Monthly Business Meeting

The paid interim bills and unpaid current bills were presented. Carol Eppley moved to approve the bills as presented, seconded by Linda Ruff; the motion carried with all in favor except Ken Hoover, who was opposed. Ken Hoover asked whether two street signs were the office signs at the Township Office.

The January 5 Reorganization Meeting, January 12 Business Meeting, and January 12 Act 537 Planning Meeting minutes were presented. Gary Shultz moved to approve all minutes as presented, seconded by Carol Eppley; the motion carried unanimously.

Keys to the back office will be issued to Planning Commission members upon request, as members feel they need access. Linda Ruff motioned to approve the key issuance, seconded by Carol Eppley; the motion carried unanimously.

Of the $158,031.50 in financial security currently held, K&W Engineers recommended releasing $140,651.50 and retaining $17,380.00. Linda Ruff motioned to approve the recommendation, seconded by Carol Eppley; the motion carried unanimously.

A time extension request was presented and recommended for approval by the engineer. Carol Eppley motioned to approve, seconded by Ken Hoover; the motion carried unanimously.

Solicitor Dzuranin explained his research into the Township's building permit fee structure, stating further factual investigation is needed before advising whether the Township violated the fee structure. He suggested sending the Home Builders Association a letter expressing the Board's wish to cooperate and resolve the matter short of litigation. Linda Ruff motioned to approve sending the letter, seconded by Carol Eppley; the motion carried unanimously.

Roadmaster Dale Shoop reported that PennDOT offered the Township the option to install ADA curbing on Green and Boyer streets during the paving of N River Road at a cost of approximately $20,000. The board chose not to have the ADA curbing installed.

A resident requested removal of a street light at Sycamore and S. River Road, but the medical center wished it to remain. Ken Hoover motioned to keep the light in place, seconded by Carol Eppley; the motion carried with all in favor except Linda Ruff. Linda Ruff suggested considering not having individuals pay for street lights and asked that the topic be placed on the March agenda; a written policy will be developed over the next several months.

HARA requested $37,004 from the Township for 2009, but only $28,500 was budgeted. Gary Shultz suggested increasing the amount on a matching funds basis. Linda Ruff suggested tabling the issue until Tracy Cox can report back at the March meeting.

Norma Shearer recommended the Township pay the entire cost of gypsy moth spraying and not invoice the affected residents. Carol Eppley motioned to approve the recommendation, seconded by Gary Shultz; the motion carried unanimously.

The UDITO Advisory Board discovered that UDITO overpaid municipalities, which must be repaid; a special distribution will offset most of the overpayment, with the balance deducted from the February EIT check. Norma Shearer recommended that per capita delinquent taxes be collected by JP Harris rather than UDITO. Ken Hoover motioned to have JP Harris collect the per capita delinquent taxes, seconded by Carol Eppley; the motion carried unanimously.

Salyn Stover of DCNR informed Norma Shearer that the Township is responsible for safety issues for park use, and the property can no longer be farmed. Norma Shearer stated the park is not ready for use because safety issues have not been identified and addressed. David Kieffer will be informed he can no longer farm the property, and Larson Design Group has been selected as the Master Site Plan consultants.

Norma Shearer suggested inviting Rudi Erb of Twin Valley Conservation Association as a guest speaker at the March 24 Act 537 meeting. Linda Ruff voiced concern over the meeting length, and after discussing pros and cons, the Board decided not to include her as a speaker.

Todd Etzweiler noted the contract to collect fire taxes expired 12/31/06 and cited various items in the contract the Fire Company has not abided by. The subject was tabled for research. Linda Ruff motioned to authorize Solicitor Dzuranin to research the matter, seconded by Carol Eppley; the motion carried unanimously.

Lodging for Norma Shearer and Linda Ruff was requested for the entire PSATS Convention, as attending early and staying late provides the full benefit. Gary Shultz asked for a cost comparison between staying and commuting. After discussion, the motion to approve lodging was voted upon and carried unanimously.

UD Human Services requested a donation. Gary Shultz motioned to donate $250, seconded by Carol Eppley; the motion carried unanimously.

The Tax Collector is currently paid $2 per bill for Real Estate tax and $0.25 per bill for Per Capita tax. Linda Ruff motioned to leave rates unchanged, seconded by Ken Hoover. Melinda Warfel shared PSATS guidelines and her payment history since 2002. The motion was approved with Gary Shultz and Ken Hoover opposed.

Linda Ruff motioned to adjourn at 9:25 PM, seconded by Carol Eppley; the motion carried unanimously.