BoS Meeting 2/15/07 - Highlights Only

Due to technical difficulties, the detailed meeting notes from this very important meeting will be delayed until at least mid-week. We are sorry for the inconvenience. The following are the highlights as posted on the F.A.C. website.

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The February 15th Board of Supervisors meeting had a small agenda, with BIG items! The Kings Farm time extension offer, the Weis Market Conditional Use Vote, and the Weis preliminary land development plan presentation were all there. These are the projects that are giving Forks so much press lately. For more on the Kings Farm decision, read Courtney Lomax (Express Times) and Joe Nixon (Morning Call). For more on the Weis Market vote, read (second articles) by Nixon and Lomax.

Meeting highlights include:

• Chief Dorney presented the Police Department 5 Year Plan in a workshop at 6:30 PM.
• A meeting was held on Tuesday with Stockertown Borough Council to discuss continuing Forks Fire Department coverage there beyond the March 16 deadline. Another meeting will be held soon.
• Forks EMS was asked during a Public Safety Committee meeting to return again with a budget and additional figures.
• The FTYSO youth dances will begin again on Friday, February 23rd in the Community Center.
• There were no - as in zero - vehicle accidents in Forks during the past week's winter storm!
• The plan for Kings Farm - the nearly 190 homes on two acre lots covering approximately 450 acres in the FP district was rejected with a unanimous vote. The plan was called incomplete because the planning module, soil tests, and traffic study were not submitted. Later, Kings Farm attorney, John VanLuvanee told reporters that the developers will appeal the decision.
• The Weis Market conditional use was approved in a 3:2 vote with Nicholas and Ackerman voting nay. The Weis preliminary land development plan was also approved, 3:2. Ackerman apologized to the developers saying that he really likes the plan and only voted against it because he does not like the "right-out" on Sullivan Trail. He has no issue with the right-in.
• Solicitor Kline was asked by the Board to write a letter to the SPCA and ask them to stop referring Forks residents to the Forks Police Department to pick up stray cats. The PD is authorized under State statute to collect stray/problem dogs and not other domestic animals.
• Developer Robert Ciccone was allowed by former Township Manager Kichline to post a bond instead of an irrevocable letter of credit for the Briarwood development. Kline said that documentation to that effect was found in the Ciccone file. It verified that Ms. Kichline returned Ciccone's letter of credit. Neither the Board nor Kline were involved in that decision. The Board decided to let it stand since the development is in its "maintenance" phase. Kline explained the difference between the 2 vehicles: With a letter of credit, if there's a problem, the Township can go to the bank and get its money within 5 days and with a bond, it's like buying a "lawsuit." Bond providers are like insurance companies that accept premium payments but are reluctant to pay out for claims.

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

BoS Meeting 2/1/07

On February 1st at 7:15 PM, the Board of Supervisors interviewed Forks resident Georgeann Wambold for the open seat on the Planning Commission. The regular meeting started at 7:30 PM and ended after an Executive Session. Both Joe Nixon (Morning Call) and Courtney Lomax (Express Times) were there. Please read their articles. We will try to fill in the blanks.

Supervisor Comments:

• Supervisor Bonnie Nicholas said that Police Chief Greg Dorney made her aware that residents are bringing animals to the police department to avoid paying fees at the SPCA. The SPCA contract was recently changed because residents in Forks, as well as in other contracted municipalities, were allowed to bring stray animals to the SPCA with the municipalities picking up the tabs. The system was abused. Now, under the new contract, only the animal control officer or police officers may bring animals to the SPCA (in order for the Township to pay the bill). Anyone else may bring animals and if they do, they will be expected to pay. According to Dorney," 90% of the time, Tommy (Forks animal control officer) takes care of 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 - announced that their next meeting is Tuesday, February 6th at 5 PM.

Public Works - Supervisor Ackerman - was absent and Supervisor Miller noted that the committee will meet next week.

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 said that he and Howell met with the "athletic association to discuss the dances at the Community Center" and that the dances are on the regular agenda (item 2 under Unfinished Business).

Community Relations - Supervisor Howell - reported that the migration of the Township’s website to the new host was problem free. The committee will now begin addressing website upgrades to insure that it is informative and interesting. Howell also said that the new edition of the Forks Quarterly is anticipated at the end of March. He added that insuring that the Forks Quarterly is produced in a timely manner (as well as meets the policy standards) will be a principal responsibility of the new (not yet hired) Township Manager. The committee is now collecting articles for it and the Board will see a list of advertisers at the next meeting.

Finance & Administration - Supervisor Hoff - reported that the committee met last week with a T-Mobile representative. The representative was asked to come back with a plan of where T-Mobile wants to place the tower. Miller will meet with him next. The committee will meet with the representative again in March. Hoff said too that the committee set and prioritized its objectives and agenda for the year. The next meeting is scheduled for February 14th.

Engineer’s Report - Fred Hay - reported that PennDot presented its plan for a flashing light at Arndt Road and Bushkill Drive. Hay explained that there are 4 corners, 3 of which are electrified. PennDot picked the corner that has no electricity for one of the 2 standards. Hay will go back to PennDot to see if another corner can be selected.

Hay also reported that Mr. Art Panzini’s water issue on Zucksville Road should be corrected. PennDot donated pipe and 2 inlets were installed by the Forks DPW. The new house (across Zucksville from Panzini) will not have its water problem corrected until spring.

Solicitor’s Report - Karl Kline - reported State mediator met in a second session with the non-uniformed employees bargaining unit and that a counter proposal was received. He said that discuss this with the Board in Executive Session.

Kline also reported that a revised proposal has been received from General Code. This one is based on the electronic document that URDC provided. The price drop is somewhere around $1100. This will be on the next meeting’s agenda.

