October 28, A Visitor s List is on file. There were approximately thirty (30) persons in the audience.

Transcription

1 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors of South Strabane Township took place on the above date in the Mae C. Reynolds Meeting Room of the Municipal Building, 550 Washington Road, Washington, PA at 6:30 P.M. Present for the meeting were: Mr. Daniel Piatt, Chairman; Mr. Edward Mazur and Mr. John Keisling, Supervisors; Mr. Thomas Lonich, Solicitor and Mr. John Stickle, Manager. Mr. Robert Koman, Vice-Chairman and Ms. Laynee Zipko, Supervisor were absent. A Visitor s List is on file. There were approximately thirty (30) persons in the audience. Mr. Piatt called the meeting to order and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENTS: LARRY HANNAHAN PUBLIC COMMENTS: Larry Hannahan, 31 Pine Valley Road reported that a Township truck is being parked on an alley that is located near his house on Pine Valley Road. Mr. Stickle reported that such Township truck, used by Public Works Director Russ Grego, is parked when Mr. Grego is home, and that where such truck is parked, is where the improved portion of the alley ends. Mr. Hannahan reported that he plans on constructing houses beyond where Mr. Grego parks his truck and that when the truck is parked there, it blocks access to his property. Mr. Mazur stated that he will ask Mr. Grego to park the township truck on his own property and off the alley. CHARLENE SCUVOTTI Charlene Scuvotti, 85 Pine Valley Road expressed concern that no contractor is on site at the Meadows Landing location. She wondered who would monitor the detention facilities at the Meadows Landing site, with no contractor there. Mr. Piatt reported that the Meadows Landing property owner would be responsible for any issues on site involving the detention facilities, or any other erosion and sedimentation control issues. Ms. Scuvotti reported that the Meadows Landing owner, Gerald Cipriani, has appealed the decision of the District Magistrate, in regard to the high grass violation on the Meadows Landing property behind her house. She wondered how she would go about involving herself in such appeal. Mr. Lonich cautioned that while he cannot provide counsel to Ms. Scuvotti, since he is not her attorney, that if Ms. Scuvotti wishes to be involved, that she could consult with her attorney to petition the court to allow Ms. Scuvotti and her attorney to be an intervener in the appeal case. JUDY PANASIK Judy Panasik, 35 Green Cresent Drive reported that she has made a request to Citizens library that they provide her with the salaries of all the Library employees, as well as the legal costs the Library has incurred, to go after the Township s Library representative, as a result of her asking questions. She recommended that the Township should be requesting the same information regarding such legal costs. Page 147

2 BILLS AND PAYROLL BILLS AND PAYROLL: BILLS: General Fund. Ck. # $51, Escrow Fund...Ck.#300.$ PAYROLL: Pay of October 17, Ck.# $96, Mr. Piatt had a question about one of the bills. After some discussion, Mr. Keisling made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mazur to approve the preceding Bills and Payroll. Motion carried. MINUTES: MEETING MINUTES: Mr. Keisling asked that in regard to the discussion near the end of the October 14 meeing regarding instances where a Public Official needs to abstain from voting due to a conflict of interest, that he would like to add to the minutes, that such reason for abstaining should be put in writing by the Public Official Mr. Keisling then made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mazur, to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2014 Supervisor s meeting, including the addition requested by Mr. Keisling. Motion carried. SCHEDULED VISITORS: GENE VITTONE Based on the request from Gene Vittone representing 84 Boys Baseball (Bentworth Youth Baseball), Mr. Piatt moved Mr. Vittone up on the Agenda, in front of Range Resources Public Hearing. Mr. Vittone reported that 84 Boys Baseball recently merged with Bentleyville Youth Baseball and Cokeburg Boys Baseball to form Bentworth Youth Baseball. Bentworth Boys Baseball has recently applied for Local Share Funding to make improvements to the Bentworth Youth Baseball (formerly 84 Youth Baseball) facilities located on Roupe Road near Route 519 in the Township. Mr. Vittone went on to report that if successful in receiving the Local Share Funding, that they would like to improve the existing fields and structures, convert one of the fields into a girls softball field, and construct an indoor multi-sports facility on the site. Mr. Vittone stated that they would like the Township to submit a Letter of Support for their Local Share application. After further discussion, Mr. Keisling made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mazur to approve a letter of support for the Bentworth Youth Baseball Local Share application, in regard to proposed improvements to their facility on Roupe Road. Motion carried. Mr. Lonich noted that the request is solely for a letter of support and does not include any request for funding for the project from the Township. REQUEST/RANGE RESOURCES GAS WELL SITE 129 KOPPER KETTLE ROAD PUBLIC HEARING: The one Public Hearing was for consideration of a Conditional Use Application submitted by Range Resources to construct a Natural Gas Development well site at 129 Kopper Kettle Road, Zone A-1 (The Planning Commission recommended denial at their October 2, 2014 meeting) Page 148

