MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, June 13, 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 7:32 PM. All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Approval of Minutes from May 09, 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. Motion passed.
Approval of Financial Report Dated May 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. Motion passed
Updates:
Comprehensive Plan:
The Chairman noted the draft update of the Comprehensive Plan was approved at the May 02, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting and forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for their review. He opened the floor for any discussion or questions of the plan. There were no comments or questions. He noted there will be a Public Hearing on July 11, 2006 prior to the regular meeting scheduled on that date.
Emergency Open Burning Ban:
The Chairman announced that Fire Chief Todd Myers has advised the township that conditions now exist to lift the emergency ban if they so desired. Member Manfred Marschewski voted to lift the ban. The Vice Chairman noted that increased rainfall has occurred and also recommended lifting the ban. Zoning Officer Peter Bent reminded the Board of existing DEP regulations that control open burning and remain in effect. He distributed a DEP Fact Sheet to the Board. A brief discussion on a permanent open burning ordinance took place. The Chairman requested all residents to notify the Fire Company as a courtesy prior to burning. All Board Members agreed to lift the Emergency Open Burning Ban effective immediately. Post on township bulletin boards, newsletter, and local papers.
New Business:
Pavlica Major Subdivision – Request for Opinion on Length of Proposed Cul-De-Sacs
Mr. Neil Shaw of Rosen Developers was present to request the Boards opinion on the current sketch plan (#4), where the cul-de-sacs exceed the townships maximum length of 500’. In order to proceed with the development, Mr. Shaw desired to know if the Board would approve the additional length. Mr. Shaw provided a recap of previous Planning Commission reviews to the Board.
The Chairman noted that the Planning Commission had not yet reviewed this sketch plan (#4) and it should be presented to them for review & approval before coming before the Board of Supervisors. *The Chairman refused to discuss the plan with Mr. Shaw. He also noted approvals or opinions cannot be given on a sketch plan since it does not include any features or natural resources that may later undermine such an opinion. Mr. Shaw once again asked for an “opinion only” from the Board.
*added at the request of Jim Pavlica and approved by BoS at 07-11-2006 meeting
Vice Chairman Richard Johnson
stated previous **length of cul-de-sac
waivers, brought before the Board, had his approval; but may not have approval
from the two other members and may have been defeated. The Chairman once again
stated that he will not provide any opinion on a sketch plan. Member Manfred
Marschewski advised Mr. Shaw to follow our ordinances and a wavier would not be
required. He also questioned Mr. Shaw on the absence of any recreational open
areas in the development and agreed with the Chairman on not providing opinions
on a sketch plan. Mr. Shaw thanked the Board for their time and departed the
room. There were no further comments or questions. Resident Jim Pavlica
entered the room during the discussion.
**deleted at the request of Jim Pavlica and approved by the BoS at the 07-11-06 meeting
Durham Community Day
Stephen Willey, President Durham Historical Society was present to discuss preparations for Community Day in October. He advised the Board that the Historical Society is no longer interested in chairing the event due to insurance & liability issues coupled with the absence of Jim Herrmann and Lynn Oliver. Joe Kulick has volunteered to chair the event, if the Board approves, with the help of Historical Society members acting as citizen volunteers. The event would then be totally sponsored by the township, with all funds being paid to the township, and all expenses paid out by the township. Joe Kulick agreed with Mr. Willey’s statements.
Stephen then provided a positive recap of the days’ events where approximately 60 Springfield Township School children visited the mill and received a comprehensive tour of the area. This was a joint effort of the township and the Historical Society and was a complete success.
The Chairman agreed to the proposition as-long-as all involved worked together without any in fighting. The Vice Chairman agreed and requested a rough budget to be submitted to the Board. Member Manfred Marschewski also agreed and asked that all citizens come forward to volunteer. The official date of the event will be Saturday, October 14, 2006 from 1:00PM to 5:00PM. There were no further comments or questions.
Old Business:
Jepson Escrow Transfer Agreement
Township Solicitor Peter Harrison presented the Board with an Agreement to transfer existing escrow monies in the township account from Jepson to Waite. The Board approved of the transfer. Upon receipt of the executed agreements the township will make the changes. Mr. & Mrs. Jepson and Mr. & Mrs. Waite were present.
Zoning Officer Report – Peter Bent
Township Zoning Officer Peter Bent presented the Board with a building inspection contract signed by Tim Wittemann of M&M Inspection Services. He recommended the Board to sign the document as previously agreed to at a prior meeting. Solicitor Peter Harrison agreed with Mr. Bent and approved of the contract.
The Zoning Officer then advised the Board he will notify the state as required, of the townships selection of a building inspector. He also recommended the Board approve the M&M fee schedule as an addendum to our fee schedule. The Zoning Officer will compile a draft 2006 Fee Schedule as amended above and present it at the next board meeting. The M&M fees will include a ten (10%) percent township administrative fee and a $2.00 state training fee per permit. The Board agreed with the recommendations.
In other zoning business, Mr. Bent reported the issuance of a demolition permit to Robert Friedermann on Lehnenberg Road for demolition of his previously fire damaged home, and a building permit for an addition to the Vanderlilly home on Red Bridge Road. Several other new single family home permits are currently pending. Verizon has submitted a zoning permit request to install the antennae previously approved at the conditional use hearing. We are currently awaiting the completion of the Mary Dungan driveway in order to sign the final plans. A request was received from Al Harlow of a business on Route 212, to conduct a one day event to auction off his heavy equipment. The event would be held at the site of the old paper mill located at Route 212 & Route 611 on Saturday, July 22, 2006. The Board approved, but only if he provides adequate safety measures such as traffic control, fire, EMS, and security. Toilet facilities will also be provided.
Resident Pete Thomson of Durham Hill Farms questioned the zoning officer regarding a right-of-way and/or a roadway to a new home being built in Durham Hill Farms. Mr. Bent will investigate.
Resident Wallace Frank asked the zoning officer if the proposed addition on Red Bridge Road was in the flood plain. He replied it is not.
Road Master Report – Jim Laubach
Road Master Jim Laubach informed the Board of the following activity during the past month:
Our 254 International tractor was sent to shop to repair transmission; a new fuel tank installed on DT2; installed boom flair mower on large tractor to mow sides of road; installed flowers donated by Traugers Market around township buildings & mill; cleaned-up grist mill for school tour; marked trees on Kintner Road for possible removal by developer; cleaned-up illegal dumping on Coon Hollow Road; repaired sink hole on Dogwood Lane.
Annual Road Inspection was conducted on Monday, June 19, 2006; several pages of possible road repairs were identified. Trees need to be trimmed hanging over mill and boat pavilion, hazard to fall and cause damage. Garrett & Justin McMullen hired as part-time help. New shirts (lime green) purchased and now being worn by road crew to be compliant with new PennDOT standards.
The Vice Chair asked if the ball field fence could be painted sometime after the season is completed. Very rusty and unsightly and should be corrected before we may need to purchase a new fence. The Road Master will follow-up. No further comments or questions.
Public Service Announcements:
The Chairman noted that Community Recycling Day will be on Saturday, July 01, 2006 from 9 AM to 12 Noon.
Also, the Community Fire Company #1 will be having Sunday Breakfast on Fathers Day, Sunday, June 18, 2006 from 8:00AM to 12:00PM. Family portraits will be available.
Questions/Comments: None
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. Motion passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10PM.
Minutes Submitted by: Township Secretary Joseph M. Kulick