FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
March 18, 2004
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Balsavage called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. The meeting was held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building located at 150 Century Lane, Dillsburg, PA.
ROLL CALL
Present were Supervisors Ed Balsavage, Naomi Decker, Larry Lambert, Don Lerew, John Shambaugh, Solicitor Ed Schorpp, Engineer Tim Knoebel, Secretary Linda Hansen. Visitors included: Wayne Kober, Rodney Decker, Dallas Stahlman, Peg Williams, Ken Garner, Tom Luca, Jerry Misnor Jr., Larry Anderson, Donna Bert, Sandee Bitner, Carl Zeigler, Cynthia Jones, Charles Suhr, Lynn Potts, Dick Blough, Pat McKonly, Mike Harpster, Roger Watson, Brian Fahey, Bill Wilson.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER
Chairman Balsavage led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the opening prayer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 19, 2004 – Under Building Permit Officer Report – the Arnold property should state both houses appear to be occupied. Under Uniform Construction Code strike State Department of Licensing and change to Department of Labor and Industry. Under Correspondence – Electronics Recycling should state York County Solid Waste Authority. Supervisor Decker also submitted a few minor changes. Larry Lambert made a motion seconded by John Shambaugh to approve the minutes with the above changes. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
ORGANIZATON REPORTS
Police – Supervisor Lambert gave the police report. Year to date there have been a total of 176 calls in Franklin Township. Larry Lambert also stated the 2003 annual report will be on file in the office along with the monthly report. He wanted it noted the police received 81 letters of commendation and only 5 complaints. A citizen’s satisfaction survey was included with the annual report.
A traffic study was prepared by the police that indicates where the snow emergency routes are and where signs need to be placed. John Shambaugh said he talked to Roadmaster Gary Ocker. Gary will look at the roads to see if they are properly posted.
Chief Carl Segatti will be at the April board of supervisors meeting and will have an emergency communication command vehicle on display at 6:30 p.m.
Supervisor Lambert stated the township has a labor agreement with Northern York Regional Police that extends to July 2006. He also stated the township has a perpetual agreement that runs 16 months in advance. The secretary stated the township has a copy of the composite charter agreement but not the labor agreement. Supervisor Lambert said he will get a copy of the labor agreement.
Franklintown Fire Company – Dick Blough was present and stated Franklin Township had a total of 6 calls for the month of February.
Citizen’s Hose – Tom Luca was present for both Citizens’ Hose and Dillsburg EMS. There were a total of 42 calls for the year with 4 of them in Franklin Township.
Dillsburg EMS – There were a total of 79 calls for the month of February with 11 in Franklin Township. Eight new people have been hired and three of them will be full time employees.
DAA – No one was present.
Emergency Management – Laurin Fleming gave a written request regarding construction of a communication tower. John Shambaugh had a question regarding the placement of the tower. There was also a question of the height of the tower. Dallas Stahlman stated he knows of a tower available. The supervisors directed the secretary to have Laurin Fleming contact Dallas Stahlman.
SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT
Bernice Rakes – Engineer Tim Knoebel talked to John Williams, the surveyor for the plan. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by John Shambaugh to send the sewage module post card in to DEP. Motion carried by unanimous vote. The plan was tabled until the next meeting.
Ken-Lin – Ed Balsavage turned the meeting over to Larry Lambert. There are two waiver requests. The plan is to subdivide a 44 acre lot into 2 lots. The current subdivision and land development ordinance limits a cul-de-sac to 5 lots. Tim Knoebel stated the planning commission did not have a problem with the length to width ratio and they recommended the waiver for approval. They approved the cul-de-sac waiver with the condition that any new driveways would have to submit a storm drainage plan. There is an issue of steep slopes. John Shambaugh made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to deny the waiver for the cul-de-sac based on Section 505.F of the subdivision and land development ordinance. Vote: Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh – Aye. Balsavage and Decker abstained due to professional involvement. Motion carried. John Shambaugh made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to deny the depth to width waiver based on Section 514.a.8 of the SALDO. Vote: Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh – Aye. Balsavage and Decker abstained due to professional involvement.
