TUNKHANNOCK TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS
REGULAR MEETING – MAY 12, 2010
In Attendance: Chairman Maureen Sterner, Vice-Chair George Ewald, Attorney Dan Lyons, Secretary Maria Wieand, and area residents. Supervisor Fran DePiano was not present.
Chairman Maureen Sterner called the regular meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
The minutes of the April 14, April 28, and May 6, 2010 meetings were reviewed. Supervisor Sterner made a motion to accept the minutes as written, Supervisor Ewald seconded the motion. Hearing no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
Supervisor Sterner noted that an executive meeting was held 4/28/10 for legal issues.
Announcements were read by Secretary Wieand.
There were no Public Comments pertaining to the agenda items.
Matters Arising: Supervisor Ewald commented on the pole fire that occurred about a week ago over the fuel tanks. Actions being taken to move the pole and address L & I issues at the same time were reviewed.
Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Wieand presented the following:
February balance forward $204,486.15, income $51,042.11, interest $28.70, payroll & liabilities $19,115.39, bills $200,488.40, ending balance $35,953.17. March balance forward $35,953.17 income $216,753.62, interest $38.36, payroll & liabilities $24267.73, bills $97,522.99, ending balance $230,954.43. April balance forward $230,954.43, income $487,294.59, interest $.68 (interest from second not recorded), payroll & liabilities include quarterly taxes for first (1st) quarter $47,692.14, bills $47,569.90, ending balance $622,987.66. Bills being presented by Wieand in the amount of $215,656.17, Supervisor Ewald motioned to pay the bills, seconded by Supervisor Sterner. Comments and questions were addressed and the motion passed unanimously to pay the bills.
Demolition of Iron Cages on Bull Pine Greenway (former Kim Property) – George Ewald explained that we must remove the iron cages on our own open space property and the trailer on our property. We have a letter from Blake Kim giving us permission to remove the trailer and the portion of the iron cages on his Property. Darwin Keiper Excavating has agreed to remove both at no cost to the Township and they will keep the scrap metal. The job must be completed to the satisfaction of the Board of Supervisors by May 13, 2010. Estimated cost for this work if done by our DPW Department was close to $10,000 for labor & fuel alone. Maureen Sterner made a motion to ratify the contract with Darwin Keiper Excavating. Fran DePiano seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Kiesel Computer Services – Maureen spoke with Paul Kiesel. He made the requested changes to the contract in order to comply with the open records policy as requested by the board. Paul has two subcontractors in our area that he will use when the contract is approved. The fee is $100 per month to monitor our system assuring response time in the event of a mission critical event and $95 per hour billed in fifteen minute increments to service supplied while on site. Travel time at $47.50 max and may be waived depending on the size of the project and length. Supervisor Ewald motioned to accept and sign the contract and presented. Supervisor Sterner seconded, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Big Time Sports - Supervisor Sterner motioned to allow Big Time Sports the use of our facilities for six (6) weeks during the summer as long as they have maximum insurance coverage and name the Township as additionally insured. Seconded by Supervisor Ewald and noted they have agreed to donate new basketball back board/hoop system with the understanding the old ones will be removed and new ones placed by the Township the value is approximately $3200. There being no additional comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Municipal Security System Repairs – Tabled until the work session.
Roadmaster – Troy Counterman has stepped down from the Roadmaster position. Supervisor Sterner motioned to appoint Supervisor George Ewald as acting Roadmaster, and seconded by Supervisor Ewald. Peg Yencho asked if the Roadmaster position would be filled again and the board indicated not at this time. After comments and questions were addressed the motion passed unanimously.
Resignation from the EAC –Supervisor Sterner motioned to accept the resignation of Alicia Siglin from the EAC due to family matters. Supervisor Ewald seconded, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
HB 2431 – Supervisor Sterner explained this House Bill and her understanding of the possibility of local government being taken over by the county level and that letters should be sent to the appropriate authorities to indicate we are not in favor of it. Supervisor Sterner motioned to have Secretary Wieand send letters to our representatives not being in favor of house bill 2431. Seconded by Supervisor Ewald, after comments were heard from Betty Terrell-Cruz the motion passed unanimously.
House on Long Pond Road – No action taken.
Lauff Re-zoning public hearing will be 6/9/10 at 6:45pm.
Census 2010 update was reviewed and noted that everyone should encourage their neighbors to return their form we are at 45%.
Proposed E911 Street Signs & mailing addresses pending, no action taken.
Addendum to conservation Agreement: No action taken.
Race Weekend Police Hours – No action taken; Supervisor DePiano needs to give us information
Hypsie Gap Bridge: Project complete and Wallingford has been paid (see bill list)
Fern Ridge Greenway: Cleanup and removal of building will continue after Brennan gets his haulers licenses renewed. (Next week hopefully)
Grant Writer: To be present at work session to give overview and how it can benefit our Township.
Solar Farm: All work is continuing on schedule.
IML E. Coli Mud Run – No action taken.
Public Comments:
Peggy Yencho: Passed
Mike Gillen: Questioned State Ethic Forms.
Jim Davenport: Asked how the bid for the greenway could be so low and how is he doing it?
Marge Nowinski: Passed
Irving Midgett: Would like to know if the Zoning Officer is doing drive around and looking for building and zoning issues. He is concerned because there are people in Tunkhannock Trails remodeling and repairing decks and he would like to know if application for permits have been filed?
Betty Terrell-Cruz: Asked if the board is looking for additional revenue and if so it should be an ongoing process. Adequate staffing is necessary to continue looking for violations, revenue research, and funding should be reviewed.
Maria S. Wieand
Secretary/Treasurer