Comments from the Public

• Gretchen Gerstel - addressed her comment to Howell and asked when he was going to keep his campaign "assurances" to hold town meetings. She asked that he set a date. Howell replied that under the committee structure (that replaced the liaison structure), a new committee, the Community Relations Committee, was formed and that its meetings are open to the public. He and Nicholas are on the committee and it meets twice a month, the 2nd Wednesday at 9:00 AM and the 4th Wednesday at 4:45 AM. Gerstel said that although she attends some of the meetings, many in Forks cannot because they work. Nicholas noted that she cannot attend the 9:00 AM meetings. Howell said that if evening meetings are needed in the future because of major issues such as the upcoming Comprehensive Plan, meetings may be held in the evening and residents will be encouraged to attend those meetings. Howell said too, that residents can email him as well as contact him by phone. He added that the liaison structure has allowed the Township to function without a Township Manager and without a DPW Director for the last several months without problems. Howell said that the committee structure is a "great achievement by this Board and one of my promises... a deliverable" and that "it is a shining example of progress for this Township."
• Sandy Hanks - mentioned a piece that she received in email recently from the Express Times about an upcoming Agricultural Land Use Workshop scheduled for the Hotel Bethlehem on March 15th from 1-4 PM. Topics included in the program are laws about agricultural land protected from development (farmland protection), the Right to Farm Act, and municipalities planning codes. Hanks suggested that at $25/per attendee, the Board should send representatives from the Board, from planning, and from zoning.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

VACANCY/ELECTED BOARD OF AUDITORS - Forks resident Sandy Hanks volunteered (from the audience) for the position. She was appointed in a 4:0 vote to fulfill the term ending 12/31/07 (vacated by Wayne Docker). Hoff noted that the position is up for re-election in November and that Hanks consider running for the upcoming 4 year term.

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION/YOUTH DANCES - Dan Martyak, vice chairman of the Forks Township Youth Sports Organization spoke to the procedural and rules changes that will be implemented should the Board allow the dances to continue. In short they include:
An appointed commissioner of dances - to finish out this season’s (4 dance) schedule there will be 2 commissioners, Kevin Wall and Butch Scerbo.

• Chaperones will all wear color (neon) armbands. The commissioner(s) band will be a different color.
• Dance rules violations will have consequences. Lights will go on and the music will stop. If it happens a second time, the lights will go on, the music will be stopped, and the offenders will be escorted to a room away from the dance. There will be a chaperone in the room.
• The rules will be read aloud before the dance.
• The DJ will not play any inappropriate music.
• Kids will be carded and those without ID cards will not be allowed in the dance unless their parents sign them in - this covers the Catholic school students who do not have school issued ID cards. If their rides have left and cannot sign them in, they will be escorted to a room where they will remain until the dance is over. There will be a chaperone in the room.
• The drivers of cars dropping off dance attendees will be given a copy of the rules.

Martyak said too, that if parents do not show up on time, a chaperone will stay with the children until they do show up.

Hoff asked that someone from the FTYSO update the Board after the next dance. The tentative date of the next dance is February 23rd. The Board voted 4:0 to allow the dances to resume.

PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENT - After discussion of Georgeann Wambold’s meeting attendance and her experience as a previous applicant for both Recreation Board and Planning Commission vacancies, the BoS voted 4:0 to appoint her. Wambold was the only applicant for this re-advertised opening.

NEW BUSINESS

KINGS MILL FARM - This item was stricken from the agenda. It will be on the February 8th Planning Commission (PC) agenda and on the February 15th BoS agenda. (Note: It is for the plan filed before the new zoning ordinance took effect last year. In February 2006, 187 two acre lots were proposed on 436 acres in the Farmland Preservation District. This is referred to as the "by-right" plan.)

Howell asked if it was simply a procedural error (that it was placed on the agenda) and asked too, if there is ever a time that the BoS could "exempt" the PC from dealing with an issue and take it on themselves? Kline explained that the SALDO and the Zoning Ordinance specify that plans go before the PC and the PC makes recommendations to the Board. He said that he thinks its "appropriate" that it go back to the PC for another recommendation since the developer is offering "yet another extension." Kline said that if there was an emergency situation in which there was a time deadline that would be missed and result in a "deemed" approval, that direct Board action would be warranted.

JORGE PEREIRA MINOR SUBDIVISION - The 2.4 acre property is on Old River Road and is bordered by North Delaware Drive. There is an existing home on the lot. The subdivision was approved in a 4:0 vote.

There was an EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss a personnel matter, a matter of potential litigation (???), and the collective bargaining negotiations. No action was taken by the Supervisors during the Executive Session 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.

Youth Dance Meeting - Scheduled for 12/5/06

Youth Dances - Meeting Tuesday

The first meeting of the Parks & Recreation Committee with officials of the Forks Township Youth Sports Organization and the Recreation Board to discuss Youth Dances convenes:

Tuesday, Dec 5 - 7:00 PM - Municipal Building

The public is encouraged to attend. If you have kids and they attend these dances, this is your chance to be involved in fixing what's broken.

BoS Meeting 11/16/2006

The November 16th meeting of the Board of Supervisors had a very long agenda. Joe Nixon (Morning Call) and Courtney Lomax (Express Times) reported. We will attempt to fill in the blanks.

Supervisor Comments:

• Supervisor Bonnie Nicholas expressed her thanks to poll workers who volunteered and work long hours on election day. Nicholas said too, that she attended the Bushkill Creek Corridor Revitalization program at Lafayette College this past week and said that she expressed her hope that what they are doing downtown doesn’t stop at the Forks Township border. She was told that Lyons (Lions?) Park will be part of the project and that the bicycle path from downtown will connect into Forks bicycle path off of Bushkill Drive.

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 4:0. (Chairman/Supervisor Hoff was in attendance.)

Standing Committee Reports

Public Safety - Supervisor Nicholas - said that there were no committee meetings since the last Board of Supervisors meeting and that there will not be one the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. She said that she got a letter from the Forks Emergency Squad and they reported that they have been meeting with Dr. Binns and the EMS Council. They are working towards BLS licensing first and will go for ALS licensing in a few months. Nicholas said that the Board should be receiving a letter from Dr. Binns shortly. Supervisor/Chairman Hoff asked if the squad will come before the Board to request the BLS coverage. Nicholas said that they have to and that the Township also has to have a letter from Binns stating that the squad can do that.

