $15 for school, Easton charges $25 plus $10 for school and Lower Nazareth gets $10 plus $10 for school. Howell asked about the volume and the timeliness. Finance Manager Farley said that currently this represents $10,000 to $11,000 of income to Vail and that there is an occasional "issue to expedite the process." Because this is not part of the function of regular collection of taxes, the rate can be changed at any time. There can be no portion shared with the Township. There was no motion made.

SHAWNEE RIDGE II - DEED OF DEDICATION - Kline said that the roads are inspected and that the Township has the deed. All is in order and that the next agenda item, the resolution, will acknowledge that the deed is accepted.

RESOLUTION #070621-1 LIQUID FUELS - Passed in a 4:0 vote.

NON-UNIFORM ASSOCIATION CONTRACT - Hoff remarked that the contract negotiations have been going on for some time. Kline said that the contract expired at the end of 2006 and that an agreement had been reached. By way of clarification, Kline noted that the Public Works employees work shoe annual allowance of $125 can be used at the Nazareth Army/Navy store where the Township has an account or with the approval of the DPW Director, shoes can be purchased at the store of the employee's choice (and reimbursed up to $125.) Wages for the "rank and file" will increase 4% per year for the five contract years (from 2007-2011.) The mechanic and crew chief's wages will be subject to a larger increase. Part time employees will also get the 4% increase. New hires will be hired at 80% of current rates for the fist year, 90% the second year, and then parity for subsequent years. The eleven page (signed by the association) contract was approved 4:0.

Sandy Hanks asked the Board if they considered asking Lafayette College for a student/intern to write grants. After some inaudible discussion due to the thunder storm and non-use of the microphones: - Nagy offered that the quality of the grant writer will determine success and that grant writing is a science. Hoff said that the Board "will continue to look into opportunities."

EXECUTIVE SESSION - The session was held to discuss the police contract and "a couple of items" regarding litigation. After an hour and a half of waiting, our note taker went home. We have no word on whether or not any votes were taken after the session. If you do, please comment to this post or send us an email and we will see that the information is added.

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 6/7/2007

The first Board of Supervisors meeting in June had only a quorum (3) of Supervisors in attendance. Neither Supervisors Nicholas nor Hoff were there. The press was though. Please read Madeleine Mathias' (Morning Call) coverage of this very short meeting. At 6:15 PM, interviews of the four applicants for the open seat on the PC were conducted and at 7:00 PM the three Supervisors went on a walking tour of the proposed T-Mobile cell tower site (in the park.)

Supervisors Comments

Supervisor Miller reported that baseball is winding down and that there will be a big 4th of July tournament with a lot of area teams. Summer basketball starts this Saturday at 9:00 and there are 157 teams in this year's summer basketball program. Miller said that this is the largest summer basketball league in Pennsylvania - and that's what is posted on the website and "no one has argued with us yet."

Treasurer’s Report - Secretary/Treasurer Howell detailed the debits (cash paid out) since the last Supervisors meeting. Acceptance of the debits and transfers was approved 3:0.

Standing Committee Reports

• Public Safety - Supervisor Nicholas absent - no report. Fire Chief Bryan Weis said that there were no committee meetings last month and that time was running out on the bid the fire department received for a new utility truck body for the 1989 utility truck. The bid ($14,937) is from Reading Body Works and is under the Harrisburg PAC program. Also, Weis said that the body replacement is budget item. Reading Body will replace the rusted body (the cab is in good shape) and paint the entire truck. The Board approved it in a 3:0 vote.
  
• Public Works - Supervisor Ackerman said that the committee met last week and that DPW Director Mark Roberts report was available to anyone who wanted to see it "after the meeting." Township Engineer Fred Hay updated the Board on:
• Arndt Road & Bushkill Drive - blinking lights - the bid award is an agenda item.
• A Township storm-water project - Newlins Road.
• Meco signal - PennDot permit application received - work may be completed this year.
• Mitman Road - repaving from Zucksville to Bushkill Drive.
  
• Parks & Recreation - Supervisor Miller - Miller gave no committee report. His announcements have been moved to Supervisors' Comments above.

• Community Relations - Supervisor Howell said that the that Township Manager Rick Schnaedter would report on the committee's discussion items during his manager's report. He specifically asked that the webcam be discussed.

• Finance & Administration - Chairman Hoff absent - no report.

Township Manager's Report - Schnaedter reported that the surveillance camera in the parking lot is "up and running" and that the $1900 amount listed in his written report to the Board for tree transplanting was incorrect and should be $1200 "for the two of them." He also said that he had some ballpark figures from the current website provider for a webcam to televise meetings. He requested a joint meeting of the Administration & Finance and the Community Relations Committees to discuss this further.

Engineer's Report - Hay said that he will not be at the next Board of Supervisors meeting and that his associate, Kevin Horvath will stand in for him.

Solicitor's Report - Solicitor Kline reported that the PEMA fire truck loan closed on May 24th. It is at 2% for 15 years. He also said that Riverview Estates withdrew its final plans for Phase 6 and that he received the Zoning Hearing Board written decision to the appeal of Ordinance 298. Kline described the ZHB decision process as (1) vote, (2) decision, and (3) written decision. He added that it will likely be appealed (by the appellants) to the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. Please read Madeleine Mathias (Morning Call) for more.

Zoning Officer Tim Weis asked permission of the Board to post on township/employee bulletin boards the availability for sale of two police cars that no longer run and that are worth less than $1000 each. The Board granted the request in a 3:0 vote and Kline remarked that anyone in the Township can bid on the vehicles.

Planning Commission Vice Chairman Dean Turner announced that the Planning Commission will organize committees of volunteer residents for the public input part of Comprehensive Plan update at its June 26th workshop. The meeting begins at 7:00 PM. He asked that everyone in the audience tell five friends that volunteers are wanted/needed and to attend the workshop. (See Madeleine Mathias' June 7 Morning Call article for more workshop details.)

