FORKS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Northampton County, Pennsylvania WORK SESSION August 6 th, 2015

Transcription

1 FORKS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Northampton County, Pennsylvania WORK SESSION August th, 0 MEETING GENERALITIES: The Forks Township met in a work session at the Municipal Building, 0 Sullivan Trail, Easton, Pennsylvania on this date. Chairman John O Neil called the meeting to order at :00 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Board Members present were: John O Neil, Chairman Ed Moore, Vice-Chairman Erik Chuss, Supervisor Dan Martyak, Supervisor Others present were: John V. Cornell, Township Manager Barb Bartek, Human Resource Manager Tim Weis, Building & Zoning Official James Farley, Finance Director Mark Roberts, Public Works Director Greg Dorney, Police Chief Wendy Nicolosi, Solicitor Absent Were: Bob Egolf, Secretary/Treasurer Rachel Sulzbach, Parks & Recreation Director Scott Muller, Engineer Bryan Weis, Fire Chief Public Comments: None Supervisor Comments: Supervisor Dan Martyak commented he attended a meeting with township staff (manager, solicitor, engineer, zoning officer) and David & Charlie Kolb and counsel to address questions regarding the pending landscape business. Supervisor Erik Chuss commented he attended the BCAF Open House at the Klein Farm, Layne Klein gave him a tour of the new ice cream facility and they discussed directional signage to the farm for the October st scheduled Grand Opening.

2 Invited Guest: State Senator Scavello Introduction Township Manager John Cornell introduced newly elected Mr. Anthony Scavello and gave him the floor. Mr. Scavello approached the podium and commented he was impressed with the growth of the township and how it was handled. He offered his services to the board of supervisors and handed out his business card as well. Supervisor Martyak shared feedback he had received some elderly on limited income and thanked Senator Scavello for his services. The Senator also spoke of pensions, pension obligations, pension debt, 0K type programs, effects on credit rating, and property tax rebates helping the seniors. The also thanked the Senator for his monthly newsletter. Discussion Items: No Action to be taken **Chairman John O Neil announced that he would like to bump Item # up to Item # due to the audience in attendance for that item. ** 0. Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. presentation Mr. Andrew Kliner will make an informative presentation on the on-going economic development activities in Lehigh Valley by the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. Mr. Kliner was not in attendance tonight therefore Chairman O Neil went onto Item # which is now the Lions Park Overcrowding Discussion. 0. ** Lions Park Overcrowding Discussion As a result of overflow parking and activity from the Penn Pump Park in Palmer, Lions Park on Bushkill Drive has triggered parking and other concerns of overcrowding. Chairman John O Neil turn the discussion to Police Chief Greg Dorney and the Township Manager John Cornell. He noted the effort to protect township property, and spoke of the safety issues, parking and working in conjunction with Palmer Township, who has now closed Pump Park for permits only. Mr. Dorney, discussed the noise complaints, increase of vehicles parking on township property at Lions Park and overflow parking. Expressed a safety concern someone getting struck by cars, his recommendation is to rope off the parking and post No Parking sign which has now been done. The park will be open on weekends and will be monitored. Police will be regulating the parking rules as well as no smoking and alcohol in park. Mr. Cornell stated the township has attempted to act quickly. Supervisor Erik Chuss spoke of designated parking areas; parking on Bushkill Drive, swimming in damn, and coming up with a long turn plan. He then thanked the police for all their help taking care of this. Supervisor Martyak spoke of the commercial buses and parking taking up most of the spaces. Chief Dorney said the Palmer police did ask them to park at the Palmer Mall and they were very cooperative. Supervisor Chuss suggested we put something on our website to get