Fire Chief - Tim Weis presented the Community Fire Company’s 2006 contribution towards the ladder truck, a check for $15,000, to Finance Manager Farley.

Police Chief - Greg Dorney updated the public in attendance about an email he sent to the Board detailing the grants he applied for this year. He succeeded in winning the following equipment grants for the police department:

• National Drug Control Technology Assistance Center - Video Detective - a portable, real time video enhancement system with a value of $42,295 - included in the grant is training (with all expenses paid) in St. Louis, MO.
• Office of Homeland Security - 2 ballistic shields - value of $6,000.
• (Notified - receipt pending) Civil Disorder Kits - ballistic helmets and ballistic protection - valued at $24,000.
• (Notified - receipt pending) Tactical Ballistic Blanket - valued at $35,000.
• (Notified - receipt pending) 2 Baker Batshields - valued at $6,000.

Dorney said that there are several grants pending approval (passed first phase). Included in this group are:

• Wireless surveillance system - $30,000 value
• 2 Remington Wireless 360 degree cameras - $10,000 value
• 2 sets of night vision equipment - $10,000 value

Dorney reported the total of likely equipment grants in 2006 at approximately $172,000. After the applause Supervisor Don Miller asked Dorney if he thought the accreditation helped. Dorney said that in some of the applications that are scored, he would be "willing to bet that it does bump you up a little bit." Nicholas thanked Dorney "for doing a great job."

Public Works - Supervisor Ackerman - reported that there was a meeting last night and that they worked on job descriptions. He will email them to the rest of the Board and suggested a workshop before the next Supervisors meeting. The workshop is scheduled for 7:00 PM on December 7th.

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 there were approximately 5000 people in the park last weekend for the annual soccer tournament. He said that they were blessed with good weather and that it looked like a Renaissance fair. He added the league asked to have it every year in Forks. Miller declined because of the amount of work involved. It will be held in Moore Township next year. Miller said too that inside winter sports have begun and the community center is crowded.

Community Relations - Supervisor Howell - reported that he received the premier edition of the Forks Quarterly in the mail yesterday. He said that everyone "up here" (Supervisors and Staff) contributed 100% to it and that it was a challenge. Howell added that he was disappointed in the many delays but that they happened because it was the first time. He said that the first delay was in meeting the article deadline to the publisher and the 2nd delay was that the ads did not sell well initially. Howell said that in publishing every intermediate delay affects the finish date. He has been told by the publisher that advertisers are lining up for future editions.

Howell said that another delay happened 2 weeks ago when he saw galley proofs and wasn’t satisfied with the ad placements and the fact that the publisher failed to include one of the articles. They worked on it further and by reducing the font size and eliminating contact email addresses, managed to find space for the missing article. He said that he ordered production in order to get it out in the season that was wanted, fall. Had there been more delays, it would have become a winter edition.

There were a limited number of copies available to view. Each Supervisor had one. Mailing to Township residents should begin shortly, probably within the next 6 days.

Nicholas stated that she had not seen it and that the motion to adopt the quarterly stated that the Board was to approve it before publication. She said that it was not supposed to cost the taxpayers any money. Howell said he believed his motion said that the publication costs would not cost the taxpayers any money and that Ackerman brought that up at two meetings and it was clarified then. She said too, that she never saw (or wrote) the Letter From The Supervisors (the lead article).

Howell said that Public Safety never contacted him about any articles. He said he spoke at several meetings and sent email (to her) and got no response. Howell said that the deadline for content contributions was September 1st. He finally went directly to Dorney and Weis for articles. Howell said that all of this set everything back 1 month. Nicholas then asked, "So that disqualifies me from looking at the newsletter before it goes out?" Howell said "no" and that he made a judgement call or the paper would not have been out before December 15th.

Nicholas stated, "Before the next one comes out, I wish to see it. And, I don’t wish to have a letter saying From The Supervisors when I never read the letter." Howell said that she can write the next one if she wants to and that the content of the paper was done by her colleagues. He said, "I think that if you had been part of the process you might not be saying the things you’re saying tonight." He added that in the future final galleys will be given to the Board.

Nicholas said that she is concerned because the old newsletter contained things that were not "politically correct" and that it contained articles written by certain groups that were not supposed to be in government publications.

Howell also reported that the Community Relations Committee is contacting website providers (new ones as well as the current one) regarding the Township website in order to make it "more informative and easy to navigate."

Finance & Administration - David Hoff - said that the budget was the focus of their meeting last week. He added that they have implemented a process that involves zoning and finance. Of the zoning side Weis explained that they have streamlined their process for cash flow. Permits and all help needed for them will continue to come from the zoning department. Payments will be made on the administrative side of the building. Applicants will be able to write just 1 check which will save time in bookkeeping. Farley said that they will distribute the funds internally. - Hoff added that the next committee meeting will be on December 13th.

Engineer’s Report - Fred Hay - asked the Board for approval to design and get bids for a concrete pad for the fire fighting facility on Glover Road. The Board thought that they had already okayed it but weren’t sure. At Solicitor Kline’s suggestion, they voted to ratify their previous okay and if there wasn’t one, to authorize it. The vote was 5:0.

Solicitor’s Report - Karl Kline - asked to discuss that day’s non-uniform employees collective bargaining session in Executive Session. Kline reported that the substantive zoning challenge by Kings Mill is continuing and that the next sessions are scheduled for December 4th and 18th at 7:30 PM in the Municipal Building. He added that the hearings are likely to go on through mid-2007 until all the testimony is concluded. At this point the challengers are still presenting their side of the case.

Comments from the Public

Ken Nagy - Dayton Drive, Forks Township - Mr. Nagy said that he was at the Suburban Water Authority meeting last Monday and that the proposed 25 year lease is a win for Easton and a loss for the suburbs. He said that for all practical purposes, this will subsidize Easton’s general budget. He told the Board that no one from any of the suburban areas voiced an opinion, for or against. Nagy said that Forks has lost total political control and that the entire water authority board is appointed by the City of Easton. He asked if the COG had "questioned this thing" and Ackerman replied, "No." Howell said that the chairman, Mr. Churchman, is a Forks resident and that there are other Forks residents on the Board. Nagy said that the City of Easton has 5 representatives on the Board and that there will be no equal vote for Forks.