Comments from the floor

1. Resident Ken Nagy - asked the Board if they had taken any action to bow out of the Northampton County open space program. They have not. He reminded them that the Township paid $300,000 to the County and got nothing back (from the recreation portion.) He said that the Township continues to pay and is eligible for nothing. Regarding farmland preservation, Nagy said that two Forks farms have been on the list for six years with no action and that others have been granted preservation rights right away. He said that the County considers Forks a "cash cow." He also warned against the County's regionalization efforts with new authorities and advisory boards - that will take away a lot of the Boards duties. He gave the Board of Health discussions behind closed doors as an example. Nagy further said that so far Forks has received only $200,000 from the County under the $100 million bond and that Bethlehem got $17 million and will get and additional $1 million for its pedestrian walkway. The City of Easton will get $600,000. Kline said that because Forks meetings are on the same night as the County meetings, the Township doesn't know enough of what is going on. He suggested that one or several persons talk with the County to gather more information about how much money is collected and how much Forks pays in and how much it gets back.
   
2. Dale Reinert (Dale Reinert Custom Homes) - described problems he is having with the (loose) stone barrier across Old Mill Road. He said that vehicles are hitting it and that some kids are using it as a bike ramp. The result is that the stones are all over the place in front of his model home. He owns four lots in the Darwin Smith subdivision and that part of Old Mill is supposed to be open only for construction access to his lots. Kline said that the developer(s) of Shawnee II (the developer responsible by agreement for finishing the road and insuring no public access to Old Mill while the Reinert lots are under construction) was unhappy that Smith had given land to Shawnee II for infrastructure work and then did not sell the lots to him. Hay will talk to the developer (of Shawnee II) and try to get concrete pipes across the road as a barricade.
   

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

PURCHASING POLICY & BIDDING PROCESS - Finance Manager Jim Farley reported that the Board's suggestions were incorporated into the new documents and that they were reviewed by the Finance Committee. He said that the only sheets missing were the instruction pages which are being prepared and will be added. The Board voted 3:0 to accept the revised policies/processes for purchasing and for bidding.

NEW BUSINESS

AWARD BID FOR ARNDT ROAD/BUSHKILL DRIVE TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION - Hay reported that Miller Brothers of Norristown, PA submitted the low bid for traffic signal installation at Arndt & Bushkill. Their winning bid was $45,782. The only other bidder, Telco, Inc's bid was around $65,000. (Telco did the signals at Zucksville and Sullivan Trail.) The low bid was accepted in a 3:0 vote.

KAREN PRESBY SUBDIVISION/DEVELOPER'S AGREEMENTS - Kline said that everything was in order and signed by the owner for this two lot subdivision. The vote to approve was 3:0.

VILLAGE AT FOX CROSSING, FORMERLY JACOB'S FARM 2/DEVELOPER'S AGREEMENTS - Kline stated that the indemnification agreement, sewer agreement, certificate of insurance, and escrow funds are all in order. The Board approved the agreements in a 3:0 vote.

AUTHORIZE ADVERTISEMENT/ORDINANCE NO. 303 - The Board voted 3:0 to authorize this ordinance to amend the Business Privilege Tax and to raise the license fee from $15 per year to $30. Currently the fees can only be changed by Ordinance. Ordinance 303 will allow them to be changed in the future by Resolution.

APPOINT PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER - None appointed this night.

EXECUTIVE SESSION - Acting Chairman Miller said that the session was to discuss the applicants for the Planning Commission opening. Kline said that the purpose was to discuss a personnel matter and the collective bargaining progress. Both Kline and Hay added that there is potential litigation to be discussed. There was no Board action taken during or after the session and the meeting was adjourned. No PC appointment was made.

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 1/18/07

The January 18th regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was preceded by the Weis Market Conditional Use Hearing. That meeting ran until 8:00 PM and was not concluded. It will resume on Tuesday, February 6th at 6:30 PM. Please read the newspaper accounts by Courtney Lomax (Express Times) and Joe Nixon (Morning Call) for details of the hearing.

REGULAR MEETING

The Board of Supervisors meeting began after the Weis Market Conditional Use Hearing late finish and ended with an executive session. Much of the regular meeting was spent on the Forks EMS status update. Fire Chief Bryan Weis also presented the Fire Department Year End Report. Both Joe Nixon (Morning Call) and Courtney Lomax (Express Times) reported on the EMS segment. Please read their articles. We will try to fill in the blanks.

Supervisor Comments:

Supervisor Bonnie Nicholas said that the (contracted) Township Auditors suggested that the Board get audits from all the non-profit organizations to which the Township contributes money and/or uses (fire, recreation, etc.). Nicholas said too, that it would be a good idea for Department heads to submit reports of all employee training. Howell said that he believed Barb Bartek tracks that information and can report periodically. Nicholas also asked Finance Manager Jim Farley to compile a list of all contract due dates for the Board. He is working on it.

Treasurer’s Report - Secretary/Treasurer David Howell detailed the debits (cash paid out) since the last Supervisors meeting. Acceptance of the debits and transfers was approved 5:0.

Standing Committee Reports

Public Safety - Supervisor Nicholas - reported that their next meeting is Tuesday, February 6th at 5 PM. She has asked every member to bring a list of what he/she hopes to accomplish in 2007.

Public Works - Supervisor Ackerman - reported that the committee met with crew chiefs on Jan. 4th (?). They discussed what they have been doing and what they intend to do with their workers throughout the year. The next PW Committee meeting is scheduled for Jan. 23 at 7:00 AM.

Parks & Recreation - Supervisor Miller - (Note: Miller continues to report on events in the parks as his committee report. The following comments rightly belong in the Supervisors’ Comments section. It would appear that the Parks & Recreation committee seldom, if ever, meets since if it did, he would give a committee report.) Miller reported that the new storage addition to the back of the Community Center has been completed and that the old storage space has been completely refurbished as a rental room for parties, meetings, etc. Miller also noted that the CC is booked for 3 of the next 4 months.

Community Relations - Supervisor Howell - reported that at a recent informational meeting, the current webhost was discussed as not meeting the storage capacity needs of the Township (website). The consultant, New Arrivals Studios, recommended changing to Valuenet, a Florida company. If paid annually the rate averages $14-15/mth. The vote was 5:0. The conversion will be done by the end of the month. (Note: This was item 3 under UNFINISHED BUSINESS).

Howell also said that he will be sending a memo to each of the committees to begin work on the next articles for the Forks Quarterly (Spring 2007). He will advise them of the upcoming deadlines.

