MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
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
Absent: Bldg Inspector: Tim Wittemann
Meeting called to order by Chairman Bartley E. Millett at 7:34 PM. All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Approval of Minutes from June 12, 2007 Meeting & Public Hearing
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. Motion passed, Minutes approved as submitted.
Approval of Financial Report Dated June 30, 2007
Vice Chairman Richard M. Johnson then made a motion to approve the Financial Report as presented and Member Manfred Marschewski seconded the motion. All agreed. Motion passed.
Updates:
Sprint/Nextel Conditional Use Hearing:
The Chairman announced that there will be a Conditional Use Hearing on Thursday, July 19, 2007 at 7:30 PM here in the Township Meeting Room to review an application from Sprint/Nextel to erect six (6) additional cellular communications antennae on the silo located on the Crouse farm located on Durham Road. The Vice Chairman announced that he will not be able to attend the hearing but approved of the application.
New Business:
Presentation of Durham Boat to Township:
Stephen Willey, President of the Durham Historical Society (DHS), announced the Society’s intention to donate the “Durham Boat” to the township. He provided a brief history of the boat and explained it was the intention of the Society to provide the boat for the residents of Durham to enjoy along with a physical history for area school children to visit. The township, being a perpetual entity, could guarantee this purpose. He requested that the township keep it permanently on display at its present location, not sell the boat without first asking the Society (right of first refusal), insure and maintain the boat, and continue to allow public access.
The Board agreed with the transfer of ownership and thanked the DHS for its generous contribution. Resident Wallace Frank also agreed with the transfer but did not concur that the township should guarantee it remaining in its present location. The Chairman requested that the DHS amend its stipulation (of the boat remaining at its present location). Stephen Willey agreed as-long-as the boat remained “in the township”, is always insured, maintained, and on public display. Resident Wallace Frank then objected to the “always insured” condition and felt the township should not have to produce a policy to satisfy the DHS. The Vice Chairman agreed and commented that the township will proceed as “required by law to behave” and could not see a time when the township will not have insurance.
The Board accepted the donation and the DHS requirements to maintain, display in the township, and not sell the boat without the Society’s right of first refusal. The Board thanked Mr. Willey and the DHS for its generous donation to the township. There were no further comments/questions.
Old Business:
Mill Roof Renovation Project Bid Spec Review:
Paul Hartley, Mease Engineering, presented the Board with a draft copy of the “Advertisement for Bid” and briefly outlined the project’s “Scope of Work”. He advised the Board on all steps and projected dates. Sealed Bids must be received NLT 08-08-2007 at 11:00 AM and then will be opened and read aloud at a public meeting. They will then be presented to the Board at their regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 14, 2007, for possible award. He requested the Boards approval to proceed with the advertising and receiving of the bids. Resident Joe Chavar commented on the installation of the copper gutters and downspouts and their possible theft.
The Vice Chairman cautioned everyone involved to follow the project very closely. He questioned what safeguards are in place to ensure that we are receiving the correct product. Paul Hartley advised the Vice Chairman that product representatives will be on hand to inspect the project since they are supplying a 50 year material and installation warranty. Also, the material is an engineered product and will come bundled and individually stamped with the manufactures name. The Board unanimously provided its approval to proceed. There were no further comments/questions.
Zoning Officer Report – Peter Bent
Township Zoning Officer Peter Bent reported the issuance of two (2) zoning permits since the last meeting; Trischetta at 609 Kintner Road for an uncovered deck; and Fredericks at 225 Valley View Road for a one story sunroom addition.
Mr. Bent also provided a detailed report on his attendance at the May & June meetings of the Delaware River Flood Task Force. He thanked the Supervisors for their input and noted the number one priority identified at the meetings was Emergency Management/Flood Warning procedures. The management of the NY reservoirs was number two. The Task Force will direct their attention to addressing these and other future flooding concerns. A ninety (90) page report will be forthcoming. There were no further comments or questions.
Road Master Report – (Joe Kulick)
Township Road Master Jim Laubach was called away from the meeting due to a sudden severe thunderstorm creating several down trees. Township Manager Joe Kulick reported equipment repair included a new clutch for the PTO, along with new hydraulic filters, on the 584 tractor.
Road maintenance included a complete mowing of all roadsides, including weekly mowing of the ball-field, township building, and other areas. The crew relocated the state installed “Durham Township” marker sign to the correct location “in our township”. A total of six (6) road signs were stolen from area roadsides. Work has continued on the Mine Hill Road hill leading to Lehnenberg Road and also at Funks Mill & Dogwood repairing FEMA reimbursed damage from June 2006 flooding.
Building maintenance included the power washing and sealing of the bandstand floor. There were no further comments or questions.
Park & Recreation Report: (Joe Kulick)
Park & Recreation Board Chairman, John Perkins, was not present at the meeting. Joe Kulick advised the Board of the Park & Recreation Board’s unanimous decision not to recommend the townships involvement in the PA Scenic Byways Program, as offered by PennDOT and sponsored by Springfield Township. The park boards’ reasoning behind this decision is unknown at this time. There were no further comments or questions.
Public Service Announcements: The Chairman announced:
The Community Fire Company #1 will be serving breakfast on Sunday, July 15, 2007 from 8:00AM to 12:00PM.
Community Monthly Recycling Day will be on Saturday, August 04, 2007 from 9 AM to 12 noon.
Riegelsville Community Day will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2007 from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM at their ball field.
Large Item Clean-Up Day #2 will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2007 from 8:00 AM to 12 Noon
Tube Float “Down the Delaware” for Brain Tumor Research will be held the First Weekend in August
Questions/Comments:
Resident Joe Chavar questioned the excavation at the “old paper mill”. Zoning Officer Peter Bent supplied an explanation noting possible septic field work. No further comments/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 8:47 PM.
Minutes Submitted by: Township Secretary/Manager Joseph M. Kulick