Nagy’s second subject to the Board was the County’s Open Space. He said that what is in the paper is not at all what happens at County meetings and that the open space proposal is lopsided. The County is talking about giving $275,000 to Bushkill Township and Nagy said, "They are going to get it all for free." Nagy went on to say that Bushkill and Plainfield Townships are going to adopt Act 4 (where property taxes are frozen). He said that most people think that Act 4 only applies to farms and that that is not true. He said that it can apply to farms, environmentally sensitive areas, or anything "called open space that qualifies under the County program which is literally almost anything."

Nagy said that Forks will be paying ½ mil for this and that Forks will get nothing from it because its farmland soil, according to the County, is of "low quality." Ackerman said that that is not true. Nagy told the Board that he wished they would tell the County that they want to "bow out" because the ½ mil (about $40 on average) would be better used if the Township collected its own ½ mil. If it did that, the Township would not have to "beg, borrow, and plead with these people."

Nagy said that $18 million is going into the Easton project (Bushkill Creek Corridor Revitalization) and the majority of the money is going to assist a developer and to assist Lafayette College. He said that the Board, as representatives of the people, should not think of their responsibilities as ending at the border and he wished the Board would change its meeting nights so that they could attend the County Council meetings. Nagy concluded by telling the Board that Forks, Palmer, and Bethlehem Townships are nothing more than cash cows to the County.

OLD BUSINESS

POLICE DEPARTMENT/FIVE-YEAR PLAN - Nicholas said that Dorney expressed concern that the Board may have too many questions and that perhaps there should be a workshop to discuss it. She said that in the plan’s first year, 2 policeman will be hired and 4 new police cars will be purchased. In the second year there will be 3 new cars. The car purchases will alternate, 4 and 3 in subsequent years. Nicholas also said that Dorney thought that buying modular furniture for the patrol rooms would accommodate more patrolmen in the same space.

Hoff said that he would like to have a workshop so that the public can attend. Because of vacations and the upcoming holidays, the workshop was scheduled for January 18th at 6:30 PM (before the 7:30 BoS meeting.) The funding for the first year of the plan is covered in next year’s budget.

LIGHTNING PROTECTION - Hay said that he is working on this and will have a report at the next meeting. Farley said that they will be using a carryover from the construction account to pay for it.

DVR - REQUEST FOR PURCHASE - Nicholas said that the DVR for the Municipal Building was hit by lightening and is fuzzy and needs to be replaced. The fuzzy DVR will be kept as a backup. Nicholas said that the $6,975 price from ICU Security includes $175 for labor. Farley got prices (using an internet search) that ranged from $6,200 to $8,500. Nicholas added that she does not want to install the new one until surge protection is installed since the lack of lightning protection has already cost the Township $8,000. She also said that Keifer (ICU Security) told her that "if someone else is messing" with the equipment, it will void the warranty. Hoff asked Nicholas to find out if Keifer installs new equipment that the Township purchases (elsewhere) if there will be an impact on the warranty. It was decided that more information on the warranty is needed. This item will be on next meeting’s agenda. Three prices for the same piece of equipment are needed.

SURGE PROTECTORS - REQUEST FOR PURCHASE - Farley looked up lower prices (than $9,000 quoted by Keifer) for surge protection for the DVRs and all the cameras. The prices Farley got do not include installation. The warranty issue was raised and Kline said that they have "heard a lot about what Mr. Keifer is saying" but the Board needs to get it in writing. Howell said that he would like to see the actual manufacturer’s warranty. Nicholas said that she will get a written warranty. Hay added that he will report on surge protector specs at the next meeting. This will be on next meeting’s agenda.

KEYS - ACCESS TO BUILDING - Nicholas said that the other night she was asked to get cups out and couldn’t get them and everybody laughed at her. She added that Sandt (the other night) was "getting in all over the building and he’s an employee. Employees and janitors have more keys and access to the building than I do." Nicholas noted that there are security cameras all over the building except at the back door that the Supervisors use. Ackerman said that he would at least like a key to the front door because of meetings. Miller said that he has no objection to Supervisors having keys to the front door and made a motion to that effect. Nicholas seconded. Nicholas also said that she showed Ackerman and Sandt how to get into the zoning area (sliding out the little piece of wood on the doors over the counter). The motion passed 4:1. Howell cast the nay vote. Dorney will provide keys to any Supervisors who ask for them and record same on the master list (which the key holder must sign also).

SET PARK AND RECREATION MEETING DATE TO DISCUSS YOUTH DANCES - Miller said that the Athletic Association and Recreation Board want this resolved as soon as possible. There was a public work session scheduled and then cancelled because Nicholas could not attend. Miller thought that it would take more than one work session because there is much involved. He thought that they should hear both sides and that there are a lot problems as well as perceived problems and that they most work on solutions. The sessions will be open to the public and the public will be allowed to comment. At Howell’s suggestion to set a date, the Board selected 12/5 or 12/12 at 7:00 PM for the first session. Miller will let the Athletic Association and the Recreation Board choose one and he will inform the Board. The meeting will be advertised and listed on the Township website calendar.

NEW BUSINESS

FORT JAMES III - LOT CONSOLIDATION PLAN - Ackerman removed himself to the audience because his land is involved. Kline said that in addition to the lot consolidation, the preliminary subdivision plan is before the Board.

Hay said that the lot consolidation plan is simply joining the Brennan tract (100+ acres) and the Ackerman tract (16 acres) into one 123+/- acre tract. This was approved 5:0.