3 the word out that the park is now closed to discourage people from coming to the park. Discussion ensued on swimming in the damn, and who owns the property. Public Comment: Dean Smith Bushkill Drive: lives across the street from Lions Park and questioned if there was a noise ordinance, also spoke of the amount of people in the park, the loud music using large speakers, calling the police, the garbage left behind, disrespect, tobacco and alcohol violations, police presence and deterrents. Bonnie Nicholas- Hill Road: Spoke of overflow parking as well. Marilyn Milano spoke of respecting police and other alternatives to defer the overcrowding as well as police and rules enforcement. Sherri Megan spoke of an article on Lehigh Valley Live showing the google article showing the Penn Pump Park and chartering of buses. 0. Suburban EMS response time discussion Mr. Barry Albertson from Suburban Ambulance will be present to address questions regarding recent response times. Mr. Cornell said he and the Police Chief had a meeting with Mr. Albertson earlier this week; he (Mr. Albertson) had another meeting to attend tonight therefore was unable to attend. Mr. Cornell spoke of the good relationship with Mr. Albertson, and the concerns the township has, gathering data to demonstrate and other issues they need to work through. Mr. Cornell said Mr. Albertson will be attending one of the board meetings in the future. 0. Knollwood density discussion The developer of the proposed Knollwood development along Zucksville road has requested to discuss density issues for the proposed project. Mr. David Hart approached the podium and discussed the Knollwood project explaining drainage issues, the old farm house on Bushkill Drive, single family lots, zoning change, performance subdivision, total tract area, pipelines, flood plain, slopes, amount of units, two different housing types, showed plan with singles and twin homes, 0 foot wide lot, relief from size of lots on twin homes, showed draft of subdivision in Palmer Township showing distance between buildings, asking for relief on setbacks and particular size of lots, zoning classifications, townhouses instead of twin homes, square footage of homes, % ratio, concern of coverage in case of fires, clustering houses together, a drainage swale, easements, Kesslersville Road, Comprehensive plan, storm water problem, open space, input on some amendments to zoning ordinance, density that ordinance allows, sidewalks, side streets, quality of life, proposing 0 feet between houses, HOA, road dedication, concern of bridge going through and its location, fixing

4 the density, concern no room for sheds, less infrastructure, profit margin, subsidies for roads, buffers, Public Comment: Bonnie Nicholas Hill Road: asked about the distance to the swale, following code, runoff from houses, said the houses shown on plan do not fit on a 0 foot lot, and spoke about all the flooding, roads and bridges through the swale, a greenway plan, should have certain setback from swale, and floodplain. After discussion Chairman O Neil suggested they go before the Planning Commission and come back to the board with their changes; the board thanked Mr. Hart for his presentation. 0. Gas Compressor completion discussion Discussion will take place regarding the completion status of the Columbia Gas Compressor station on Kline Road Supervisor Dan Martyak noted he asked for this to be on the agenda and shared he drive by the site on Saturday. He said it is larger than he expected; and asked if they are in compliance with all federal and state laws. Discussion took place regarding the old station compared to the new station; size of the expansion, air quality, building plans, roads, setback, exposed pipe, security, residents around the area, verbal agreement that they would repair the roads 00%, should be complete by December, and asked if there is a date when they are going to turn this on; and added to notify residents once we receive this information. 0. Braden Airpark charity Polo Contest Informational On September th the LVNAA will host a benefit polo contest on the grounds of the airpark. Township Manager, John Cornell reported he, Supervisor Chuss, Officer Craig Marshall and Mark Roberts met with representatives from the LNAA who are planning to hold a benefit polo contest September th ; it will be open to the public; this is a fund raiser and should be a lot of fun; he then passed out the flyer explaining the event for an organization that use horses to work with children with disabilities; there will be a total of eight horses on the field. Supervisor Erik Chuss then added that there will be an open house on August 0 th from :0 to :0 PM at Braden Airport; this is an outreach program for pilots. 0. PMRS proposed pension plan amendment (cash balance) discussion The Township is receipt of a draft pension amendment amending the existing Plan to establish a cash balance plan for new hires.

