FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
JANUARY 3, 2005
RE-ORGANIZATION MEETING
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, Attorney Edward Schorpp, Secretary Linda Hansen. Visitors included: Rodney Decker, Peg Williams, John Flanagan.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER
Supervisor Balsavage led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the opening prayer.
APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN
Larry Lambert made a motion seconded by John Shambaugh to appoint Ed Balsavage as Chairman. Vote: Balsavage, Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh – Aye: Decker – Opposed for the following reasons: the county letter that all members did not receive a copy of, and secondly a Board decision was made to write a letter of non-objection and instead a letter of support was sent to Carroll Township.
Ed Balsavage said they are governed by Roberts Rules of Order which states after a vote is called there is no other discussion. Any comments must be made before the vote. Solicitor Schorpp stated this is correct, but there was no discussion before the vote.
APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIRMAN
John Shambaugh made a motion seconded by Ed Balsavage to nominate Larry Lambert as Vice Chairman. Motion carried by unanimous vote
APPOINTMENT OF SOLICITOR
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to appoint Attorney Edward Schorpp as the township solicitor at the rate of $100.00 per hour. Naomi Decker had concerns of legal advice. It should be based on the law and not favor certain members of the Board. For the record Ed Balsavage wanted it noted that he feels Ed Schorpp has provided excellent legal counsel to the Township. Vote: Balsavage, Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh – Aye; Decker – Opposed.
APPOINTMENT OF ENGINEER
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by John Shambaugh to appoint KPI technology as the township engineer with Timothy Knoebel as their representative in accordance with the KPI 2005 Municipal Engineering Fee Schedule. Naomi Decker wanted it noted in the meeting minutes that she has a problem with KPI Technology as the engineer for the following reasons: the promotion of subdivision layouts that were not acceptable before such as loop cul-de-sac streets in Chestnut Hill, the lack of consistency with submission and review of plans. The Chestnut Hill plan has been here for two years and still the township does not have a planning module. The June 7th planning commission comments for the Sherwood Forest Sketch Plan, Mr. Knoebel said he would work with Mr. Johnson of RGS regarding steep slopes. A subdivision had been denied for this tract for only 5 lots due to steep slopes. The sketch plan for this tract was for 182 townhouses. There was a review prepared for the sketch plan before the money was placed in escrow as had been required by the Board of Supervisors. Ed Balsavage wanted it noted in the minutes that the township engineer has served the township admirably in spite of the opposition he is given. He is quite knowledgeable of engineering and the ordinances. Vote: Balsavage, Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh – Aye; Decker – Opposed.
APPOINTMENT OF SEO
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Don Lerew to appoint Gil Picarelli as the SEO and Dominick Picarelli as the back up SEO according the 2005 KPI Municipal Fee Schedule. Naomi Decker has concerns about the unresolved issue of the contractor arrangements for the digging of probe holes. In the June 7, 2004 planning commission minutes concerning Chestnut Hills, the engineering review stated a revised module had been submitted to the SEO. On June 16, 2004 Mr. Begis delivered a module to the township but the module did not appear to have any changes. Vote: Balsavage, Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh – Aye; Decker – Opposed.
APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Don Lerew to appoint Linda Hansen as the secretary at the rate of $15.50 per hour. Naomi Decker wanted to know if raises were not being given this year. Larry Lambert stated he would like to hold a workshop as soon as possible to discuss employee salaries and benefits. Ed Balsavage wanted to know if they must advertise to hold an executive session regarding employee wages and benefits. Solicitor Schorpp stated the Board must announce an executive session before a public meeting. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
APPOINTMENT OF TREASURER
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to appoint Phyllis Emlet as the treasurer at the rate of $15.50 per hour. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
APPOINTMENT OF ROADMASTER
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Don Lerew to appoint Gary Ocker as Roadmaster at a rate of $20.50 per hour. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
APPOINTMENT OF PERMIT OFFICER
Solicitor Ed Schorpp said it is not necessary to appoint the permit officer and building inspector every year.
APPOINTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to appoint Lauren Fleming as the Emergency Management Coordinator at the rate of $50.00 per quarter. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to appoint Larry Harbold as the Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator at the rate of $50.00 per quarter. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
APPOINTMENT OF VACANCY BOARD CHAIRMAN
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to appoint Patrick Hephner as Vacancy Board Chairman. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
APPOINTMENTS TO PLANNING COMMISSION
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to re-appoint Ed Campbell to the planning commission for another 4 year term. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to appoint Rob Edwards to a 4 year term on the planning commission. Naomi Decker said she has a problem with that. She doesn’t think it is a good idea to have an active developer on the planning commission. Vote: Balsavage, Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh – Aye. Decker – Opposed.