Chestnut Hill – A letter was received granting an extension to June 28, 2004. Larry Lambert made a motion to accept the extension with the understanding this will be the last extension for this plan. Don Lerew seconded the motion. Vote: Decker, Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh – Aye; Balsavage abstained due to professional involvement.
Livingston Estates - A letter was received from the ELA Group who is doing a traffic study of this area. The letter is asking the Board for their input. A sketch plan was presented but no formal plan has been submitted. Solicitor Schorpp stated he has a review of the sketch plan from Wm. F. Hill Engineering. The Board directed Engineer Knoebel to contact ELA Group to inform them that there will be no review until a formal plan is filed with the Township.
Carl Zeigler – Engineer Knoebel indicated the sewage module is complete. The requirements for using a groundwater easement require that plot plan attached several notes. The deeds must have the conditions on them. The notes need to be added to the plan before being submitted to DEP. John Shambaugh made a motion seconded by Don Lerew to approve the sewage module with the condition that the notes be put on the plan. Vote: Balsavage, Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh – Aye; Decker abstained due to professional involvement. John Shambaugh made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to adopt Resolution 4-2004 for the module. Vote: Balsavage, Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh – Aye; Decker abstained due to professional involvement.
South Mountain Elementary School – Dallas Stahlman was present to see what is needed to add up to 20 parking spaces to the elementary school. Mr. Stahlman was asked to submit a plan to the township engineer. Solicitor Schorpp asked for written request for a waiver from submission of a formal plan.
Mike Sunday – Mike Harpster was present to represent Mike Sunday’s plan. Mr. Harpster agreed to grant an extension for the plan to June 30, 2004. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to accept the extension. Vote: Balsavage, Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh – Aye; Decker abstained due to professional involvement.
REPORTS
Engineer
Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance – Engineer Knoebel stated he was not finished reviewing the ordinance. He also provided the standard Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Board and Solicitor’s review. The MOU is a requirement of the NPDES permit. Solicitor Schorpp pointed out item J of the MOU states that when the Township receives notification of a violation, they will promptly initiate and complete the penalty and enforcement provision contained within the Planning Code. John Shambaugh made a motion seconded by Ed Balsavage to adopt the MOU minus item J. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Bonnie Lou Elicker Myers – Based on the site inspection conducted on February 19, 2004, the work consisting of a small stormwater detention area and minor piping appears to have been complete. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to release the Letter of Credit. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Foxwood Estates – Solicitor Schorpp stated all conditions of approval have been met. The Township has escrow money that needs to be refunded. Any outstanding engineering fees will be deducted from the escrow amount. An invoice will be prepared by the treasurer. Supervisor Balsavage stated note 16, regarding lots 14, 15, 19 and 20, is okay. The SEO should indicate on the sewage permits for lots 14, 15, 19 and 20 that the SEO must be present when the septic systems are installed. Gary can issue driveway permits since no improvements will be made to the roads. The plan will be ready Friday morning, March 19, 2004 for Mr. McKonly to pick up and record.
Camp Tuckahoe – The planning commission is requesting that Camp Tuckahoe submit an as built plan. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to have the secretary send a letter requesting a copy of the plan. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Solicitor
The solicitor’s only concern was the James Arnold Property. The building permit officer’s report has that listed.
Building Permit Officer
Cupko Hearing - Mr. Fahey had a question regarding the Cupko hearing scheduled for April 6th. This property is in violation of the Junkyard Ordinance. Solicitor Schorpp will coach Brain. Possibly one of the board members will attend.
James Arnold – Brian reported that the barn was down. There is a driveway that needs to be removed by July. John Shambaugh made a motion to re-approve the plan if the note regarding the driveway is on the plan. The motion was seconded by Larry Lambert. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Hancock – Mr. Fahey stated this property is still in violation of the Junkyard Ordinance. Kauffman–Mr. Kauffman would like the Township to send him a letter stating the property needs to be cleaned up so he can present the letter to his tenants at the Honda Shop. There was a concensus by the Board to have the secretary send a letter to Mr. Kauffman. The property is in violation of the Junkyard Ordinance. The letter should request a time line and what their intentions are.