Finance & Administration - Supervisor Hoff - reported that the committee met on 12/20 and on 1/10/07. At the December meeting, they met with the Township bond council, Gary Pulcini, to discuss refinancing the bonds. Pulcini recommended not changing them at this time. The committee also met with Mel Hodges (Hodges Technologies) for a status update on the computer system. Two representatives from the Principal Group attended the January meeting to discuss the Police Pension Fund. The final (2006) pension report is expected in February and the representatives will attend the March committee meeting. Hoff said too, that the committee is setting goals and objectives for the year. And, he said that a Verison representative is coming to the ½4 meeting discuss the proposed Verizon cell tower.

Engineer’s Report - Fred Hay - agenda items only.

Solicitor’s Report - Karl Kline - reported on four items beginning with the vacancy on the Board of Elected Auditors because of the resignation of Wayne Docker. Mr. Docker submitted a formal letter and it was received by Kline on January 12. The Supervisors have 30 days to fill the term. It will be advertised. Kline reminded the Board that the Elected Auditors do not audit and serve only to set the wages of Supervisors who are employed by the Township in another capacity. This term expires on December 31, 2007.

Kline said that the State mediator met in session with the non-uniformed employees bargaining unit and that there will be a second meeting next Tuesday. He said that he will report on the 1st meeting in Executive Session.

Kline reported that the Easton Area Joint Sewer Authority has sent the Township a bill for additional charges for past years. Farley is in contact with accountant to get more detailed information as the numbers do not agree with the Township’s figures. A letter from the Township representative on the EAJSA, Henning Holmgaard, was in each Supervisor’s packet. It will be discussed by the Finance Committee.

Also noted, was that testimony in the grocery store zoning challenge was not concluded on January 8th and will be continued on February 26th at 7:30 PM

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

APPOINTMENTS:

• CHAIRMAN - David Hoff in a 3:2 vote (Ackerman & Nicholas voted nay).
• VICE CHAIRMAN - Don Miller in a 4:1 vote (Nicholas voted nay). (Ackerman was nominated but declined.)
• SECRETARY/TREASURER - David Howell in a 3:2 vote (Ackerman & Nicholas voted nay).

GENERAL CODE CORRESPONDENCE/REVISED PRICING ESTIMATE - This item was tabled after Kline explained that URDC has yet to send the electronic file of the new Zoning Ordinance to General Code. The electronic file is needed to reduce the price quoted. Kline will advise when a revised proposal is received and the item will then be placed back on the agenda.

WEBSITE HOST - See above - Community Relations Committee report.

FORKS TOWNSHIP E.M.S./STATUS REPORT - BILL KEIFER - Mr. Keifer, President of the Board of the Forks EMS summarized the work done to get Forks EMS running again. He said that February 17 is hoped for date to open as a BLS (basic life support) provider provided that the Board of Supervisors supports it. Keifer also noted that he was notifying the Board that Forks EMS will not be supplying ALS (advanced life support) services in the immediate future and that Suburban has agreed to continue to do so.

Howell noted that a business plan must be presented so that it can be reviewed by the Public Safety Committee which will make recommendations to the Board. Hoff asked Keifer if they plan to be a full time or part time BLS provider. Keifer said that they will be full time with two 12 hour shifts.

Dr. Everitt Binns, Executive Director of the Eastern Pennsylvania EMS Council was in attendance and spoke to the work that has been done. Binns said that he will recommend to the State that Forks EMS receive a provisional license for BLS and that ALS is not in its foreseeable future. He said that Forks is covered by Suburban, which he described as a "supreme" ALS provider.

Binns said that the Supervisors must designate Forks EMS as a BLS provider in order for them to get a provisional license. The squad will be under strict conditions, including providing a (first) 30 day staffing schedule to the EMS Council, giving a 30 notice to Suburban to vacate (BLS), as well as submission of operational reports to the EMS Council. Provisional licenses are for 12 months at a minimum. Forks EMS must also work out a billing agreement with Suburban and they must provide 24/7 service.

Keifer will attend the Public Safety Committee meeting on February 6th (5:00 PM).

NEW BUSINESS

RESOLUTION #070118-1/DEEDS OF DEDICATION - STREETS IN BRIARWOOD SUBDIVISION - Kline said that the streets are completed, inspected, and that the equivalent Liquid Fuels monies ($1103.12) have been paid by the developer. The roads were accepted with a 5:0 vote.

RESOLUTION #070118-2/DEEDS OF DEDICATION - STREETS IN STEEPLECHASE NORTH SUBDIVISION, PHASE I - Kline said that the streets are completed, inspected, and that the equivalent Liquid Fuels monies ($1100.11) have been paid by the developer. The roads were accepted with a 5:0 vote.

FIRE DEPARTMENT/YEAR END REPORT - Fire Chief Bryan Weis presented the department’s 2006 report. The summary data showed a 22% incident increase over 2005 as well as 114% increase over 2000. Forks Fire Department is the 2nd largest and the 3rd busiest in the Northampton County. He said that the average response time is 6.7 minutes. Weis detailed 2006 grants and donations totaling $147,011. This figure represents 94.2% of the department’s operating budget.

Weis said too, that the department is working on State accreditation and expects to achieve it by the end of 2007. A longer term goal is to attain ISO Class I status. That target date is 2010. The department also intends to do a community outreach program that will teach employees in the township how to properly handle fire extinguishers. His presentation ended with applause. Other members of the fire department were in attendance.

WEIS MARKET/PRELIMINARY APPROVAL - Because the Conditional Use Hearing held at 6:30 was not concluded and will be continued on February 6th at 6:30 PM, this item was removed from the agenda.

There was an EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss the collective bargaining negotiations and personnel matters (DPW Director and Township Manager). No action was taken by the Supervisors during the Executive Session. After the session, the Board voted 5:0 to advertise the DPW Director position and 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.

Residents' Appeal - Ordinance 298 - Part 2

The second hearing session in the residents' appeal of Zoning Ordinance 298 was held on Monday, November 20th before the Forks Zoning Hearing Board. Read about it in both Courtney Lomax's (Express Times) article as well as in Joe Nixon's (Morning Call) piece - both from 11/21/06.

The appellants believe that the ordinance was written to benefit one enterprise, Weis Market, and thus constitutes illegal spot zoning. Their attorney, Gary Asteak, rested their case after their expert witness, J. Jerome Skrincosky, a municipal planner, gave testimony.

