CHECKMATE!

Both the Morning Call and the Express Times reported today about last night's Planning Commission meeting. They detailed the conundrum facing our planners, a trade off for more goodies and dense housing versus a traditional and compliant Farmland Preservation district plan. Both Sarah Mausolf and Fred Walter wrote "must read" pieces. They have both done excellent reporting. Kudos. One hopes that Forks residents will take an interest in what could be the absolute death knell of our ability to move a car through the Township and make an effort to free some time on August 11th at 7:30 PM to let the PC know one way or the other how you feel. We know that some of you are on vacation but it's time to get involved.

BoS Meeting 7/7/2005

Joe Nixon (Morning Call 7/8/05) and Sarah Mausolf (Express Times 7/8/05) reported on the major money issue of this short meeting. Mausolf also did a piece on the progress of the new Municipal Complex (Express Times 7/8/05). We will once again try to fill in the blanks.

REPORTS: SUPERVISORS, MANAGER, ENGINEER & SOLICITOR

• Supervisor David Hoff reported that he has the June Fire Report and that it will be on file. Also, he stated that 16 resumes have been received for the new Finance Manager position. They are narrowing down that number and hope to start interviews next week.
• Supervisor Bonnie Nicholas reported that she has the minutes of the May 16th Joint Sewer Meeting (Forks has received the largest quota) and that one of our guys attended a Confined Space seminar.
• Supervisor Henning Holmgaard showed the new shoulder patch for the Police Department and said that each of the Supervisors had one to take home with them. Chief Greg Dorney said that the "guys" have an August 1 deadline to get the old ones removed and the new ones sewn onto their uniforms. They fit over the old patches and will cover the stitch marks.
• Supervisor Don Miller said that he has the Park & Recreation Department report.
• Chairman John Ackerman said that he has the Public Works Department report. He also stated that Township Manager Cathy Kichline is on vacation.
• Zoning Officer Tim Weis reported that a lot of homeowners along 611 qualified for the $30K federal government grants to raise their homes. He said that 3 of the houses have already been raised and that there are about 7 more to go. Ackerman asked him if he was able to go to the flood meeting in Lower Mount Bethel and Weis said that he could not attend.

CORRESPONDENCE:

• Hoff reported on a letter from Vincent and Shirley Falcone regarding the Shawnee Middle School construction. Hoff asked that it be considered. Nicholas pointed out that the Falcones want a berm between the detention pond and the houses. Hay said that he has to check whether or not it is a temporary construction pond or a permanent one. He will report back.
• Nicholas reported a discrepancy between the Planning Commission Joint Meeting Minutes and what she feels was stated regarding the next two months of Staff sessions. The Minutes state that the Staff will work on the TND. Nicholas noted that they were charged to work on the details of the zoning ordinance revisions, and not on TND issues at all. The Minutes will be corrected.
• Nicholas also said that resident Dan Kye (sic) addressed the PC/Joint Meeting with his concerns regarding theTown Center (zoning) designation for the last three houses on Sullivan Trail. He was told at the PC meeting that it would be on this night's agenda. Nicholas asked that it be added. Weis said that he sent an email to Kichline stating that there was a misinterpretation of the map and that those houses are NOT in the Town Center District. It will not be added to next meeting's agenda.
• Nicholas asked that the Noise Ordinance (sent to the Supervisors for review by the Solicitor) be added to next meeting's agenda. By way of explanation, Acting Solicitor Steven Goudsouzian, stated that it is intended that his draft match the new zoning. Ackerman said that he thought that would be at the September 27 Joint Meeting. Holmgaard noted that Hay is to bring a decibel meter to that September meeting also. Ackerman explained to the audience that the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors have been holding a series of meetings to discuss revisions to the Zoning Ordinance and the SALDO and that at this point the Staff is working on "incidentals" and the Joint Meetings will resume in September (on the 27th).

COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR (NOT AGENDA ITEMS):

1. Vincent Falcone, a resident living near the Shawnee Middle School project, stated that the residents were not notified of the retention pond. He said that it was added to the plans after approval. He feels that it is impacting the value of their homes and that because of it, there is a mosquito issue. He requests that a berm (and arborvitae) be placed between it and the neighboring homes. Ackerman said that Hay will review the plans.
2. Susan Turner, a resident living near the zoning map mistake (see the third item under CORRESPONDENCE above) on Sullivan Trail, stated that there is still some confusion since one of the properties is for sale and it is being advertised for commercial and business uses. She said that although it is not Town Center, the people who live there think that it is and that the neighbors are concerned. Weis said that the resident will get a letter. Ms. Turner is also concerned about speeding cars and litter on Sullivan Trail. Dorney asked where she lives.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

STATUS UPDATE BY ALEX GALE/MUNICIPAL COMPLEX - Mr. Gale asked if there were any questions on the "red" books that each Supervisor was given. Nicholas asked if the schedule in the back was accurate as it indicated that the Municipal Building would be done at the end of August. Gales said that the schedule is outdated and that he is working with the contractor to update it. She also asked that a line be added noting when the furniture delivery is wanted. She asked about the firehouse bathroom tile because Holmgaard mentioned it an another meeting. Gale told her that it is regular tile and is light gray and burgundy.

In his discussion of the general status of the project, Gale said they are putting in a new 3" water line to the park and that the water pressure there should be greatly improved. He also noted that there is a problem with the "steel people" as "a sub of a sub of the prime contractor" is out of business. This involves payment issues and is not a Township problem. He will keep a close watch on it to be sure it does not become a Township problem. Gale also noted that the move date for the firehouse is being set back three to four weeks because of the "snail pace" of the roofing contractor. This may impact the rest of the project but he isn't sure at this time. He will keep the Supervisors informed.

Nicholas asked about the grass border on the traffic islands noting that it would be less work if it was all mulch around the shrubs. Gale said that the grass width was decided by the size of the hand mower that the Township owns. It fits. Gale said that he is not happy with the job that the contractor has done out front and some of the shrubs and grass will be replaced. Gale also said that the maintenance of the entire site will be nearly a full time job for someone.

Gale noted that he is concerned about the "time capsule" as it is time to dig the hole. He must reserve the spot and be sure that he can do the excavation and bury it. He does not know who is in charge of the time capsule and he doesn't want to have all the lawn and sidewalks in and then have to come back and dig the hole.

Holmgaard stated that the tree list is up on the website and Gale said that the Township is still looking for a resident's perfect specimen (19' - 20' high) blue spruce to be relocated and used as the Township Christmas Tree.

Hay suggested that the PHEASANT RIDGE, PHASES 1, 2, & 3/IMPROVEMENTS COMPLETION item be tabled until the next meeting as Met-Ed is not responding with a schedule to the developer (Jim Seitz). It was tabled 5:0.

NEW BUSINESS

Hay said that the bid opening for the FROST HOLLOW SWALE/RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD BID took place on Tuesday at 5:00 PM. The low bidder was Nimaris Construction at $797,095. Hay noted that he thought the bid could be lowered to about 1/2 million dollars with some changes and that the contractor could probably start in a month. The bid was accepted as a "not to exceed" number in a 5:0 vote. As soon as the contract is signed a meeting will be scheduled with the residents to get a feel for what their concerns are and to tell them what the scope of the work will be.

