Going Green

The Forks Township public works department will be hard at work planting new trees. The plan is to plant 20 to 25 trees this fall in various locations throughout our community

BoS Debates Proposed Historical Ordinance

 

Read Tony Nauroth of the Express-Times account of the Bos public discussion with the Forks Planning Commission and many township residents regarding the latest draft of the Historical Ordnance.

It was very interesting debate, as all of the property owners wanted a voluntary program to preserve historical properties within Forks Township.

No tax increases for Forks Township

Great news for the taxpayers of Forks Township. No tax increases are being proposed in 2011. The following is a quick summary of the proposed 2011 budget.

2011 Budget Summary:

• Total Operating Revenue: $7.93M
• Total Operating Expense: $7.93M
• Carryover Balance: $971,765
• Police Department: $2.84M
• Public Works: $945,602
• FTAA: $113,061

Now the 2011 budget will follow the established timelines for approval. The entire budget will be available for public review and inspection start

• November 4:  BoS approval of preliminary budget
• November 18: BoS approval to advertise 2011 budget
• November 19: Budget make available for public inspection
• December 16: Final BoS budget approval

Welcome to our new Parks and Recreation Director

Rachel Sulzbach, a Bangor resident, was appointed as our new Parks and Recreation Director. FAC would like to extend a warm welcome to Rachel. We know you will do a great job!

Rachel was the Northeast Regional Director- Program Management for the Girls Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.  Rachel will start on November 8, 2010.

Update on the Forks Township Historical Ordnance

 

At the last Planning Commission meeting, our planners debated and discussed the latest version of the Historical Ordnance. Read the new Morning Call reporter, Adam Clark, account of the meeting.

Additionally, three BoS member weigh-in on the historical Ordnance.  According the Morning Call article, “Supervisor David Billings and board Chairman Erik Chuss both said Friday that they want to preserve historical buildings but believe the township needs to find a balance that doesn't restrict property owners. Supervisor C. David Howell said restrictions on property owners could prevent them from improving their buildings, which would be bad for the township”.

Weis Market Construction

If you have not noticed, Weis market construction is well underway. Right now, the road improvements along Uhler Road have stated and this will help with increased traffic created by the market.

The Weis market should open in the first quarter of 2010.

August 5, 2010 BoS Meeting

The following is a summary of the actions taken by the BoS at the August 5, 2010 meeting.

Treasurers' Report

Total Outstanding Debt: $11,424,963

General Fund: $151,033.94

Utility Fund: $123,434.87

The BoS decided to table a $30,000 budget transfer from the General Fund to the Recreation Board. The BoS is requesting additional information about the proposed transfer.

Unfinished Business

1. Parks and Recreation Director: The BoS authorized (3 to 0) the township manager to hire a Parks and Recreation Director position with a salary between $50,000 and $60,000 based upon experience.

2. Binney & Smith Solar Project: The BoS approved ( 3 to 0) the proposed expansion of the current solar park. The board agreed to waive the lighting requirement and all associated township fees.

3. Famous Smoke Shop/Revised Final Land Development: In a 3 to 0 vote, the BoS approved the final land development plan.