The Township's side will be presented at the next session on January 8th at 7:30 PM in the Municipal Building.

Grocery Zoning Appeal - Part 1

The group of 15 Forks residents who filed an appeal of Forks' Ordinance 298, the ordinance that adds a grocery to the list of conditional uses in the employment center (EC) district, had their opening hearing on Monday, October 23. They are represented by attorney Gary Asteak. He summarized the appellants charges of spot zoning. For details, please read Lomax (Express Times) and Nixon (Morning Call - The link will take you to a scanned image on the RWC blog. - The Morning Call chose to exclude this report from its online coverage.)

The appeal will take several sessions before the Zoning Hearing Board. The next is scheduled for Monday, November 20 at 7:30 PM.

BoS Meeting 10/5/2006

The October 5th meeting of the Board of Supervisors began at 6:30 PM with a one hour worksession to discuss the Township Manager duties and responsibilities and ended with an executive session to discuss personnel issues and a potential litigation. Joe Nixon (Morning Call) and Courtney Lomax (Express Times) reported on the meeting. We will try to fill in the blanks.

Supervisor Comments:

• Supervisor Bonnie Nicholas said that she had been asked by Boy Scout Troop 29 if there are any community service projects that they might do for the Township. She added that in the spring, the a few of the scouts will be looking for "Eagle projects." Nicholas said that she was thinking that they might do something at Gollub Park. Engineer Hay thought that there were things they could do there. Nicholas asked that anyone who can think of projects for them let her know. She added that the scouts really helped with Community Days and if it weren’t for them, the garbage cans would have been overflowing on Sunday morning.
  
• Zoning Officer Tim Weis said that the Boy Scouts Annual Food Drive is coming up and he asked the Board’s permission to allow the scouts to use the zoning garage. Weis said that in past years, they were allowed to use the old garage. A motion was made to allow use of the zoning garage for the Boy Scouts Annual Food Drive. It passed 5:0.
  
• Supervisor David Hoff reminded all that budget sessions are coming up on October 16th & 17th at 4:30 PM. (They are listed on the Township website/calendar.)
  

Treasurer’s Report - Secretary/Treasurer David Howell detailed the debits (cash paid out) since the last Supervisors meeting.

Howell’s motion to accept the debits and transfers was approved 5:0.

Standing Committee Reports

• Public Safety - Supervisor Nicholas said that Bill Keifer (president of the Forks EMS board of directors) was at the recent Public Safety meeting. She said that there will be no lapse in subscription coverage and that subscriptions should be out shortly (as soon as all the details of the printing are done.) The subscription mailing will have both Suburban and Forks EMS on it. Nicholas said that Forks EMS is working with Dr. Binns (executive director of the Eastern PA EMS Council) on their plan and is hoping to be back in business in 60 days. Nicholas said that Suburban EMS has been filling in and is doing a very good job. She extended her thanks to them for "helping us out."

Nicholas said too that the Fire Department got its new engine and that the Police Department’s 5 year plan will be reviewed at the next Public Safety meeting.

Police Chief Dorney detailed a new department initiative called the Vial of Life Program. Dorney showed a pharmaceutical bottle and said that it contains a sticker to be placed on residents’ door, a pencil (donated by 2 Tees Golf), and a form which indicates that residents are participants in the program as well as details all physicians and medications. He added that all residents should keep the bottle in their refrigerators (a uniform location for all residents to use) so that they can be found by police officers in the event that there is a medical emergency. Dorney said that the premise is that 90% of the time police officers are first on the scene and are asked by the EMS personnel what medical information they have gathered. The bottles will be available for free at the Municipal Building, Community Center, Fire Department, EMS, and Police Department.

Emergency Management Co-ordinator Tim Weis reported that the counters and radios in the new command center should be installed by the end of next week. He added that they will be using an existing white board (from the old building) in the new center.

Nicholas said too, that at the next public safety committee meeting there will be a review of ID badges and that all township personnel will have picture ID badges as part of the emergency management program.

• Public Works - Supervisor Ackerman - said that there will be committee meeting at 7:00 AM on Wednesday, October 11.
• Parks & Recreation - Supervisor Miller - (Note: Miller continues to report on events in the parks as his committee report. The following comments rightly belong in the Supervisors’ Comments section. It would appear that the Parks & Recreation committee seldom, if ever, meets since if it did, he would give a committee report.) As usual Miller detailed public programs in the Community Center and the parks. He said that football and soccer are "about half way through" and that probably two of the teams will go to the playoffs. He said too that this is Forks’ year to host the November soccer tournament and that it will involve all of Forks’ soccer fields as well as some in Palmer. He said that they are expecting 10,000 people for it. Miller also said that the recreation survey has been mailed and that any residents who did not receive one can get a numbered one from Finance Manager Farley.
• Community Relations - Supervisor Howell - reported that he expects to receive galley sheets of the first edition of the new Forks Quarterly in a week or so - for Board approval. He said that earlier in the week the last of the articles was submitted to Hometown Press and that they are working on the page layouts now.
• Finance & Administration - Supervisor Hoff - said their last meeting was not held due to illness and that there will be a committee meeting next Wednesday (October 11) at 3:00 PM to work on the administrative and revenue sides of the budget.

Engineer’s Report - Fred Hay reported that E.J. Breneman has equipment in place on Broadway Road and that they will begin work on the Frutchey Hill recycling tomorrow. He thought it would take three days. The road surface then has to cure for 3 weeks before it can be driven on again.

Solicitor’s Report - Karl Kline said that (Forks EMS) Bill Keifer called with an update on the and that he and Barry Albertson (Suburban EMS) have reached agreement on the brochure language and on the escrow of the subscription funds. Keifer and Alberston will be the only two who can write checks. For every month that Suburban is providing service to Forks (because Forks is not yet licensed and operating) Suburban will be paid 1/12 of the subscription money in escrow. When Forks EMS is back in operation, it will get the funds.

Kline also said that they are also looking at a different structure for the board of directors to be an independent board composed of some community members who have no Forks EMS ties. Nicholas said that she asked them if a member of the Forks Board of Supervisors can sit on their Board. Forks EMS is looking into it.