Fanus – Mr. Fahey looked at the property at 25 Rocky Ridge. He did not feel the property is in violation of the Junkyard Ordinance.
Roadmaster
Gary Ocker prepared a written road report. John Shambaugh stated Gary has a copy of the traffic report and will check into the signs that are currently posted and need to be posted for the snow emergency routes.
Snow 1, Snow 3 – Supervisor Shambaugh stated these were put on the computer by the previous administration and are not currently being used. Gary checked his log and the overtime hours were in the morning January 26th 3a.m. – 6 a.m. and January 28th 12 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Spring Road Inspection – The inspection date was set for 3:00 p.m. Wednesday April 28, 2004.
Park & Recreation
Dillsburg Youth Baseball – A letter was received from Bob Ingham requesting use of the township park fields for Spring and Summer baseball activities. The letter does not state dates of use. Naomi Decker stated this usually starts the last week of March and goes through the beginning of July. The fall ball would be until the end of October and they will work it out with the Dillsburg Area Soccer Club. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Don Lerew to allow use of the fields for Spring and Summer baseball. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Ponderosa Park – Supervisor Decker asked why they need bids for painting of the Ponderosa buildings. Volunteers will be used to do the painting. Don Lerew stated the block buildings do not need to be painted. Naomi Decker said it is reasonable to expect the painting to be done and the park to open in early July. Girls softball agreed to donate items. The park and rec board have the list of items. Mike Sunday agreed to donate equipment and time. The back wall of kitchen has structural damage and needs to be redone. The septic tank was uncovered. It is a 1,000 gallon 2 piece tank. It was pumped. The tank will be parged. Gary will be calling a plumber. The distribution box will be cleaned. Reservation fees will be $50 for the pavilion. An additional $20 will be charged for use of the kitchen. A refundable $100 security deposit will be required for use of the kitchen. Supervisor Decker stated the park and rec board does not want the $500 allocated from the general fund. A plan is needed for the Township to obtain grants. Supervisor Decker said she was concerned about the strings attached to grants. Solicitor Schorpp stated you can not prohibit non-residents from using the parks. Don Lerew said they do have a blue print of the Ponderosa. By the next meeting the park and rec board was directed to have a time line for preparation of the plan. Supervisor Decker made a motion to rescind the $500 for the plan. There was no second. Motion died. Lynn Potts said a lot more than $500 will be needed for preparation of a master plan.
OLD BUSINESS
Newsletter – The newsletter needs to be finalized before being taken to the printer. The penalty for non-compliance for the house numbering ordinance should be stated in the newsletter. Clean up day needs to be changed to May 8th instead of May 1st. The first load will be free with proof of residency. The following are the fees that will be charged: $10 for each additional load, $2.00 for passenger tires, $5.00 for larger tires and tires on rims, $10.00 for tractor-trailer and tractor tires. Under building permits it needs to be stated these prices are effective until the Uniform Construction Code comes into effect. The rental price for the Ponderosa needs to be added. The kitchen will not be available for use this year. The ad for a representative to the DAA needs to be added. The goal is to have the newsletter mailed out the first or second week of April.
Auditor’s Letter – Solicitor Schorpp recommended the Board does not need to write a letter stating they agreed with the financial statements since the supervisors do not have working knowledge of the books. The treasurer is the one working with the finances.
Comprehensive Plan – Franklin Township resident Wayne Kober was present to discuss the comprehensive plan. He presented a memo of seven items he considers to be very important. 1) Adopt the Region Comprehensive Plan; 2) Form a Franklin Township Region Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee; 3) Meet with Penn Dot and the York County Planning Commission; 4) Develop a Detailed Action Plan for Implementation; 5) Establish a Implementation Fund; 6) Acquire the Assistance of a Highly Qualified Planning Professional to Change Ordinances; 7) Publish Regular Updates on Implementation.
Comprehensive Plan Meeting – There is a workshop meeting scheduled for March 23rd at Carroll Township. If more than 2 supervisors attend it needs to be advertised.
Break 9:30 – 9:35 p.m.
