Republican Voters will have all the fun at the May Primary as they alone elect the two newest Forks Supervisors

Forks Republican voters have five candidates for the two open slots on the Forks Board of Supervisors.  Democratic voters have none.

The Express Times and the Morning Call published articles listing the Municipal Primary candidates.  Forks Supervisors Bonnie Nicholas and Don Miller were not on the list.  Neither filed nominating petitions and neither are seeking re-election.  Both are Democrats.

No matter what these two Supervisors' reasons for not running, Forks registered Democrats are left without candidates in the Municipal Primary.  It will be Forks Republican voters who decide who the next Supervisors will be and it will be done in the Republican Primary.

Planning Commission Opening - Immediate!

Long time Planning Commission member, John Castrovinci, has submitted his resignation from the board effective immediately.  In his letter, he cited his new duties as EASD Human Resources Manager as needing his full time attention.

What this means to you is that his unexpired term (through the end of 2009) needs filling now.  The opening must yet be advertised in the Express Times.  But that doesn't mean you shouldn't send your letters of interest to the Township Manager Rick Schnaedter as soon as possible. 

This is your chance to step up and be part of the process - to be part of crafting future Forks.  Currently, when not facing developers' plans, the Planning Commission is working on crafting a new zoning ordinance for green technologies (windmills, solar panels, etc.), a revised concept for Town Center planning, and much more.

The Planning Commission meets twice a month, the second Thursday of the month for its regular meeting, and the fourth Tuesday for a workshop.

Don't delay! 

BoS Meeting & Liquor License Hearing - notes - 3/5/2009

Liquor License Transfer Hearing - 6:30 PM

Attorney Joseph Piperato represented the applicant, the Colosi Company, LLC,  before the Board of Supervisors in the company's application for an inter-municipal liquor license transfer for its planned new restaurant in the former My Little Gypsy Rose restaurant/building on North Delaware Drive.

Solicitor Karl Kline explained that per PA law, receiving municipalities (of the transferring liquor license) must hold a public hearing. 

Brandon Colosi and his mother, June Colosi are the principals in the Colosi Group, the new owner of the 1600 North Delaware Drive property.  Brandon testified that the only liquor license available in Forks belongs to the former My Little Gypsy Rose and the price asked for it is far above market and paying for it would result in less money available for property improvements.  The license they are transferring (into Forks) from Bethlehem is priced at market.

The style of the restaurant will be family friendly fine dining.  The menu has not yet been set and a partner with restaurant experience is being sought.  The banquet facility and both bars will be retained.  The septic system is being replaced and the spring water has tested satisfactorily.  The building is being brought up to code.

Chairman Howell suggested that since the restaurant site is the only one in Forks Township with onsite septic and spring water, that it may be prudent to test the water frequently and post the results in the restaurant.

Brandon and June Colosi hope to open the restaurant for business in June.

..........................................................................................

Regular Meeting (agenda)

Supervisors voted this night to recommend the inter-municipal liquor license transfer for Colosi Company, LLC.  The public hearing was held at 6:30 PM. 

And, after much impassioned discussion, the Board voted to prepare specifications and seek bids for the first of Forks' neighborhood parks - destined for Penn's Ridge.  Please read Tony Nauroth's Express-Times article for more on the Penn's Ridge neighborhood park discussion.

Also, the Board learned that Judge Emil Giordano of the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas "dismissed with prejudice," the KMRD appeal of the Zoning Hearing Board's (ZHB) procedural challenge decision.  Please read Christopher Baxter's Morning Call article for more on Judge Giordano's decision in favor of Forks Township.

Public Comments (non-agenda)  - none

Supervisor Remarks:

• Supervisor Miller - announced that the Community Center is donating two pieces of exercise equipment to the Fire Department.  The equipment is "ready to be taken and is in 100% top condition." 
• Supervisor Nicholas - said that on Sunday, she attended Cub Pack 21's Arrow of Light honors ceremony.  She said that this is the highest honor a cub scout can earn and on behalf of the Township, she gave the five achievers recognition certificates.

Treasurer's Report - Egolf detailed the debits (cash paid out) since the last Supervisors' meeting.  The debits and transfers were approved with a 5:0 vote.  The Township's current outstanding debt is $8,364,787. 

