FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
April 21, 2005
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Ed 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, Engineer Tim Knoebel, Solicitor Edward Schorpp, Secretary Linda Hansen. Visitors included: Rodney Decker, Peggie Williams, Vaughn & Jami Turner, Chris Hoover, Thomas Lucas, Nancy Grove Nichols, Art Bert, Sara Toll, Stan Toll, Brian Fahey, Beth Shoop, Don Snellbecker, Lynn Potts, Sandee Bittner.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER
Ed Balsavage led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the opening prayer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 17, 2005 Naomi Decker had the following changes: under approval of minutes add a "d" to include. Under Harris driveway; change York Springs to Latimore Township and add Franklin before Township. John Shambaugh made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to approve the minutes with the stated changes. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
March 25, 2005 Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by John Shambaugh to approve the minutes. Vote: Balsavage, Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh Aye. Decker abstained since she was not at the meeting.
March 31, 2005 John Shambaugh made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to approve the minutes. Vote: Decker, Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh Aye: Balsavage abstained since he was not at the meeting.
Supervisor Balsavage announced that the township was successful in obtaining a $40,000 grant from Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. He wanted Secretary Linda Hansen and Supervisor Decker to be recognized; this is a big accomplishment.
Supervisor Balsavage complemented Supervisor Lambert in his effort to work with the township bank to change the checking to an interest bearing account which will have the potential to earn $9,000 - $12,000. Supervisor Decker stated Treasurer Phyllis Emlet also had a big part in getting the bank to change the accounts to higher interest rates.
AGENDA AMENDMENTS
Opening date for the Ponderosa will be added to Parks and Recreation. Building addition will be added under New Business.
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Police Supervisor Lambert reported year to date the township is down 7 calls. It was a very busy month for Northern Regional Police. Police officers are now allowed to stay on after the age of 50. The report will be on file in the office.
Franklintown Fire Company No report.
Citizens Hose Thomas Lucas was present.
Dillsburg EMS Thomas Lucas was present. He reported that Franklintown Fire Company will be having an open house this Saturday and everyone is invited. They are looking to replace an engine. EMS was also very busy during the month of March. There were a total of 94 calls with 18 in Franklin Township. They are looking to hire a new secretary and new EMTs.
Dillsburg Authority No report
Emergency Management No report
Planning & Zoning Committee No report
Naomi Decker stated Rick Hoffman called the police the other evening regarding a car racing around the Century Lane Park. Mr. Hoffman would like Larry Lambert to talk to the Regional Police about the park.
SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT
Apple Blossom Eric Johnston was present. Engineer Knoebel stated this is a preliminary subdivision off Mountain Road. It is up for action this evening. There are 5 waiver requests. The preliminary mining investigation report for the site was just turned in this evening. The supervisors have not yet been given copies of it.
The first waiver request was for section 515.A3 to permit installation of sanitary sewer within the cartway. The planning commission recommended allowing the waiver. John Shambaugh made a motion seconded by Ed Balsavage to grant the waiver for section 515.A3. Vote: Balsavage, Lambert, Shambaugh Aye; Decker, Lerew Opposed. Motion carried.
The second waiver request was for section 508.A2 to permit the use of slant curbs. This waiver was recommended for approval on the conditions that it was okay with the Roadmaster and it will not allow for pavement overlay. It will meet todays standard of paving. Supervisor Shambaugh is opposed to slant curbs. This request was tabled.
The third waiver request is for section 518.E to permit construction in steep slope areas. The planning commission required them to break this down to specific areas. The first area was Despina Drive. This involves doing work in an area of 25% slope which is very steep. The planning commission recommended the waiver subject to the review by the York County Conservation District regarding stabilization guidelines. Supervisor Decker stated several years ago a plan was denied in this area due to the steep slopes and here is another plan wanting to develop in steep slopes. Mary Ann Shaffer from York Conservation District asked why this is occurring if the township has a steep slope ordinance. Mr. Johnston stated the planning commission recommended establishing a road from Apple Blossom to Sherwood Forest. A steep slope stability analysis has not been done. The second area of steep slope is the rear yard of lot 23 and the third area is the rear yard of lot 42. The planning commission recommended granting the waiver but a grading plan must be submitted before a building permit will be issued. Supervisor Lambert stated it is time to stop developing in steep slopes since they have created problems in the past. The township pays for it after the developer is gone. The fourth area is the driveways for lot 66 and lot 71. The planning commission wanted York Conservation to review this.