Naomi said she might attend and Cynthia Jones said she will attend the March 23rd meeting. Ed Balsavage stated he may be able to attend.
Uniform Construction Code – A meeting will be held March 22nd at the Carroll Township Municipal Building. This is an information meeting to discuss several municipalities using the same inspectors. Solicitor Schorpp stated a Board of Appeals will be needed if the township opts in to enforce the Code. An ordinance is required to adopt the Code and a resolution is needed to set the fees. Action to elect to “opt in” or “opt out” is scheduled for the April Board of Supervisors meeting.
Septic Tank Pumping – The mandatory pumping ordinance allows a waiver from pumping every 3 years to longer for individuals living alone. Solicitor Schorpp stated a request is needed from the property owners. The supervisors will act on the requests at the next meeting.
Part Time Road Crew – Two applications have been received for the part time road crew position. The Dillsburg Banner forgot to run the ad in last weeks issue. Copies of the resumes/applications received should be placed in the supervisors’ mail boxes. Interviews should be conducted before the next meeting. Gary Ocker should be present for the interviews.
Mowing Bids - The bids will be opened on April 2, 2004 and a decision will be made at the April 15, 2004 meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
PSATS Convention Resolutions – Supervisor Decker opposes using Franklin Township funds for recreation facilities in another municipality. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to have the secretary vote on resolutions as recommended by PSATS. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Subdivision and Land Development Fees – Currently fees are being used for engineering. The fee should be for administrative costs. Engineer Knoebel stated the intention was that the $375 was for administrative costs. Engineering costs will be additional costs.
Notary of Office Staff – Solicitor Schorpp said since the secretary and treasurer are appointed officials they can not notarize other township officials’ signatures. It would be of no benefit to have Linda and Phyllis become notaries.
Balance of Subdivision & Land Development Accounts – Phyllis Emlet prepared a review. Dave Young needs to be refunded an overpayment of $26.60. Foxwood owes $1,383.56 and this amount will be deducted from their escrow refund.
CORRESPONDENCE
PA Recreation & Park Survey – They are doing a data base of the PA Park & Rec Board network. Naomi Decker will have the park and rec board complete the survey.
DAA Wren Grant Letter – The Dillsburg Area Authority wants support from Franklin Township to obtain the grant. John Shambaugh wants to know what we are agreeing to. Ed Balsavage made a motion to complete the form subject to receiving a description of what the grant money will be used for. The motion was seconded by John Shambaugh. The secretary will call Sheldon Williams for the information on the grant. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Hometown Productions – We received a distribution agreement from Hometown Productions stating the Township will provide their maps to the public. The supervisors decided they do not want to sign the agreement.
Unsigned Letter from Scotch Pine Road – It has been the policy of the Board not to address unsigned letters.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Bill Wilson requested a copy of the newsletter even though he does not live in the township presently.
TREASURER’S REPORT
John Shambaugh made a motion seconded by Don Lerew to approve the treasurer’s report. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
APPROVAL & PAYMENT OF BILLS
Larry Lambert stated he does not want to pay the Workers’ Compensation Bill for Dillsburg Fire Company. Solicitor Schorpp stated the township is required to pay the compensation if the fire company is the first response company for Franklin Township. The supervisors stated Franklintown Fire Company is the first response company. The bill is for 15% of the workers compensation. Supervisor Lambert will talk to Dillsburg Fire Company. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to pay all of the bills with the exception of the Workers’ Compensation for Dillsburg Fire Company. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
John Shambaugh had a question regarding the disability insurance. Phyllis should look into what this is for. Who is the beneficiary and what does it cover.
John Shambaugh would like to contact insurance companies to investigate premiums. The secretary was directed to call Gary Harshbarger regarding insurance with Gunn-Mowery.
EXECUTIVE SESSION 10:20 – 10:30 p.m.
Executive session was held to discuss personnel issues
The secretary was directed to call Blue Cross and Blue Shield to see what other health insurance plans are available.
Larry Lambert made a motion second by Ed Balsavage to adjourn. Meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m.
Linda J. Hansen
Secretary