MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
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
Road Master: James Laubach
Zoning Officer: Peter W. Bent
Meeting called to order by Chairman Bartley E. Millett at 7:37 PM. All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Approval of Minutes from March 14, 2006 Meeting
Vice Chairman Richard M. Johnson made a motion to approve the Minutes as presented.
Member Manfred Marschewski seconded the motion and Chairman Bartley E. Millett agreed.
Approval of Financial Report Dated March 31, 2006
Vice Chairman Richard M. Johnson made a motion to approve the Financial Report as presented.
Member Manfred Marschewski seconded the motion, and Chairman Bartley E. Millett agreed.
Review of 2005 Auditors Annual Report
Auditor Chairman Lee Fleischman presented the Board with an overview of the 2005 Auditors Report. He noted the townships overall financial condition is in good order. He commended the township on their conversion of a manual bookkeeping system to a computerized method. The Vice Chairman thanked Elaine Gawronski for her efforts. The Board thanked all of the Auditors for their review of the townships’ books and records.
Updates:
The Chairman noted the Comprehensive Plan was again reviewed at the April Planning Commission Meeting. A new zoning district, Agricultural Preservation (AP), was proposed. He urged all interested parties to attend the Special April 18th meeting of the Planning Commission, 7PM at the Township Building.
New Business:
John Jepson Escrow Transfer:
Resident John Jepson appeared before the Board. He is in process of selling lot #2 of his approved subdivision on County Line Road and is requesting approval from the Board to transfer his present escrow account to the new buyers. Township Solicitor Peter Harrison obtained the names of the buyers; Megan & Brian Waits, 123 Maplewood Avenue, Riegelsville, PA 18077, who were present. He supplied a copy of a rough draft resolution to both parties. The Solicitor explained the process to the Board and all parties concerned; the present escrow amount would be transferred from John Jepson to the Waits upon execution of the document. Upon satisfaction of all of the requirements the escrow would be refunded. Agreement to be approved and executed at next Board of Supervisors meeting on May 09, 2006.
Sketch Plan Minimum Fee Review:
The question on the payment of a fee and escrow payment for all submissions was discussed. At the present time some developers are appearing before the Planning Commission without payment of the required fees. This due to the fact they are submitting sketch plans without any detail, seeking direction and input from the Commission without a Township Engineer’s review. The presently approved Fee Schedule rates were read by Joe Kulick. Solicitor Peter Harrison suggested a possible “Professional Services Agreement” where a predetermined fee would be paid to the township for costs involved in reviewing the proposed development prior to submittal of a detailed sketch plan. Member Manfred Marschewski felt that the approved fees should be paid for all submittals. Vice Chairman Richard Johnson agreed. Chairman Bartley Millett noted, some “friendly reviews” have been allowed in the past. He felt perhaps one friendly review might be allowed and the proper fees paid thereafter. Zoning Officer Peter Bent felt that the present fees are adequate and should be paid upon first submittal. A one time fee of $150.00 per “friendly review” was discussed by the Board. This fee would be paid only if an official engineer’s review is not provided.
Vice Chairman Richard Johnson felt the present rate schedule is adequate and did not feel adding another level is necessary. He felt it is the responsibility of the applicant to properly research township requirements, purchase the necessary zoning manuals, and submit the proper sketch plan, along with the fees, as specified in the manuals. Both Bartley Millett and Manfred Marschewski agreed, and the Board unanimously decided to eliminate “friendly reviews” and directed Township Secretary Joe Kulick to collect the proper fees upon submittal, or do not place them on the agenda for review. Planning Commission Vice Chairman Don Ratushny, present in the audience, agreed with the decision of the Board.
Heritage Conservancy Presentation – POD Broadcasting
Resident and Heritage Conservancy representative, Carl Martin appeared before the Board to request township support for a proposed partnership with the township, to broadcast educational water conservation programs over the Internet. The Conservancy is requesting a $9,000 WREN Grant to fund this project at no cost to the township. The program would educate school children in the area on conservation methods over their computers and IPODS. The Board unanimously agreed to support the program.
Old Business:
PennDOT / Township Roads:
Township Secretary Joe Kulick advised the Board that the requested letter was sent to PennDOT regarding the intersection of State Route 212 & Red Bridge Road, along with several other roadway concerns. A telephone reply from Tom Stefanik, PennDOT Regional Director, was received noting he will be directing each concern to the proper local manager for action. Joe Kulick then received a telephone call from PennDot advising him that the proposed Lehnenberg Road bridge reconstruction, originally scheduled for the spring of 2006, will not be taking place until October 2006 at the earliest. Also, Ronald Martin, PennDOT’s local highway manager, stopped by the township office, noting he will be obtaining additional information to possibly clear two existing large trees blocking the view at Route 212 & Red Bridge Road, and work will soon start to repair the washed-out roadway just north of the mill on Durham Road. Resident Gerry Finzi of 5352 Route 212 suggested the installation of an “Icy Road” sign in the area of 212 & Red Bridge. Comment to be relayed to PennDOT.