Comments from the Public:

• Scott Gingold asked the Board why his citizens group’s appeal to zoning ordinance 298 is listed on the Township’s website news page when the significant zoning challenge by Zawarski is not. Howell said that it could be an oversight and that it will be easy to put it there. Kline said that he has written an article for the Quarterly about the zoning challenge and that it is appropriate to put on the website too.

Gingold also said that the Forks Action Committee website contains misinformation about the zoning appeal. In FAC’s announcement of the hearing, it contains the line "For the grocery? Against it? You won’t want to miss this hearing!" Gingold said that no one in the appellant group is against a grocery and that the appeal has to do with spot zoning.

Gingold talked too, about reading Joe Nixon’s article (9/25/06) in the Morning Call that advertisers were being sought for the Forks Quarterly. His organization, Residents Who Care, wrote to the Township for contact information which they received on Thursday (9/28/06) morning. They sent an email to Ms. Morano of Hometown Press that same morning. They didn’t get a response so they telephoned only to be told that all advertising space was sold. They received an email the next day stating the same thing. He said that others who inquired were not told that it was sold out. He told the Board that he was curious as to why this would happen. Howell asked, "What others were told?" Gingold said that they are still looking into it. Howell said that the Board relies on the judgement of their agent and the agent said it was sold out. Gingold responded that maybe they "ought to question that judgement."

Howell said that there is a spring issue coming and that he is free to make application again although he cautioned that as policy the Township will probably not accept ads from religious institutions, political groups, etc.

• Ken Nagy spoke to the Board of his concerns with the (Northampton) County open space proposal. He said that it would result in a ½ mil increase and mean $50 to $75 in additional taxes for every resident in Forks. Nagy said that Forks residents will be paying more than others and since "we have no open space to speak of in Forks Township," it would benefit us little. He said that in the cities who will be getting the most from this a ½ mil is probably $17. Nagy said that there is a Municipal section that Forks is totally ineligible for. The grant matching will be 50% for townships and 25% for boroughs and cities. He suggested that the Board to tell County that Forks will not participate and therefore not pay.

Nagy asked too that the Township Manager job description emphasize grant writing because there "are a lot of grants out there." He said that all the County will do is submit the grant to the State and then dole it out - a middleman. He said that Forks could get the money directly. Nagy added that he’d like the Board to change its meeting date so that they could go to County meetings and see what’s happening. Nagy said that "what you read in the papers is not what’s happening." He added that Forks’ 12,000 residents give it political clout. Ackerman said that he agreed with Nagy regarding the open space (with County).

Nagy’s next concern was the Suburban Water Authority and giving $1million to enhance the pensions of Easton employees who come over to Suburban and why the City of Easton should be paid $1.2 million annually "for giving up the maintenance and operation of a water plant they’ve mismanaged and neglected up to this point." Nagy wondered why the City (in the new agreement) should be entitled to 1/3 of the new tap-in fees. He remarked that it’s a classic example of rewarding the City for doing a bad job. Nagy said that he is "bothered that no one on the Board has protested this arrangement" and he suggested that the Township hold a public meeting with Suburban Water. Nicholas said that she will put it on the agenda for the next meeting.

And, Nagy related that he overheard the individual in charge of (upcoming property tax) reassessment... "I can’t wait to get into Forks."

Howell offered that Nagy regularly attend the Twin Rivers COG meetings and that they discuss many of his concerns including the water authority, waste management, and organic waste management. Howell thought that Nagy’s input would be appreciated and said that there is a meeting coming up on October 18 in the Forks Municipal Building.

• Jay Reese (sic) said that he is 82 years old and lives off of Chief Tatamy Lane on Farcroft Drive. He asked if the Township has a weed ordinance and when told that it does he asked why it isn’t enforced. He described how developers bought the land around him and do not cut the weeds and how difficult it is to get out of his driveway because of that. He asked about the weeds around retention pond by the railroad trucks on Sullivan Trail. He was told that it’s the Township’s and that it is by State mandate, a "naturalized pond."

Reese remarked about the flooding at Chief Tatamy Lane saying that the developer gave the church $90K for the right-of-way and won’t take responsibility. Hay said that the developer says he "gave them $90K they should take responsibility."

Reese talked about the dust created by developer Nic Zawarski and how the EPA cited one of NZ’s sub contractors (for dust). Reese said that the EPA received 140 complaints for dust by developers in the LV. And, he, Reese, did a survey of local construction sites and found only one with a spray truck and it was nor working.

Reese said too, that construction employees urinated in front of his wife on two occasions, that the workers on job sites are working without scaffolding (he wondered who handled OSHA complaints for the Township), and that so far this year, the garbage hauler has missed collecting his trash even though he puts it out on Wednesdays for Friday pick-up. He said he’s just going to leave it there to pile up from now on.

Nicholas said that she will personally call the hauler for him. Ackerman said that if he sees a workman urinating to call the police.

Reese said that his street sign was knocked down by a garbage truck and he was billed by the Township ($57 for the sign). He paid the invoice but the sign was never replaced. Nicholas asked DPW Director Sandt to take care of the street sign.

Reese concluded by saying that the developers use "bully tactics." "You complain, you’re going to pay the price."

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

USA ARCHITECTS/AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT - Finance Manager Farley explained that the $20K invoice represented an agreement between the company and Alex Gale (project manager) and former Township Manager Kichline. Originally there was an additional invoice for $13.5K. Farley said that he spoke with a gentlemen over the phone about the invoice. Ackerman asked Kline that since there are problems in the buildings if the money should be held back.

Kline suggested that Farley conduct a full investigation to determine if the invoice was for additional work as a result of problems or is an invoice for legitimate extras and report back to the Board. Nicholas said that she remembers Gale telling her that the architects had to redesign the arch in the front and "that may be some of the reason why the roof leaks by June Vail and the windows are breaking."

A meeting with the company and Kline and Farley was suggested. Miller offered that Alex Gale has the answers and Hay said that since Gale is now associated with Keystone Engineering, he will have him come to speak to the Board at the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

THE COURTS AT NEWLINS ROAD - LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN - Hay said that the Board had a copy of his 9/7 letter as well as a copy of a memo from the LVPC. He also informed the Board that the Planning Commission rejected this project with a 6:1 vote (Tamborrino was for it) for safety issues. Ackerman said that he doesn’t see any safety issues.