Conditional Final Approval was granted to the FORKS MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING/SULLIVAN TRAIL BUSINESS PARK/LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT/LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Warren Hospital) in a 5:0 vote. The lot line adjustment is necessary to accommodate the building itself. The remnant lot may be used for an expansion in the future. The lot will have underground detention as it is not conducive to a basin. That will outflow to the storm sewer line on Braden Blvd. which flows into the detention basin on lot #4. That then discharges into Sullivan Trail's system. At the moment the detention pond on lot #4 has a large sinkhole in it that needs to be repaired. Steve Pany, the developer's representative, took issue with paying up front to extend the cul-de-sac (on Braden) to the next property although they agreed at the PC meeting to do that as well as to install sidewalks on Braden. Hay explained that the Township cannot force a developer do an "offsite improvement" (the adjacent property owner, when developing their lot). Hay explained that we have no 209 Act and no Impact Fee for roads and must collect the costs up front. Pany said that the Township is asking for monies (a contribution) to improve a road "if and when" it is needed and that the monies will go just into the Township's coffers. Holmgaard explained the concept of "pass through," that the costs are passed through to the next person. Pany agreed to build the sidewalk when and if the road gets extended and will make a "contribution" of the present day value of the cost to extend the road (in the future.)

Hoff asked about the improvements to the subdivision. Goffredo said that the only hold up is Verizon's move of three old telephone poles on the corner of Sullivan Trail. They have moved the cables. He said that all base paving is done, the sanitary sewer is done. the right of way improvements and seeding are done. Penn Dot has been notified of their schedule.

Pany noted that subdivision milestones have been met and they would like to go forward with their project. Hay noted that the detention basin has a sinkhole that needs to be repaired first. Goffredo said that the as soon as the bank (Merchants Bank, the project for lot #4) signs the right-of-way agreement, the work on the basin will begin. The agreed to stipulation is that the basin on lot #4 must be completed before grading can start on lot #6 (Warren Hospital).

Hay recommended that LAFAYETTE PARK - PHASES 2 & 3/RELEASE MAINTENANCE be accepted. It passed 5:0.

Hay recommended that the BUSHKILL RIDGE/ROADWAY DEDICATION (AND RELEASE OF MAINTENANCE) be accepted. It passed 5:0.

Goudsouzian stated that the PENN'S RIDGE PRD, PHASES 9 & 11/DEVELOPER'S AGREEMENTS were in order. It passed 5:0.

The AUTHORIZATION TO HIRE RECEPTIONIST was approved 5:0 and the position was given to Irene Hess at a rate of $16.33/hour. Hoff explained that Ms. Hess has been working for the Township from a temporary agency for a while.

The PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR discussion was moved to Executive Session.

There were no questions for the CURRENT BUDGET REVIEW.

An EXECUTIVE SESSION was called to discuss the PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR agenda item. It was tabled 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.

NOAA's FLOOD - Mtg 6/30/05 - Martins Creek

Tonight at 7:00 PM in the former Centerfield School in Martins Creek, the Northampton County Long-Term Recovery Committee is hosting a presentation by the National Weather Service on the cause(s) of the April 2005 Delaware River flooding. The National Weather Service did a similar presentation last night in Portland, PA. This meeting is open to the public and all who want to know more about this flooding "perfect storm" should make every effort to attend. Although many of you heard the talk that Lafayette's Prof. Roger Ruggles gave at our May 2005 F.A.C. meeting about the flooding (and will be very familiar with much of what will be presented tonight), you may want to hear the "official" word(s).

"Say it ain't so, Joe"

Today's Morning Call had THIS article by Joe Nixon, mostly quoting from the developer (Zawarski & Signature Homes) duo's attorney, Dennis Benner. He makes it pretty clear that if the Township will not acquiesce to their zoning overlay request (800 plus dwelling units on 400 acres), then they are prepared to build 162 homes (on the same acreage) on two acre lots. Benner says that this will be worse for the Township because it would get less money in developer fees and there would be no municipal garage and no improved park land.

Let's count cars. Eight hundred new units = 1600 more cars on the roadways (at a minimum) and 162 units = 324 more cars (minimum again). He must have scared our own Don Miller as Miller is cited as saying that IF the septic systems fail the Township, at its own (read OUR) expense, will have to bring the sewer line up there. It's difficult to buy into that on the surface though, since Mr. Miller's recreation department would stand to benefit greatly from the largesse of the new recreation fees. So, who's kidding whom?