The fourth waiver request is for section 518.F to create steeper slopes than pre-existing condition within the 25 feet of right of way to construct a detention basin. The Home Owners Association will be responsible for the stormwater detention basin. Ed Balsavage made a motion to grant the waiver request for section 518.F provided that it only applies to lots 69, 68, and 67 and only for the construction of the detention basins. Larry Lambert seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
The fifth waiver request is for section 518.C&D to exceed maximum impervious cover. Engineer Knoebel stated when you are in areas that the slope is greater than 15%, the ordinance requires average slope needs to be calculated. The calculation needs to be done for each lot. There is a table in the ordinance that states the maximum impervious coverage based on slope. There are 8 lots that exceed the maximum impervious cover. Supervisor Decker said this is not a hard ship. The lots can be made bigger to meet the requirements of the ordinance.
Ed Balsavage stated he would like to see a steep slope analysis. Larry Lambert asked the engineer what is being done today that is different from what was done years ago that created the runoff problems the township is having currently. Tim Knoebel stated the main difference is the new driveway ordinance.
Larry Lambert felt the preliminary geo-technical report indicates some serious problems.
John Shambaugh made a motion to table waiver requests for sections 508.A2, and 518.E. The motion was seconded by Larry Lambert. Vote was unanimous.
John Shambaugh made a motion seconded by Naomi Decker to deny the waiver request for section 518.C&D. Vote: Decker, Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh Aye: Balsavage Opposed.
A water feasibility study letter was received this evening. There is no module or letter
from Dillsburg Area Authority stating capacity is available. Those types of letters are no longer issued unless money is paid upfront to reserve capacity. John Shambaugh stated he will not approve a preliminary plan without a letter of reserved capacity. Solicitor Schorpp stated an extension is needed. Eric Johnston granted an extension until June 24, 2005. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by John Shambaugh to accept the extension. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Lexington Fields Tim Knoebel explained this plan was deemed an incomplete submission due to no acknowledgement that public water and sewer is available. Recently Dillsburg Area Authority made a decision that they will not issue letters stating capacity exists. An agreement must be signed by the developer and money paid to the Authority. The developer would like some review before paying all the money. John Shambaugh stated a letter from DAA should not be required for completeness of submission. Solicitor Schorpp said the question is how much time does the Board want to spend on reviewing a plan and then found out there is no capacity. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by John Shambaugh that they waive the requirement of a letter for sewage and water capacity for the completeness review. Vote: Balsavage, Lambert, Lerew, Shambaugh Aye; Decker Opposed.
Rob and Mary Edwards and Randolph Straw The planning commission recommended the plan for approval. Ed Balsavage made a motion to approve the plan with the following conditions: property corner markers should be installed or bonded, an approved sewage module (non-building waiver) is submitted, appropriate certifications by the engineer are placed on the plan and deeds of consolidation are prepared. The motion was seconded by John Shambaugh. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Range End Commerce Center A letter was received granting a time extension until July 25, 2005. Larry Lambert made a motion seconded by John Shambaugh to accept the extension. Supervisor Decker said it is not known if there will be public water and sewer. Engineer Chris Hoover reported the sewer letter will be issued by the next planning commission meeting. They will be requesting a waiver from a water feasibility study. Water on Range End Road is scarce. The solicitor said notes can be placed on the plan. Motion for the extension carried by unanimous vote.
Foxwood Estates Vaughn Turner was present to address the letter he sent the Board regarding the storm water runoff on Stone Head Road. The current plan has caused massive quantities of water to run into the foundation of his home and yard. The drainage system that was required by the erosion and sedimentation plan is not handling the runoff water. The Board directed the township engineer to go look at the situation and report back to the Supervisors.
Kauffman Bond Reduction Engineer Knoebel recommends a reduction to $8,635.00 based on a site inspection done on April 19, 2005. Some stabilization needs to be done particularly on the embankment of the eastern side of the property. The owner should seed all areas where grass cover has not been established. It also appears the paving within the right-of-way has not been completed. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to reduce the bond of Ernest Kauffman to $8,635.00. Vote: Balsavage, Decker, Lambert, Lerew Aye; Shambaugh Abstained.
John Crook A letter was received granting an extension until August 31, 2005. 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
Sherwood Heights was deemed incomplete due to an unsigned plan. A notarized signed plan has been received.
Floodplain Management Engineer Tim Knoebel will fill out the form.
Estimate for Survey KPI submitted an estimate for the survey of the township grounds.
Franklin Glen Detention Pond Tim Knoebel talked to the contractor for the project. They do intend to complete the work as outlined in their contract.