Howell said that the PC was concerned that the back doors of the townhomes are 30 feet from the flood plain. Nicholas complained that there are no dimensions on the drawings from the backyards to the swale and she remarked that her employer would not accept drawings without dimensions. Hay said that there is vertical distance as well as horizontal to be considered in the distance from the flood plain. The basements of the townhomes are 5 feet above the flood plain as well as thirty feet in horizontal distance.

Nicholas said that she spoke with Dent and a Rendell representative who told her that the "100 year flood plain calculations are wrong in Pennsylvania and that’s why we’ve had these floods." Nicholas also said that this goes against the Twin Rivers Greenway agreement that the Township signed since the Greenway plan specifically cites this unnamed flood plain in Forks as to have nothing built in it. She noted too that the Township allowed Mr. Zawarski to build a road in the 100 year flood plain against its agreement with the Bushkill Conservancy. Nicholas was told that nothing is being built in it. The homes will be outside it and above it. Hay said that plan meets all the Federal, State, & Township stormwater regulations.

Howell said that he went to the site at 11 PM during Wednesday night’s 2" rain and that Newlins Road West was impassible. He thought that this plan was "putting the cart before the horse" and that the flooding problems for the downstream neighbors should be dealt with first.

Ackerman said that the water will not go all over the road like it does now. The developer is going to build a sod waterway to control where the water goes. Hay said that the 100 year flood does not mean a flood every hundred years but means "a 1 in 100 chance of that much water coming down."

Howell stated that he would rather see single family residences spread out on the higher ground. He added that single family homes are more attractive and he wished the developer would be satisfied with the money that could be made from them instead of from 36 townhomes.

Nicholas expressed her concern that the plan was going against the greenway plan that was agreed to by the Board. She further said that she doubted that anyone on the Board read the 150 page document. Kline said that the Board can only consider what’s in the Zoning Ordinance, the SALDO, and whether the plan meets all Federal and State criteria.

Ackerman said that he spent 30 years on the conservation board and that he worked with Hay and talked to the conservation district. Everyone he talked to said, "This plan will work."

Dean Turner (PC) asked if the new industrial area (to the northeast) drainage was being considered. Hay said that this is under review right now. Kline noted that Act 167 states that the post-development rate of water flow cannot be faster than the pre-development rate.

Turner also asked if the plantings to mark the flood plain were in the plan. Hay pointed out that they are on the drawing and will consist of "continuous" low shrubs. Nicholas asked that dimensions to the flood plain be delineated on the plan. The developer agreed.

The plan for 36 townhouses at the northeast corner or Newlins and Sullivan Trail was approved in a 3:2 vote with Nicholas and Howell dissenting.

SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION ON RICHMOND ROAD - The Board voted 5:0 to ask PennDot to do speed/traffic studies on both Richmond Road and Route 611. PennDot sets speed limits by determining what speed 85% of the cars are traveling and sets the limit within 5 mph of that. Hay further explained that if 85% of the cars are doing 50 mph and the speed limit is 45 mph, Penn Dot will never lower the speed limit to 35. If the limits are lowered on either road, the Township and not PennDot will be required to maintain the signs (on the roads with the changed speed limit).

RESOLUTION INSTALLATION OF BLINKING LIGHTS AT ARNDT ROAD AND BUSHKILL DRIVE - Hay explained that the Township will be responsible for financing and maintaining the blinking lights. The resolution was adopted in a 5:0 vote.

EAJSA/ACT 537 - INFLOW/INFILTRATION ORDINANCE & AGREEMENT - Hay said that this study will use flow meters to see where the the water is coming from (in the sewer lines). Kline said that there are leaks or cracks in the pipes that allow stormwater to enter the sewer pipes. This stormwater reduces the capacity of the sewage treatment plant. If the stormwater is not checked, the plant will need (expensive) expansion sooner rather than later. The study will cost $71,445 and the DEP will pay for half of it. Ackerman noted that there is money in the sewer fund for this. The ordinance was adopted in a 5:0 vote.

EXECUTIVE SESSION - There was an executive session to discuss the a personnel matter and potential litigation. Invited in (separately) were Finance Manager Farley, Police Chief Dorney, and Mel Hodges of Hodges Technologies.

Five votes were taken after the executive session:

1. To hire Hodges Technologies, Inc to effectuate enhancement to the computer intrusion system including installation of GroupWise 7. The estimated cost is $4,000. Approved 5:0.
2. To direct that the Forks Township computer network will be undergoing intrusion detection upgrades and during that period there will be no personal use of any computers until further notice. This policy is effective Monday AM 10/9/06. Solicitor Kline will prepare a 1 or 2 paragraph document to be sent via email to the Township for dissemination to all the employees on Friday. Approved 5:0.
3. To indicate that effect Monday 10/9 there should be no downloads of screensavers and that it shall be made known to all employees that when the upgrade is accomplished all screensavers will be set to default values. Approved 5:0.
4. Effective immediately all IT functions at Forks Township will be outsourced to Hodges Technologies for the purpose of intrusion detection. Approved 5:0.
5. To direct Hodges Technologies to make additional recommendations to the Forks Township Board of Supervisors with the Board of Supervisors to establish a means to review these recommendations and adopt them as official policy of the Township. Approved 5:0.

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.

BoS Meeting 9/21/06

The September 21st meeting of the Board of Supervisors began with a worksession to discuss the Township Manager duties and responsibilities and ended with an executive session to discuss personnel issues, non-uniformed employees contract negotiations, and the Township Manager applicants. Joe Nixon (Morning Call) reported extensively on the budget discussion. We will try to fill in the blanks.

Supervisor Comments:

• Supervisor John Ackerman said that he attended the Twin Rivers COG meeting along with Supervisor David Howell on September 20th. Ackerman said that most of the discussion was about Emergency Management and that he and Howell will schedule a meeting with Tim Weis, Emergency Management Coordinator to go over many of the issues covered. Ackerman also said that recycling was discussed and one of the suggestions was that it be county-wide. He added that that won’t happen in the near future.
• Supervisor Bonnie Nicholas presented Harry & Susan Bennett with a letter of appreciation from the Board for heading the steering committee for Forks Community Days and making it a success.

Nicholas also recognized Boy Scout Troop 29 with a letter of appreciation from the Board for all their Community Days work (the flag ceremony, helping vendors, and cleaning up garbage). The Bennetts presented the troop with a $200 donation saying that they performed above and beyond expectations.

