MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Township Building Meeting Room
Present: Supervisors: Bartley E. Millett, Chairman
Richard M. Johnson, Vice Chairman
Manfred Marschewski, Member
Secretary: Joseph M. Kulick
Solicitor: Peter N. Harrison
Zoning Officer: Peter W. Bent
Road Master: Jim Laubach
Absent: None
Meeting called to order by Chairman Bartley Millett at 7:38 PM. All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Approval of Minutes from 05-11-2010 Meeting
Member Manfred Marschewski made a motion to approve the Minutes as presented. Vice Chairman Richard M. Johnson seconded the motion and all agreed. Motion passed, Minutes approved as submitted.
Approval of Financial Report Dated May 31, 2010
Vice Chairman Richard M. Johnson made a motion to approve the Financial Report as presented. Member Manfred Marschewski seconded the motion. All agreed. Motion passed.
Updates:
AT&T Mobility Zoning Hearing Board:
The Chairman advised the attendee’s that the original Zoning Hearing Board held on May 26, 2010 has been continued until Wednesday June 09, 2010, at 7:30 PM here in the township meeting room.
Old Business:
Bucks County Community Development Block Grant:
Township Manager Joe Kulick advised the board on his receipt of the grant contract for $35,000 as requested from Bucks County. However, the grant does not provide for the installation of new siding for the township building as previously approved. The $35,000 must be spent on “accessibility’ issues only; of which the siding does not qualify. Additional specifications will be developed, along with a detailed budget, and presented to HUD for approval. Improvements will include; new ADA approved powder room, widened building entrances and level thresholds and other handicap accessible improvements in and around the township building. There were no further comments or questions.
New Business:
Wallace Frank Conservation Easement; Agreement of Sale:
Township Solicitor Peter Harrison, having thoroughly reviewed the required paperwork associated with the easement, recommended that the board not execute the documents. He (Harrison) felt that the existing encroachment of the Frank driveway unto the neighboring Goga property must first be remedied before the board approves the sale. The board agreed with the solicitor and tabled any action until the driveway issue is resolved. Peter Bent will follow-up with the Frank estate. There were no further comments or questions.
Open Space Plan Update:
Township Manager Joe Kulick noted that the township’s Open Space Plan, adopted in November of 2000, must be reviewed and updated in order to qualify for Durham’s share of $329,607 in Bucks County Open Space Municipal Grant Program money. A $10,000 grant, subtracted from the above amount, is available to hire a consultant to update the plan. Heritage Conservancy has submitted a request to perform that service for the $10,000 and comes highly recommended by surrounding municipalities. Chairman Bartley Millett then made a motion to hire Heritage Conservancy to update our plan up to $10,000 and Member Manfred Marschewski seconded the motion. The Vice Chairman agreed and the motion passed. There were no further comments or questions.
2010 Summer Concert Series:
Township Manager Joe Kulick, in the absence of any Park & Rec Board member, advised the board of the upcoming Durham Township Summer Concert Series. Since past attempts have basically failed to attract any attendance; the first plan was to scrap any further concerts. However, township resident Doug Tascarella, representing Precision Propane, Inc., who will sponsor the events, has stepped forward and provided a contribution of $2500 to the township. This increased income should provide the catalyst to hire better bands and to provide increased marketing. The concerts will be changed from Wednesday night to Sunday nights, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on the Village Greene, dates to be determined. The board agreed. There were no further comments or questions.
2010 Road Tar & Chip Plan:
Township Manager Joe Kulick requested the board’s comments and approval to solicit sealed bids for the recoating of the entire length of Mine Hill Road from Route 212 to Lehnenberg Road and Cross Road from Mine Hill to Lehnenberg Roads. This would equate to 2.08 miles/19,525 square yards double-coated (at $3.00 square yard this would be $58,573). The township has budgeted $60,000 for 2010. The Vice Chairman made a motion to authorize the advertising for sealed bids on the above tar & chip project and Member Manfred Marschewski seconded the motion. Chairman Bartley Millett agreed and the motion passed. There were no further comments or questions.
PA State Police Update:
Sgt. Vince D’Angelo, Commander, Dublin Barracks PSP, was present and reported to the board: crime stats very similar to same period last year; 174 total calls in 2009 versus 164 this year same period; 23 motor vehicle accidents 2009 versus 17 this period. Member Manfred Marschewski requested extra patrol of the intersection of Stouts Valley & Spring Hill Roads where stop signs are constantly ignored, very dangerous situation. Manager Joe Kulick requested additional attention to Route 212 speeders from Route 611 to Springtown and beyond. Resident Fran Chavar questioned the size of a standard “patrol zone’ and possible response times. The board thanked Sgt. D’Angelo for his report. There were no further comments or questions.
Zoning Officer Report- Peter Bent
Zoning Officer Peter Bent was present at the meeting and advised the board: no zoning permits were issued since last meeting and a total of seven (7) YTD. A permit to Mark Foley on Kintner Road for the installation of 2 6’x27’ ground mounted solar panels is pending further investigation. The clean-up program continues on the Quier property on Kintner Road to remove trash and other debris on their property. Some receipts have been provided. They had ninety (90) days to comply or NLT August 10, 2010.
The zoning officer received a complaint on the condition of the Blair Hauk property on Durham Road across from the mill. The property is overgrown and somewhat littered with debris and an abandoned car. Mr. Bent spoke with Mr. Hauk’s brother who stated that Blair is currently in a nursing home and his property on 611 next to the gas station is up for sale. Mr. Bent will follow-up. Resident Fran Chavar questioned the need for “wind mill” (along with solar panels) regulations. There were no further comments or questions regarding the zoning report.
Road Master Report:
Jim Laubach, Road Master, was present and advised the board: continued mowing of ball field & township grass areas; planted donated flowers from Traugers outside township building and post office; continued roadside mowing with the 584 tractor; Painted the parking and handicap lines outside the post office and township building; continued repairs to collapsing shoulder along Stouts Valley Road.
Bridge on Dogwood Lane in front of Ulmer’s was damaged by a Phillip’s Feed delivery truck and is now repaired at a cost of $2600 paid by their insurance company; Replaced the street signs at Chestnut & Kintner that were stolen again; Replaced the driveway pipe at Ratushny property on Stouts Valley Road. Mr. Ratushny purchased the pipe and we installed. We repaired the guiderail at Stouts Valley & Scherer’s Hill Road. Under vehicle maintenance; repaired the trailer lights on DT-1; sharpened the flail knives on mower; had brakes on 584 tractor professionally repaired at a cost of $5,500 after they totally failed to operate.
New Assistant Road Master, Jeff Detweiler, hired and started on 05-24-2010. Resident Fran Chavar complimented the road crew for their work on Stouts Valley Road. There were no further comments or questions.
Public Service Announcements: The Chairman announced:
A representative from State Senator Mensch’s office will be present to hear any citizen concerns and answer questions, tomorrow, Wednesday, June 09, 2010, and every 2nd Wednesday of the month, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the Durham Township Building Meeting Room.
Community Fire Company #1 Monthly Breakfast will be held on Sunday, June 20, 2010: 8:00AM to12:30 PM.
Township Monthly Recycling Day will be held on 2nd Saturday, July 10, 2010 9:00A to12N
Questions/Comments: None
Pay Bills / Close Meeting:
The Chairman made a motion to pay the bills as presented and to then close the Meeting; seconded by Member Manfred Marschewski and agreed to by the Vice Chairman. Motion passed. Meeting closed.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 PM.
Minutes Submitted by: Township Secretary/Manager Joseph M. Kulick
Minutes APPROVED at July 13, 2010 Meeting