May 17, 2010

The regular monthly meeting of the Mahoning Township Supervisors was held this evening at the Township Municipal Building at 5:30 PM.

Members of the Board present:

            Christine DeLong, Chairperson

            Ron Miller, Vice-Chairman

            William Earlston, Supervisor

Also attending was:               

            Bob Blee, Jr., Chief of Police             Lloyd Craig, MTSD                                                    Dean VonBlohn, ZO/UCC                     Rick Shoch, Solicitor

            John Eric, Press Enterprise                  Dave Barron

            Bob Lenig                                           Gina Morton, Daily Item

            Kevin Young                                      Todd Gibson, Fire Chief

            John Sees                                            Chris Wrubel

            Jay Brennan, Jr.

BID OPENING:   5:30 SALE OF 1995 PIERCE FIRE ENGINE:  Two bids received they are as follows:

            Stonington Volunteer Fire Co.           Sunbury                       $88,631.69

            Hunlock Creek Volunteer Fire Co      Hunlock Creek            $90,007.00

By motion of Mr. Miller, second Mr. Earlston the board accepted the highest bid in the amount of $90,007.00 from Hunlock Creek.

FIRE DEPARTMENT:  Due of other commitments, the Fire Chief requested the opportunity to be heard early and excused, therefore, he read the April report at this point in the meeting.          

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Lenig mentioned two properties with high grass and weeds on Maple Street, one which had already been notified and cut.

Dave Barron questioned permits for the proposed skate park at Hess Field, and was told it would require a zoning permit.

MINUTES & TREASURER’S REPORT:  Minutes of the previous meeting of April 19, 2010 were approved with no alterations or corrections, motion Mr. Miller, second Mr. Earlston.  Treasurer’s Report for the month of April 2010 was accepted by motion of Mr. Miller, second Mr. Earlston.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

SOLICITOR:  Memo of Understanding for sketch plan review was presented by the solicitor and approved by the Board on motion of Mr. Miller, second Mr. Earlston.  It will provide for payment of any engineering or legal fees incurred prior to submission of preliminary plans.

ZONING/UCC:  Mr. VonBlohn presented his report from workshop this morning.

WOODS OF WELSH:  He then explained the problems we are experiencing with the Wood of Welsh project and the outstanding bills that have not been paid as the escrow account has not been replenished.   The developer had attended at our last workshop and with all parties present, assured us a check would be forthcoming; as of this date, that has not happened.

Because of the wording in our fee resolution, Chief Blee questioned from the zoning officer’s report as to at what point the escrow money need to be replaced; and so there would be no question the Board motioned in favor of changing the wording for proper clarification.  Therefore, by motion of Mr. Miller, second Mr. Earlston the fee schedule will read:  The developer is required to maintain a balance of $5,000.00 at all times to be used for engineering reviews;  further, the account must be restored to the original amount of $5,000.00 within 14 fourteen days of dropping below that amount.

Then, by motion of Mr. Miller, second Mr. Earlston, the Board voted in favor of placing a moratorium on the Woods of Welsh project until such time as the escrow funds have been replaced.

POLICE DEPARTMENT:  April monthly report submitted. Chief also advised that the newest officer is working out well and should be on duty alone by June.

STREET DEPARTMENT:  Submitted May workshop report from this morning, and requested the press advise residents of upcoming work on Bald Top Road over the next month for base repair and pipe replacement.

ENGINEER: John had no formal May report at workshop this morning and no action was required by the Board, therefore, he was excused from the meeting this evening.

OLD BUSINESS

There was no old business to come before the board this evening.

NEW BUSINESS

EXONERATIONS:  Two exemption requests were received with proof of non-residency and nursing home status attached, and the Board approved both.  Mr. Miller motioned in favor and Mr. Earlston seconded.

UGI RED LANE ESCROW:  Money provided by the gas company for repairs to Red Lane after the installation of gas lines, will be returned to the gas company, since the project is complete, motion in favor Mr. Miller, second Mr. Earlston.

Mr. Miller motioned in favor of authorizing and approving the payrolls and bills for May 2010 and also to adjourn, Mr. Earlston seconded.