5 Township Manger, John Cornell said this was brought up a few months ago, spoke about the completed questionnaire, existing employees stay the same, non-uniform employees, waived contribution to employees, new options says employees can contribute up to %; new hires shall contribute % and may also optional contribute to the %. Discussed existing employees, years of service, multiplier, cash balance plan like a 0K could become a greater benefit, no cost of living adjustment, and asked the board if they are interested in going in this direction to consider placing this on the next agenda to authorize advertising for action in September for future employees hired after January 0; This will then amend the existing pension plan for future employees. Solicitor Nicolosi said she will be reviewing this as well. Mr. Cornell said PMRS did send a hard copy also. In addition, Mr. Cornel noted he was in discussion the non-uniform employees association; anticipate a meeting next week and will bring a recommendation to the board for consideration. 0. Department Head round table items Staff will be provided an opportunity to present information on activities within their respective departments. Solicitor Nicolosi just wanted to note that one of her partners works for one of the Knollwoods companies and it may be a conflict. Township Manager, John Cornell spoke of the OLDS Ordinance for the On-Lot systems, adopt a program, inspection sheets, next week authorize to advertise. Supervisor Chuss commented on a friend hooking up to sewer and plumbing. Mr. Farley suggested IT folks to speak about the tablets and will set it up to help with any technical issues the board may have. Mr. Farley also explained the financial forecast to date, budget process will begin shortly approximately September, several ideas to improve and enhance the budget, capital requirements, making great progress. Mr. Farley said the Utility bills have gone out from the new software system, approximately 0 people signed up for paperless billing to date; receiving positive feedback from this. Also spoke of credit card payments, and fees and federal laws on the fees. One problem there was supposed to be an insert speaking of survey, credit card payment instructions, community days and they will be delivering them separately. Mr. Farley spoke of the SURVEY MONKEY ENGINE on our website and have received positive feedbacks to date. Mr. Farley spoke of the trash contracts as well and the process to date. Mr. Farley then spoke of the budget process, staff restructuring, people retiring, reserves for capital and challenges, replacing patrol cars, significant improvements using cash, large ticket items will look for some state financial options/leasing. Mr. Farley spoke of Department heads doing a spread sheet on replacement items.

6 Barb Bartek spoke of meeting with ADP, payroll services Barb Bartek spoke of Community Days informational booth kick off days of recycling center. Ordered give away bags x inch recycled tote bags with inscription advertising the recycling center, address and website. Upcoming contract and recycling center. Tim Weis spoke of an upcoming resale ordinance for houses that are sold and inspecting them for resales this will be coming up in the coming months Mark Roberts spoke of Supervisor Martyak s request on improving a hedge on Heather Lane making it a no parking zone; will block of a foot section with no parking zone Mark Roberts spoke of the new road paving program starting this coming week. Public Works Building water proofing complete and is working, roof will be inspected by Firestone who gives us the warranty; then new roof can be put on. Supervisor Moore asked about the Frutchey Hill Road Project; waiting on written report Mark Roberts said the Eagle Scouts have been working at the Cottage as well; water leak in basement has been sealed. ACTION ITEMS Due to a lack of a quorum on June, 0 meeting the following items have been rescheduled for deliberation and possible action at this meeting 0. Sullivan s March Enterprises LLC Preliminary/Final Land Development Consideration Engineer Scott Muller Previously known as Bland Co. the applicant proposes a one-story,00 square foot building at the corner of Sullivan Trail & Rensselaer Avenue. The Township Planning Commission has recommended approval. The property is located in the TC, Town Center zoning district. The attorney for Sullivans March approached the podium and explained the project; one medical office building, pervious coverage, several waivers and asked the consulting engineer to review those. Requesting seven waivers for the plan -A,..D() &. D(), -F(),..B, --C, -.D, -.G. Supervisor Dan Martyak made a motion to approve the Preliminary / final approval with waivers from Gilmore & Associates letter of June th subject to conditions set forth in that letter and incorporated their / letter; seconded by Supervisor Erik Chuss. Mr. Farley said he had a conversation with the engineering firm last week under the Bland Corporation to open a new escrow for this the old escrow had a negative balance of $,.00 and they said they were going to get it; he did received $0, and asked that this be paid in full before this starts; $,.00 including August billings will be the

