October 15, 2007

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

Members of the Board present:

            Christine DeLong, Chairperson

            William Earlston, Vice-Chairperson

            Ron Miller, Supervisor

Also attending were:

            David Shope, Chief of Police             Henry Eyer, Jr., Street Group Leader

            Rick Shock, Solicitor                          John Mazich, Engineer

            Christina Mensch, ZO/UCC               Jackie Fox

            Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bomboy               John Eric, Press Enterprise

            Jamie North, Danville News               Dave Drumheller

            Gary Fitzpatrick

PUBLIC COMMENT

Jackie Fox of Red Lane requested that the Supervisors install paved berm along Red Lane due to the numerous amount of people who walk there.

Mr. Bomboy had three questions; first with reference to the law suit file by Geisinger, and he was advised by the solicitor that the suit relates to permits both current and issued back in 2005, further stating that paperwork has been filed to hold all legal issues in abeyance to give both parties an opportunity to discuss the matters, and perhaps reach an amicable settlement.

He further explained that an executive session was held on October 10, 2007 at 1:00 PM with Geisinger to discuss these matters and that more may be necessary, and if so,  will be reported at the next regular meeting   In the meantime, the money in question has been escrowed.

Second, Mr. Bomboy wanted to know if the law suit would change the proposed budget and the remodeling plans for the municipal building, and he was advised the budget does not include the money that has been escrowed and yes in fact renovations would remain part of the budget, if so approved later this evening.

Third, with recent articles in the Press Enterprise, he asked if the Board agreed with the current salaries of our police department.  All members of the Board agreed our department is one of the best in the state and we have done everything possible to provide the best possible service under the current agreements.

MINUTES & TREASURER’S REPORT for September and special meeting of October 10, 2007 were approved by motion of Mr. Miller, second Mr. Earlston.  Chairperson reiterated an executive session was held October 10, 2007 at 1PM for legal matters involving GMC suit, and others may be necessary and will be reported at the next regular meeting.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

ZONING report submitted for September.

POLICE DEPARTMENT:  Chief submitted their September report and requested the press make the public aware that Trick or Treat for Mahoning Township will be one night only, Wednesday, October 31,2007.

STREET DEPARTMENT:  Group Leader submitted monthly report at workshop this morning.

ENGINEER submitted monthly report, which required action of the Board on the following items:

MARIANO:  Request for conditional approval came from Gary Fitzpatrick for this project, however, several items set forth in the engineer’s letter have not yet been address, one with regard to a traffic engineering study was a point of contention, as the requirements of which ordinance this plan was filed under was not clear.  Therefore, the solicitor advised the board adjourn to executive session to discuss the potentially legal issue.  At 6:05 PM the Chairperson called executive session, and the Board returned to reconvene the regular meeting at 6:12 PM.

Mr. Miller motioned to grant conditional approval contingent on the developer meeting the conditions set forth in the engineer’s review letter of September 21, 2007 without the traffic engineering study.

STRAWBERRY FIELDS – DEEDS OF DEDICATION:  Letter received from the developer requesting the township take over the streets in his development.  John suggested and the Board agreed that another walk through be scheduled with the township engineer and other interested parties before considering the request of the developer for Phase I.

Mr. Bomboy stated on behalf of the Neighborhood Association that their group is opposed to any action of the Board to take over any road in Strawberry Fields, as the developer has not kept any promises he has made in the past.

OLD BUSINESS

2008 BUDGET opened for public inspection at the last regular meeting came before the board this evening for final approval and was adopted by motion of Mr. Miller, second Mr. Earlston.  Tax rates remain the same as 2007 or less that 1 mill at .000588; .000384 for General Purpose and .000204 Fire Fund.

FELLIN – CONDITIONAL USE HEARING was held this evening before the Board of Supervisors to consider the request of Mrs. Fellin to open a no-impact home based business in her residence at 1 Primrose Court.  Having heard no opposition and verifying that Mrs. Fellin was made aware and given a copy of the list of requirements for operating a no-impact business from her home, as set forth in the zoning ordinance, the Board granted approval of same.

NEW BUSINESS

BENECON ORDINANCE:  The Board by motion of Mr. Miller, second Mr. Earlston instructed the solicitor to advertise for adoption the ordinance which would allow the township to join into an intergovernmental agreement with the Pennsylvania Municipal Health Insurance Cooperative for the purpose of collectively purchasing employee benefits insurance.

EXONERATION requested by Statewide Tax Recovery for Letha Fox was approved by motion of Mr. Miller, second Mr. Earlston.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Jackie Fox thanked the Street Department for their prompt action removing deer killed along Red Lane.

Mr. Miller then motioned in favor of authorizing and approving all bills and payrolls for October, and also to adjourn, Mr. Earlston seconded.