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| Board Meeting Minutes |
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MINUTES |
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SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP |
REGULAR MEETING |
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BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS |
JANUARY 14, 2010 |
REGULAR MEETING
President LYNCH called to order the Regular Meeting of the Susquehanna
Township Board of Commissioners on Thursday, January 14, 2010, at 7:30
P.M. at the Municipal Building, 1900 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA
17110. He requested note be made for the record all Commissioners are
present.
President LYNCH stated an Executive Session Meeting was held at 7:00
P.M. to discuss matters permitted by law regarding litigation, real
estate and personnel.
ROLL CALL: COMMISSIONERS
Jody Rebarchak
Diane Bowman
Mona Johnson
Frank Lynch
Jacquelyn Patton
Sean Sanderson
Fred Engle
Sherri Levin-McConnell
Travis Waters
TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Gary L. Myers, Manager
Bruce D. Foreman, Solicitor
Robert C. Grubic, P.E.
Robert Martin
George Drees
Dean Deitrich
Michael Rohrer
Robert Reichard
Lynn Roche
Jonniene Urban
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Cindy Deitrich, Glen McCoy, R.E. Cray, Stan
Custer, Jr., Susan Tyrone, Connor Tyrone, Tamara Fox, Jason Gutshall,
Zefanyah Yosef Porter, Orit Porter, Philip Porter and Diane McCormick.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner REBARCHAK followed by a
moment of silence.
PETITIONS, COMPLAINTS, SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS:
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Meeting – November 12, 2009
Commissioner BOWMAN moved the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on
November 12, 2009 be approved as published; Seconded by Commissioner
ENGLE and unanimously approved.
Regular Meeting – December 10, 2009
Commissioner BOWMAN moved the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on
December 10, 2009 be approved as published; Seconded by Commissioner
ENGLE and unanimously approved.
Bid Opening – December 17, 2009 – Attack 31 Fire Apparatus
Commissioner BOWMAN moved the minutes of the Bid Opening held on
December 17, 2009 for the Attack 31 Fire Apparatus be approved as
published; Seconded by Commissioner ENGLE and unanimously approved.
Re-Organization Meeting – January 4, 2010
Commissioner BOWMAN moved the minutes of the Re-Organization Meeting
held on January 4, 2010 be approved as published; Seconded by
Commissioner ENGLE and unanimously approved.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
President LYNCH distributed to the Board members the 2010-2011 Committee
Assignments List.
President LYNCH informed the Board members two (2) new categories are on
the list as follows:
1) Council of Governments
2) Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners
President LYNCH informed the Board members he has assigned as delegate
to COG Manager GARY MYERS who also will be installed as the next
President of COG on Monday, January 18, 2010.
President LYNCH informed the Board members Commissioner REBARCHAK,
Commissioner SANDERSON, Manager MYERS, Finance Officer LITZELMAN and he
will put together a procedure where by the budget process is much more
open and transparent so that all Commissioners have a full opportunity
to engage in the process all year long.
Building & Grounds
No Report
Budget, Finance, Insurance & Pension
No Report
Health & Sanitation
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL reminded Township residents the last day
for the collection of Christmas trees will be Saturday, January 16, 2010
so please place trees curbside by 6:00 A.M.
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL also reminded Township residents when it
snows there is a huge problem with residents not shoveling their
sidewalks so please have them shoveled within 24-hours after a snow
storm.
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL reported to the Board members the Tag-A-Bag
Program for low generators of trash which went into effect on January 1,
2010 has been a tremendous success with over 500 households signing up
which she is very happy about.
Manager MYERS stated to the Board members this is an excellent program
for empty nesters and working singles who will save up to 61% on their
trash bill which makes this program a win-win for the citizens and Penn
Waste.
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL reminded residents any questions regarding
recycling should be directed to Health Officer ROCHE or by going on the
web-site.
Highway
Manager MYERS informed the Board members Highway Superintendent DYER is
a bit under the weather so he and the Staff wish him well.
Manager MYERS then informed the Board members Assistant Highway
Superintendent DEITRICH will be handling the duties of Mr. DYER until
his return.
Administration & Personnel
No Report
Police
No Report
Fire, EMS, EMA
No Report
Recreation
No Report
Planning & Zoning
No Report
BIDS AND AGREEMENTS:
Attack 31 Fire Apparatus Bid – Recommendation to Reject
Manager MYERS reported to the Board members only one (1) Bid was
received at the Bid Opening held on December 17, 2009 and after review
of the Bid by Fire Marshal DREES and Chief SEIGLE of Edgemont Fire
Company it was recommended the Bid be rejected and the item be Re-Bid.
Commissioner BOWMAN moved to reject the Attack 31 Fire Apparatus Bid;
Seconded by Commissioner PATTON and unanimously approved.