Kline said that the developer, J.G. Petrucci, is requesting approval of the preliminary major subdivision and it was before the PC on 10/13/06. It is for 19 lots and will be done in 2 phases. In the first, Braden Road (from Uhler) will stop at a cul de sac and Glover Road gets relocated and a stub road will be constructed from the main road to the Modern Concrete property. In phase 2, Braden will cross the rail line (pending Norfolk Southern approval) and connect to Kesslersville Road. If there is no railroad approval, the stub street will be connected to Glover.

Engineer (for the developer) Steve Pany explained that the Planning Commission wanted a road connecting to Kuebler between Georgia Pacific and Tioga Pipe instead of connecting to Glover Road. He said that Petrucci’s feeling is that a road through those commercial properties would substantially disrupt Tioga Pipe as well as prevent rail access to its property (and to Modern Concrete and to the MCS trucking facility).

Hay said that he agreed with the Planning Commission’s choice of Kuebler (without more than 30 seconds of thought.) But since then he’s met with the developer and the developer said that if Glover is to be used, the Glover/Padula intersection will be straightened out. Hay said that if that is done, he prefers that solution as rail service is critical to the development.

Jim Petrucci, president of J.G. Petrucci said that he recruited Tioga to Forks and during their talks, Tioga insisted that they be on a dead end cul de sac. He promised it to them. He also said that the railroad is using safety as an issue but in fact, there is a national policy to minimize rail crossings. Petrucci has hired the nationally known firm of Kirkpatrick, Lockhart, Nicholson & Graham to represent them in the Norfolk Southern negotiations as well as any with the PUC.

Dean Turner (Planning Commission) explained that the PC suggested Kuebler access because it is against condemning residential property for industrial purposes. They also felt that truck traffic was more suited to Kuebler.

Kline said that part of the PC’s recommendation was because 18 of the 19 lots are in phase 1 and extending Braden Boulevard is in phase 2. If phase 1 is done, the Township would have no leverage to get the developer to work at getting the rail crossing. Another of the PC’s recommendations was that Braden be connected to Kesslersville within 5 years and if they failed, "after a good faith effort," to get the rail crossing, then Kuebler should be the secondary access along the property line between Georgia Pacific and Tioga Pipe. Kline said that he got an extremely strong letter from Tioga’s council opposing that roadway. Staff then met and discussed other alternatives including straightening Glover. That involves taking land from Modern Concrete and Modern Concrete is amenable to it because they want rail service.

Turner added that the PC recommended that the Board write a letter to the PUC recommending the rail crossing because the Braden extension is the Township’s first choice.

The Board voted 4:0 (Ackerman was in the audience) to grant approval of the preliminary major subdivision subject to Keystone’s letter and that Braden connect to Kesslersville in 5 years and if a good faith effort to get the rail crossing fails, the developer must build a secondary access road to Glover and must straighten out the kink in Glover Road to the satisfaction of the Township engineer.

VICTAULIC CO. OF AMERICA - LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN - The plan for a single story office addition to the manufacturing plant was approved 5:0. Howell asked if the addition will accommodate new employees and was told that Victaulic will be relocating 20-25 employees from its Allentown facility.

PENN’S RIDGE PRD - ACCEPTANCE OF ROADS IN PHASES 5, 6, 7, & 8 - Kline said that the roads are completed and inspected and that the deeds of dedication are in order. Kline also said that the Board had a resolution to vote on to apply for the Liquid Fuels credit. Hoff asked about whether or not this was too late for Liquid Fuels credit and was told that it was but that the developer has agreed to pay the "lost" amount to the Township. The Board approved the Resolution in a 5:0 vote. There was discussion about not plowing the roads until the money is received. It was incorporated into a motion, no payment, no plowing. It passed 5:0.

FORKS CVS LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN - TIME EXTENSION - Kline explained that the developer is proceeding with both plans (CVS and Weis Market) and that granting this extension is a way of slowing the CVS process. Hay said that the PC recommended final approval and Turner said that it was preliminary approval and that a conditional use hearing must be held for the CVS. Turner noted that there are two different developers, Lidia Development for CVS and SamCar for the Weis Market. They have the same principals. The extension is until March 31, 2007. It passed 5:0.

DARWIN SMITH - MODIFY PLAN - Hay said that Dale Reinert Custom Homes has asked for a waiver of note #13 on the original Darwin Smith plan for 6 lots. Note #13 restricted the driveway placement for 5 lots (the 6th is the Smith home). The lots are on Old Mill Road between Indian Trail and Wagonwheel and the driveways will be on Old Mill. Weis said that there was a grading issue with the old plan. Kline said that generally driveways are placed on the up side of the lots. The PC recommended approval as long as the front entry garages have driveway provisions for k-turns. It passed 5:0.

FORKS VILLAGE SUBDIVISION, PHASE 2 - DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENTS - Kline said that the developer’s agreements, letter of credit, certificate of insurance, and escrow are in order. This passed 5:0.

WAGNER/YMCA LAND DEVELOPMENT - DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENTS - Kline said that the developer’s agreements are signed and the letter of credit , certificate of insurance and escrow are in order. Howell said he hopes the Township will do a traffic study of the area because it’s a dangerous road. He added that it’s a wonderful adaptive reuse of the building. This passed 5:0.

VERIZON EASEMENT AT FROST HOLLOW PUMP STATION - Hay said that this has been going on for a long time. It is on Township land off of Meadow Lane and will allow Verizon to serve Riverview Estates Phase 7. It passed 5:0.

STOCKERTOWN FIRE COVERAGE - Kline stated that the Township received notice that Stockertown had rescinded the Liberty Hose Fire Company’s sanction to provide fire protection service in the Borough. He said that Stockertown contacted Tim Weis (after the fact) to ensure that Forks would provide coverage on an emergency basis.

Kline said that he spoke with Stockertown’s solicitor, Gary Asteak, who told him that the Borough owns the fire vehicles, the building, and some of the equipment. He also said that the Borough is looking at ways to resurrect the fire company or forming another fire company. They will need coverage for some time.