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

• Public Safety - Supervisor Howell - said that the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17th at 8 AM.  He said that the committee meetings are open to the public and last 45 minutes to one hour.
• Public Works - Supervisor Chuss - reported that the committee will meet next Tuesday at 7:30 AM.  The upcoming agenda will be the same as the last meeting's agenda, that is, reviewing the final draft of the five year plan, discussion on the feasibility of a new public works building, and discussion of upcoming projects. 
• Parks & Recreation - Supervisor Egolf - said that the next meeting will by on Monday, March 9th at 6 PM.
• Community Relations - Supervisor Miller - reported that there was no meeting since the last Supervisors meeting and therefore, there is no report.  Township Manager Schnaedter offered that the next meeting is Monday at 5 PM.  He reminded the Board that the website vendor will be present to address the comments received from the Supervisors and staff.  Howell added that if the public has any suggestions for website changes, they should be sent to Schnaedter.
• Finance and Administration - Supervisor Nicholas - said the committee will meet next Wednesday, March 11th at 5 PM.  The agenda includes looking at last month's finances and to begin work on a three year plan.  She said that if anyone would like an agenda (and/or minutes), to let her know via email and she will send one.

Township Manager's Report - Schnaedter - said that his written report was before the Supervisors.  Howell inquired if he had heard from Senator Wonderling regarding his Forks office hours.  Schnaedter said that he believes the Senator will hold hours in the Community Center beginning on March 17th and every two weeks for at least two months to see what the response is like.  As soon as the specific times and dates are known, they will be posted on the Township website.

Engineer's Report - Hay - asked the Board for its "blessing" to do sewer work on Old Mill (to replace 4000 lineal feet and 5 manholes), on Meco (to replace 1800 lineal feet of force main) and on Red Barn (to replace 350 feet of gravity line.)  Howell asked how traffic will flow and Hay said that there will be flagging, particularly on Sullivan Trail because it involves a PennDOT permit.  Work will begin after the morning rush hour.  Hay added that Old Mill will be "a little dicier" because the sewer lines are "all over the place." 

Chuss said that an email was received from PennDOT yesterday regarding the Meco/Sullivan traffic light.  He asked Hay if he knows what will happen if Mr. Leiser does not sign the agreement and if there is a time limit on it.  Schnaedter noted that he and Zoning Officer Tim Weis met with Mr. Leiser today.  He said that Mr. Leiser has been on vacation and has opened and reviewed the letter he got from PennDOT.  Schnaedter said that Mr. Leiser appears to have no significant issues.

Solicitor's Report - Kline - reported that he was pleased to bring good news to the Board in the KMRD procedural challenge case.  The oral arguments were before Judge Giordano several weeks ago.  KMRD argued that the processes followed in enacting all zoning ordinances since 1983 had procedural defects. 

Kline said that the ZHB found the 2006 Zoning Ordinance process to be valid and therefore there was no need to look back at others.  Today, the written decision of Northampton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Giordano affirming the ZHB decision was received.  The case was "dismissed with prejudice." 

Kline added that he does not think that it's the last step.  KMRD has 30 days to file yet another appeal, this time it would be with the Commonwealth Court.  That court sits in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh. 

Howell addressed Kline about another issue, a topic at the Planning Commission's (PC) last workshop.  He said he was contacted by a newspaper reporter about the old Laneco (final approval 7/21/05) lot development plan submitted by One Up, LLC which called for the development of the Laneco property with three component buildings and the removal of the old building - and reserved space behind it for additional Community Park parking (in lieu of recreation fees.)  Howell said that he doesn't know what the next step is for the PC nor what the sanctity is of the previous approval. 

Kline said that he was not at the PC workshop and has had no discussions with the developer since the plan approval several years ago.  He recalled that the plan called for carving out two lots along the front (of the parking lot) for a bank and a fast food restaurant.  The developer said that he could not find a company willing to take a large sized building (like the Laneco) and therefore was going to tear it down.  The Township has no One Up LLC developer's agreements and no security has been posted.  Kline said that he will have to look at his file to see where it went after the plan approval was given.  He will advise both the BoS and the PC as to what he learns.

Chuss suggested that the developer is looking to fix up the old Laneco and that perhaps all that will be needed is a building permit. 

Kline reminded the Board that he hasn't spoken to anyone (about this site) but if all the developer is seeking to do is upgrade the existing building, all that would normally be needed is a building permit.  Kline added that he knows that the developer got more than that (in the approved plan) including subdividing the parcel into two lots in the front.  He added, "They can't pick and chose the good things and ignore what they'd rather not pay for."  Kline said that if One Up has submitted an application, he (Kline) should look at it in light of the site's prior approval.

