MINUTES of MEETING

Durham Township Board of Supervisors

Special Business Meeting

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Township Building Meeting Room

Present:                  Supervisors:         Bartley E. Millett, Chairman

Richard M. Johnson, Vice Chairman

Secretary:             Joseph M. Kulick

Zoning Officer:  Peter W. Bent

Not Present:          Supervisor:           Manfred Marschewski, Member

Solicitor:               Peter N. Harrison

Road Master:        Jim Laubach

Meeting called to order by Chairman Bartley E. Millett at 12:34 PM.  All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

Order of Business:  The Board held a Special Meeting to discuss a letter received, and the status of artifacts donated, by Dr. Richard Riegel to the Township and/or the Historical Society.

The Chairman polled the public if the artifacts received from Dr. Riegel should be accepted by the Township.  A resident asked for a list of the items.  The Chairman advised; one (1) each of the following:  Antique historical Durham Cornet Band drum with custom made glass case, Victor adding machine, Hercules grain scoop, wooden hand truck, Babbitt ladle, (and a Peck grain measure container).  The Chairman once again polled the audience if they did in fact want the items.  A majority of the people raised their hand to keep the items.  The Chairman noted that the above items are currently located in the Mill, in a heated, climate controlled, locked room, as requested by Dr. Riegel when he donated the items. 

A letter to the Township received from Dr. Riegel, dated January 05, 2006, raised the question of who had custody of the articles.  Vice Chairman Richard Johnson felt that his letter should be read aloud and proceeded to do so.  (Dr. Riegel’s letter dated January 05, 2006 is hereby attached and becomes part of the Minutes)  The Chairman then asked if any representatives of the Riegel Family were present, to which no one responded.  Resident Lynn Oliver stated that she believed Dr. Riegel was present in the room.  The Chairman once again asked if any representatives of the Riegel Family were present, this time a woman raised her hand.  He asked if she would like to comment on the contents of the letter.  She replied, “It (the letter) is perfectly clear”. There were no further comments.

Stephen Willey, President, Durham Historical Society provided a brief overview of the Society.  He did not feel that a controversy over the ownership of the donated artifacts exists, but did commend the Supervisors for addressing the question in an open meeting.  He felt that the good news in fact was that the Doctor donated the artifacts for the enjoyment of all people.  Mr. Willey reviewed a chronology of several past events concerning the donation process of the artifacts.  He felt these past events and correspondence from Dr. Riegel clearly demonstrated the Doctors intention to donate the items to the Historical Society.  He felt the most important detail was that the items remain in the Mill where they currently are stored.   Ownership need only be determined to establish insurance and other protective measures.  He suggested that the Historical Society renounce ownership, if his (DHS) board agreed, to Durham Township.  He also noted that the Society would then notify the Internal Revenue Service of the change of ownership, due to the fact that they (DHS) had previously provided Dr. Riegel a receipt for the artifacts, for a tax deduction.  Mr. Willey opened the floor for any questions / comments for him.  There were none. 

Questions/Comments:

The Chairman then opened the floor for any further rebuttal, comments, and/or questions:

Mrs. Bent questioned the Board why wouldn’t the Historical Society retain the items if in fact they are historical?  The Vice Chairman explained that the Society is not part of the municipality, but a separate entity.  The Vice Chairman continued to comment that the main concern is to protect the artifacts from any further damage until a permanent resting place can be developed.  The present location in the Mill may not be the ideal location until the roof is repaired.  The Chairman recommended temporarily placing the artifacts in the “middle room” of the Township Building until repairs are made, with the approval of Dr. Riegel. 

Resident Lynn Gaun related her understanding of the sequence of events involving the donation of the artifacts.  The Vice Chairman requested that all personnel providing comments on the discussion not involve personal feelings and accusations.  He reminded the attendees to address the matter at hand, i.e. the care and custody of the artifacts. 

Several other suggestions were discussed.  The Chairman advised that the artifacts would always be available for public viewing, and would be returned to the Mill when appropriate.  He also expressed his agreement in accepting ownership of the items if the Historical Society would vote to turn them over to the Township.

 In review, the Chairman noted the process that may take place; the Historical Society Directors would vote to renounce ownership of the artifacts to the Township, if they agree, a letter would be written by the Society to the Township Supervisors offering to donate the items to the Township, the Township would then write a letter to Dr. Riegel, along with a receipt, indicating that Durham Township is in receipt of the items.  The letter would also request Dr. Riegel’s permission to temporarily relocate the items to a secure environment until the Mill is repaired.  The Vice Chairman agreed to the review as presented by the Chairman.

The Chairman asked for any further comments / questions:

Resident Lynn Oliver wanted to note for the record that “any other items” that Dr. Riegel loaned to the Historical Society were in fact returned in a timely manner.

Mrs. Willey noted for the record that a “tug-of-war” between the Historical Society and Durham Township, over ownership of the artifacts, never existed.  The Board wholeheartedly agreed.

Resident Kathy Clark noted that several reputations may have been damaged during the process.  The Board once again noted the purpose of the meeting and it’s not to get involved in personal feelings and innuendoes.

A resident questioned the Board on the legality of moving the items from the Mill.  The Board once again noted that permission would be obtained from Dr. Riegel to temporarily relocate the items until Mill repairs are accomplished.

Resident/Auditor Fran Chavar noted the possible need for additional insurance for the artifacts when the Township takes ownership.  She also requested the Board consider the acquisition of a fire alarm system for the Mill.  The Chairman appreciated the suggestions and noted repair of the roof is the primary concern at present.  He also requested the Riegel Family supply the Township with a copy of the recent appraisal for insurance purposes. 

There were no further comments or questions from the attendees.

The Vice Chairman made a motion to pay the bills as presented and to close the Meeting, seconded by the Chairman.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:42 PM.

_______________________                ______________________       

        CHAIRMAN                                                 VICE CHAIRMAN                

Minutes Submitted By:  Joseph M. Kulick, Township Secretary