MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
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
Absent: Road Master: Jim Laubach
Meeting called to order by Chairman Bartley Millett at 7:31 PM. All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Open Public Hearing: Agricultural Security Area (ASA) Applications:
The Chairman provided an overview on the applications of Stephen & Fawn Ferguson, Parcel No. 11-013-004 & 11-013-031 totaling 108 acres and Judith C. Siegfried, Parcel No. 11-002-033 of 49.907 acres, to be included in the Durham Township ASA. Township Manager Joe Kulick noted that the Public Hearing has been properly advertised as required in the Intelligencer Newspaper on Friday, May 2nd & Monday, May 5th 2008 and a “Public Notice” posted at the properties and outside the township building and other locations. Both applications have been reviewed and recommended for inclusion in the Durham Township ASA by both the Bucks County and the Durham Township Planning Commissions.
Since there were no further comments or questions from the Board or the meeting attendees; a motion was made by the Vice Chairman to approve the inclusion of the three (3) parcels into the existing Durham Township Agricultural Security Area and to authorize the Board to sign the necessary documents at a later date. The motion was seconded by Member Manfred Marschewski and agreed to by the Chairman. Motion passed. Solicitor Peter Harrison will prepare the obligatory paperwork and record the documents as required.
The Chairman closed the Public Hearing at 7:35 PM.
Open Regular Meeting:
Approval of Minutes from April 08, 2008 Meeting
Vice Chairman Richard M. Johnson made a motion to approve the Minutes as presented. Member Manfred Marschewski seconded the motion and Chairman Bartley Millett agreed and the Motion passed, Minutes approved as submitted. (The Vice Chairman noted that parts of the open burning discussion with resident Don Ratushny were omitted at his request.)
Approval of Financial Report Dated April 30, 2008
Vice Chairman Richard M. Johnson made a motion to approve the Financial Report as presented and Member Manfred Marschewski seconded the motion. All agreed. Motion passed.
Updates:
Mill Roof Replacement:
Township Manager Joe Kulick announced that work has commenced on replacing the Grist Mill roof. Presently about 80% of the existing slate has been removed, 800 sq ft of faulty decking replaced, and the required ice & water barrier and approved underlayment installed. Work will continue with an expected completion in a few weeks.
Old Business:
Ferguson Right-of-Way Deeds of Dedication:
Township Solicitor Peter Harrison is in the continuing process of preparing several documents. When completed they will be forwarded to the appropriate parties for execution and recording. The board agreed.
New Business:
Kerl – Kintner Road Right-of-Way Expansion:
Township Manager Joe Kulick advised the Board on the receipt of a copy of a subdivision plan submitted to Nockamixon Township. The plan is part of the process of placing the two Kerl parcels, one of which is in Durham Township (18 acres), into land preservation through Heritage Conservancy. The Board previously had approved a joint DCNR grant application that has been applied for by both Nockamixon and Durham. Of concern tonight is whether the Board would approve our requesting the extension of the right-of-way of Kintner Road, along the Kerl property in our township, from 161/2 feet to 30’ from the centerline. Our Planning Commission and Township Engineer Scott Mease has reviewed the request and recommended approval. The Board unanimously approved the sending of a letter to Nockamixon Township requesting the extended right-of-way. There were no further comments or questions.
Transportation Impact Fees:
Township Manager Joe Kulick advised the Board of a request from the Planning Commission regarding the possibility of establishing transportation impact fees in our township. The Commission would like the Board’s approval to conduct a feasibility study and report back their finding’s to the Board of Supervisors when completed. Vice Chairman Richard Johnson did not object as-long-as no public funds are expended. Member Manfred Marschewski and Chairman Bartley Millett concurred. Resident Wallace Frank expressed concern on the final decision making process. The Chairman noted that it would be a long and arduous process, involving many discussions, prior to reaching any conclusions. The Planning Commission will be directed to conduct the feasibility study only without expending any township funds. There were no further comments and questions.