Chuss said, "Irregardless of what they do, I think it's fantastic that finally that old Laneco building is going to be addressed."

Howell said that if the developer goes the route of improving the existing building, ("advice to staff") it behooves the Township never to issue a building permit for that building without a hazmat review of it.  He said that he was in it because the Township had to take action to weld the side door shut.  One Up was unresponsive to correcting the vandalism that was occurring.  Howell said that he was sorry he was in it.  He was sorry he breathed the air in it.  Every fluorescent bulb in the building is broken.  Howell said, "The mercury particles in the bulbs are excited through electrical current to create light."  He added that workmen should not enter that building with the idea that they are just cleaning it up.  Its interior should be made safe before any work is done.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Crop farming lease for Remaly tract with Michael Rinaldi (Karl Kline, Solicitor) - Kline explained that this is a two year lease for 2009 and 2010 for the Township owned Remaly tract.  Michael J. Rinaldi is the farmer.  He will pay the Township $55/acre ($2915 per year).  The lease includes a provision that if the Township needs some of the land in the second year, the rent will be prorated accordingly.  My Rinaldi has already signed the lease and paid the rent for 2009.  The lease was approved in a 5:0 vote.

NEW BUSINESS

Liquor License Transfer (Karl Kline, Solicitor) -  Howell explained that there was public hearing at 6:30 where the facts and circumstances of Colosi Company's wish to transfer a liquor license into the Township from Bethlehem to its new restaurant at the former My Little Gypsy Rose.  There was extensive discussion at the hearing. 

The Board can only recommend or not recommend approval to the PA Liquor Control Board (LCB).  It cannot grant liquor licenses.  

The Board voted to recommend approval (to the PA LCB) and found no adverse effects on the "welfare, health, peace, and morals of the community."  The vote was 5:0.  Kline will prepare a written resolution for the next meeting.

Penn's Ridge Recreation Area (Fred Hay, Township Engineer) - Hay showed the Board several sketches of different configurations for the Penn's Ridge neighborhood park.  Presently it is a detention pond and open space.  The land was deeded to the Township by the developer, Omega Homes, in lieu of recreation fees.  According to Kline, the Township can use it for recreation.

Howell asked how many homes are in Penn's Ridge.  Hay said that it was built in 14 phases and that there are close to 500 homes.  He added that there are 120 homes in the built-out Upstream Farms age restricted development next door.

There was discussion about the location of the tot lots and of the basketball court.  Hay noted that the area is fairly level and the Board can configure the park any way it chooses.  Hay said that the sketches show fencing around the basketball court and not around the tot lot.  He recommends landscaping. 

Chuss said that the area was intended as a detention pond and questioned the flow of stormwater.  Hay assured him that it is not flowing across the proposed park area.

Howell asked if there was enough room for a family to set up a volley ball court.  Hay said that there is plenty of room.

Egolf offered that a cost of $34,161 was estimated by last year's Parks & Recreation standing committee preliminary research and included swing sets, picnic tables, a small basketball court, and more.  He said that he met with DPW Director Roberts, Hay, Schnaedter, and Miller at the site.  Roberts said that Public Works can do the earthwork and excavating in preparation for the basketball court, the non-critical work for the tot lot, and also the final installation of mulch and other things like that. 

Nicholas asked if anything was sent out to the neighbors?  She said that the Township does get complaints and would hate to have spent $34,000 only to find that the park was a disaster.  She also said that she heard some parents say that they didn't want basketball next to the tot lot.

Egolf said that he's heard from residents that they want a tot lot and also, he noted that there is a problem in the neighborhood with individual portable basketball units, some being set up in the roads and some set up next to each other.  Neighborhood reaction is that it would be nice to have a common place to play basketball.

Chuss said that two people appeared before the BoS stating that they did not want a basketball court.  He added that another was very adamant about it. 

Chuss said that it (a basketball court) is a negative environment for people who don't have kids and he wouldn't want it imposed on him.  The noise and the traffic...  Chuss said that he talked with almost everyone on the Recreation Board and they wanted to know why more basketball courts weren't being installed in "common areas" instead of in a neighborhood park.

