SOUTH STRABANE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REGULAR MEETING JUNE 27, 2017 APPROVED MEETING MINUTES

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1 SOUTH STRABANE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REGULAR MEETING JUNE 27, 2017 APPROVED MEETING MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors (Board) came to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Mae C. Reynolds Meeting Room of the Municipal Building (550 Washington Road). The following were present: Board of Supervisors: Also Present: Thomas Moore, Chairman; Robert Weber, Vice Chairman; Edward Mazur, Jack Keisling; and Laynee Zipko. Brandon Stanick, Township Manager; Dennis Makel, Township Solicitor; Michael Sherrieb, Township Engineer; and Scott Reese, Fire Chief. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Moore led the Pledge of Allegiance. A list of 16 visitors is on file at the Municipal Building. Chair Moore noted the Board conducted an Executive Session prior to this evening s meeting to discuss collective bargaining, personnel and potential litigation. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT Chair Moore stated the Board allocates a period of time during this item for those individuals who would like the opportunity to address the Board on any matter. Each person addressing the Board is asked to limit their comments to a maximum of three (3) minutes. Ms. Charlene Scuvotti requested additional time to address the Board concerning the Township s Stormwater Management regulations. Following a discussion Township Manager Stanick invited Ms. Scuvotti to attend the July 11, 2017 meeting as a Scheduled Visitor. Mr. Thomas Lonich (resident on Davis School Rd.) congratulated the Township on the success of Community Day. He noted the Board should consider a concession stand at Community Park. He commented on the choice of Ensinger, Inc. to remain in North Strabane Township. He stated the lot requirements of the Township are antiquated and the Board should consider amending its regulations in the future. Mr. Lonich stated that not having Ensinger, Inc. will cost the Township.

2 He suggested the Board use the Manager as an ambassador of the Township to approach developers to develop South Strabane in a manner that will build revenue for the Township. Ms. Judi Panasik (resident on Green Crescent Dr.) expressed concern for how the Ensinger, Inc. site, as well as stormwater management regulations were handled in the past. She complimented Citizens Library on the programs it provides to the community. Additionally, she expressed concern for the reported number of people at Community Day. She shared comments about being bullied at Park and Recreation Council meetings and having a Republican Party tent at Community Day. Lastly, she inquired of the setback distances in the R-1 Zoning District and the setback distances from manholes. Mr. Jerry Angelo (resident on Rankin Rd.) expressed his concern for the overgrowth of trees on certain roads in the Township and the impact the overgrowth may have on utility lines. In addition, Mr. Angelo expressed concern over the burn pile at the former public works facility site and asked that it not be allowed to smolder. He also remarked the Township should only burn on the permissible days of Wednesday and Saturday. 4. CONSIDERATION OF THE JUNE 13, 2017 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Mr. Keisling moved to approve the Minutes for June 13, 2017 with the following corrections: Mr. Weber s request on pg. 5 Mr. Weber stated the comprehensive planning process is on track to finish by late fall and it is anticipated the draft plan will be submitted to the Township and County Planning Commissions by in September 1, Ms. Zipko s request on pg. 2 Mr. Mazur asked for an account of the wrecks on Cameron Rd. Manifold Rd. in the past two years. Ms. Zipko s request on pg. 4 Ms. Zipko remarked that past approvals with the Old Mill development may have did required a traffic study if right turns onto Berry Rd. were allowed from the Old Mill property. Mr. Weber seconded the motion. The motion passed on a 4-1 vote with Mr. Mazur voting no. 8A Consideration of a Proposal from B&W Insurance for Townshyip Insurance Coverage for Policy Period Chair Moore then took Agenda Item 8A for consideration due to a conflict in Mr. Barzd s schedule. There were no objections from the Board. Township Manager Stanick updated the Board regarding this matter noting that each year prior to the expiration of the policy period (expires July 1, 2017), and in consultation with the Township s insurance broker B&W Insurance, the Township solicits proposals from carriers for the most competitive rates and coverage. A discussion ensued concerning coverage for public officials. Mr. Keisling suggested Township Solicitor Makel review this coverage prior to adoption. Page 2

3 Mr. Keisling moved to accept the proposal presented by B&W Insurance for the purchase of insurance in the amount of $49,482 for the July 1, 2017 through July 1, 2018 policy period provided the Township Solicitor reviews the coverage to ensure it is comparable to the existing coverage. Mr. Weber seconded the motion. The motion passed on a 4-1 vote with Mr. Mazur voting no. 5. FINANCIAL BUSINESS Ms. Zipko moved to approve the: Payroll for the period June 4 through June 17, 2017 in the amount of $109,457.84; and Bills for the period June 9 through June 22, 2017 in the amount of: o General Fund: $54, o Liquid Fuels: $ 2, Mr. Keisling seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. 6. SCHEDULED VISITORS Diane Ambrose, Citizens Library Executive Director Ms. Ambrose presented information that was previously provided to the Citizens Library Board on May 17, 2017 concerning the Library s approved Cornerstone Legacy Plan. The presentation included a history of Citizens Library. She reported the Library Board determined three essential needs and services that they must protect: sustainable yearly funding, programs and outreach to the Library s service area and fairly paid staff. The goals of the Cornerstone Legacy Plan include: i) donors seeking and securing funds to endow and sustain Citizens Library throughout the 21 st Century; ii) Program/Outreach building value in evolving library services; and iii) Staff rewarding career staff. Mr. Weber inquired why Citizens Library doesn t provide the Board with more updates. Ms. Ambrose stated she is happy to attend as often as the Board would like. Mr. Weber asked about the Library s strategic plan. Ms. Ambrose stated the strategic plan did not come to fruition. This was the Library Board s plan and encouraged questions regarding the strategic plan be addressed to the Library Board. Ms. Ambrose stated the Library will be soliciting community feedback for the vision that will address community involvement, programs and outreach and funding sources. She noted this process is expected to take two years. In response to a comment from Mr. Weber concerning budget cutbacks, Ms. Ambrose noted that society is changing and the Library needs to adapt to meet those changes. The tax base is also changing and the Library needs to be more proactive. The Library serves a wide range of age groups and the Library is seeing younger people using its programs, services and facilities. She noted the Library is also a resource for those seeking social agencies, looking for employment and assistance with accessing the internet. Page 3