7 total outstanding to date; statement will include the $0, credit as well. After a brief discussion it was agreed not to sign the plans until this is paid in full and the matter is resolved before going forward. Supervisor Erik Chuss then amended his motion to include Preliminary final approval with conditionals laid out on June th memo from Gilmore & Associates as well as adding the escrow that is currently in arrears from Bland & Sullivans March Enterprises; seconded by Supervisor Ed Moore. Discussed sidewalks, chicken wire, stockade, and vinyl fencing for maintenance access; shallow basin, drainage, and traffic, water runoff getting into ground water; and storm water system setup; potential sinkhole; drilling wells and vegetative drainage to shield. Vote Called: 0 0. Proposed Abandoned and Foreclosed Property Ordinance # Solicitor Nicolosi Abandoned and foreclosed properties have been a blight on the Township, On June, 0 the authorized advertisement for adoption consideration for July th, 0. The ordinance would establish guidelines for managing abandoned and foreclosed properties. Solicitor Wendy Nicolosi said this came to us from Mr. Weis to allow tracking owners and enforcing foreclosed properties to comply with cutting grass and maintaining these blighted properties. Supervisor Ed Moore made a motion to approve Ordinance # ; seconded by Supervisor Erik Chuss. Vote Called: Go-Green Light grant program signature authorization Resolution #-0-: Engineer Scott Muller In November 0 the Township applied for Green Light Go program grant for LED lighting upgrades. In February 0 the Township received approval notification of the grant award. Recently the Township was advised additional information was needed to complete the grant agreement. A separate signature authorization is now required for the Township Manager to execute the agreement, the proposed resolution will accomplish the requirement. Mr. Cornell said the Penndot Green light Go program is for LED upgrade for our traffic lights, for grant approval, they need additional information, hiring consultants, engineering firm who is handling this asked for; besides signature approval; that they have a separate resolution for this project. Therefore asking for approval of Resolution # -0- for the LED upgrade.

8 Supervisor Ed Moore made a motion to approved the resolution giving John Cornell authority to sign; seconded by Supervisor Dan Martyak. Vote Called: 0 Additional Agenda Item: Acceptance of Resolutions for Road Dedications Steeplechase, Towns Center and Knollwood Roads dedicated back to the township which will qualify for liquid fuels, all stipulations have been met; we are asking for title insurance to cover any potential issues; the POSH project. Steeplechase Resolution - 00-: Steeplechase Phases, and and approve resolution to accept dedication of the roads and/or rights of way of Farrcroft Drive, Lorton Drive, Shadowstone Drive and Steeplechase Drive. Supervisor Erik Chuss made a motion to approve; seconded by Ed Moore Vote Called: 0 Towne Center Resolution -00-: Authorize the release of the balance of the maintenance bond for the Townes at Sullivan Trail # and approve resolution to accept dedication of the road and/or rights-of-way of Sullivan Trail, Rensselaer Avenue, Mercer Way, Patterson Walk and Huntington Lane within the same, subject to either the Applicant providing title insurance for the dedicated road areas or PennDOT approval of the Highway Occupancy Permit for the intersection of Rensselaer and Sullivan Trail. Supervisor Dan Martyak made a motion to approve; seconded by Supervisor Ed Moore Vote Called: 0 Knollwood Resolution -00-0: Authorize the release of the balance of the maintenance bond for the Knollwood Estates, Phase and approve resolution to accept dedication of the roads and/or rights-of-way of Meco Road, Cornwallis Drive and Mitman Road. Supervisor Dan Martyak made a motion to approve; seconded by Supervisor Ed Moore Vote Called: - 0 Solicitor Wendy Nicolosi explained the issue with PennDot giving the final close out of the HOP for all of these developments.

9 0 Adjournment: There being nothing further to discuss the meeting was adjourned at : PM Executive Session None Minutes transcribed by Debi Knesz, Administrative Assistant