MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Township Building Meeting Room
Present: Supervisors: Richard M. Johnson, Vice Chairman
Manfred Marschewski, Member
Not Present: Bartley E. Millett, Chairman
Peter W. Bent, Zoning Officer
Secretary: Joseph M. Kulick
Solicitor: Peter N. Harrison
Road Master: James Laubach
Zoning Officer: Not Present
Meeting called to order by Vice Chairman Richard M. Johnson at 7:30 PM. All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Approval of Minutes from January 10, 2006 Meeting
Member Manfred Marschewski made a motion to approve the Minutes as presented. Vice Chairman Richard M. Johnson seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Approval of Financial Report Dated January 31, 2006
Member Manfred Marschewski made a motion to approve the Financial Report as presented.
Vice Chairman Richard M. Johnson seconded the motion, all were in favor.
UPDATES:
Comprehensive Plan:
Joe Kulick advised the Board that the Planning Commission met with George Spotts from Castle Valley Consultants on February 07, 2006 to discuss the Draft Plan. Recommendations received from the Township EAC were tabled until the next Planning Commission Meeting on March 07, 2006.
OLD BUSINESS: NONE
NEW BUSINESS:
Planning Commission Vacancy:
The Vice Chairman announced the resignation of Jim Herrmann from the Planning Commission. He called for any nominations from the floor to fill the vacancy. Member Manfred Marschewski nominated township resident Peter Thomson. The Vice Chairman made a motion to appoint Peter Thomson to the open Planning Commission seat; Member Manfred Marschewski seconded the motion. Peter Thomson appointed to fill Jim Herrmann’s open term to expire on December 31, 2007.
ZONING OFFICER REPORT:
Due to the absence of Zoning Officer Peter Bent, the Vice Chairman read a written report submitted by Mr. Bent. It noted two (2) permits issued and one (1) pending for 2006. Zoning Hearing upcoming for Howard Knuth subdivision/lot line change on February 23, 2006, a Conditional Use Hearing for Verizon Wireless will be held on March 09, 2006. The Fee Schedule for Keystone Municipal Services was received and will be scheduled for review at the next meeting. Two additional firms/individuals have also contacted us and expressed an interest in providing building inspection services. Additional information on “Open Burning” has been received from the area fire chiefs, to be reviewed at March meeting. No further information on possible “helipad” at old furnace property. We can no longer charge a fee for trash hauling permits due to State of PA legislation. On the “Emergency Management” side, we received a notice warning of possible melting snow causing local flooding.
The Vice Chairman introduced Mr. Howard Koenig; he submitted a letter of interest to provide building inspection services to the Township. Mr. Koenig provided a brief overview of his employment history and building inspection experience. He is not a building inspection company; but an individual seeking either employment with the township or possibly as a subcontractor. He resides in Pipersville and is familiar with the area. He is licensed for residential and commercial building code inspection and is also a licensed structural engineer. He is not licensed to provide electrical certification. He is an individual and would not be able to provide a back-up licensed inspector should he not be available. The Board requested Mr. Koenig to provide a fee schedule prior to the March meeting.
The Vice Chairman then introduced Mr. Tim Whitman of M & M Inspection Services of Easton, PA. He has been providing building inspection services to the area since 1997. He noted that he does have a set fee schedule and will provide it prior to the March meeting. The Vice Chairman also requested a detailed overview of the company along with business references to be provided with the fee schedule.
Road Master Report – Jim Laubach
Jim Laubach noted that the crew has been busy with several maintenance projects; painting the middle room of the township building, several fallen trees (3), Xmas tree recycling, brush removal at key intersections, attempting to clean rain gutters at the Mill, repairing equipment; DT-2 belt & pulley, and DT-3 State Inspection. He also noted the recent 12” snow storm caused lots of hours of plowing.
Public Service Announcements:
The Vice Chairman noted that Community Recycling Day will be on Saturday, March 4, 2006 from 9 AM to Noon.
Also, the Community Fire Company #1 Sunday Breakfast will be held this Sunday, February 19, 2006.
Questions/Comments:
Resident Don Ratushny commented on the dangerous intersection at Route 212 & Red Bridge Road. The Vice Chairman noted that any improvements would involve PENNDOT and may be cost prohibitive. Removal of several trees may also improve line of sight. Road Master Jim Laubach will attempt to clear excess snow from the intersection.
Township resident, Charles Klein, requested a response from the Board on his written letter of January 14, 2006, regarding brush removal along his property on Coon Hollow Road. He is concerned that the road crew will remove excessive brush and trees along the road. Mr. Klein will meet with Township Road Master, Jim Laubach this Saturday to review proposed clearing. Member Manfred Marschewski asked for Mr. Klein’s’ cooperation and understanding on the townships need to keep the roadways open and safe for vehicular traffic.
Member Manfred Marschewski reviewed the benefits of the PA State Police Camp Cadet Program.
Member Manfred Marschewski made a motion to pay the bills as presented, seconded by The Vice Chairman.
The Vice Chairman made a motion to adjourn the Meeting; Member Manfred Marschewski seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.
NOT PRESENT ______________________ ______________________
CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN MEMBER
Minutes Submitted By: Joseph M. Kulick, Township Secretary