MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, September 12, 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
Bldg Inspector: Tim Wittemann
Meeting called to order by Chairman Bartley E. Millett at 7:33 PM. All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Approval of Minutes from August 08, 2006 Meeting
A motion to approve the Minutes as presented was made by Vice Chairman Richard Johnson and seconded by Manfred Marschewski and approved by Chairman Bartley Millett. Motion passed.
Approval of Financial Report Dated August 31, 2006
Vice Chairman Richard Johnson made a motion to approve the Financial Report as presented.
Member Manfred Marschewski seconded the motion. All agreed and the motion passed.
Updates:
Island Road Update – June 2006 Flood:
Chairman Bartley Millett provided a progress report on the Island Road storm closure done by the June flooding. Township Engineer Scott Mease estimated road repairs at approximately $108,000. The township should recover this amount from FEMA, meetings have been conducted. Vice Chairman Richard Johnson commented that the estimated costs from the township engineer came in real close to FEMA’s estimate immediately after the storm in June.
New Business:
Non-Conforming Use Permit Review – NorthEast Industrial Sales, LLC
Mr. Bill Neis from the above company presented the Board with his plan to utilize the property located at 5235 Route 212 as a warehouse/shipping operation. The property is currently used commercially as a woodworking/cabinet operation. Due to its’ location in a zoned residential area (RP) and the proposed change of ownership of a prior non-conforming use; the Board of Supervisors must review and approve the application. The Planning Commission has reviewed the application and recommended approval to the Board of Supervisors.
Mr. Neis advised the Board his operation will be less intense from the existing operation as no painting/finishing of wood will be involved. An occasional UPS truck (“2 or 3 a week”) dropping-off or picking-up; structure will not be altered inside or out. No toxic or hazardous waste will be stored on the property.
A motion was made by Richard Johnson to approve the application and to allow NorthEast Sales, LLC to operate at 5235 Route 212. The motion was seconded by Manfred Marschewski and agreed to by all members. Motion passed.
There were no further comments and/or questions.
Old Business:
Howard Knuth Major Subdivision Final Plan - Review
Howard Knuth, represented by Dan Hendricks, P.L.S., was present to request the Board’s approval for his major subdivisions’ final plan. The Planning Commission, at their September 5th meeting, recommended approval of the plan to the Board. The Township Engineers Letter of July 27, 2006 was reviewed by Dan Hendricks. All items either have been or will be complied with. Township Solicitor Peter Harrison questioned Mr. Knuth on the form of financial security for the Developers Agreement. Mr. Knuth replied he will be using a Letter of Credit from the bank. Peter Harrison will prepare the Agreement along with Scott Mease.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Richard Johnson to approve the Knuth Major Subdivision Final Plan subject to complete compliance with the Township Engineers Letter of July 27, 2006; his Preliminary Plan Review Letter; and execution of the Developers Agreement and the posting of the financial security. Motion was seconded by Member Manfred Marschewski and approved by Chairman Bartley Millett. Motion passed.
Zoning Officer Report – Peter Bent
Township Zoning Officer Peter Bent once again advised the Board of the issuance of a permit to Romaszewski 5171 Route 212 for 10’x12’ storage shed. The Verizon Wireless permit is still pending the Osprey vacating the tower. Permit issued to Robert Freidermann to reconstruct his home on Lehnenberg Rd that was destroyed by fire last winter. A driveway permit was issued to Bill & Peggy Henderson on Route 212 (Jim Herrmann’s old house) to improve and extend his existing driveway.
A permit application by The Gartner Building Group, who applied to construct a new B-1 single family dwelling at 5130 Route 212 on a non-conforming lot; was denied due to the plans submitted contain a number of issues. They may possibly file a Zoning Hearing Board request in the immediate future. Solicitor Peter Harrison noted they must appeal the decision within thirty (30) days.
The Zoning Officer noted open burning issues have once again resurfaced. The PA DEP Solid Waste Division currently advises it is illegal to burn anything in our air basin. At the request of the Planning Commission, DEP Project Manager Ron Furlan will attend the October 3rd Commission meeting and answer all questions posed. Resident Doris Snyder asked the Board if open burning is currently allowed. The Chairman advised the safe thing to do is not to burn until the DEP clarifies the matter.
Township Building Inspector, Tim Wittemann, requested clarification on the earlier Gartner Building Group application and the Verizon Wireless permit and received it from the Zoning Officer.
Road Master Report – Jim Laubach
Road Master Jim Laubach informed the Board of the following activity during the past month:
Our boom flair mower that was sent to the shop for repairs has been returned; repaired fuel tank on DT-2 Ford. We utilized “work release” group on community service to paint ball field fence. No cost except for paint. We have been in constant contact with PennDOT attempting to rectify several state road concerns.
Member Manfred Marschewski commended the road crew for their excellent mowing of the township roadsides. He also discussed limiting the weight of trucks on township roads. Peter Harrison will follow-up and advise the Board. Richard Johnson reminded the road crew of the bumpy road situation at the top of Shearers Hill in front of Floyd Young’s house.
Resident Doris Snyder questioned the recent trimming of the bushes along Stouts Valley Road in front of her mothers’ former property. She felt the cutting was excessive. Member Manfred Marschewski noted the problem has existed for 25 years; when Grace Ratushny would complain about those same bushes. [JMK1] The Board explained the minimum legal right-of-way of 16.5’ from the centerline of the road. Resident Erin Goga also requested further clarification on the trimming of bushes along her property on Fire Line Road. Jim Laubach provided further explanation of the procedure.
No further comments or questions.
Public Service Announcements:
The Chairman noted that Community Recycling Day will be on Saturday, October 07, 2006 from 9 AM to 12 Noon.
Bucks County Hazardous Waste Recycling will be held on Saturday, September 30th from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Quakertown Community Pool, Mill Street, Quakertown Borough.
The Community Fire Company #1 will be having Sunday Breakfast on Sunday, September 17, 2006 from 8:00AM to 12:00PM.
Riegelsville Borough has rescheduled Heritage Day to Sunday, October 1st, 1 PM to 7 PM
Our townships Community Day will be Saturday, October 14, 2006.
Questions/Comments:
Member Manfred Marschewski advised that a new voting machine will be available for practice voting at Durham Community Day.
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 8:55 PM.
Minutes Submitted by: Township Secretary Joseph M. Kulick
[JMK1]Added at the request of resident Donald Ratushny and approved by the Board at their October meeting.