4 Mr. Weber thanked Ms. Ambrose for her presentation. Ms. Zipko complimented the Library on its programs. Daryl Price, Park and Recreation Council Chairman Chair Price reported on the activities of the Park and Recreation Council. He stated the Tower Golf Outing for Township residents was well attended. The Gettysburg bus trip was sold out with 53 people in attendance. Community Day was a success and he commended Public Works Director Grego and his staff for their work throughout the event. He stated he had attended other community events in the surrounding area and found that South Strabane s was better attended. He reported the Council will be working with the Police Department on security cameras in the parks and will include a request in next year s budget. The Council will reschedule its concert event that was planned for July 15 th to August. The Council will be reviewing shortly to schedule bands and reserve park facilities. Additionally, he stated a memorandum was provided to the Board concerning purchasing property for additional ballfields and suggested the Township consider a strategy, which would include pursuing grant funds. He reported the income from Community Day was $9,168 and expenses totaled $9,150. He stated that all other community events he attended had sponsorships. Other park and recreation groups advised they use sponsors to fund their events. In response to a comment from Mr. Mazur concerning ballfields, Chair Price noted that leagues need fields and noted his conversation with Trinity s Athletic Director that the school is looking for a new field. 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 7A Consideration of Placing Liens on Properties Located at 42 Vance Station Rd., 285 Lakeview Dr. and 3 Farley Ave. for Violations of Section 66-1 (Brush, Grass & Weeds) of the Municipal Code Mr. Mazur moved to lien the properties located at 42 Vance Station Rd., 285 Lakeview Dr. and 3 Farley Ave. for violations of Section 66-1 (Brush, Grass & Weeds) of the Municipal Code. Ms. Zipko seconded the motion. A discussion followed. Township Solicitor Makel reviewed costs estimates for liens noting that the Township wouldn t be guaranteed payment in full as other liens may take precedence. He suggested the Township lien the properties should the Township incur $500 in expenses. Page 4

5 Mr. Keisling moved to table the motion. Mr. Weber seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. Mr. Keisling moved to authorize the Public Works Department to cut the grass at 42 Vance Station Rd., 285 Lakeview Dr. and 3 Farley Ave., following adequate notice to the property owners of the costs for labor/time/materials, and to lien the property once expenses reach $500. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weber. Mr. Mazur expressed concern for having the Public Works Department cut the grass at these properties. Township Solicitor Makel noted it is the Board s discretion to have the grass cut. He noted the collective bargaining agreement may prevent contracting for this service. Mr. Mazur moved to table the motion. Ms. Zipko seconded the motion. The motion failed on a 3-2 voice vote with Ms. Zipko and Mr. Mazur voting yes. Township Solicitor Makel repeated the motion under consideration. As there was no further discussion, the motion was approved on a 4-1 vote with Mr. Mazur voting no. 8. NEW BUSINESS Agenda Item 8A was considered previously and there were no further new business items that came before the Board. 9. REPORT FROM SOLICITOR Township Solicitor Makel had nothing to report. 10. REPORT FROM SECRETARY / TREASURER Township Manager Stanick reported the following reports and correspondence have been received between June 12 and June 23, 2017: Reports: No reports were received. Correspondence: a) Letter (w/attachments) dated June 12, 2017 from Comcast advising of changes to its channel line-up; b) Letter (w/attachments) dated June 12, 2017 from Rice Energy requesting DEP permit renewals for the Habanero (2H, 4H, 6H & 8H) well in North Strabane Township; c) Letter (w/attachments) dated June 14, 2017 from Rice Energy requesting DEP permit renewals for Cowhorn Pepper (1H, 2H, 3H, 4, 5H, 6H, 10H & 12H) in ; and Page 5

6 d) Letter (w/attachments) dated June 14, 2017 from Rice Energy requesting DEP permit renewals for Trinidad Scorpion (1H through 12H) in North Bethlehem Township. He also reported the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee conducted their last regularly scheduled meeting on June 26, He reported the Committee will next review a draft of the comprehensive plan and forward a recommendation to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. 11. COMMENTS FROM SUPERVISORS Mr. Mazur expressed his concern for taking Agenda Item 8A out of order prior to Scheduled Visitors. Ms. Zipko had no comments. Mr. Keisling expressed concern for the dust that will be generated from the large trucks traveling to and from the well pads. He asked Township Manager Stanick to contact the drillers about controlling the dust. Township Solicitor Makel suggested requiring a well washer as part of the driveway permit. Chair Moore asked the Township Manager to look into this issue. Mr. Weber had no comments. Chair Moore encouraged the public to stay informed as the Township is in the process of completing an update to its Comprehensive Plan. He stated there is a lot of land that will be available for development in the future. 12. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Weber moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Keisling. The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brandon J. Stanick Township Manager Page 6