Zoning Officer Report – Peter Bent
Zoning Officer Peter Bent was present at the meeting and advised the board that four (4) new zoning permits were issued so far during the second quarter. A permit was issued to Stuart Sinclair at 167 Old Philadelphia Road for a covered deck; a kitchen renovation permit to Reagan Wilson at 889 Shearers Hill Rd. (since cancelled); to David & Karen Ehrich at 3772 Dogwood lane for a two-story addition between the existing house and garage; and to John Hadley at 433 County Line Road for a two-story pole barn/garage. A total of eleven (11) zoning permits have been issued to date this year.
In other business, still pending are Glenn Hissim woodworking shop; an application for construction of a single family dwelling on Route 212 (TMP 11-005-031) by Gartner Building Group has been received and is under review by the township engineer; Anita Wagenvoord at 291 County Line Road for a possible minor subdivision; Shuck at 225 Red Bridge Road for a possible addition to their flood plain dwelling; Glen & Cheryl Cooper at 880 Durham Road have applied for a permit to install a 2-bay pre-fab detached garage within the front yard set-back and I denied the permit and advised them where they may place the structure. Also received the following complaints; Tascarella at 140 Old Philadelphia Road regarding the illegal diversion of water into the creek. He immediately corrected the violation. Missing/substandard trees at the First Savings Bank Sprint Cell Tower complex have been replaced with 12’ tall white pine trees as approved by Township Engineer Scott Mease. The Chairman noted that 8’ tall Norway Spruce should be found and installed as required. The detention basin on the same site will be cleaned-out and the tall brush trimmed.
Mr. Bent provided an Emergency Management update on the Delaware River Flood Task Force and the status of a FEMA Severe Repetitive Loss Grant Program in effect. There were no further comments or questions.
Road Master Report
Township Road Master Jim Laubach was not present so Township Manager Joe Kulick advised the board on the following: The “Large Item Clean-Up Day” was conducted successfully with numerous residents unloading their “treasures”. The township employed DelGuerico’s for the first time as the waste hauler. A cost savings was realized since they only charged their cost to dispose of the waste and did not charge any labor or vehicle expense. The road crew continued to work on Kintner Road preparing it for a scheduled “tar & chip” coating this summer. Another free load of salt was delivered by PennDOT since their storage facility was full. Another break-in and theft of gasoline from our shed, amount unknown, took place. The newly installed “No Stopping Standing” parking signs installed at both Countryside and Valley View Roads were stolen immediately after they were installed. PA State Police were notified and reports taken on all incidents. (All signs were later found in nearby weeds)
The Vice Chairman commented that a letter should be sent to the Palisades School District insisting that their school buses enter the developments to pick-up the students. Resident Wallace Frank suggested that the Supervisors attend a School Board Meeting and voice their concerns. The Board agreed and will schedule a visit to the next school board meeting. There were no further comments or questions.
Public Service Announcements: The Chairman announced:
The Community Fire Company #1 will be serving breakfast on Sunday, May 18, 2008 from 8:00AM to 12:30PM
The Community Fire Company #1 Auxiliary will hold a Ham & Roast Beef Dinner on Saturday, June 07, 2008 4PM to 7PM (or until sold-out)
Community Monthly Recycling Day will be on Saturday, June 07, 2008 from 9 AM to 12 Noon.
The Township Office will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2008 for celebration of Memorial Day.
The Riegelsville Library will hold a “Library Fair and Used Book Sale” on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
Questions/Comments:
Resident Fran Chavar objected on the “hard stand” by the township on the parking signs while ignoring her request for the township to paint lines on the roadways. Both are safety issues and should be considered. Township Manager Joe Kulick responded noting that he has received approximately sixty (60) telephone complaints in the past three (3) years regarding the parking situation and only one (1) requesting the line painting. Also, line painting requires an expensive in-depth traffic study; the Average Daily Traffic (ADT) must exceed 6,000 vehicles per day; and a minimum paved road width of 20’ to be approved by PennDOT. There were no further comments or questions.
Pay Bills / Close Meeting:
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 all. Motion passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:53 PM.
Minutes Submitted by: Township Secretary/Manager Joseph M. Kulick