3 Mr. Piatt explained that the proposed well site is a conditional use in the A-1 district and is subject to the conditions set forth in the Zoning Ordinance, for oil and gas activity. In addition to the conditions set forth in the Zoning Ordinance for such use, the Supervisors can place additional reasonable conditions on the application, if warranted. Shawn Gallagher, Attorney for Range Resources introduced himself and the other Range representative present for tonight s meeting. He reported that the application for the well site complies with all of the conditions set forth in the Zoning Ordinance. He also noted that since the Supervisor s Public Hearing is taking place beyond the 60 days since the application was submitted to the Township, that the application is deemed to be approved, per the Municipalities Planning Code. However, as a good corporate neighbor, Range is continuing with the application process, and reserves the night to declare such deemed approval at a later date. Mr. Lonich swore in all of the persons in the audience, who intended to testify and /or make comments as part of the Public Hearing, including all Range Resources representatives. Mr. Gallagher introduced Jim Cannon, Director of Local Government Affairs with Range Resources. Mr. Cannon reported that while well pad sites can usually handle up to 10 horizontal wells, that for this location (Baumel Site), they are applying for 5 horizontal wells. Mr. Cannon reported that Range has received from the PA DEP permits for 2 wells, and has yet to receive permits for 3 wells. He stated that once such permits are received, Range will forward copies to the Township. Mr. Cannon reported that the access to the proposed well site is off Kopper Kettle Road, and that the access road will be paved upon completion. He also reported that a manned guard shack will be located on the access road, and that the guard will track all vehicles going to and from the site. Mr. Cannon reported that the route of the proposed site will be from I- 70 to Rt. 519 to Rt. 40 to Kopper Kettle Road to the site (.6 miles on Kopper Kettle Road). Mr. Cannon explained that any damage done by trucks going to and from the site will be the responsibility of Range to repair. He noted that a road bond has been obtained for such portion of Kopper Kettle Road. Mr. Cannon reviewed the four (4) Phaes accociated with developing the site including construction, drilling, completions and production. Mr. Cannon reported that construction of the site will take place between 7am and 7pm, Monday through Saturday, in accordance with the Township s Hours of Construction Ordinance. He noted that the drilling activities will take place 24 hours a day during the drilling phase. Mr. Cannon reported that there will be no water impoundment at the proposed site. Once gas production begins, no personnel are on the site except for daily inspections of the site and equipment. Additionally, there is remote monitoring of the site. Mr. Cannon reported that per PA DEP requirements, a bond will be in place for the plugging of the well. Page 149

