MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, October 14, 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 7:35 PM. All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Approval of Minutes from September 09, 2008 Meeting
Member Manfred Marschewski made a motion to approve the Minutes as presented. Vice Chairman Richard M. Johnson seconded the motion and Chairman Bartley Millett agreed and the Motion passed, Minutes approved as submitted.
Approval of Financial Report Dated September 30, 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:
Community Day 2008:
Township Manager Joe Kulick reported to the board on a very successful Community Day 2008 held on Saturday, October 11, 2008. He estimated over 1000 people attended the event, more if additional parking were available. Revenue from the sale of advertising and vendor space was over $1200, $190 from the sale of ice cream and $33 from the sale of cookies from the bake contest. Community Fire Company #1 reported over $900 from the sale of food & drink. He (Kulick) thanked the numerous volunteers; the road crew and the Park & Rec Board for their assistance in putting the day together. Resident Fran Chavar thanked the township for blocking the road (Durham) during the event. There were no further comments or questions.
Old Business: None Presented
New Business:
Bucks County Mutual Aid Agreement:
Emergency Management Coordinator Peter Bent presented a document to ensure that in event of a major incident in the area, surrounding townships and the county could respond with mutual aid as requested by the appropriate municipality. Township Solicitor Peter Harrison has reviewed and approved of the documents language. Township Manager Joe Kulick further explained the purpose of the document to guarantee not only emergency services but also public works manpower and equipment, both into and out of our township. The Vice Chairman commented that the cooperation has always been provided in the past without the need for an official document. The board approved of and signed the document. There were no further comments or questions.
Emergency Stormwater Management:
Emergency Management Coordinator Peter Bent briefed the board on the results of a heavy “super cell” rainstorm that dumped well over 6” of rain during a short period on Sunday, September 28, 2008 around 3:00PM. The rain caused numerous road washouts and closures on Route 611, Lehnenberg, Mine Hill, and Old Furnace Roads. At one point a 180’ section of the canal wall collapsed along the river between Lehnenberg and Route 212. Mr. Bent spoke with Bucks County officials on the possibility of any emergency funding for storm clean-up who noted none was available as of yet. Other officials responding to the event included the township manager and road master.
Resident Andy Killcoyne, present in the audience, complained of the continuous flooding of his property located at 281 Old Furnace Road. He stated that it has flooded six (6) times in the last eleven (11) years and the past three (3) times has caused damage to his property. He stated that the heavy rains produce a surge of water down the hill from Route 212 and overflows the existing system (36” pipe) across the road from his house. He requested the township resolve the problem; possibly by cleaning the existing 36” pipe in front of the Prescott residence. Mr. Killcoyne also thanked the township for their quick response after the storm on Sunday.
Chairman Bartley Millett agreed that the township will cleanout the pipe ASAP. The Chairman also noted that the township engineer has reviewed the situation and has made some preliminary recommendations. The Vice Chairman read aloud the engineers letter of 11-30-08 also recommending the pipe be cleaned along with the possibility of installing a second pipe straight across the road. Road Master Jim Laubach received permission from Keith Rau of 274 Old Furnace Road, present at the meeting, to remove/improve the pipe in the rear of his property that may be hindering water flow in the area.
Township Manager Joe Kulick noted that PennDOT supplies an engineer at no cost via their LTAP (Local Technical Assistance Program) who will also review the problem areas next week. He (Kulick) also noted that the township has received permission from Mrs. Ruthrauff of 265 Old Furnace Road to improve the drainage pipe that empties onto her property. Road Master Jim Laubach will coordinate that effort. Resident Mike Negri of 426 Mine Hill Road, present at the meeting, requested a review of his flooding problems also.
Trick or Treat Times:
The board established Friday, Halloween Night, October 31, 2008 6:00PM to 8:00PM as the townships official trick or treat times. Please drive carefully in the area.
Zoning Officer Report – Peter Bent
Zoning Officer Peter Bent was present at the meeting and advised the board; one (1) new zoning permit was issued since last meeting: to Tom Harbin on Summit Lane for an accessory building, for a total of twenty (20) permits issued to date in 2008. A ZHB was held for Anita Wagenvoord of 291 County Line Road on Thursday, 09-18-2008 at 7:00 PM. The board granted her request for the variances. Pat Cook was once again contacted by Mr. Bent regarding her old produce stand on Easton Road. Ms. Cook will advise of her intentions if any at a later date. Resident Fran Chavar questioned the delay. Ms. Chavar will write her a letter. Mr. Bent also advised the board of free flu shots at Ottsville Fire House on Saturday 10-18-08 10AM to 2:00PM 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: mowed grass 4 times; Continued mowing of roadsides; screening mix obtained for winter season; assisted at Community Day; lots of work to clean-up after the 09-28 rain storm and it is continuing; repaired the tailgate on DT2; changed oil &air filters on vehicles; and DT3 having a problem with its air brakes. There were no further comments or questions.
Public Service Announcements: The Chairman announced:
The Community Fire Company #1 will be serving breakfast on Sunday, October 19, 2008 from 8:00AM to 12:30PM
The Community Fire Company #1 “Pork & Sauerkraut” dinner will be held on Saturday, November 01, 2008 4PM to 7PM at the firehouse.
Community Monthly Recycling Day will be on Saturday, November 01, 2008 from 9 AM to 12 Noon
Kiwanis Fall Rollout on Sunday November 02, 2008 at Riegelsville Ball Field
Questions/Comments:
Resident & business owner Al Harlow was present at the meeting and questioned the board on the requirements to move his excavating business to the former paper mill site at Routes 611 & 212, which he is considering to purchase from Shaun O’Neil & Furnace Mill LLC. Zoning Officer Peter Bent advised the board that they must approve any permit requests, after review by the Planning Commission, in lieu of the zoning officer since it is a commercial/industrial permit. He (Bent) also noted the possible need for a formal land development & business plan to be submitted to the township since any change of ownership requires a new application for a use permit. The zoning officer requested that Mr. Harlow formally submit a written description (plan) of his intentions. The Chairman reiterated the zoning officer’s instructions. Township Solicitor Peter Harrison also chimed-in and agreed with the chairman and zoning officer. The Vice Chairman cautioned Mr. Harlow on possible FEMA flood plain requirements and/or restrictions along with possible Cooks Creek Exceptional Value Stream concerns that must be followed. The board once again advised Mr. Harlow to submit his application and plans in writing to the zoning officer as required.
As a general comment, the Vice Chairman noted his disfavor with nonsensical government ordinances or regulations but must enforce them as a government official.
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 the Vice Chairman. Motion passed. Meeting closed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 PM.
Minutes Submitted by: Township Secretary/Manager Joseph M. Kulick