Klein / Coon Hollow Road:
Vice Chairman Richard Johnson noted taxpayer dollars should not be spent on surveying residents’ property lines along township road right of ways. Road Master Jim Laubach met with Township Engineer Scott Mease and uncovered several concrete monuments outlining the road right-of-way. The monuments indicate a much wider roadway then is now evident. All previously conducted tree and brush trimming was well within this area. The Vice Chairman commented as-long-as driver safety is provided on all township roads, we have accomplished our goal. The Chairman will schedule a meeting with the involved residents and concerned township employees to remedy the situation.
Zoning Officer Report – Peter Bent
Township Zoning Officer Peter Bent informed the Board of the issuance of three (3) zoning permits: Manesis, 789 Stouts Valley Road, for demolition of enclosed porch; Samuels, 220 Valley View Road, for above ground pool; and Goldman, 520 Summit Lane, for a residential accessory building (pool house). One (1) Enforcement Notice was issued to Manesis, 789 Stouts Valley Road for not obtaining the above permit in a timely fashion. A Certificate of Occupancy is pending for Lawson for a new dwelling on Kintner Road.
The Zoning Officer noted the issuance of an Enforcement Notice to “Stop, Cease & Desist”, issued during his absence by the Township Solicitor, to Furnace Mill, LLC at Route 212 & Route 611, for cutting down numerous trees and earth moving without a development plan or proper permits. They have responded to the Solicitor and have ceased operation. Also, he noted the Bucks County Conservation District investigated the site and scheduled a conference on 04-06-06 the results of which have not been received. Specific plans for the property have not been received.
A discussion on Building Inspection Services for the township was conducted. Solicitor Peter Harrison suggested to the Board that he draft a boiler plate agreement for review of any proposed inspection service. The Chairman agreed and instructed Mr. Harrison to prepare and forward the draft to any proposed service. The Vice Chairman suggested hiring more than one inspection service for the township. Resident Don Ratushny implored the Board to expedite their decision. Resident Wallace Frank asked that at least one service be chosen to start with. Chairman Bartley Millett noted that a decision will be made at the May 09, 2006 Board Meeting. There were no further comments or questions.
Road Master Report – Jim Laubach
Road Master Jim Laubach reported the successful completion of State Inspection for DT1GMC Dump. Salt spreaders and plows have been removed from all vehicles. We relocated the dusk to dawn light on the front of the municipal building. We made temporary repairs to the mill roof in an attempt to slow down the leaking. The crew has been clearing the roadway gutters of leaves and cold patching winter potholes. We starting sprucing-up the township ball field repaired the bleachers and delivered infield sand to the site. He conducted a driveway inspection in consideration of a permit for Dungan on County Line Road.
The Board commended the township road crew for a “job well done” in maintaining the municipal roadways.
Public Service Announcements:
The chairman announced Saturday April 29, 2006 as the townships annual clean-up day from 9 AM to 12 Noon. Large, non-hazardous waste, items can be brought to the township yard for disposal.
The Chairman noted that Community Recycling Day will be on Saturday, May 06, 2006 from 9 AM to 12 Noon.
Also, the Community Fire Company #1 will be having an Easter Flower Sale on April 13th, 14th, and 15th from 9AM to 4PM at the Antique Haven on Route 611. Sunday Breakfast will not be held this month due to Easter Sunday holiday. Next breakfast will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2006 from 8AM to 12:30PM.
Questions/Comments:
Member Manfred Marschewski asked what is the largest tire accepted for Clean-up Day? Large tractor tires are not accepted. Truck tires are okay. Resident Don Ratushny requested future consideration is given to accepting tractor tires at the clean-up since we are a farming community.
Supervisors Road Inspection will be scheduled after next Board Meeting.
Resident Wallace Frank asked for the charge to remove Freon from appliances brought to Clean-up Day. The fee is twenty dollars for any appliance containing Freon. Computers are not accepted.
Resident Laura Kressman requested the township to inspect the lower end of Island Road during their Road Inspection. The surface has deteriorated after the past flooding.
The Chairman reminded the audience of the emergency ban on any open burning until further notice; this due to the extremely dry conditions that exist in the area.
The Chairman made a motion to pay the bills as presented and to close the Meeting, seconded by Member Manfred Marschewski, and agreed to by the Vice Chairman.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20PM.
Minutes Submitted by: Township Secretary Joseph M. Kulick