APPOINTMENT OF NORTHERN YORK COUNTY REGIONAL POLICE COMMISSIONER & ALTERNATE COMMISSIONER
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by John Shambaugh to appoint Larry Lambert as the Police Commissioner for a one year term. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Ed Balsavage wanted it noted in the minutes a word of thanks to Larry for his efforts. He is not paid for attending the meetings. Naomi Decker also expressed her thanks to Supervisor Lambert. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded Larry Lambert to appoint Don Lerew as the Alternate Police Commissioner. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
APPOINTMENT OF DELINQUENT TAX COLLECTOR
Larry Lambert made a motion seconded by Don Lerew to appoint JP Harris as the delinquent tax collector. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
APPOINTMENT OF TOWNSHIP DELEGATES TO STATE ASSOCIATION CONVENTION
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to allow all township employees and supervisors to attend the state convention. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
APPOINTMENT OF TOWNSHIP VOTING DELEGATE TO STATE ASSOCIATION CONVENTION
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to appoint the secretary as the voting delegate at the state convention. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
WAGES
Wages of all employees will stay at the 2004 rate. A workshop will be held early in the year to discuss wages and benefits.
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to recommend to the auditors that working supervisors earn $17.50 per hour. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
APPOINTMENTS TO PARK AND RECREATION BOARD
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Don Lerew to appoint Naomi Decker to the 4 year term on the Park and Recreation Board. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
No letters of interest have been received for the second position. Ed Balsavage asked Mr. Flanagan if he would be interested in serving on the park and rec board. Mr. Flanagan agreed. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to appoint John Flanagan to the 5 year term on the Park and Recreation Board.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Ed Balsavage made a motion to maintain the employee benefits as outlined in the employee handbook until the wage and benefits workshop. Larry Lambert said the township is providing more benefits than what are stated in the handbook. The motion was rescinded by Ed Balsavage.
DATES OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETINGS FOR 2004
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to have the regularly scheduled supervisors’ meetings the 3rd Thursday of each month. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATE
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Don Lerew to establish the reimbursement rate for mileage at the federal rate of $.405 per mile. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
TOWNSHIP BANKS & DEPOSITORIES
Ed Balsavage made a motion to establish M&T Bank as the township bank and depository. Naomi Decker said she was informed by Phyllis the township was receiving much more interest from PLGIT. Larry Lambert stated the township always has the ability to move funds into CDs or other financial instruments. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
SUPERVISOR LIAISONS
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to have John Shambaugh serve as the liaison to the road department. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by John Shambaugh to appoint Larry Lambert as the administrative liaison. Vote: Balsavage, Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh – Aye; Decker – Opposed.
CONVENTIONS, SEMINARS, MEETINGS
County Convention – Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to allow the township employees to attend the county convention; be paid at their hourly rate and receive reimbursement for mileage and expenses. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Solicitor Schorpp stated the supervisors can be paid $35 for attendance at the county convention. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to authorize supervisors to attend the county convention and be paid only for mileage and expenses. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
State Convention – Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to allow the employees to attend the state convention; be paid at their hourly rate and receive reimbursement for mileage and expenses. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to authorize supervisors to attend the state convention and be paid for mileage and actual expenses. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Seminars – Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to allow employees to attend applicable seminars that are approved by the supervisors. They will be paid their hourly rate, mileage and expenses. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Supervisor Balsavage stated he wants to encourage the township employees to attend seminars and courses that are beneficial to their employment with the township. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to authorized supervisors to attend seminars that are approved by the Board. Supervisors will be paid for mileage and actual expenses. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Meetings Held Outside the Township Office – Ed Balsavage made a motion to allow township employees to attend meetings outside of the township office and be paid their current hourly rate, mileage and expenses. John Shambaugh asked what types of meetings. Chairman Balsavage stated the Board may request the secretary to attend a meeting to collect information for the Supervisors. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by John Shambaugh to authorize supervisors to attend meetings outside the township office and be paid for mileage and actual expenses. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
TREASURER’S BOND
Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Don Lerew to set the treasurer’s bond at $725,000. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
POLICY FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS
John Shambaugh made a motion seconded by Ed Balsavage to keep the current payment policy of paying bills at the supervisors’ meeting unless a late fee will be charged if the bill is not paid sooner. In this case, the treasurer may prepare a check and call a supervisor to sign the check. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Larry Lambert made a motion seconded by John Shambaugh to continue the current policy of having notation to bills that were paid prior to the meeting. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
APPROVAL & PAYMENT OF BILLS
Don Lerew made a motion seconded by Ed Balsavage to pay the current bills. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT
John Flanagan wanted to know if all he needs is a building permit. He has two lots that have separate deeds. Solicitor Schorpp stated as long as they have separate deeds, he can apply for a building permit. The lot already has an ingress. If he wants to change the location, he will need to apply for a driveway permit.
Larry Lambert made a motion seconded by Don Lerew to adjourn. Meeting was adjourned at 7:55p.m.
Linda J. Hansen
Secretary