Egolf suggested that they "get their story straight" because just two weeks ago at the last meeting of the Parks & Recreation committee, the Recreation Board spokesperson fully endorsed this plan.  Egolf reminded Nicholas that she was there.

Chuss said that he wouldn't want it (the basketball court) 50 feet from his home and that it is not fair to the people who live there.  He said that he can hear, in the summertime, the noise from the pick-up games in the Community Park.  He said he can also hear kids arguing, cheering, laughing...

Egolf said that he thought it was very positive for kids to stay in town and be just down the street from home.  He said, "That bouncing ball, those cheering kids...  I think that's a healthy environment."  There are 500 homes in Penn's Ridge and lots of kids and they need places to play.  Howell added that there is not an appropriate trail system to get kids to the central park and allowing street play in the volume being seen will become an issue.  He said, too, Forks, compared to national surveys on basketball courts, is totally under-served.

Howell said that a basketball court at Braden and one at Meco would be nice but they are not neighborhood parks, they are destination parks.  The Penn's Ridge park will allow people to recreate closer to home.

Howell said that people complaining about noise are selfish/self indulgent people and with the economy in shambles, people to want recreate near home.  Vacations are out of the question.  He added that the new court surfaces absorb noise.  Howell also said that the whole idea that it's going to attract an undesirable element is ridiculous.  He said that one Supervisor is balking at the expense and another at the noise.  In the pipeline are other neighborhood parks, restrooms - all more expensive than this park - and none of which involve taxpayer money.  He asked how the Board can deal with spending a lot more money building an amphitheater?

Nicholas said that she is not balking at the price, she simply does not think that people know the park is coming.  In her opinion, there will be more acceptance if the people know what they are going to get.  She  added that informed people make better decisions.

Howell reminded her that the Board had a workshop on the subject and it was well attended.

Chuss said that there are two outside courts in the Township.  The one in the park is full on summer evenings.  The other is at Forks Elementary School (and is being refurbished).  Chuss said that this one at Penn's Ridge will draw people from outside the development.

Egolf said that the Township got a petition from Vista Estates residents who would like to have a recreation area so that their kids don't have to cross Sullivan Trail and that they can get to on their own - and on their bikes.

Note:  This discussion went on for nearly another 30 minutes.  At times it was very emotional. 

Discussion ended with a vote of 4:1 (Chuss was the nay) to prepare bid specifications for the (not to be lighted) basketball court and to move forward with the purchase of the other items through the PA Co-stars program.

Before the vote, David Billings (PC) suggested that a final plan be developed, complete with rules.  He said that people will want to know how the park is to be used.  Howell said that the Parks & Recreation and Public Safety committees are working on park rules.

Dean Turner (PC) commented that he thinks that neighborhood parks are a great idea.  There are some densely populated Township developments.  He said, too, that he lives across from Forks Elementary and it's wonderful to hear kids laughing.

Executive Session - The session was held to discuss a personnel issue.  It was not attended by Solicitor Kline.  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.

KMRD/Kings Mill 0 : Forks Township 1 - Judge Giordano rules!

On March 3, 2009, (Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County) Judge Emil Giordano ruled in favor of the Forks Township Zoning Hearing Board's (ZHB) February 2008 decision in the KMRD, L.P. procedural challenge.  Judge Giordano dismissed the appeal "with prejudice." 

KMRD's procedural challenge alleged that the 2006 Zoning Ordinance was was not properly advertised per the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC).  Had the court ruled in favor of KMRD, a county-wide (maybe further) can of worms would certainly have been opened as most municipalities use similar formats in ordinance advertisements.

Originally, before the ZHB, KMRD/Kings Mill alleged that every zoning ordinance back to 1983 was procedurally flawed and should be void.  KMRD cited 18 violations.  The Township refuted them with over 300 pages of documentation.   KMRD then reduced the list to one single alleged flaw, the public notice.  KMRD said that the entire ordinance should have printed in the newspaper.  The cost would have been $55,000. 

Forks Zoning Hearing Board ruled against KMRD's challenge.  And, KRMD appealed to the Court of Common Pleas, where, before Judge Giordano, KMRD lost its appeal.

The next step for KMRD/Kings Mill, should it decide to pursue this further, is an appeal to the Commonwealth Court.  According to Solicitor Kline (at the March 5th Board of Supervisors meeting), KMRD has 30 days to do that.

Please read Christopher Baxter's Morning Call article for more.  To read the judge's ruling, click here.

