BoS Debates Proposed Historical Ordinance

 

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

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

No tax increases for Forks Township

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

2011 Budget Summary:

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

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

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

Welcome to our new Parks and Recreation Director

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

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

Update on the Forks Township Historical Ordnance

 

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

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

Weis Market Construction

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

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

August 5, 2010 BoS Meeting

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

Treasurers' Report

Total Outstanding Debt: $11,424,963

General Fund: $151,033.94

Utility Fund: $123,434.87

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

Unfinished Business

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

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

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

In Memory of Diane Baker

For the past 5 years, we can think of no one who has served Forks residents more than she did as the editor in chief and web master of the Forks Action Committee. Diane was an omniscient reporter of all that went on in local government. As a river’s edge resident, she was naturally watchful and vigilant of all issues involving the Delaware and this trait extended to all matters relating to township government. Her motivation was pure.

She knew that hard working families had little time to attend civic meetings but wanted to be informed about Forks issues that would most certainly affect them. So she brought the municipal meetings and news to them through the FAC web site. Diane understood the importance of citizen involvement in making change and the information she provided was the force, which enabled this to happen.

Diane felt that people should make personal judgments on all things Forks without unnecessary chatter and opinion from others. Her reporting style was straightforward, fair and non-biased. She most certainly held strong views, but they never clouded her reporting of Supervisor, Planning and Zoning meetings over these past years. “What’s important”, she would say, “is that people get the facts plain and clear from FAC so that they can determine whether or not their interests are being served by Supervisors.” She believed in open, transparent government that was not afraid to address difficult issues. FAC’s weekly survey was her way of drawing attention to current issues so that people would think about them and take action.

Her illness caught up with her quickly last month. Sadly her voice is now silent and those last meetings she attended will remain as unpublished notes. But those notes are but a drop in the ocean of work, which will remain on the Forks Action Committee web site for all to read. Even though she sought anonymity, she is admired by all who knew of her contribution to the township.

You will be missed Diane!