Kline further said that the Board could agree to provide fire and rescue coverage to the Borough for a specific time period and if it takes Stockertown longer than the specified period, the Township should be reasonably compensated. He suggested that the Board appoint representatives to discuss this with Stockertown. Asteak told Kline that Stockertown has already appointed 2 representatives, Mr. Zaboy and Jack Fatzinger.

Nicholas said that she spoke with Amy Richards on Thursday and told her that it would have to be a Board decision. She said that she heard about it from a webpage and that there were emails between Hoff, Howell, Weis, and Kline but that no one informed her, the head of the Public Safety Committee. Hoff said that she is head of Public Safety for Forks and that does not automatically include her in discussions between municipalities. Hoff said, "Get over it."

Nicholas said that she could have been copied on the emails and Hoff countered that she wants to know everything immediately but doesn’t discuss anything with anyone. She said that the committees do not work. Hoff said that he finds "it amusing that the Rec. Committee can’t meet with the Athletic Association without the Board." Hoff said too, that he wondered when Public Works was going to tell the Board about demoting a crew chief and promoting someone else 7 months ago.

Howell said that he’s known Amy Richards since before he was a Supervisor and she called him and talked with him "under confidentiality" a few days before the meeting. She was concerned about the vote and what their options would be. Howell said he immediately communicated to the Board chairman (because it involved an outside municipality) and to the solicitor. Howell added that "the committee system works" and that it works under the direction of the Board.

Nicholas said, "Obviously the flow of communication does not work." "You’re right," Hoff said, "Public Works is a perfect example."

Hoff made a motion recommending that the Board agree to the minimum requested coverage time and that a committee be formed to begin discussions with Stockertown. After the second, Turner asked who takes care of vehicle rescue on Route 33 near Stockertown. Hoff said that Stockertown covers a 3 mile stretch and that it will be included in the agreement.

Nicholas wanted to add to the motion that the committee be composed of the two people on the 2007 safety committee, herself and whoever rotates in. Hoff said that even though he rotates in, he doesn’t not believe this to be a Public Safety committee issue. Hoff said that because he’s been involved with the fire company for the last ten years, he would like to be part of the discussions. Hoff said that he will agree to the amendment that will add himself and Nicholas, assigned by the Board (and not as Public Safety committee members), to the committee to meet with Stockertown’s representatives.

This passed 5:0. Kline will inform Asteak.

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE - Nicholas said that there is a broken camera on top of a pole in the parking lot. It was hit by lightning. The extent of the damage is unknown until the camera is taken down and checked. Hoff suggested that the Facilities Manager talk to ICU Security about it.

ORDINANCE NO. 300 - AMENDMENT TO POWERS & DUTIES OF TOWNSHIP MANAGER - Kline said that this was advertised and ready for the Board to adopt. It passed 5:0.

RESOLUTION NO. 061116-2 - DISASTER RELIEF AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE ACT - Kline explained that the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan Lehigh Valley requires that each municipality adopt this resolution. It passed 5:0.

Nicholas announced the Kiwanis tree lighting is scheduled for Sunday, December 3rd at 7:00 PM in front of the Municipal Building. Students from local schools will be providing music and Santa will arrive on a fire truck. Donations of food, socks, book bags, and hooded sweatshirts will go to Project Easton.

2007 BUDGET - TENTATIVE ADOPTION - Hoff said that there have been many budget work sessions and that the proposed budget is for $7,081,764. The proposed budget does not contain a tax increase. Hoff noted that the Board had a copy of a letter from the County Assessment Office and that their calculation for real estate tax differed from the amount in the budget. He asked Farley to take a look at it. Nicholas said that at the Supervisors’ meeting at the Pomfret Club, she learned that the County is reassessing houses and that might account for the difference. Hoff said that each year the Township gets an assessed value and that they didn’t have it when the budget process was started. The budget was tentatively adopted in a 5:0 vote.

Howell noted that the Board had a copy of a letter sent by Weis to Mr. Riker of the Easton School District regarding continuing parking violations in the fire lanes at Shawnee Middle School. Howell asked if it would be appropriate for Forks police to check several times a week and keep a log of violations. This way, when Riker says that it’s been taken care of, and it hasn’t, he can be told of the violations.

There was an EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss the non-uniform employees contract negotiations and personnel matters.

After the Executive Session, at which no action was taken, the Board said that they discussed the work done by the management staff in the absence of a Township Manager. The Board then voted the following raises and bonuses to management:

• Police Chief Greg Dorney - $6,000 bonus and 8% raise.
• Human Resources Manager, Barbara Bartek - $3,000 bonus and 4% raise.
• Finance Manager, Jim Farley - $3,000 bonus and 4% raise.
• Zoning Officer, Tim Weis - $1,500 bonus and 4% raise.
• Director of Public Works, Gary Sandt - 4% raise.

The bonuses will be paid in the first pay period in December. 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 11/2/2006

The November 2nd meeting of the Board of Supervisors ended without an executive session. The Board spent much time on the subject of Forks Township Youth Sports Organization dances (for grades 5-7) in the Community Center. Both Joe Nixon (Morning Call) and Precious Petty (Express Times) reported on the meeting. Please read their articles. We will try to fill in the blanks.

Supervisor Comments:

Supervisor David Howell addressed Karen Haduck’s letter published in the (11/1/06 edition of the) Express Times. He refered to Ms. Haduck’s letter as "a stirring, moving and disturbing description of a dance" held at the Community Center on 10/27/06 and put on by the Forks Township Youth Sports Organization. (Howell asked if Ms. Haduck was in attendance and at this point she was not.) Howell personally apologized for the dance and said that he found out about it from the newspaper. He said that he called a few friends in the Township and that they confirmed that "this was not an atypical dance."

Howell said that he thought there was failure of communication between the Board of Supervisors and its appointed boards and commissions. He said that the failure of the Athletic Association to maintain appropriate conduct at the dances is disrespectful to the residents as well as to the Board. Howell said that it puts all employees as well as all elected and appointed officials of the Township at risk for "civil liability" if something that could have been anticipated and dealt with occurs at one of the dances.