Forks Tax Collector - so far, it's the one hot race!

Reprinted from the FAC website, March 1, 2009:

Two candidates have officially declared for the Forks elected Tax Collector position.  The new candidates are Wendy Buchanan (D) and Anne Bennett-Morse (R).  As you can see from their (linked) press announcements, both candidates are long-time Forks residents and both have financial accounting backgrounds. 

Interest in the tax collector race even caught the attention of the Morning Call's Christopher Baxter.  Please see his February 27th article for more.

And, although the incumbent, June Vail (R), has not formally announced her candidacy, the Morning Call's Christopher Baxter reported that she "vows" to run again.

Old Giant/Laneco property may see new life - like it or not

It was hinted at at the February 19th BoS meeting.  Township Manager, Rick Schnaedter, without giving details, asked that the Supervisors take no action on the Laneco site for at least 45 days.  Schnaedter's request was prompted by Supervisor Chuss' suggestion that the Board consider declaring it a "blighted" property.  And, Chuss' comments were prompted by a resident's report that the Giant's deed restrictions no longer apply.

Enter the Morning Call's Christopher Baxter:  He was curious enough to do some digging and he broke the story in a February 26th article.  Baxter also posted it to the Two Rivers blog along with a link to a full brochure prepared by the leasing agent for the property, Metro Commercial Real Estate.

What does Forks have to look forward to?  Well, Planet Fitness and a Dollar Tree are listed on the brochure as proposed - along with more available space.  Baxter reported, too, that a McDonald's is also planned. 

This plan is the in pipeline for Planning Commission review but no date has yet been set.  An older plan for this site was approved by the Supervisors in July 2005. 

This plan may not be what everyone hoped for the site - remember the 2006 FAC email poll on the topic?  -  but it looks like that's what we shall get.

BoS Meeting Notes - 2/19/2009

Regular Meeting (agenda)

This night, in the first 10 minutes of the meeting, Forks Supervisors learned from a resident that the deed restrictions on the vacant former Laneco property no longer apply. 

The Board also considered and granted Senator Wonderling's request for space in the Municipal complex for a satellite office.  On two Tuesdays each month, he and/or his staff will be available to constituents.  Supervisors went further than Senator Wonderling's request and said that the allotted space (in the Community Center lobby/atrium) will also be available to other elected officials (Grucela, Dent, Dowd, etc.) to meet with constituents.  Please read Tony Nauroth's article (Express Times, February 21, 2009) for more details.

Public Comments (non-agenda) 

Ken Nagy, Forks resident, addressed the Supervisors because he read an article in the newspaper (Morning Call, Christopher Baxter, February 17, 2009) that reported that the Township was considering increasing taxes for open space preservation.  Mr. Nagy reminded the Board that Forks already pays Northampton County that same thing and has yet to get some back.  Instead the county uses the money for rails-to-trails (over a million dollars), for private property purchases (that still remains private property), and other projects.  He said that we have farms that have been on the farmland preservation list for over two years. 

Mr. Nagy went on to say that it is disturbing to be treated like a "step child and a cash cow" by the county.  He said that the county has many dollars "to be had if you go and get them" and that Forks should be "aggressively pursuing" its council representative. 

As to the new regional health department, Nagy said that it "will take the burden of paying off of the backs of Allentown, and Bethlehem and lay it across the county line."

As a better way to get open space money than raising taxes in Forks, Nagy suggested that the Board write a letter to Northampton County stating, "We see no benefit, we get no benefit from the open space provisions, therefore we are going to cease paying it.  Please send us the 1/4 mill you receive from our residents."  He suggested, too, that if the Board reads the papers to see what the county is doing, it will know that it must be more aggressive to stop some of what is planned.  As examples he cited the TIF (Tax Incentive Financing) program, a hockey stadium ($30 million from the County), and Steel Stax (a private corporation that got $2 million with more coming from the County).

Nagy said that Forks does not have that much open space and that the County assumes that Forks sits on top of "nothing but a lot of money."

Finally, Mr. Nagy asked if anyone had pursued bringing in the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) to help with the old Laneco property.  He said that Phil Mitman, LVEDC President, told him that the deed restrictions on the property no longer apply.