4 Mr. Cannon briefly reviewed various aspects of the Preparedness, Prevention and Contingency Plan (PPC) including emergency response, spill or leak prevention and response, etc. In response to questions from Mr. Gallagher, Mr. Cannon reported that Range will comply with all provisions of the Conditional Use requirements for oil and gas wells, contained in the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Cannon then reported that a sound impact assessment was prepared using specific topography at the site, and was based on actual equipment which will be used on site. He noted that such assessment showed that the noise levels from the site are within the Township s noise level requirements. He also noted that the temporary lighting proposed for the site, will be directed towards the site and away from neighboring properties. Mr. Cannon reported that Range will work with local emergency responders, in order to orient them to the site. Mr. Piatt then asked for questions or comments from the Supervisors. In response to a question from Mr. Mazur, Mr Cannon responded that typically, well pad sites are designed to accommodate up to 10 wells; however, typically a smaller number of wells are usually drilled. In this instance, 5 wells are planned at the site. Tony Gaudlip, Director of Civil Engineering and construction reported that Range is looking at possible additional well pad sites in the Township, but that such possible locations have not reached the point where they are ready to apply for approvals, for such other possible sites. In response to a question from Mr. Mazur, a Range Representative stated that all trucks going to and from the site must follow the prescribed truck route. In response to another question from Mr. Mazur, Justin Welker, Area Supervisor for water operations, reported that they will use a central water impoundment for this site, instead of a Tank, which will allow the use of temporary transfer pipes, resulting in less truck traffic. Mr. Keisling stated that it is important to keep in mind the concerns of residents, when considering the application before the Board this evening. He noted that a Court Case from Lycoming County involving Gorsline vs Fairfield Township vs Inflection energy is instructive, since it involves a Conditional use approval for a well site, that was overturned by the Court on an appeal. Mr. Keisling expressed concern that the Planning Commission recommended denial of the Range Conditional Use application, due to an incomplete application. Mr. Keisling reported that he is concerned that the concerns of the residents be considered, in regard to the Conditional Use Application. In particular, he reported that neighbors residing on Kopper Kettle Road, Justin and Ashley Moninger, have expressed concerns about the proposed well site. He then read the following letter from the Moningers, since they were unable to attend tonight s meeting: Page 150

5

6 Mr. Keisling recommended that Range consider installing a noise barrier at the site, per Mr. Moninger s request. He also requested that the proposed time schedules for construction, drilling, etc. be realistic. He asked that every effort be made to keep mud and debris off Kopper Kettle Road and that neighboring homes well water be tested more frequently than proposed. Mr.Lonich stated that it is his understanding that the proposed well pad site will consist of 5 wells, and that if additional wells are added at a later date, then the applicant must reapply for a new Conditional Use Approval. In response to a question from Mr. Lonich, Mr. Gaudlip reported that the testing of well water will be conducted within a 2500 foot radius of the well site, in accordance with the PA DEP requirements. Mr. Gaudlip further reported that in addition to the base line well water testing, that if complaints are received from neighbors within the 2500 foot radius in regard to well water quality, then Range will have their well water retested. Furthermore, Mr. Gaudlip reported that if contamination is found in neighbor s well water, then Range will provide replacement water for such neighbors. In response to a question from Mr. Lonich, Mr. Cannon responded that Range will provide the Township with all applicable contact persons telephone numbers. In the event of a complaint, Mr. Cannon stated that complaints are typically addressed within 24 hours of receipt of such complaint, if not sooner than 24 hours. In response to a question from Mr. Lonich, Mr. Cannon stated that Range will meet with Township representatives, if there are problems associated with the proposed route Range will use, to and from the well site. Mr. Lonich stated that in the event the requested Conditional Use is granted that Range will abide by all of the conditions set forth in the Zoning Ordinance, as well as any additional reasonable conditions which may be imposed by the Board, in regard to the well site. Mr. Cannon agreed with such statement. In response to a question from Mr. Keisling, Mr. Gandlip reported that the site erosion and sedimentation control plan includes a reclamation process once drilling is completed and the well capped, that will return the site to its original contours. Mr. Piatt reported that the engineer review comments from Widmer Engineering have each been addressed by Range Resources in correspondence from Debra Aker, Local Government Affairs Analyst III dated October 22, Mr. Rush reported that he is in the process of reviewing Range s Post Construction Management Report for the well site, but up to this point, he has found it to be in order. Mr. Mazur asked about well water testing once drilling operations begin on the site. He recommended that an independent water testing entity be used to test neighboring properties well water. In response to a question from Mr. Mazur, Mr. Gaudlip reported that once the well site is in operation, that Range must establish vegetation and perform certain land reclamation measures at the site. Page 152

