MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, September 09, 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
Road Master: Jim Laubach
Absent: None
Meeting called to order by Chairman Bartley Millett at 7:33 PM. All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. A “Moment of Silence” was also conducted by the Chairman in remembrance of all 9-11 victims.
Approval of Minutes from August 12, 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 August 31, 2008
Member Manfred Marschewski made a motion to approve the Financial Report as presented and Vice Chairman Richard M. Johnson seconded the motion. All agreed. Motion passed.
Updates:
School Bus Stops:
Chairman Bartley Millett provided a review of the townships ride on a school bus by Township Manager Joe Kulick, Road Master Jim Laubach and himself. Palisades School District Transportation Manager, Meri Hedrick and First Student Manager Fred also made the tour. The bus was jockeyed throughout Durham Hill Farms and had to back-up in the cul-de-sac. The school officials once again refused to change their routes into the developments. It was agreed that Ms. Hedrick would send a letter to all of the students’ parents; advising them not to continue to park on both sides of Valley View Road at the entrance to Durham Hill Farms. If they did not comply the school district would consider relocating the bus stop to Gallows Hill & Lehnenberg Roads.
Present at the meeting were several parents who park on Valley View Road awaiting the school bus. Ms. Karen Thomas stated that she did not have a problem parking on one side but requested that the township relocate the signs to the opposite side (egress or south side). Ms Jane Samuels agreed and further requested the township address speeding on Gallows Hill Road. Installation of a “Slow School Bus Stop Ahead” sign was approved by the board for northbound traffic on Gallows Hill Road. Ms. Janice Farese also agreed with the actions and thanked the township for working with the parents on the matter.
The board approved the moving of the no parking signs to the exit side; moving the existing stop sign further down the road; and installation of the “School Bus Stop Ahead” sign. There were no further comments or questions.
Old Business:
Draft School Bus Waiting Area (Cart Way Widening) Ordinance:
Township Solicitor Peter Harrison reported to the board that he and Township Engineer Scott Mease have been consulting on past draft language. They have discovered that our existing Zoning Ordinance and our SALDO do not correlate. We must correct the current regulations while developing the new cart way widths. Vice Chairman Richard Johnson requested clarification since he was under the impression that only the entrance roadway was to be widened. The solicitor and the engineer will consult and report back to the board. There were no further comments or questions.
New Business:
Member Manfred Marschewski requested the installation of a “School Bus Stop Ahead” sign on Durham Road going south in the area of Ben Naska’s house (870 Durham Road). He (Marschewski) reported speeding vehicles are a problem in this area. The board agreed and instructed the road department to install the sign. 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; two (2) new zoning permits were issued since last meeting: to Shuck on Red Bridge Road for an addition in the flood plain and Baer on Mine Hill Road for a 10 x 10 accessory shed, for a total of nineteen (19) permits issued to date in 2008. A ZHB will be held for Anita Wagenvoord of 291 County Line Road on Thursday, 09-18-2008 at 7:00 PM. The board advised Mr. Bent that they would not object to Ms. Wagenvoord variance request. The Vice Chairman requested a timeline on the review of the Shuck permit. Mr. Bent advised that it would take approximately two (2) weeks for follow-up. There were no further comments or questions.
Road Master Report – Jim Laubach
Township Road Master Jim Laubach was present and advised the board on the following: rain spouts cleaned & replaced; repairs to bathroom at the post office; cleaned the steps outside mill; broken door on DT-1 repaired; repaired mower deck on zero steer. Continued mowing of roadsides; re-installed signs on Valley View & Countryside; completed the “tar & chip” project and swept loose stones on Kintner & Chestnut; cleaned-up the detention pond at Countryside & Kintner Roads (now responsibility of township to maintain); I attended a free seminar on road maintenance procedures and we trimmed hanging tree limbs along Spring Mill Road in area of Jim Beerer’s home. There were no further comments or questions.
Public Service Announcements: The Chairman announced:
The Community Fire Company #1 will be serving breakfast on Sunday, September 21, 2008 from 8:00AM to 12:30PM
The Community Fire Company #1 “Blue Grass Festival” will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the Silver Creek Athletic Association in Springtown.
The Community Fire Company #1 110 Anniversary / Housing of Engine 42-1 will be on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 1:00 PM at the firehouse.
Community Monthly Recycling Day will be on Saturday, October 04, 2008 from 9 AM to 12 Noon
Township “Large Item” Clean-Up Day will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 8AM to 12 Noon sharp.
Township Community Day will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 1PM to 5PM.
Resident Kathy Clark, one of Durham’s Library Board Members, advised the meeting of the Riegelsville Library Wine Tasting Event & Silent Auction to be held at the Villa Richard restaurant on October 16, 2008. Tickets are $35.00 per person.
Questions/Comments:
Member Manfred Marschewski commented on the Townships Summer Concert Series held last month and the lack of interest/attendance of Durham residents. He felt next years concerts may be better attended with increased advertising.
Resident Wallace Frank thanked the township for the repaving of Kintner Road.
Resident Fran Chavar thanked the township for providing the summers concerts.
Pay Bills / Close Meeting:
The Chairman made a motion to pay the bills as presented and to close the Meeting; seconded by the Vice Chairman and agreed to by all. Motion passed. Meeting closed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:31 PM.
Minutes Submitted by: Township Secretary/Manager Joseph M. Kulick