Supervisor Remarks:

• Supervisor Egolf - said that the Bushkill Stream Conservancy meeting in the Municipal Building on Tuesday night was well attended and that there were fine articles about it in the local newspapers (Christopher Baxter for the Morning Call and Tony Nauroth for the Express Times).  The program itself focused on a report by LandStudies, Inc., an environmental consulting firm.  They looked at Bushkill Creek from north of Tatamy to Easton.  The final report will be completed in a few weeks and a copy will be sent to the Township Manager.
• Supervisor Chuss - in response to Mr. Nagy's comment said that the talk of the 1/4 mill tax for open space/farmland preservation will actually be a feasibility study as recommended by the Farmland Preservation Comprehensive Plan subcommittee.  He added that 44 acres are being preserved in Forks this year and that there will be more from that same farmer next year.  Chuss said, too, that there is another forks farm on the list for either this year or early next year.  He thanked Mr. Nagy for his comments and added that Forks residents' "pockets are not bottomless."

As to the Old Laneco property currently owned by ONE UP, LLC, Chuss said that he contacted them two years ago as part of the Comprehensive Plan Economic Development subcommittee.  He asked if they would come in and discuss what could be done about their property.  He said that the owner was open to it at first but never returned calls to confirm that he would be here.   Chuss said that this is an item constantly raised by residents.  He asked that the Supervisors look into declaring it a blighted property and direct the Township Manager to look into it.  Township Manager Schnaedter interjected and asked that the Board hold off taking any action on that building (old Laneco) for at least 45 days.  He added that the LVEDC is aware of the building and is marketing it.

Supervisor Miller added that the property owner has an approved plan through the Township and could begin to develop it next week if he wanted.  He chooses not to. 

Mr Nagy said that the Township should lean on the back of the LVEDC.  He restated that Mr. Mitman said that the restrictions are now gone and he (Nagy) wondered if it could be a KOZ (Keystone Opportunity Zone) to make it attractive enough.

Treasurer's Report - Egolf began by welcoming the students in the back of the room.  All were seniors at EAHS and attending one township meeting, one county council meeting, and one school board meeting are required for Mr. Corpora's AP Government class.

Egolf next detailed the debits (cash paid out) since the last Supervisors' meeting.  The debits and transfers were approved with a 5:0 vote.  The Township's current outstanding debt is $8,381,641. 

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

• Public Safety - Supervisor Howell - said that the committee met earlier this week that he will send the draft notes to the Board in a few days.  The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3rd at 8 AM.
• Public Works - Supervisor Chuss - reported that the committee met on February 10th.  He was unable to attend but said that the five year plan was discussed and the final draft will be reviewed before it is sent to the BoS.   Also, there was additional discussion on the feasibility of a new public works building.  Both topics will be discussed further at the next meeting on March 10th.
• Parks & Recreation - Supervisor Egolf - reported that the committee met on February 9th.  He remarked that with the change in meeting time to 6 PM, the meetings are better attended - especially by representatives from the various Township organizations.  He said that the committee had a full agenda and discussed Penn's Ridge, the court resurfacing, the bandshell, grading at the Braden Airport park, and the restrooms at Braden.  "The minutes will be forthcoming."  The next meeting will by on Monday, March 9th at 6 PM.
• Community Relations - Supervisor Miller - said that the committee met this week.  Both staff and Supervisors have submitted suggestions for website changes and the committee is reviewing the suggestions.  The website consultant will attend the next meeting to offer his comments on the changes and to provide cost estimates on effecting them.   The deadline for the Spring/Summer newsletter has been provided by Hometown Press.  Schnaedter is gathering "appropriate time sensitive articles for the publication." 
• Finance and Administration - Supervisor Nicholas - said that the committee met on February 11th and reviewed January 2009 Township expenses.  They discussed the Waste Management contract and Nicholas asked the Board if it wants a public hearing over the contract renewal terms and fees.  Currently Forks has a full contract with recycling every week.  There are other options that can be chosen, for example collecting recycling every other week would lower costs.  Howell said that it is a good idea to understand the "pulse of the community." 

Nicholas offered that she thinks the new contract will be a lot higher than the existing contract.  She said that perhaps Waste Management can attend and offer help to understand the new contract and the options and pricing available. 

Howell said that is in favor of a workshop and it must be well publicized to insure that a good cross-section of the community attends.  Schnaedter suggested that Waste Management may be able to help promote the workshop.  He said that he and Finance Manager Farley will be meeting with representatives from Waste Management next week.