7 Mr. Keisling recommended that the following conditions be placed on the applicant: construction of a sound barrier around the well site; upgrade Kopper Kettle Road prior to well site construction beginning; and testing of all neighbor s well water in advance of drilling taking place. After some discussion, Mr. Gallagher noted that the sound impact assessment report shows that the anticipated noise levels comply with the Township Ordinance. In respond to a question from Mr. Keisling, Mr. Rush recommended that once drilling at the well site begins, noise measurements can be taken, to verify compliance with the Township Noise Ordinance. Discussion took place regarding the options available to the Supervisors in terms of closing the public hearing tonight, after all comments have been heard; continuing the Public Hearing to the next Supervisor s meeting; or referring the application back to the Planning Commission. Mr. Gallagher reported that all of the information submitted by Range, including the application and supporting documentation, supports their application and complies with all applicable Conditional Use requirements. Mr. Gaudlip reported that the sound impact assessment report is prepared during the preconstruction phase. He further reported that Range is confident in the results of such report. He offered that after the start of operations at the well site, that Range will take noise measurements at the receptor site and if such noise levels exceed the allowable decibel levels, then Range will proceed to install a sound barrier. In response to a question from Mr. Mazur, Mr. Lonich agreed that Range will need to submit all required permits to the Township, before beginning work at the well site. In response to a question about Kopper Kettle Road from Mr. Keisling, Matt Fortney, Range s Civil Engineer reported that in preparing the route to use to access any well site, that Range tries to use state roads as much as possible. In this instance, Mr. Fortney reported that they plan on upgrading, including widening and resurfacing, the portion of Kopper Kettle Road, they will use to access the well site. Such widening and resurfacing will take place prior to pad construction. Mr. Piatt requested that Range restrict the use of Jake Brakes when trucks are driving on Kopper Kettle Road. In response to a question from Mr. Keisling, Mr. Gaudlip reported that Range uses a vacuum truck to clean dirt and mud from streets and that such vacuum trucks make the rounds to all Range well sites. Mr. Piatt noted that per Township ordinance, all roads in the Township must be kept clean of all mud and debris, for safety concerns. Mr. Piatt then asked for comments from those in the audience. Gaylord Plants, 432 Vance Station Road reported that he would like to present to the Board, a petition he circulated from 20 residents residing in the vicinity of the proposed well site, expressing their support for Range s Condition Use application. He stated that the major source of noise in the area where he resides is from I-70. Page 153

8 Charlene Scuvotti, 85 Pine Valley Road asked about the impact on downstream property owners, from the proposed well site. Mr. Gaudlip reported that they are required to install storm water controls which collect and retain storm water in the event of a 100 year storm, so runoff to adjacent properties is not an issue. Cynthia Rossi, 99 Zediker Station Road had several questions for the Range Resources representatives. In response to a question from Ms. Rossi, Mr. Cannon reported that Range has received drilling permits for 2 wells, and is awaiting drilling permits for 3 more wells for the proposed site. In response to another question from Ms. Rossi, Mr. Gaudlip reported that notices had already been sent to all property owners within 2500 feet of the proposed well site, in regard to water testing. In response to a question about water used at the well site from Ms. Rossi, Mr. Welker reported that they plan to use temporary transfer pipes to transport water from either a tank pad, whose location has yet to be determined, or from Pennsylvania American Water. In response to another question from Ms. Rossi, Mr. Gaundlip reported that there are no radioactive materials stored on site. He explained that drilling cuttings are transported to a landfill, after they are mixed with organic material. Mr. Gaudlip stated in response to a question from Ms. Rossi, that under normal circumstances, there would be no need to re-frack a well that had been previously fracked; however, it could happen if production levels were to decline. Mr. Gaudlip reported that they would have no water impoundment on site at the proposed well site. He also reported that flaring of the well will not take place at the proposed well site, as their plans call for a pipeline to be tied into the Mark West system. Mr. Gaudlip reported that air monitoring will take place on site, to detect any stray emissions that may occur. In regard to another question from Ms. Rossi regarding trailers, Mr. Gaudlip reported that there will be construction trailers on site, as well as trailers for supervisory personnel required for 24/7 operations. Ms. Rossi then asked about property owners who choose to not sign a gas lease. Barry Osborne, Vice-President of Land responded that state law allows gas companies to only penetrate properties whose owners have entered into a lease. Additionally, a buffer area is maintained between leased properties and unleased properties. Judi Panasik, 35 Green Crescent Drive reported that there were many questions posed to the Range Representatives at the October 2 Planning Commission meeting, that went unanswered. Ms. Panasik recommended that tonight s Public Hearing regarding the proposed well site, should be continued to allow Ashley Moninger the opportunity to express her concerns, since Ms. Moninger lives the closest to the proposed well pad. She wondered why Range is requesting approval for the proposed well site now, when Range may not be starting the project until next year. Page 154