According to Nixon the developer has requested it to be placed on the Planning Commissions' July 14th agenda.

BoS Meeting 6/16/05

This short meeting was covered by Joe Nixon (Morning Call 6/17/05) and Sarah Mausolf (Express Times 6/17/05). Both reported on different meeting highlights. We will try to fill in the blanks. Chairman John Ackerman was on vacation and Supervisor Don Miller led the meeting.

REPORTS: SUPERVISORS, MANAGER, ENGINEER & SOLICITOR

• Supervisor David Hoff reported that the Fire Report for May is available for anyone's review
• Supervisor Bonnie Nicholas reported that the Sewer Report is available. It details general maintenance and televising of some of the sewer line. She also reported that she met with Palmer Township officials to discuss the bike path (through Palmer and Forks) and that nothing was resolved.
• Supervisor Henning Holmgaard reported that he has asked Police Chief Dorney to "bring us up to date" on the department's activity (number of calls, traffic accidents, etc.) this year versus last year. He will have it at the next meeting.
• Supervisor Don Miller reported that he also met with Palmer Township officials regarding the bike path. He said too, that summer basketball starts this weekend at the Community Center.
• Township Manager Cathy Kichline announced that a township resident, Virginia MaryAnn English is turning 100 years old on August 21st. The Board agreed to recognize her birthday with flowers or some other token. She also reported meeting with Kate Brandes, the new watershed specialist with the Northampton County Conservation District. Ms. Brandes has given her a list of a number of things that Forks Township can do in relationship to the Greenway Plan. Kichline said that she would like to talk about this at the Joint Meeting of the Board and the Planning Commission on the 28th.
• Engineer Fred Hay reported that his office conducted traffic counts a week ago on the Old Mill Road/Sullivan Trail intersection and will submit them to PennDot. He also said that there was a "short circuit" in the Pheasant Ridge swale during last week's thunderstorm because of efforts had they made to accommodate a resident.

COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR (NOT AGENDA ITEMS):

Michael Goffredo did as he promised and appeared before the Board to give a status update on the SULLIVAN TRAIL BUSINESS PARK IMPROVEMENTS (see BoS Meeting 5/19/05). He said that Verizon showed up to start the pole relocation on Uhler Road, that the sanitary sewer inspection is set for Monday, and that PennDot has started the Sullivan Trail widening (from the south end of the site to the Uhler Road intersection). Penn Dot will be resurfacing Sullivan Trail all the way to the township line.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

STATUS UPDATE BY ALEX GALE/MUNICIPAL COMPLEX - Among other things, Gale reported:

• The basic landscaping has started on the eastern part of the site. The large trees will be planted in the late fall.
• The extra/unused floor tiles for the Police Department were used by Pete Gheller to do the floor of the locker room. He did a great job.
• The roofing contractor "is just about there" and will not be replaced.
• All but two of the non-Victaulic sprinkler pipe fittings have been replaced. The last two are next.
• Met-Ed may turn on the permanent power tomorrow.
• CenterPoint Tank is coming in for a site visit tomorrow. There is 6-8 week lead time and the hole will not be dug until a few days before it's needed.

Gale asked if the existing generator (for the current Municipal Building) can be moved now (as part of the fire department move) because the fire department will be in trouble if it has an outage. He was told "yes" and that there are emergency lights in the Municipal Building and that the computer system has a battery backup. It will not be necessary to rent a generator for the building unless there is an emergency. He also said that he would like to begin the design of the new fire and security system for the Community Center. The existing one goes off on its own and is not "addressable" (there's no way to know what is burning). It will be integrated with the rest of the complex.

Nicholas asked about the additional employees' work spaces in the new complex. Kichline said that there's space for Pete Gheller in the Zoning area, the Financial Manager will have his/her own office (AP & AR will share a space), and the Director of Public Works will have an office in the garage.