Chuss asked why this couldn't simply be an agenda item at a regular meeting?  Schnaedter said that sometimes workshops about specific items bring out more people.  Nicholas said that people are more likely to talk at a workshop.  Schnaedter said he has learned that other communities are facing substantial increases.  And, he will report on his meeting with Waste Management at the March 5th BoS meeting.  Supervisors will revisit a decision at that time.

Nicholas said that the staff evaluation forms are completed.  She will get a copy to the Board for review.  She said, too, that the EIT form (Earned Income Tax) is available for download on the website.  The swipe card system for the Community Center gym will be finished by March.  Farley said that the system is up, they are waiting for the tags.  The handrail for the Municipal Building sidewalk is here and awaiting installation.

Nicholas asked the Board if when Farley puts out the budget calendar for 2010 that there be a notice on it that professionals' fee schedules are due to the Township Manager no later than October 10th.  And, finally, Nicholas reported that HR Manager, Barb Bartek has been asked to represent the Lehigh Valley Insurance Co-op Connection Care advisory board.  Nicholas said this is a good position for her and she congratulated her for doing that.  Bartek has been on the Lehigh Insurance Co-op board for several years.    Connection Care provides services to individuals diagnosed with cancer.

Township Manager's Report - Schnaedter reported that he received correspondence from Lafayette College's Meyner Center regarding a regional comprehensive plan.  He said that over the last two years a regional comprehensive plan was addressed several times at the Two Rivers COG (Council of Governments) meetings and although there was some interest, he thought that Forks was not interested in a regional comprehensive plan.  He said that unless something has changed, he will notify the Meyner Center that Forks is not interested. 

Chuss said that the didn't know a decision had been made and that he understands that there are grants and State/Federal money available for regional plans.  Schnaedter confirmed that there is State money available for the organization of comprehensive plans.  He added that the Township had a difficult time planning for its own community and this would involve neighboring municipalities.  Traditionally legislative bodies are reluctant to give that authority to neighboring communities.

Howell said at the Meyner Center/COG discussions Forks' district would include West Easton, Glendon, Freemansburg, Wilson, and Easton.  Palmer and Bethlehem Townships would have opted out.  He suggested that if Chuss wanted to revisit it, he is welcome to attend the COG and learn more about it.

Chuss asked why Bethlehem and Palmer would opt out and Howell said that it is because they don't want the "tail to wag the dog."  There is not much to plan in Easton and they will look to the suburbs to solve their issues.  Forks is involved in a lawsuit over providing affordable housing, one of Easton's major concerns. 

Schnaedter said that he will notify the Meyner Center that Forks chooses not to participate on the 27th.

Schnaedter also said that the Meyner Center is looking for the Board's comments on the report draft from the strategic planning workshop.  Howell said that he would like to get it going.  Egolf thought that an ad hoc committee to propose deadlines that will be sent to the Supervisors for approval/revision will work.  He said that it was important to move on it since these are 2009 goals - and it's already the end of February.  Schnaedter will set up a meeting within the next five working days.  The members are Schnaedter, Howell, and Egolf.

Schnaedter also said that the Board has the 2010 appropriations grant application (for the public works facility) for review.  The deadline is the 27th and unless the Board has objects, he will to send it tomorrow.

Schnaedter met with Brian Locus (sic) of the Forks Township business group.  He and other members will make a presentation at a BoS meeting about their plans to contact other business groups.  The group wants the Board to participate in that effort.

Engineer's Report - Hay - not present

Solicitor's Report - Kline - reported that he spoke with Mr. Rinaldi about the crop farming lease.  He is in agreement but has not sent the signed lease back yet.  It will be an agenda item at the March 5th meeting.

Kline also reported that the EAJSA (Easton Area Joint Sewer Authority) solicitor has been directed to prepare a new sewage service agreement that will control its relationship with member municipalities.  The current agreement is in many dated parts, 1976 inter-municipal agreement, 1988 agreement, the 1995 court order, and the amended articles of incorporation.  The new agreement will consolidate all into one.  This is a long and very important document since there are millions of dollars involved.  Kline said that he reviewed the new document and will meet with Henning Holmgaard, Forks' representative on the EAJSA, and then make a report to the Board.

Kline also updated the Board on the nine expiring letters of credit.  He explained that these letters are required of developers to insure that required municipal improvements are completed.  If the work is not done by the developers, the Township has the right to draw on the letters so that the work can be completed.  Seven of the letters have been resolved.  The two unresolved are from Strausser Enterprises.  They are due to expire on March 31st. 