9 Ms. Panasik stated that it is important that the Township monitor all of the Township s requirements for the proposed well site, to make certain they are complied with. Lou Gore, Kettle Drive, reported that he owns properties adjacent to other gas well sites, and his well water was tested and retested in each instance. John DeBord, 750 Clare Drive reported that as part of the County s Hazard Mitigation Plan update, that Marcellus drilling is a high risk category. He recommended that independent well water testing be performed for neighboring properties. Mr. DeBord reported that the current setback from a gas well site to neighboring structures is 300 feet. He felt that such setback is too close. Mr. DeBord reported on a fire at the Bobtown Chevron facility, noting the hazards of such gas activity. Mr. DeBord presented the Supervisors with Newspaper accounts of the Bobtown fire. He further reported that Range Resources has a history of serious environmental violations at their facilities. Mr. DeBord recommended that drill cuttings from the drilling process, should be containerized and not stored in open impoundments Mr. DeBord reported on the Pa Supreme Court Case, where the Court struck down certain provisions of Act 13, ruling in favor of local control. Mr. DeBord reported on the Pa Supreme Court Case, where the court found certain provisions of Act 13 (The Marcellus Gas Law) unconstitutional and finding in favor of municipalities that challenged Act 13. He further reported that the Court relied on provisions of the environmental rights amendment in their ruling. Mr. DeBord contended that the Court ruling sets forth that gas activity should only be permitted in industrial areas. Mr. DeBord went on to recommend that the Township should amend their oil and gas requirements, to only allow gas activity in industrial areas. He felt that such restriction would benefit residents living in agricultural and residential districts. Mr. DeBord stated that the tranquility, health, safety and well-being of residents should be a top priority over company profits. He recommended that the Range application for the well site not be approved. In regard to a question from Mr. DeBord, Mr. Gaudlip reported that approximately 4.2 million gallons of water are used to frack each well, and that such water will either come from a fresh water impoundment at another location or from Pennsylvania American Water. Mr. DeBord recommended that Range should provide a list of all chemicals that will be used in the fracking process, and the toxicity levels of such chemicals. Mr. DeBord expressed concern regarding the possibility of having contaminated soil on site, and if removed, where is such soil taken. Page 155

10 Mr. DeBord wondered if once the proposed well site is reclaimed, would it be used for construction of a single family residence. Mr. Piatt noted that such single family construction could take place, in accordance with all Zoning requirements. Mr. DeBord thanked the Board members for their attention. Tim Trent, 500 Vance Station Road stated that while we have a responsibility to the environment, we also have a responsibility to our children. He reported that his son is making a living wage, working in the Marcellus industry. He felt that gas activity will help the nation achieve energy independence. Rebecca Booher, 1530 Lakeview Drive reported that a Range Representative met with her and her neighbors, and that their questions and concerns were answered. Ms. Booher reported that her sons have worked security for Range at their gas sites, and that it is mandatory that all persons going to and from the well site are identified and logged in. Ms. Booher reported that she has seen well sites that have been reclaimed. She stated that she did not have a problem with the proposed well site. Gladys Cook, 1566 Lakeview Drive reported that there are many residents residing in the vicinity close to the proposed well site. She reported that the residents, who live near the proposed well site, are the ones who signed a petition in support of Range s application to construct a well site on Kopper Kettle Road. She felt that Range has their ducks in a row, and should be allowed to proceed as requested. Chris Fitzpatrick, 292 Vance Station Road reported that he has worked for Range, and is fortunate to have a good job working with them. He reported that in his capacity, that they check the temporary waterlines to the well site on a regular basis. Debbie Fitzpatrick, 292 Vance Station Road reported that she has worked on many well sites, and she explained how thorough the gas companies are, regarding keeping track of materials. She further explained requirements truckers must follow, including not driving during school drop off and pick up times. Ms. Fitzpatrick provided a CD of photos she has taken at various well sites. She reported that the gas companies perform their tasks in a safe manner. Vince Lilja, 327 Vance Station Road stated that companies have a right to make a profit. He felt that despite problems that Range Resources has had on some of their sites, that they always addressed and corrected the problem, and that is what defines a good company. He further stated that working toward energy independence is good for the country. Mr. Lonich reported on some exhibits which had been provided to the Board tonight. Such exhibits received were: Range Resources, Zoning Narrative and Exhibit book; correspondence dated October 23, 2014 from Ashley Moninger; petition from residents in support of the application entitled Approval for Permit for Range Resources to Drill Marcellus Shale Gas Well and articles from the Observer- Reporter dated September 19, 2014 and February 12, Mr. Gallagher objected to the submission of the newspaper articles. Page 156