ACTION ON ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, AGREEMENTS, SUBDIVISIONS AND
LAND DEVELOPMENT PLANS:
2901 LINGLESTOWN ROAD
Zoning Officer MICHAEL ROHRER took the podium and presented to the Board
members the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan at 2901 Linglestown
Road for the proposed development of a 2.784 acre tract for a bank
(3,655 square feet) and a professional office building (14,100 square
feet) which is located in the BOR, Business-Office-Residential Zoning
District.
Zoning Officer ROHRER informed the Board members the Plan was
recommended for approval by the Planning Commission contingent on the
approval of the following waiver:
1) Waive the requirement to have two points of access.
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL moved to approve the waiver; Seconded by
Commissioner ENGLE and unanimously approved.
Zoning Officer ROHRER informed the Board members the Planning Commission
also attached the following conditions for approval of the Plan:
1) Provide the Sewage Plan Revision Module or appropriate documentation.
2) Provide the Highway Occupancy Permit from the Pennsylvania Department
of Transportation.
3) Provide a copy of the NPDES Permit.
4) Provide a letter from the Dauphin County Conservation District
approving the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan.
5) Provide a mutual easement between property owners.
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL moved to approve the Plan with the five (5)
conditions; Seconded by Commissioner BOWMAN and unanimously approved.
SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT
Zoning Officer ROHRER presented to the Board members the Final
Subdivision Plan for the purpose of conveying an 11,593 square foot
piece of land from the Northwest corner of the Thomas Holtzman
Elementary School to Susquehanna Township.
Zoning Officer ROHRER informed the Board members the School District
property is located in the BOR, Business-Office-Residential Zoning
District and the Susquehanna Township property is located in the R-1,
Low Density Residential Zoning District.
Zoning Officer ROHRER informed the Board members the Plan was
recommended for approval by the Planning Commission contingent on the
approval of the following waivers:
1) Waive the Preliminary Plan requirement.
2) Waive the requirement that contours must be displayed at 5’
intervals.
3) Waive the requirement that all street Right-of-Ways be displayed.
Commissioner BOWMAN moved to approve the Plan with the three (3)
waivers; Seconded by Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL.
Motion carried 8-0 with Commissioner WATERS abstaining.
BLUE MOUNTAIN COMMONS
Zoning Officer ROHRER presented to the Board members a request to reduce
the Site Improvement Guarantee at Blue Mountain Commons from $572,445.00
to $163,970.68.
Zoning Officer ROHRER informed the Board members the Township Engineer
reviewed the request and recommended approval.
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL moved to approve the request to reduce the
Site Improvement Guarantee at Blue Mountain Commons from $572,445.00 to
$163,970.68; Seconded by Commissioner BOWMAN and unanimously approved.
THE TOWNES AT MARGARET’S GROVE PHASE IV
Zoning Officer ROHRER presented to the Board members a request to reduce
the Site Improvement Guarantee at the Townes at Margaret’s Grove Phase
IV from $77,950.00 to $2,021.25.
Zoning Officer ROHRER informed the Board members the Township Engineer
reviewed the request and recommended approval.
Commissioner BOWMAN moved to approve the request to reduce the Site
Improvement Guarantee at the Townes at Margaret’s Grove Phase IV from
$77,950.00 to $2,021.25; Seconded by Commissioner PATTON and unanimously
approved.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Commissioner BOWMAN asked Manager MYERS if a formal meeting can be set
up for both of them to discuss Buildings and Grounds.
Manager MYERS informed Commissioner BOWMAN a formal meeting between them
can be set up whenever she desires.
Ordinance 09-12 – Tabled – December 10, 2009 Regular Meeting
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL moved to remove the Table of Ordinance
09-12 from the December 10, 2009 Regular Meeting amending the Zoning
Ordinance regarding signage; Seconded by Commissioner BOWMAN and
unanimously approved.
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL moved to delete Section 6 of Ordinance
09-12; Seconded by Commissioner BOWMAN.
Commissioner BOWMAN asked Solicitor FOREMAN for an explanation of what
Section 6 addresses.
Solicitor FOREMAN explained to the Board members Section 6 establishes a
Special Exception for one (1) permit directional sign off lot under
certain very specific circumstances basically going from a major highway
to a collector road where the direction is for a hospitality use and
other limitations.
Commissioner BOWMAN asked Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL if the
restriction on real estate signs is still in the Ordinance.
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL informed Commissioner BOWMAN the
restriction on real estate signs is still in the Ordinance.
Commissioner BOWMAN asked if Section 6 is deleted what does the
Ordinance call for regarding the same type of use.
Solicitor FOREMAN explained to the Board members the existing Ordinance
will not allow an off premises directional sign at all.