Howell noted that it is not the responsibility of the police department to act as chaperones (and intervene in instances of inappropriate conduct) and he motioned that dances be suspended until the "failure of responsibility" can be sorted out. He called for a public meeting (to be held in the evening so parents can attend) with the Parks and Recreation Committee and officers of the Recreation Board and the Athletic Association.

Supervisor Nicholas said that when her son was small she chaperoned dances because she wanted to be sure that where her son was was safe. She said that she did participate in separating children, although not to the degree described in Haduck’s letter. Nicholas said that "a lot of parents need to get involved in their children’s lives."

(Acting Chairman) Supervisor Miller said that he attends all the dances and that 90% of the kids are just good kids. He added 10% of the kids watch too much television or are taken by their parents to R rated movies. Miller also said that there were 2 paid staff members there as well as 3 police officers (paid for by the Athletic Association) and that "we were not informed." Miller said that he found out about it the next day from Haduck who attended jazzercise class and told him about it. He added that "for whatever reason" she did not say anything that night when something could have been done about it (like call the parents.) He said that he doesn’t know who the kids were. Miller said that he does tell parents to come to dances and see what their kids are doing.

Nicholas said that she suggested a few years ago that photo IDs be issued for the kids and that contact/parent information be on them. That way she said, if a kid is acting up, his/her card can be pulled and that the kid would not be allowed back in the dance. Nicholas said too that it would discourage kids who act up from coming in the first place.

Howell said that he doesn’t know the rules and regulations for the dances and that they should be published.

Zoning Officer Weis noted that he, the (former) Township Manager and Police Chief Dorney met on more than one occasion with the athletic association. Weis said that they did outline rules and regulations including the number of chaperones that had to be there and the procedure for ID checking. He said that this was established last year but didn’t know if there was a written policy somewhere.

Miller suggested that the rules be revisited. Howell added that there should be members of the Athletic Association in at the dances who have "virtual responsibility" and who will call the police when necessary. Supervisor Ackerman said that dances should be stopped until the Athletic Association meets in front of the Board.

Howell’s motion to suspend the dances pending review of the policies and procedures at a special public meeting/workshop was passed 4:0.

Karen Haduck arrived late to the meeting and missed the first 10% of this discussion. She was allowed to speak when she made her presence known well into the meeting. We are including her comments here.

Haduck said she was here on a school night (with a babysitter at home) because it is important to her. She said that there was nothing exaggerated in her letter to the paper. She said that she made no representation that the police should be responsible for taking action on inappropriate behavior.

Haduck agreed with Miller than only about 10% of the kids are causing the problem. She also said that all the rules are on the website and that she just found them. She added that the "wheel does not have to be invented, it’s there." The rules just need to be enforced.

Haduck said that she stood in the rotunda of the Community Center and spoke with two policemen and one employee for at least 10 minutes about what she saw during the previous 2-1/2 hours.

Haduck said too, that cancelling dances is not the answer. She said that kids that age do not need "ambiance" and that the lights should be turned on. She said that someone should talk to the DJ about the music that is played and that at one point all the kids were lined up doing a line dance and the DJ stopped it after about 30 seconds to play the MTV type music. She said that there should be no dances until IDs are issued. She thought that there are easy, simple steps to getting this worked out.

Howell invited Haduck’s assistance at the public meeting. She agreed to participate.

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 4:0. (Chairman/Supervisor Hoff was in attendance.)

Standing Committee Reports

• Public Safety - Supervisor Nicholas - announced that she has received the emergency management ID cards and that all employees and Supervisors will be getting them (in case of emergency). Weis will be taking the ID photos.
  
  Nicholas also said that the police department server must be replaced and that there is money in the legislative capital purchases fund to cover Hodges Technologies $4930 estimate. Replacing the server passed 4:0.
  
  There was discussion of the ICU Services newly received invoice for $1050 (for when the "DVR went down"). Apparently ICU said that they were going to "eat" this charge. Ackerman asked Nicholas to look into this.
• 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 there are approximately 5000 people expected in the Township over the weekend for the annual soccer tournament. He also said that Farley is working on compiling the survey data and that 700 have been processed so far.
  
  
• Community Relations - Supervisor Howell - reported that he received the black and white galleys for the new quarterly publication and that it looks very nice. There were some ad placement issues so it will be just a little longer until its published.
  
  
• Public Works - Supervisor Ackerman - said that the committee will be meeting on Wednesday at 7:000 AM. He also said that DPW Director Sandt tried out the new leaf vac and loves the way it works.

Emergency Management Coordinator - Tim Weis asked if everyone noticed the new clock in the meeting room. It cost $35 and all were impressed at how nice it looks. There was applause.

Nicholas said a computer is needed for the Command Center and will cost $2500. It will be an administrative capital purchase item. Purchase was approved 4:0.

Weis reported that he did write letters to the two homeowners affected by the driveway easement (Knollwood and Ben Jon?) as far as snow plows are concerned.

Weis said too, that the Knox-Box Ordinance deadline is coming up and 6 commercial properties are online now and by the end of November there will be 20. Weis also requested that the Board pass a resolution to adopt the Hazard Mitigation Plan (a joint effort by Lehigh and Northampton Counties). He said that a resolution is necessary by local municipalities in order to adopt the plan. This will make the Township eligible for funds in the event of natural disaster or terrorist attack.

Weis announced the next hearing dates for the Kings Mill zoning challenge as November 13, December 4, and December 18. All will be at 7:30 PM.

Engineer’s Report - Fred Hay - reported that the DPW finished work on the Sycamore swale and he recommended that letters be sent to homeowners association explaining "perpetual maintenance." The homeowners are responsible for the maintenance.

Hay said that the new sinkhole on Arndt Road will need emergency repair and that the sewer line is under water. He said that they televised the line and that there are about 220 feet that must be replaced. Howell asked if the Suburban Water Authority will pay for it. Hay said that that gets into what caused the sinkhole and that they would be forever arguing. He said that they will say that the sinkhole caused the break in the pipe. Howell said that he knows that sinkholes are caused by water and erosion. Howell suggested sending a bill. Hay said he expects to get it back with a little note saying "prove it."

