August 17, 2009

 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 were:

            Dean VonBlohn, ZO/UCC                 Rick Shoch, Solicitor

            John Eric, Press Enterprise                  Bud Breech

            John Mazich, Uni-Tec                         Wilbur Kelly              

            Dave Barron                                        Kevin Young, Fire Chief

            Gina Morton, Danville News              Bonnie Johnson

PUBLIC COMMENT:  Dave Barron asked if anyone had noticed or knows what white substance is on the rocks in the steam at Meadow and Maple.  Mr. VonBlohn advised we hadn’t had any reports of same but he will investigate this concern and report back his findings.

MINUTES AND TREASURER’S REPORT for July were approved by the Board with no alterations or corrections, motion Mr. Miller, second Mr. Earlston.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

FIRE DEPARTMENT:  Fire Chief submitted the July report and requests the Boards permission to purchase a new engine thru the CoStars program to replace Engine 63. The cost is $516,618, funded with $50,000 from the department, $50,000 from Firemen’s Relief and $416,000 from the Fire Fund.  The new engine will increase department’s capabilities and is being done now to avoid a large price increase with the new emissions standards coming in 2010.  By prepaying, the fire company will save an approximate $15,000 as well. By motion of Mr. Earlston, second Mr. Miller, the Board granted their approval of the purchase.

SOLICITOR:  Advised he is continuing efforts to prepare an ordinance that would require property owners to clean debris out of and away from creeks, stream and swales.

ZONING/UCC:  Submitted August report, further advising that the problem with cat litter and cat feces has been addressed and was cleaned up by the property owner on Kingsley Avenue, and although the township cannot regulate cats in general at least the potential health issue has been resolved.

POLICE DEPARTMENT:  The Chief submitted the July report and asked that the newspapers remind people, school opens next week; slow down during the morning commute.

STREET DEPARTMENT: August report from workshop submitted by the secretary, Lloyd was still out with the pavers during this evening’s meeting.

ENGINEER’S REPORT:  John read the August Engineer’s Report, which required no action by the Board.

OLD BUSINESS

SALE OF 1995 FORD L8000 DUMP TRUCK:  Bids were opened at the 10 AM workshop with intent to accept or reject at the regular meeting this evening.  Three were received; they are as follows:

            Bradco Supply, Towanda                               $17,171.17

            North Centre Twp., Berwick                          $20,176.50

            Upper Mahantango Twp., Klingerstown        $18,580.00

The Board, by motion of Mr. Miller, second Mr. Earlston voted in favor of accepting the highest bid from North Centre Township at 20,176.50.

DEEDS-STRAWBERRY FIELDS:  The Board by motion of Mr. Miller, second Mr. Earlston approved of the deeds of dedication for Abbey Road and Penny Lane in the Strawberry Fields development.  The approval is contingent upon review of the engineer and solicitor and must be accompanied by a maintenance agreement, whereby during new housing construction, any damage done to the roadway would be the contractor’s responsibility to repair.

NEW BUSINESS

OPEN HOUSE:  Secretary advised tentative date set, Wednesday, September 16, 2009 from 10AM to 2:00 PM.

SEWER SUMMIT:  The County Commissioners had been asked to hold this meeting, but instead invitations were sent by the Columbia/Montour Chamber of Commerce to attend the meeting at the Danville Elks on September 2, 2009 at 10:30 AM.

Bonnie Johnson asked why the township could not regulate cats and was advised that cats are a natural predator, requiring no licensing and not regulated by the state.  In many cases they are stray with no owner leaving no one responsible.

With no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Miller motioned in favor of paying the bills and payrolls for August and also to adjourn, Mr. Earlston seconded.