Nicholas said that a lot of people asked her if Community Days will be done again next year and she asked the Board if it would consider hosting it again next year. The Bennetts offered that Lockwood Congress residents will be willing to help (again) and that they really enjoyed it (this year.) Susan Bennett said that she and her husband will do it again and that she hopes that they have the same steering committee. She named Dean Turner, Bonnie Nicholas, Gary Sandt, Chief Dorney, and David Howell as being instrumental in this year’s success. The Board voted 5:0 to stage it again next year in the same time slot.

To view some snapshots of the festivities, click HERE.

Nicholas reported that she attended a Wildlands Conservancy program on the financial Benefits of Land Preservation presented by Stephen Small. She said that he discussed conservation easements and tax benefits. She offered copies of some of the literature for anyone who was interested.

Nicholas said that 2 people who paid for memorial plaques (new trees) do not like them. It was determined that the form was vague and the Board decided to fix the errors (5:0 vote) at Township expense ($185 each).

Nicholas said that she attended a Monday night Fire Department meeting and that it was interesting to see how they check all their equipment. She said that she got a "feel for one of their meetings."

Nicholas reported that there are roof leaks in the Municipal Building and that no one can reach Mr. Gale (former project manager). Howell noted that Mr. Gale is no longer in the Township’s employ and that some of the Board did not want him there any longer. Ackerman said that he showed the leaks and broken glass (out front) to the architects during the open house and that "they were really concerned" and were going to look into it. Ultimately it was decided that Pete Gheller (Facilities Manager) and Jim Farley (Finance Manager) will take the lead, find the warranty for the roofs, and see that the repairs are done.

Treasurer’s Report - Secretary/Treasurer David Howell detailed the debits (cash paid out) since the last Supervisors meeting.

Howell’s motion to accept the debits and transfers was approved 5:0.

Standing Committee Reports

• Public Safety - Supervisor Nicholas - reported that their meeting is on Wednesday at 5 PM and they will go to the fire department to check cameras. This meeting is open to the public.

Howell asked if anyone knew what happened at the (EMS) meeting on Tuesday with Everitt Binns. Nicholas said that "we got a letter" 5 minutes before the meeting and she hasn’t had time to read it but the license appears not to be renewed yet since the finances are still unreported. Nicholas added that she will go over the letter with the safety meeting on Wednesday.

• Public Works - Supervisor Ackerman - reported that the committee (Sandt, Nicholas, Ackerman, and Engineer Fred Hay) met a few weeks ago to go over projects that will begin soon. Hay noted that the contractor is "mobilizing" for the Frutchey Hill work. Ackerman said that Hay will report on the Meco Road signals in his Engineer’s report. Ackerman said too that the DPW is in "pretty good shape for the leaves to fall down." Nicholas noted that "Debi (Tindall - Administrative Assistant) put in for a grant for the leaf vac." The grant was not awarded and according to Sandt it was "something about not putting enough money towards it." Sandt said it will be resubmitted for the December 2nd "go round." He added that "she" has a letter from Grucela’s office about it. Hoff noted that recycling funds can be used.
  
  Howell asked if there as anything on the sign (for Sullivan Trail) and said he thought it would be on the agenda. Ackerman noted that it was a special item last meeting and it didn’t get on the agenda. Howell said that he thought the sign was to be installed in the REM (Recreational, Educational & Municipal) and if it’s TC (Town Center) then the zoning is wrong. Hay confirmed that if it’s owned by the Township, it should be REM. Weis said that he’s sure it is REM and that there must be a mistake on the map. Howell said that if it is REM that the sign meets all the specifications.
  
  Nicholas disagreed and read a section from the zoning ordinance describing internally lit signs as mandating white or clear lights only. Discussion ensued about internally lit signs as signs being encased in plastic and that this sign is an "informational" sign and not an internally lit sign. Weis (Zoning Officer) said that he ruled on this as a legal sign and that if the Board disagrees, it can be brought before the Zoning Hearing Board to challenge his ruling. Nicholas said that the outside of the sign must also be approved.
  
  There was discussion about paying for it and asking the vendor to store it until the site is prepared for installation. Nicholas said that it’s huge and there is stonework to be done. A vote to pay for the balance due on the sign passed 5:0. It will be installed temporarily until the exterior is done and then will be installed permanently. (The total cost for the sign is $62,000.)

• Parks & Recreation - Supervisor Miller - (Note: Miller continues to report on events in the parks as his committee report. The following comments rightly belong in the Supervisors’ Comments section. It would appear that the Parks & Recreation committee seldom, if ever, meets since if it did, he would give a committee report.) Miller presented a written list of everything done in the parks. There was no discussion. As usual he detailed public programs. Miller said that there are three new programs: (1) country line dancing with 30 adults enrolled, (2) kick boxing has a small group signed up, and (3) the high school girls varsity fall basketball league. He commented that these programs "take up the slack until the winter sports start."
  
  Nicholas asked Miller if he was going to fill out the form for the Girls Scouts Go Green - Adopt A Park Day planned for March 31, 2007. She said that she guesses the Girl Scouts "are going to go around cleaning out parks and stuff." Nicholas asked Miller to "take care of that."

• Community Relations - Supervisor Howell - reported that the content is ready for the new quarterly publication, the layout is in progress, and are only 10 more ads to sell. He said that no ads have been purchased by Ace Hardware, Strausser Enterprises, Big Woody’s (can’t find any of the principals) or Goddard School (can’t find a contact). Weis said that he can provide the contact information for all of them including Quisnos. Howell said that he will approach them all for ads ("Get ‘em and I’ll get ‘em".)
  
  Ads have been purchased by Fat Daddy’s, PNC Bank (the Township’s bank), Easton Hospital (a full page), Hines & Kibblehouse, Crayola Factory, Earth-in-Hand, Edwin Stipe, Keystone Consulting, Karl Kline, Forks Marshall Arts, Klair Kennels, Mountain View Kennel, Pitchfork Nursery, Mr. Souders (sic) Law Office, Industrial Communications, Suburban Propane, and more. Of the developers working in Forks, only Tuskes Homes purchased an ad. Hay said that he will "work on" the others.
  
