April 3, 2013 Call to Order/Pledge to the Flag

Amity Township Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes for April 3, 2013

Amity Township Board of Supervisors

Meeting Minutes

April 3, 2013

Call to Order/Pledge to the Flag

The April 3rd, 2013 meeting of the Amity Township Board of Supervisors, held at the Township Municipal Building, 2004 Weavertown Road., Douglassville, Berks County, Pennsylvania, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairperson Kim McGrath. The following were in attendance:

SUPERVISORS

Kim McGrath, Chair

Robert R. Yanos, Vice Chair

Paul Weller

Terry Jones

Richard Gokey

STAFF

JoAnne Sowers Smith, Secretary/Treasurer

Charles E. Lyon, Township Manager

Kent Shuebrook, Chief of Police

Brian Boland, Solicitor/Kozloff Stoudt

ANNOUNCEMENTS

None
PUBLIC COMMENT (AGENDA ITEMS ONLY)

None
MINUTES

Mr. Gokey moved, seconded by Mr. Weller to approve the minutes of March 20, 2013. Motion passed 5-0.

FINANCE

Mr. Gokey moved, seconded by Mr. Weller and duly passed to approve the following disbursements:

Disbursements: $ 50,003.81 General Fund

$ 18,014.35 Sewer Fund

$ 3,172.13 Liquid Fuels

$ 71,190.29 Total

REPORTS

Code Enforcement

The March report was presented to the Board.

Roads

Mr. Weller moved, seconded by Mr. Jones to approve the bidding of concrete work in High Meadows if the quotes received are over the $18,500 limit, the project is approved to be advertised and bid. The board directed and asked the Secretary to note for the minutes that any authorization to bid always incorporates the language that the bid shall be opened by the manager or his designate in compliance with the Second Class Township Code. Motion passed 5-0. Mr. Gokey asked about the street sweeping that is to start April 22. Mr. Howell Clarke stated that the intersections will be swept by Township staff and that will be done earlier, if the schedule permits.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

Mr. Boland presented Resolution 13-17 accepting Leaf Creek Court and portions of Pine Lane into the Township’s public road system. Mr. Gokey moved, seconded by Mr. Weller to adopt Resolution 13-17. Motion passed 5-0. Mr. Weller moved, seconded by Mr. Gokey to approve the 18-month municipal maintenance agreement for Pondview subdivision which includes a letter of credit in the amount of $136,753.56. As an inducement for the Township to accept the street the Developer has agreed to retain financial security in the form of a Letter of Credit totaling $35,000 for an additional eighteen months after the initial 18-month period expires; or until not more than two lots are undeveloped. Motion passed 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

Pension CAO Mr. Yanos moved, seconded by Mr. Gokey to appoint Township Manager as chief administrative officer of the Police Pension and Non Uniform Pension Plans. Motion passed 5-0.

Amending Fee Schedule for 2013 Mr. Gokey moved, seconded by Mr. Yanos to amend the fee schedule for 2013 to include an additional charge for SMO non compliance. The fee will be for an additional $60 and shall be implemented with second notice letters to be sent later this year. Motion passed 5-0.
EMPLOYEE/OFFICIAL REPORTS

Manager The Manager reported that the inquiry regarding a county wide police force was from an independent party and required no response from the Board. Mr. Yanos moved, seconded by Mr. Gokey to allow the Manager to attend a Benecon meeting in Rothsville to discuss the Township’s 2012 annual report. Mr. Lyon stated he would be preparing a “scope of work” for the connection of the Daniel Boone Homestead to the Amity Township sewer system. Mr. Lyon stated that his understanding is that the easement needed for the Homestead would have to be obtained in a voluntary manner in order to run the line through private property. Mr. Yanos stated he would like to see the line run entirely in the road right of way, starting at a point aside Daniel Boone, running east to Valley Road; then south until the line connects with the existing Valley Road. The Manager will prepare the scope of work and present to the Board for their consideration and approval. Mr. Boland explained that the appeal period for the pension award to National Penn Investor’s Trust had expired. He has sent the investment agreement to National Penn for execution. Mr. Lyon provided an update on the Pump Station #1 permit application. He stated that there has been very little cooperation from DEP in regards to what they want to see in the design. The original submission was eight months ago. Mr. Sassaman, of Arro Consulting, suggested that the Board members contact state elected officials to appeal for help with this issue. Mr. Yanos suggested that a letter be drafted and signed by all five supervisors asking the politicians to come and listen to the problems the Township is having with DEP. He further suggested that Earl Township and Union Township be made aware of the problem and perhaps be a party to the letter sent to the state representatives. Mr. Lyon reported that the wastewater polluter has been identified. Mr. Boland’s review is needed before the letter will be sent. The Manager reported that the sludge mixer had been ordered with the conditions specified by the Board. The Board discussed the recent change in regards to the regulatory agency for the MS-4 permit. Amity will now be regulated by the southeast office of DEP instead of the south central office for MS – 4 permitting and regulation. Other municipalities affected by the change have petitioned Senator Schwank to meet with DEP. Donna Sink of Monocacy Creek Road, objected to a sign erected on the sewer right of way that runs through her property. The Board explained that the intent of the sign was to keep unwanted people out. Mrs. Sink stated that she allows people to go on her property to hunt and target shoot. She objected to the police responding to complaints of gunshots. The Chief stated that if the department receives a complaint of gunshots they will investigate.

Chief of Police The Chief reported that “internal affairs” training was completed. Mr. Gokey moved, seconded by Mr. Weller to approve “confined space” training for the Chief. Motion passed 5-0.

SUPERVISORS

Mr. Yanos stated that he did not approve of the discussion in the last executive session. He felt it should be discussed in public. The Chair directed him to discuss the issue. Mr. Yanos stated that the Chief was directed to write a letter to the President Judge of Berks County Courts regarding an inappropriate Facebook posting from Judge Fredrick. The posting painted Amity Township officers in a negative light regarding an attempted robbery incident.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Susan Smolinsky asked about the Southern Berks EMS letter discussed in the Manager’s report. Mr. Lyon explained that it was in response to concerns regarding a federal tax lien published in the newspaper. Mr. Cooper asked who owned the bridge crossing the river on Main Street in Monocacy. Mrs. McGrath replied that the state owns that bridge. Mr. Lyon stated that a ceremonial opening of the new Amity Dentistry was held on Tuesday and they are now open for business.

ADJOURNMENT & EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon a motion by Mr.Yanos and seconded by Mr. Weller the meeting was adjourned to executive session for personnel issues at 8:22 PM. Motion passed 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,

JoAnne Sowers Smith

Secretary/Treasurer

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