MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Township Building Meeting Room
Present: Supervisors: Bartley E. Millett, Chairman
Richard M. Johnson, Vice Chairman
Manfred Marschewski, Member
Secretary: Joseph M. Kulick
Zoning Officer: Peter W. Bent
Road Master: Jim Laubach
Absent: Solicitor: Peter N. Harrison
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.
Approval of Minutes from May 13, 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.
Approval of Financial Report Dated May 31, 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 85% of the work has been completed. All of the copper gutters & downspouts have been installed. To date the contractor has been paid $25,000 by the Bucks County CDBG grant. Another $41,500 will be paid on tonight’s bill list if the board approves for a total paid to date of $66,500. This will leave a balance of @ $12,200+ to be paid upon satisfactory completion of the work. A final inspection will be conducted by Mease Engineering, the manufacturer, Jim Laubach, and me prior to final payment. Work will continue with an expected completion next week. There were no further comments or questions.
Emergency Management Grant Purchases:
Township Manager Joe Kulick displayed the emergency management equipment purchased to date from the $10,000 grant received from the state. The equipment purchased to date cost $981.00 with two (2) Bucks County hand-held portable radios remaining to be purchased at @ $7,850. The board unanimously approved the purchase. Member Manfred Marschewski thanked Joe and EMC Peter Bent for their efforts. There were no further comments or questions.
Old Business:
Draft School Bus Waiting Area Ordinance: (Tabled due to absence of Solicitor Peter Harrison)
School Bus Stops:
Vice Chairman Richard Johnson provided an over-view of the situation at the school bus stop at Gallows Hill & Valley View Roads. The board is requesting the school district to enter the development to pick-up and drop-off the students at one interior location but not every residence.
Palisades School District Transportation Director, Meri Hedrick, was present at the meeting and related the districts policy on such matters. She explained that none of the buses enter any cul-de-sacs in the district due to insurance issues and time constraints. Ms. Hedrick noted they try to avoid intersections by maintaining the most direct route as possible also avoiding any backing-up of the buses. The Vice Chairman questioned Ms. Hedrick if the buses were to have a through road would they then enter a development. She stated that it would depend on the exact situation, but the insurance company could restrict it. Also, entering a development presents many obstacles such as parked cars, campers, toys, dogs, discarded bicycles, basketball hoops, unplowed roads, etc.
The Chairman also felt entering the development would greatly enhance the safety of the students. Ms. Hedrick once again stated that if she entered one development she would have to enter all of the districts developments and time would not permit it. The Vice Chairman suggested that the board should consider sending a certified letter to the districts insurance carrier noting the dangerous conditions that exist at the busy intersection.
Ms. Hedrick suggested that the district supply a school bus for the board to “ride along” after schools close; to personally experience first-hand the problems associated with entering cul-de-sacs. The board unanimously agreed to the idea. Ms. Hedrick will make the arrangements and advise the board.
The Chairman opened the floor for any questions: Resident Kathy Clark asked if PennDOT had any say or issued permits for a bus stop since Gallows Hill Road is a state road. Ms. Hedrick noted that PennDOT is not involved. The board thanked Ms. Hedrick for coming out and addressing the board. Resident Don Ratushny suggested that perhaps the Bucks County Planning Commission should be notified for any future proposed school bus stops. Resident Wallace Frank noted wherever the bus stops; the students would still walk in the street to get to the bus stop. He also suggested the board petition the courts to move the bus stop if all else fails. There were no further comments or questions.
New Business:
Summer Concert Series:
Township Manager Joe Kulick advised the Board on a request from several residents to organize a band concert(s) at the bandstand on the Village Greene next to the grist mill. Resident Charlie Herrmann suggested contacting the school district music department to ascertain if they would be interested in providing music for the event. A “hat” would be passed among the crowd for donations. The district has been contacted and we are awaiting their reply. The concerts would be held on selected Wednesday evenings from 6PM to 8PM. The board unanimously approved of the idea. 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 that two (2) new zoning permits were issued. A permit was issued to Cooper at 880 Durham Road for an accessory building (a 2 car garage); a “special event” permit to Durham Church on Durham Rd. for a craft sale, the fee was waived. Pending zoning includes; Anita Wagenvoord on County Line Rd.; Shuck on Red Bridge Road; Hissim on Route 212; Gartner Building Group on Route 212. The zoning officer once again noted: The Sprint cell tower at First Savings Bank on Easton Road installed the two (2) trees and also cleared-out the storm water basin as requested. The Chairman noted the presence of additional dead trees that require replacing. Peter Bent will check it out. A high grass complaint on 800 Shearers Hill Rd. was received and handled. Wendy Johnson on Kintner road has submitted her revised plan, to reflect the latest engineering review letter, to construct a second single family dwelling as approved by the board. Resident Fran Chavar questioned the status of the abandoned vegetable stand next to the bank on Easton Road. Peter Bent will investigate.
Mr. Bent provided an Emergency Management update; that the Delaware River Flood Task Force meeting was cancelled. There were no further comments or questions.
Road Master Report
Township Road Master Jim Laubach was present and advised the board on the following: roadside mower installed on tractor and roadside mowing commenced; broken hydraulic hose replaced; cleaned rain gutters front of township building; mowed ball field 3x; conducted recycle day; re-graded Sunday Road; working with Nockamixon Township on Durham-Nox Road preparing for tar & chip; request for sealed bids to tar &chip our roads advertised on Thursdays, June 12th & 19th in the Delaware Valley News. There were no further comments or questions.
Public Service Announcements: The Chairman announced:
The Community Fire Company #1 will be serving breakfast on Sunday, June 15, 2008 from 8:00AM to 12:30PM
The Cooks Creek Watershed will hold a “Farmers Market” every Wednesday at the Springtown Fire House 4 -7PM
Community Monthly Recycling Day will be on Saturday, July 12, 2008 from 9 AM to 12 Noon.
The Township Office will be closed on Friday, July 4th for celebration of Independence Day.
George Fox, former Township Road Master is in hospital but doing well.
Questions/Comments: None
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 8:46 PM.
Minutes Submitted by: Township Secretary/Manager Joseph M. Kulick