Westfall Township, Matamoras, PA
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August 5, 2019
The Regular meeting of the Westfall Township Board of Supervisors was held Monday, August 5, 2019 at 7:00 pm. The meeting was held at the Township Building on Delaware Drive and LaBarr Lane, Westfall Township.
Those present were Chairman Robert Melvin, Vice Chairman, Jerry Dotey; Supervisors; Robert Bostinto, Paul Schaldonat; Solicitor; Robert Bernathy; and Secretary, Jodi Manheim; Zoning Officer, Jeff Cammerino. Also present were Road Master, Bill Schneider; EPRPD Chief, Chad Stewart; Westfall Township Fire Department President; Bill Koferl; Westfall Township Fire Department Chief; Fred Jacobs; Emergency Management Coordinator, Mike Fischetta; Joe Hudak, Kiley Associates, Inc; Attorney John Stieh; Mike Gable, Boucher & James, Inc.; Marie Hollberg and approximately 5 members of the general public.
Supervisor Fischer was absent.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: The last executive session was held on May 20, 2019 at 7:29 pm for personnel matters and August 5, 2019 at 6:45 pm for litigation. Chairman Melvin stated no decisions were made.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the agenda with no changes. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto carries with all in favor.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Marie Hollberg, owner of 127 Decker Lane, addressed the Board. She came forward with photos of a problem with her retaining wall and basement regarding flooding. She stated that there has been a re-routing of water onto her property since an adjacent property owner built a home and since the township did some recent pipe work. Solicitor Bernathy stated this matter seems to be a trespass of water issue between she and her neighbor and suggested Ms. Hollberg hire legal counsel. Brief discussion followed. Solicitor Bernathy then suggested Ms. Hollberg hire a professional to prove the source of the water and then come back to the Supervisors with the information.
No further comment.
MINUTES:
July 1, 2019-Regular Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the July 1, 2019 Regular Supervisor Meeting Minutes. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.
July 9, 2019-Special Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to approve the July 9, 2019 Special Meeting Minutes. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with three in favor and one abstention. Chairman Melvin abstained since he was absent for the meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Scott Myer gave the report for June, 2019 and through July, 2019.
Chairman Melvin stated he had a meeting with Mr. Myer regarding the proposed 2020 budget items. He noted all is on track to lower mils and will be discussed at the budget workshops.
A motion was made by Supervisor Schaldonat to approve the June, 2019 and July, 2019 Treasurer Reports. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor. `
POLICE REPORT: Chief Stewart gave the report for the month of July, 2019. The report reflects the following:
12 Adult Arrests
5 Investigations
20 Motor Vehicle Crashes
1 Rape
1 Robbery
1 Burglary
11 Thefts
1 Motor Vehicle Theft
1 Fraud
2 Vandalism
1 Sex Offense
5 Drug Abuse
1 DUI
8 Disorderly Conduct
11 All Other
Significant Happenings:
*Law & Leadership Academy
*Participated in FBI Law Enforcement Symposium
*Officers completed firearms training
*Sportsman’s Raffle Tickets are available to support Foundation
A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to approve the July, 2019 Police Report. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.
WESTFALL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Chief Jacobs gave the report for the month of July, 2019 which reflects the following: Assist EMS-1; Assist Police-2; Automatic Fire Alarms-6; Brush fire-1; Investigation Chief-2; Investigation Outside-2; MVA-3; Structural Collapse-1; Structure Fire-5; Unattended Control Burn-1; Vehicle Fire-4; Water Rescue-2; Wires Down-2. The total fire calls- 32.
YTD: 161
Man Hours: 58.75
Man Hours YTD: 347.43
The EMS Report for the month of July, 2019 was as follows: Dingman Township-7; Matamoras Borough-6; Milford Boro-12; Milford Township-8; Orange County-9; Shohola Township-2; Westfall Township-54; Total-98
YTD: 615; Man Hours-192; Man Hours YTD-873
Training for the month: 4 In house drill nights totaling 96 training hours; 1 member attended a Ropes 1 class at the PCTC for 16 hours; 4 members attending a dive drill with PJFD, Sparrowbush FD, Monroe FD and the Cromoner Valley FD for a total of 12 man hours.
Total Training Hours for July-124
The Department attended the Port Jervis Fireman’s Day Parade which the members spent weeks preparing for and were rewarded with two trophies Best Appearing Apparatus under 10 years old and 2nd Best Appearing Rescue Truck
Brief discussion was held regarding the ambulance service.