Solicitor FOREMAN explained to the Board members the first five (5)
sections amending the Ordinance generally deal with sign clutter in
Susquehanna Township by either reducing the size of signs or reducing
the number or purposes for which signs can occur so that there will be
fewer particularly temporary signs that people place throughout the
Township.
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL informed the Board members another Public
Hearing on Ordinance 09-12 is NOT needed.
Commissioner BOWMAN stated to the Board members she is dissatisfied
about the portion of the Ordinance about the extraction of real estate
signs because she thinks the signs are a very important tool for the
marketing of real estate in the Township.
After a lengthy discussion was held between the Board members about the
deletion of Section 6 of Ordinance 09-12, the Motion carried
unanimously.
Commissioner SANDERSON moved to authorize Solicitor FOREMAN to
re-advertise Ordinance 09-12 as amended for action at the February 11,
2010 Regular Meeting; Seconded by Commissioner PATTON and unanimously
approved.
REPORTS:
Manager
Police Chief ROBERT MARTIN took the podium and reported to the Board
members he has one (1) Traffic Study request for potential parking
restrictions at the entrance to the Pines Apartments in the 3400 block
of Centerfield Road.
Police Chief MARTIN reported to the Board members the Traffic Study has
four (4) recommendations as follows:
1) Line painting.
2) Painting and posting of a “No Parking” symbol.
3) “No Parking Here to Corner” sign to be posted from the Northeast
corner of Centerfield Road for a distance of sixty-five (65) feet West
from the intersection with 35th Street.
4) “No Parking Here to Corner” sign to be posted from the Southeast
corner of Centerfield Road for a distance of one hundred six (106) feet
East along the Eastbound curb line from the intersection of North
Progress Avenue.
Police Chief MARTIN informed the Board members he does concur with the
Traffic Study recommendations and he asked for approval.
Commissioner BOWMAN moved to authorize Solicitor BRUCE FOREMAN to draft
and advertise an Ordinance prohibiting parking at the entrance to the
Pines Apartments in the 3400 block of Centerfield Road; Seconded by
Commissioner ENGLE and unanimously approved.
Commissioner BOWMAN asked Police Chief MARTIN for a status report on the
traffic activities on Continental Drive.
Police Chief MARTIN informed Commissioner BOWMAN the study is ongoing
and he hopes to have it completed by the February Regular Meeting.
Police Department Retirees:
Police Chief MARTIN informed the Board members he will miss very much
Deputy Chief RICHARD PASTUCKA and Detective MICHAEL PROPER who will be
retiring from the Police Department in 2-weeks with service to the
Township of over 50-years and he commented these retirements will leave
large holes in the Police Department.
Police Chief MARTIN stated to the Board members Sergeant JAMES NELSON
who was lost 2-years ago in February in the line of duty would also have
been retiring with them.
Police Department
Reports # 2 through # 6 and # 9 and # 10 are posted and
Health Department
approved as published.
Building Inspector
Plumbing Inspector
Highway Department
Engineer
No Report
Solicitor
No Report
Fire Marshal
No Report
Emergency Management
No Report
School Board
No Report
Authority
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL reported to the Board members a re-start of
the sewer project in Ward 5 affecting approximately 240 homes will begin
in May or June.
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL reported to the Board members the Sewer
Authority Manager and their Engineer will keep Commissioner PATTON
updated on the project which will go out for Bids sometime in the
Spring.
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL informed the Board members Bertram Goldberg
who has served on the Authority over 20-years has resigned effective
December 1, 2009.
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL thanked Mr. Goldberg for all his service to
the Township and commented she and the Township wish him and his wife
Lillian well.
Manager MYERS informed the Board members he will issue a Proclamation
honoring Mr. Goldberg on behalf of the Township.
Indian Wheels
Commissioner WATERS thanked the Indian Wheels volunteers for the
excellent service they provide to the senior residents of the Township
and he commented more Township seniors should take full advantage of
this great service offered to them.
Shade Tree
Commissioner BOWMAN reported to the Board members the Shade Tree report
is in their packets.
Commissioner BOWMAN reminded residents before a tree can be trimmed, cut
down, removed or planted in the Township Right-of-Way; residents are
required by Ordinance to contact the Township and apply for a permit at
NO charge so the request can be reviewed by the Shade Tree Commission.
Archives Committee
No Report
Reapportionment Committee
No Report
Community Outreach
No Report
NEW BUSINESS:
2010 Boards and Commissions – Appointments
Recreation Advisory Board
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL moved to re-appoint George Coleman as Ward
1 Representative to the Recreation Advisory Board for a 2-year term;
Seconded by Commissioner BOWMAN and unanimously approved.
Recreation Advisory Board
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL moved to re-appoint Christ Gekas as Ward 5
Representative to the Recreation Advisory Board for a 2-year term;
Seconded by Commissioner BOWMAN and unanimously approved.