Solicitor’s Report - Karl Kline - said that he had only agenda items. Howell asked Kline what is normally done with voting for PERMA (sic) (the Township is a member). He wondered if they make a selection as a Board or as individuals. Ackerman said that they’ve never done anything because they don’t know any of the people. Howell asked if he could make selections on behalf of the Board. Nicholas said he could make his own but not hers. Kline explained that it’s one vote, the vote of the Board of Supervisors. He suggested that Howell research the candidates and make a recommendation to the Board for voting. Howell said that he would make his choice based simply on the information provided in the voting materials. The Township’s vote is not due until December 31. Howell will read the materials and make a recommendation to the Board.

Comments from the Public

• Mary Cuadra of Easton’s pool advisory board addressed the Board to appeal for support for next year’s pool costs. She said that Easton will only open one community pool, Eddyside and that Forks families use it. Cuadra said that there the 2007 budget for one pool is $24,000 and that the actual cost to run two pools last year was $91,000. She proposed that a Forks resident join the pool advisory board to help make decisions on what happens to the pools. Cuadra hopes that the Board will consider helping. Howell asked if they are exploring charging a larger non-resident fee. Howell also asked if she will approach Lanta regarding a bus pickup from the Giant to Eddyside. She said that she would ask.
• Jim Wideman (Planning Commission member) addressed the Board about the height of the speed bumps in the park. He said that they are unacceptable and that his car bottoms out going over them no matter how slow he goes. He would like them changed into humps instead of bumps. Ackerman asked if they are removable and Sandt said, "No." Wideman suggested that they are "expandable."

NEW BUSINESS

FORKS COMMONS - CVS LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN - Weis said that he received a phone call from the developer asking to be removed from this night’s agenda. Also, he received a letter from the developer granting an extension until 3/31/07. This will go before the Planning Commission for acceptance.

FORT JAMES III - PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAN, PHASE I - Hay reported that the developer asked to have this item removed from the agenda and rescheduled to the next Board agenda. He added that the developer plans to begin pursuing the Braden rail crossing with the PUC.

RESOLUTION 061102-1/ESTABLISHMENT OF LEGAL DEFENSE FUND - Kline said that this fund was suggested by Forks resident Rachel Hoagland. Kline said that a contribution does not entitle a resident to tell the Board how to handle litigation. The resolution states that contributions are to be made payable to the Township of Forks with notations that indicate that it is for the legal defense fund. The resolution also states that the funds are to be used for the costs of defending the Township’s ordinances and policies against legal challenges and that the Board of Supervisors has sole discretion to use the funds for "said purpose." "The Board of Supervisors shall have sole control and authority over the conduct of such litigation." This passed 4:0.

2007 BUDGET/FIRST DRAFT SUBMISSION - Finance Manager Farley said that the budget was pretty close to being balanced and he recommended sending it back to Finance Committee and to the departments to trim it down. There will be another budget meeting on November 13 at 4:30 PM.

POLICE DEPARTMENT/FIVE-YEAR PLAN - Nicholas provided copies of the plan to the Board. She said that Chief Dorney did most of the work. It will be voted on at the next BoS meeting.

AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS/POLICE DEPARTMENT - The Five Year Plan for the police department included hiring two new officers next year. Because it takes time to review applications, Dorney asked for authorization to accept applications now. This passed 4:0.

LIGHTENING PROTECTION - Nicholas said that lightening struck again and hit the camera on the pole and consequently the DVR in the police department is all "fuzzy." She had an estimate for $9,000 for surge protection. Also recommended was the purchase of a new DVR and keeping the damaged one as a spare. A new DVR will cost $6975. (Farley will check the State contract to see if a comparable DVR is available.)

Nicholas also had an estimate of $18,000 for lightening protection. Because it is over $10,000 it must go out for bid. Hay will write the bid specs.

Howell asked who ICU is and Nicholas said that it is the company that installed the security system. Howell said that the $9000 proposal indicates products to be purchased. Nicholas said if that if "you go and mess with those DVRs" the warranty will be voided. Howell thought that surge protection might be a generic product that could be purchased. Nicholas told him that the warranties will be voided on all the cameras and DVRs.

Ackerman said that he would like to see the surge protectors go out for bid. Howell agreed and Hay will write up the bid spec.

COMPUTER FOR COMMAND CENTER - Voted on earlier in the meeting and approved. See Emergency Management Coordinator above.

BUILDING SECURITY - The discussion about keys continued. Miller said that he had no problem with the Supervisors having keys to the front door. Ackerman said that they don’t need keys to the offices but that not being able to lock the front door is a problem. He added that he should be able to get into the administrative area.

Nicholas argued that municipal buildings are to be used to house people in cases of emergency. Weis said that the Knox-Box does have a key for every room in the building. Nicholas then said that if she wants to give someone a tour, she should call 911? She said that people give the Board the authority to run the Township but won’t let them walk in the buildings. She said that if a Supervisor wants a key, he/she should have one and that there are cameras all over the building. She added, "If you can’t trust me, then tell me to get out of this position."

Miller said that the security system was set up this way for a reason (but he doesn’t know what it was) and that they all have access to the areas during working hours. The key policy was set by two people who are no longer employees of the Township, Alex Gale and Kathy Kichline. Ackerman said that the key policy should have come to the Board. The vote to give keys to Supervisors was tied 2:2.

SPCA 2007 CONTRACT - Farley said that there is a language change in the contract this year restricting the animal control officer and police department as the only authorized agents of the Township to bring animals to the SPCA. The Township will be charged per animal. It passed 4:0.

MET-ED RESOLUTION/STREET LIGHTS/RIVERVIEW WEST - Hay said that everything has been inspected and is ready to go. The vote was 4:0 in favor.

MET-ED RESOLUTION/STREET LIGHTS/LAMBERT ESTATES - Hay said that everything has been inspected and is ready to go. The vote was 4:0 in favor.

There was no executive session 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.