Kline further explained that developers are unlikely to do the improvements before they begin building and have money coming in, so security is provided with letters of credit provided by banks.  The Township notifies the bank that issued the letter if the work is not done and the bank sends the money to the Township and bills the developer.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Request for authorization to bid – resurfacing of Tennis Courts and re-furbishing of basketball Court (Rick Schnaedter, Township Manager) - Schnaedter asked the Board for authorization to go out to bid for the rehabilitation of the Community Park basketball court and the resurfacing of its tennis court.   The advertising will be on March 29th, April 3rd, and April 6th.  There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting on April 9th and bids will be opened on April 13th.  Several vendors have expressed interest.

Miller thought that there was one line that was inappropriate in the bid spec, and that is that the vendor must be a member of the American Sports Builders Association.  He said that there may be many qualified bidders who are not members.  Miller said that he looked it up on the web and that they are out of MD and require an annual membership fee of $840.  He asked Kline for his opinion.

Kline said that the purpose of the bid is to make sure you have qualified bidders and you need to be satisfied that they are in fact qualified.  The requirement that they pay $840 has nothing to do with qualification to do the job.  He recommended deleting the line.

Nicholas questioned the project notes section that says there is no removal or disposal of existing base included.  She wondered who is getting rid of it.  Schnaedter explained that this is rehabilitation and the materials will be reused.  DPW Director Roberts said that the stone base will remain and only the blacktop will be removed.  This will address the cracks in the court surface.

Nicholas questioned the line in the project notes that states the contractor will not accept responsibility or liability for damage done to existing areas required to access the work area.  Roberts agreed that damage could happen.  When asked who helped prepare the bid spec, Schnaedter said that a potential bidder did.  The Township Engineer then reviewed it and put in language to prevent one company from having unfair advantage.  Nicholas wanted the line removed and Kline agreed.  Howell asked if there were provisions in the package that will guarantee that the things like removing the fence around the tennis court will result in the fence being replaced as it was.  He was told that there were.

Nicholas then questioned the variable bid price provision (based on AC oil and market prices) for the blacktop and wanted it removed.  Roberts said that last year blacktop prices were volatile.  Nicholas said that bids should be good for so many days.

Howell remarked that there is a problem when potential bidders are writing specs. 

Nicholas recapped the changes as eliminating that the contractor is not liable for damages and adding instead that the contractor is responsible for damages, and eliminating the clause about the AC oil price index and adding per Kline, that the price be guaranteed for 30 or 60 days or until the bid is awarded.

Howell suggested that the Board could approve Schnaedter's authority to go out for bid if the Board agrees to allow him to consult with Kline for the correct language. 

Egolf made the motion to authorize the Township Manager to advertise for bids for the rehabilitation of the basketball court and the resurfacing of the tennis court with the stipulation that Schnaedter meet with Kline and Hay to finalize the wording with reference to the liability insurance, black top pricing, association membership, and the length of the contract.  Miller seconded and it passed 5:0.

Senator Wonderling’s request for Satellite Office in Forks Township Municipal Complex (Rick Schnaedter, Township Manager) - Schnaedter explained that Board had a copy of the email request from Senator Wonderling's office to set up a table two Tuesdays a month (for a few hours) in the Municipal Building lobby to meet with and serve constituents. 

Chuss suggested that the there is more traffic in the Community Center. 

Howell said that this is a request from one elected official and although he is not a fan of elected officials using "our facilities," it should be offered to all elected officials (Grucela, Dent, Dowd, etc.).  He agreed with Chuss that the Community Center is a much better venue for it especially if there are a significant number of people with issues.  Howell stipulated, too, that there should be no electioneering. 

Nicholas agreed that there should be no campaigning.  And, Egolf suggested that there be blackout dates during election times.  He said that the Community Center is a great place.  Howell suggested space in its atrium.  Miller offered that Saturdays would not be good since "they would be run over by 300 kids."

Schnaedter noted that this is the third request the Township has received (Dent and Specter were the others).

Chuss made a motion to set a policy that any elected official may use space in the Community Center for the purpose of meeting with constituents.  The time and dates must be arranged with the Township Manager and there will be no electioneering.  Egolf seconded and it passed 5:0.

Executive Session - The session was held to discuss a matter of current litigation and one of a potential litigation.  No action was taken and the meeting was adjourned.

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