  Howell said that the Community Relations Committee will spend the rest of the year working on improving the Township’s website. He said that he got a lot of input from residents and the committee will begin to update the site and make it more accurate. Some of the additions will include links to bids, to equipment sales, and to employment opportunities. Howell also said that their last meeting was cancelled due to illness.

• Finance & Administration - Supervisor Hoff - reported on the committee’s 9/13 meeting. He said that they discussed the computer system, content filtering, the budget, $5K from FEMA, and having Irene (Hess - Receptionist/Utility Billing) take the cash for permits.
  
  Farley said that the Township is obligated to renew its Sam’s Club membership because it did not give the required 60 days written notice. Four cards will be renewed, the Fire Chief’s, the Police Chief’s, the Facilities Manager’s, and the office Administrative Assistant’s. The Board approved this 5:0. Farley will maintain oversight of the cards and purchases.
  
  There was minimal discussion of USA Architect’s $20K bill. According to Farley it is for additional work on the Municipal Complex project and would normally have been brought before the Board as a change-order. It will be an agenda item at the next meeting.

Engineer’s Report - Fred Hay - reported that he met with Mr. Murgia the Friday after the last meeting and will put in another gabion basket in which should take care of Murgia’s problem.

The plans from the traffic engineer for the Meco Road light were received and processing has begun (Penn Dot time). Hay said that the only change he did was to add the sidewalk on the Met-Ed side which was missing from the plan. He added that people will be able to walk on the bikepath from Lafayette Park, cross Meco, down the sidewalk along Met-Ed, cross the street at Leiser’s and get back on the bikepath.

Hay reported receiving a letter from Wendy Lagon (sic) about lowering the speed limit on Richmond (at Winchester). He said that PennDot will do a study but wants the Township to maintain the signs should the speed limit be lowered. Sandt offered that signs for every area that is lower than 45 mph must be installed and maintained by the Township. Hay said that he will report on the study as an agenda item at the next meeting. He doesn’t know the range of Richmond that they will study and offered that everything past Newlins is rural.

Nicholas asked what was going on with the striping at Arndt and Bushkill and Hay said that he will contact PennDot and find out.

Hoff asked about the Zucksville Road light. Hay said that "they are getting there" but they still have to provide Nehoda with a driveway and to get an easement for offsite stormwater. ("They" are Posh & Zawarski we believe.)

Hay said too that 3 of the 4 quadrants at Sullivan and Uhlers are being developed and that PennDot was told that the Township would help the Forks Landing developer get a grade easement on the Palmeri side. Hay said that he would like to get all three developers together at once to get the intersection done right. Ackerman offered that the "guy" isn’t going to develop that corner now. The Board voted 5:0 to help Forks Landing get the grading easement (on the right of way).

Nicholas confirmed that Certificates of Occupancy for businesses in Townes I will not be given out until the lights are installed.

Howell asked what was going to happen to the light at the old Laneco. Hay said that it will be re-timed and that eventually the Township will be able to re-time all of the lights from a computer.

Solicitor’s Report - Steven Goudsouzian - said that the grocery zoning challenge hearing is scheduled for October 23rd at 7:30 PM.

Howell reported that at the Twin Rivers COG meeting Senate Bill 1257 and House Bill 2880 were discussed. He said that they are about cable franchising and are not in the best interest of the Township. The bills would remove a municipality’s freedom to negotiate franchises as well as its right to require that cable companies build out the township. The COG also endorses opposition to the bills.

A 5:0 vote was taken to send letters to Senator Wonderling and Representative Grucela.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

TOWNSHIP MANAGER POSITION - The question before the Board was whether or not to extend the application deadline for the position. Forty eight applications were received (one was withdrawn leaving 47.) The Board agreed to not extend the deadline at this time and to discuss the applications in Executive Session. Howell thought that there is a good group of applicants (of 10 or so) to interview.

Another workshop was set for 10/5/06 at 6:30 PM to finish work on the job description and responsibilities.

RIVERVIEW - EXTENSION OF TIME/RESOLUTION - Goudsouzian said that there are a number of items outstanding in the Riverview project and that he spoke with the developer’s representative and emailed a copy of Hay’s list to him. To date there has been no response to the email.

Goudsouzian recommended that the Board hold off voting on the resolution before them for the until after the developer gives written agreement to finish the outstanding issues. Hay said that the items on the list are part of the PRD for Riverview and if they are not completed and no time extension is granted (by the Township) the zoning reverts back to what it was before (CR?) and Strausser will not be allowed the density he planned. Hay added that "this is the only way to get Gary to do anything."

Strausser Enterprises’ accounts are in arrears (to the Township) and its escrow account must be replenished ($55K). The term discussed to complete the outstanding issues was 180 days and 30 days for all monies in arrears as well as replenishment of the escrow account. The extension will not be granted until the list is completed.

Hoff said that the list includes State and possibly Federal issues like ADA compliance for the clubhouse and for the pavilion. Weis said that the State will not prevent the clubhouse from being opened if they are out of compliance but will not fine them or shut them down for 2 years.

Howell asked if double yellow striping on Winchester Drive could be added to the list since cars are still going up the middle of the road and if Strausser won’t do it, could the Township do it and add it to Strausser’s tab? Hay thought that can be done.

The vote was 5:0 to authorize the solicitor to request the developer to sign. If he does sign, then the Board can pass the resolution with the time table for work to be completed and monies paid. After the work is done and the monies paid, the developer will be allowed to come before the Board to ask for a time extension.

NEW BUSINESS

BUDGET CALENDAR - The budget calendar dates were discussed and agreed to in a 5:0 vote. The calendar will be put on the Township website.

APPROVAL OF MINIMUM MUNICIPAL OBLIGATION WORKSHEETS/POLICE & NON-UNIFORM PENSION PLANS - Farley explained that the Township provided the State with wage figures based on earnings for the 1st three quarters plus an estimate of the last quarter. The State then provided the figures needed. The uniformed budget was over estimated by $5K and the non-uniform budget was underestimated by $26K.

The Board voted 5:0 to fund the pension plan obligations and 5:0 to amend the 2006 non-uniform pension budget.

EXECUTIVE SESSION - There was an executive session to discuss the Township Manager applications, a personnel matter, and the non-uniform negotiations. No action was taken and the meeting was adjourned.

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