Holmgaard said that a sample of the granite ("in memory of" or" gift from") markers for the trees is due soon. There will be 16 different species of trees and the list will be on the website. The markers will also feature the common and Latin names of the trees. There will be a downloadable form on the Township's website.

NEW BUSINESS

Kichline requested that ORDINANCE NO. 291/TEMPORARY RETAIL SALES/CONSIDER FOR ADOPTION agenda item be tabled. She said that she and Zoning Officer Tim Weis have questions and would like to go over them with Solicitor Kline. It was tabled 4:0.

PENN'S RIDGE, PHASES 9 & 11/FINAL APPROVAL - Hay reported that the swale will not belong to the Township, the easement will and that the Planning Commission recommended approval. Kline said that the PC recommended approval based on Hay's letter with no other conditions. Approved 4:0

RIVERVIEW ESTATES WEST PHASE II - Final Plan Approval - Hay reported that this is "clean" and recommended approval. Kline said that the Planning Commission recommended approval based on Hay's letter with no other conditions. Approved 4:0. Developer's Agreements - Kline prepared the indemnification and the sewer agreements so that the developer can begin the infrastructure work. No building permits will be issued without a letter of credit. The documents were approved 4:0.

TOWNES @ SULLIVAN I/DEVELOPER'S AGREEMENTS - Kline said that the developer received Conditional Final Plan approval last year. The subdivision improvement, maintenance, and sewer agreements are now signed. The developer has a separate agreement with Mr. Nehoda (Pitchfork Nursery) for the new entrance (and improvements on Nehoda's property). PennDot missed the left turn lane on Zucksville Road when it approved the traffic light and that will be taken care of by the developer via a supplemental agreement. The letter of credit is for more than $3.1 million. Approved 4:0. - The RESOLUTION FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT ZUCKSVILLE ROAD (needed by PennDot) was approved 4:0.

FORT JAMES II SUBDIVISION/DEVELOPER'S AGREEMENTS - This is the Petrucci (sic) development in the industrial park area. Kline said that all is in order and the letter of credit is for $370,806. Approved 4:0.

JALAPENEAUX, INC. LAND DEVELOPMENT/DEVELOPER'S AGREEMENTS - This is the Tioga Pipe site in the Fort James II subdivision. Kline stated that all is in order and that the letter of credit is for $300,024.65. Approved 4:0.

AUTHORIZE TO ADVERTISE FOR CONCRETE AND ROOF/COMMUNITY CENTER STORAGE - Miller explained that this was in the agreement with the vo-tech school last fall and it got too late so it didn't happen. Because of the increases in the costs of concrete etc., he'd like it put out to bid now so that there will be a firm price. Approved 4:0.

MID-YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENT - Nicholas asked Kichline if the budget adjustments included all the anticipated costs for the new building (cleaning services, utilities, etc.) and was told that the figures were adjusted for 2005 and that "we are right there" and should be okay. Hoff commented that most of the adjustments apply to personnel additions. Nicholas asked about the gas figure. Hoff replied that it was an oversight. Kichline clarified it as having to do with the old and new ways of attributing fuel costs among the departments and that is was underestimated for the Fire Department. Nicholas noted too that the insurance (figure) on the property increased. Kichline stated that the new figure includes the addition of three new buildings, the increased value of the pumping station, and the new park building. It was approved 4:0.

Tim Weis' $100 BID FOR 1991 USED POLICE VEHICLE was the winning one.

An EXECUTIVE SESSION was called by Kline to discuss a personnel issue. No action was taken 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.

Field of Dreams

Many thanks to Jim Deegan in today's (6/12/05) Express Times for his timely article on the Route 33 & Freemansburg Road traffic nightmare. And, we think Forks' traffic woes are bad... My guess is that (so far anyway) the only things protecting Forks from this kind of development are that (1) the remaining land is in the FP zone and that (2) Forks has no major highway interchange. I wonder if any Forks officials attended the RenewLV forum last week? If they did, let's hope they tell us a what unified LV government might do for us.

A Gentle Reminder

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