11 Mr. Lonich provided the options available to the Board, now that the audience members have been heard. He stated that one option would be to continue the Public Hearing until the next Supervisor s meeting, for the purpose of hearing new testimony on the application at such continued Public hearing. Another option would be to close the Public Hearing tonight. The Board would then have 45 days to render a decision on the application. Furthermore, Mr. Lonich explained that by closing the meeting tonight, and waiting until the next Supervosir s meeting to render a decision, would allow him the time to prepare a list of additional conditions to place on the applicant. After further discussion, Mr. Keisling made a motion to continue the Public Hearing until the next Supervisor s meeting, in order to accept new testimony at such continued Public Hearing. Mr. Gallagher requested that tonight s Public Hearing not be continued. Mr. Keisling s motion died due to a lack of a second. Mr. Keisling then made another motion, to return the Conditional Use application to the Planning Commission, for their input. Motion died due to a lack of a second. Mr. Mazur then reported that he owns property under contract with Range Resources. In response to a question from Mr. Mazur, Mr. Lonich explained the definition of Conflict of interest as set forth in the Ethics Act, which basically is the use of a public office for the private benefit of the office holder, or family members. Mr. Lonich further explained instances where if a disclosure is made of a possible conflict of interest, then an elected official may vote on a matter before the Board. After further discussion, Mr. Mazur made a motion, seconded by Mr. Piatt to close the public hearing on the Conditional Use Application from Range Resources to construct a natural gas development well site at 129 Kopper Kettle Road and to request that the Supervisors place this item on the next Supervisor s meeting agenda, for consideration. Mr. Keisling stated that he is still recommending that tonight s Public Hearing be continued, and he stated he would like to have a recommendation from the Planning Commission. Mr. Keisling reported that he owns property, outside of the Township, that has a gas lease with Range. Mr. Mazur reported that the Planning Commission had recommended denial of the Range application, due to an incomplete application submission. Mr. Piatt asked for a vote on Mr. Mazur s motion to close the Public Hearing on Range s Conditional Use application. Motion carried with Mr. Keisling voting no. Mr. Lonich explained that since the motion was administrative in nature, that a majority of the Supervisors present is sufficient to adopt the motion. Mr. Lonich reported that he would prepare a list of the conditions to place on the applicant, as discussed at tonight s Public Hearing. Mr. Piatt thanked Range representatives and those in the audience for attending tonight s meeting and providing their comments. Page 157