Solicitor
Ordinance to Amend the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance The public hearing was held prior to this meeting and proper advertisement has occurred in the Dillsburg Banner. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to adopt Ordinance 2-2005 which amends the township subdivision and land development ordinance. Naomi Decker said the fees needed to be monitored so they stay reasonable. Motion carried by unanimous vote. A copy must be sent to the York County Planning Commission.
Brillhart Insurance The insurance company has not responded back to Solicitor Schorpp.
Cable TV Franchise A letter was received from Adelphia stating the franchise is due to expire on December 16, 2007. Solicitor Schorpp stated it has been his experience to use a tele-communications attorney to negotiate cable TV franchises which can get expensive. Supervisor Lambert said he will call Adelphia.
Pending Litigation will be discussed at executive session.
Building Permit Officer
50 May Drive This property is in violation of the UCC. The buyers of this property must be notified the basement can not be use as bedrooms since there is no egress. It is noted that the basement cannot be used.
101 Furman Road The owner agreed to the requirements needed. No occupancy permit will be issued until the property is brought up to code.
Young Mobile Home Park Engineer Chris Hoover was present to represent Russ Goodling. Three additional driveways were requested to access three double wide units. A waiver is needed for the additional driveways. The supervisors agreed they could use one additional driveway. A waiver will be requested when a driveway permit is submitted. If the units are abandoned the driveway will be removed.
217 Chain Saw Road There is a large shed that the owner needs to get a permit for. They are trying to sell it.
Roadmaster
Stone & Oil Bids Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to advertise bids for stone and oil. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Park & Recreation
Naomi Decker reported that the April meeting for Park & Rec will be next week. Playground equipment is being installed at the Century Lane Park.
Grant Money Naomi Decker took a class at the PSAT Convention on managing grant money. She will meet with Cindy Dunlap. The grant money is not the townships until the contract is executed.
Ponderosa Grand Opening Larry said he would like to set up an opening date. He proposed a grand opening June 18th. Peg Williams from the Banner stated a grand opening does not happen until it is completely done; just call it an open house. Larry Lambert made a motion seconded by John Shambaugh to schedule an open house on June 11th. Motion carried. Peg Williams will write an article for the Banner. Naomi Decker and Larry Lambert will organize the event.
OLD BUSINESS
Township Banking Larry Lambert made a motion seconded by John Shambaugh to move $300,000 from the general checking fund and put it in a 6 month CD at M&T Bank. Solicitor Schorpp stated to make sure the funds are covered by insurance.
Intergovernmental Grant This grant needs to done with another municipality.
Recycling Grant A pre-application conference is required before the grant application can be completed. The packet was given to John Shambaugh to check into.
NEW BUSINESS
Public Meeting There will be a public meeting with Representative Bruce Smith on Tuesday April 26, 2005 at the Franklin Township Municipal Building.
Building Addition Larry Lambert said the township building needs to be expanded to add an office and storage space. It is time to consider hiring a township manager. The supervisors decided the survey of the grounds needs to be done first to be able to determine which way to expand. John Shambaugh stated the road crew does not feel qualified to install the Dutch doors. Terry Dougherty and Dave Earnhart should be contacted for quotes. Ed Balsavage made a motion seconded by Larry Lambert to have the doors installed but not to exceed $1,500.00.
CORRESPONDENCE
Delinquent Tax Letter A letter was received from Robert Papuga regarding a delinquent tax notice he received. The secretary was directed to send him a letter explaining the township does not send tax notices.
Intermunicipal Task Force The next Intermunicipal task force meeting is on May 24, 2005 at the Wellsville Borough Office.
Malfunctioning Septic System An email was received regarding a malfunctioning septic system on Scotch Pine Road. The SEO was directed to contact the person who emailed the complaint to get more details.
TREASURERS REPORT
Larry Lambert made a motion to approve the treasurers report. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
APPROVAL & PAYMENT OF BILLS
Naomi Decker will check with Chem Lawn regarding the spraying schedule of the fields. Larry Lambert made a motion seconded by Don Lerew to approve payment of the bills. Motion carried by unanimous vote with the exception Naomi Decker opposed the payment of the KPI bill for zoning.
Executive session began at 9:40 p.m. and ended at 10:27 p.m.
Ed Balsavage made a motion to pay the secretary and treasurer $16.00 per hour. Motion carried.
Secretary Linda Hansen confirmed her last day with the township will be April 29, 2005.
Linda J. Hansen
Secretary