Recreation Advisory Board
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL moved to re-appoint Barry Buskey as Ward 7
Representative to the Recreation Advisory Board for a 2-year term;
Seconded by Commissioner BOWMAN and unanimously approved.
Recreation Advisory Board
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL moved to re-appoint John Taylor as Ward 9
Representative to the Recreation Advisory Board for a 2-year term;
Seconded by Commissioner BOWMAN and unanimously approved.
Recreation Advisory Board
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL moved to re-appoint Wanda Pierce as Ward 9
Alternate to the Recreation Advisory Board for a 2-year term; Seconded
by Commissioner BOWMAN and unanimously approved.
Vacancy Board
Commissioner REBARCHAK moved to appoint Michael Schubert to the Vacancy
Board for a 2-year term; Seconded by Commissioner BOWMAN and unanimously
approved.
Emergency Management Coordinator
Commissioner ENGLE moved to re-appoint Bradly Reist as Emergency
Management Coordinator for a 3-year term; Seconded by Commissioner
LEVIN-McCONNELL and unanimously approved.
Industrial & Commercial Development Authority
Commissioner JOHNSON moved to appoint Commissioner SHERRI LEVIN-McCONNELL
to the Industrial & Commercial Development Authority for a 5-year term;
Seconded by Commissioner ENGLE and unanimously approved.
Plumbing Board
Commissioner BOWMAN moved to re-appoint Fredrick Nickolas to the
Plumbing Board for a 3-year term; Seconded by Commissioner JOHNSON and
unanimously approved.
Commissioner BOWMAN moved to re-appoint Dr. Bruce Goodman to the
Plumbing Board for a 3-year term; Seconded by Commissioner JOHNSON and
unanimously approved.
Planning Commission
Commissioner PATTON moved to re-appoint Mitchell Kemp to the Planning
Commission for a 4-year term; Seconded by Commissioner ENGLE and
unanimously approved.
Commissioner PATTON moved to re-appoint John L. Taylor to the Planning
Commission for a 4-year term; Seconded by Commissioner ENGLE and
unanimously approved.
Commissioner PATTON moved to re-appoint Thomas Thornton to the Planning
Commission for a 4-year term; Seconded by Commissioner ENGLE and
unanimously approved.
Sewer Authority
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL moved to re-appoint Nathan Waters to the
Sewer Authority for a 5-year term; Seconded by Commissioner ENGLE and
unanimously approved.
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL moved to appoint John Logan to the Sewer
Authority for a 2-year term to fill the vacancy of Bertram Goldberg who
has resigned; Seconded by Commissioner ENGLE and unanimously approved.
Health Board
Commissioner BOWMAN moved to re-appoint Dr. Mark Cohen to the Health
Board for a 5-year term; Seconded by Commissioner PATTON and unanimously
approved.
Shade Tree Commission
President LYNCH informed the Board members the appointment to the Shade
Tree Commission will be postponed until the February 11, 2010 Regular
Meeting.
Civil Service Commission
Commissioner PATTON moved to re-appoint Sanford Krevsky to the Civil
Service Commission for a 6-year term; Seconded by Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL
and unanimously approved.
Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL formally welcomed Commissioner REBARCHAK of
Ward 1 and Commissioner JOHNSON of Ward 3 to their 1st Board of
Commissioners Meeting and commented she is looking forward to working
with them.
Commissioner BOWMAN asked Manager MYERS to please place a copy of the
2010 Budget in their packets for the February 11, 2010 Regular Meeting.
PAYMENT OF BILLS:
Commissioner BOWMAN presented and moved the following bills be paid:
General Fund Check #315786 through #315992 in the amount of
$1,061,172.21
Capital Improvement Fund Check #1345 in the amount of $25,000.00
Hydrant Fund Check #1090 through #1091 in the amount of $17,694.66
Highway Fund Check #101437 through #101446 in the amount of $48,522.83
Bond Issue of 2002 Fund Check #1213 through #1214 in the amount of
$10,650.84
DCED Grant Fund Check #1210 in the amount of $1,582.86
Police Grant Fund Check #1168 through Check #1176 in the amount of
$3,877.08
Fire Fund Check #703946 through #703985 in the amount of $185,429.35
(Administration - $177,698.16) (Rescue Fire - $5,635.75)
(Progress Fire - $623.99) (Edgemont Fire - $1,471.45)
Grand Total - $1,353,929.83
Seconded by Commissioner ENGLE and unanimously approved.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner SANDERSON moved the meeting be adjourned at 8:20 P.M.;
Seconded by Commissioner ENGLE and unanimously approved.
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| Signed:
Gary L.
Myers, Secretary-Manager |
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