12 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: BIDS FOR SALT STORAGE BUILDING The one item under Unfinished Business was a discussion of the bids received for construction of a Salt Storage Building. Mr. Stickle recalled that bids for this building project were opened by the Supervisors at their September 23, 2014 meeting. He further reported that the low bid received was from Blair Construction at $192, 200. He recalled that this matter was tabled at the prior Supervisor s meeting. Mr. Mazur recommended that the Board reject the bids received, and rebid the project. He reported that he had contacted Township Engineer Rich Rush, in regard to ways to revise the bid specifications for the building, in order to reduce the cost of the building. Mr. Rush was present in the audience. He reported that he had reviewed the bid specifications and that some of the items which could be revised to reduce the cost of the project are as follows: Reduce the size of the building; use Township forces for various aspects of the project such as paving, purchasing the concrete blocks, and providing the backfill around the building. The basic design of the building would remain unchanged. Mr. Mazur reported that based on a review of the bid specifications and bid results by McKenzie Douglas, their review and proposal will identify other ways to revise the bid specifications, in order to lower the cost of the building. Mr. Piatt expressed concern that if the project is rebid, then there would be additional cost to the Township to have such bid specifications revised. Both of the review and proposals received from McKenzie Douglas and RSSC Architecture, include a cost to revise the bid specifications. Further discussion took place regarding Mr. Mazur s recommendation to reject the bids received, and rebid the project. Mr. Mazur then made a motion, seconded by Mr. Keisling to authorize the rejection of the bids received for the Salt Storage Building, and proceed to rebid the building project, to achieve cost savings. Motion did not carry with Mr. Keisling voting no. Mr. Piatt asked that the item of the Salt Storage Building be placed on the Supervisor s next meeting agenda. NEW BUSINESS: WINTER MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT / STRABANE MANOR PHASE 3 The one item under New Business was to approve entering into a Winter Maintenance Agreement with Maronda Inc. for Strabane Manor Phase 3. Mr. Mazur made a motion, seconded by Mr. Keisling to approve entering into a Winter Maintenance Agreement with Maronda Inc. for Strabane Manor Phase 3. Motion carried. REPORT FROM SOLICITOR: None Page 158

13 REPORT FROM SECRETARY/TREASURER: SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT Mr. Stickle reported that the September 2014 Financial Report had been provided to the Board at their last meeting. Mr. Stickle then provided the following Secretary s report: Received notice of Washington County Sewage Council meeting scheduled for November 5 at 10 a.m. in the Municipal Building Meeting Room Received correspondence from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding the Washington County Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report Received from the Washington East - Washington Joint Authority audited Financial statements for years ended June 2013 and June 2014 Reminder that Halloween Trick-or-Treat has been scheduled for Friday October 31, 2014 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Reminder that the Township s Leaf Collection continues each Monday through November 24, Leaf Bags are available at Municipal Bldg. Received correspondence from PennDOT regarding new Washington Road / Meadows Landing traffic signals Received correspondence from Range Resources regarding proposed well pad site in South Strabane Twp. (Baumel Unit) COMMENTS FROM SUPERVISORS: COMMENTS FROM SUPERVISORS BERRY ROAD / OLD MILL INTERSECTION Mr. Keisling reported that a revised recommendation had been received from Chief Zofchak, as a follow-up to the discussion at the prior Supervisor s meeting, regarding the Berry Road/Old Mill rear entrance intersection. Mr. Keisling further reported that Chief Zofchak had recommended that the current traffic sign limiting motorists to no right turn from the rear entrance onto Berry Road, and no left turns in from Berry Road onto the rear entrance, be removed, due to safety concerns. Mr. Mazur reported that he has visited the intersection, and met with an Old Mill representative to discuss the intersection. He recommended that to improve site distance visibility when exiting the rear entrance onto Berry Road, that the stop sign and stop bar be moved closer to Berry Road. Further discussion took place regarding the Berry Road/Old Mill rear entrance intersection. In response to a question from Mr. Piatt, Mr. Lonich advised that while the initial traffic restrictions were included as part of the original Conditional Use Approval for the Foundry, and later was applied to the Old Mill, that such condition may be revised now, if so determined by the Supervisors. Mr. Keisling then made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mazur to accept Chief Zofchak s recommendation regarding the Berry Road/Old Mill rear entrance intersection, including removal of the current traffic signs limiting turns at the intersection. Motion carried. Additionally, Mr. Piatt asked Mr. Stickle, that in addition to notifying the Old Mill representative to remove the traffic signs limiting turns at such intersection, that they consider moving the stop sign and stop bar at the rear entrance, closer to Berry Road. Page 159

14 CAMERON ROAD CRACK FOLLOW - UP Mr. Piatt reported that the Board is in receipt of the Geotechnical Investigation Report from ACA Engineering, regarding the crack in the road on Cameron Road. After some discussion, Mr. Piatt made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mazur to forward the Geotechnical Investigation Report to Widmer Engineering, and to request that Widmer evaluate the options contained in the report to address the crack (either Reconstruct the slope or construct a retaining wall) and prepare cost estimates for each proposed option. Motion carried. There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Mazur made a motion, seconded by Mr. Keisling and carried, to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 P.M. Submitted by, John J. Stickle Manager Page 160