A motion was made by Supervisor Schaldonat to approve the Westfall Fire Department report for the month of July, 2019. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: Mr. Schneider gave the report for July, 2019 which reflects the following:
- Pot Hole Patching done within the township
- Culvert Pipe Replacment on Old Milford Road and Glass House Hill
- Lawn Maintenance Done at municipal grounds
- Sign/Repair Replacement
- Tended to heavy storms-tree clean up and wires down
- Cleaned culvert pipes and ditches after storms
- Maintenance done on equipment
- New truck has arrived-training
- All poles for traffic lights removed from 6 & 209
- Meeting was held with Pike County Light and Power regarding new gas lines in Westfall Township-Stella, James, Elizabeth Streets and Blue Ridge Avenue
- Road Task Force Meeting
- Maintained Compost Area
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the Highway Department Report for July 2019. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.
BUILDING/ZONING REPORT: Jeff Cammerino gave the report for July, 2019 which reflects the following:
9 Building Permits totaling $7,324.50 in fees; 4 Zoning Permits totaling $475.00. Total Fees received for the month of July, 2019; $7,399.50. Total Outstanding Fees: $475.00
A motion was made by Supervisor Schaldonat to approve the Building/Zoning Report for July, 2019. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Mike Fischetta gave the report for July, 2019. There were no calls for the month of July, 2019. A significant storm passed through the area on July 26, 2019. After the storm EMA toured some of the affected areas of the Township and did a damage assessment. During that event EMA was on scene of a large tree down across Delaware Drive that was blocking the roadway in both directions and coordinated with PENN DOT and Comm Center as to when the roadway would be reopened. Notification was made through social media as well as the fire department.
A motion was made by Chairman Melvin to approve the Emergency Management Report for the month of July, 2019. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE: On desk for review.
OLD BUSINESS:
Salt Shed Base-Proposal Bids: Three sealed bids were received in accordance with the advertising requirements. Chairman Melvin opened each bid envelope and read each bid. The bids were as follows:
- Lattimore Construction, Inc.- $228,000.00
- Morgan Site Contractors-$106,453.22
- NE SODEN, INC.-109,850.00
Solicitor Bernathy asked if anyone in the audience was present from the bidding contractors. No one was present.
A motion was made by Supervisor Schaldonat to award the bid to Morgan Site Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $106,453.22 contingent upon township engineer review with official notification to be given and if bid is not completed in accordance with bid requirements provided, a special meeting of the Supervisors will be scheduled. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.
2008 Chevrolet Truck Bid Proposals: Chairman Melvin opened the one bid received. The bid was from Center RV, Inc.-Mike Veneziano in the amount of $5,107.00.
A motion was made by Supervisor Schaldonat to reject the bid due to failure to meet the minimum bid amount of $12,000.00. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.
Brief discussion followed.
A motion was made by Supervisor Schaldonat to re-advertise the vehicle in the Pike County Dispatch, Pocono Record and Times Herald Record with a minimum bid amount of $10,000 with the same specifications as previously advertised with a bid cutoff date of September 5, 2019 at 3:00 pm. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.
Emergency Access Road-Cost Proposals: Three contractors were contacted by phone to submit written quotes. Two written proposals were received. Chairman Melvin read both proposals which were as follows:
- Morgan Site Contractors in the amount of $20, 398.00
- Lattimore Construction in the amount of $37,500.00
Chairman Melvin stated the scope of work is the same for both bidders.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the lowest cost proposal which is from Morgan Site Contractors in the amount of $20,398.00 subject to the contractor signing a contract prepared by Solicitor Bernathy. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.
Flood Gate Demonstration: A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to remove this item from the agenda. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.
Advertise Joint Workshop Budget Meeting with Matamoras Borough: A motion was made by Supervisor Schaldonat to advertise the meeting for September 16, 2019 @ 7:00 pm in accordance with the Regionalization Agreement amendment. The meeting will be held at the Westfall Township Municipal Building. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.
Township Building Remodel-Relocation of EPRPD: Vice Chairman Dotey stated all is going well with the project. He noted that 90% of the drywall is up and the electrical work is being finalized. The concrete work has also been done.
No action taken.
Emergency Services-Meeting with Samaritan EMS: Chairman Melvin explained the township has been contacted by Samaritan EMS to meet to discuss EMS Services in Pike County. A meeting will be coordinated and held in the near future which will be attended by Vice Chairman Dotey.
NEW BUSINESS:
Freightliner-Advertise For Sale: This matter was tabled.
Mill Rift Substation adjacent to Township Building: Vice Chairman Dotey stated this matter needs to be coordinated at the time the Eastern Pike Regional Police Department relocates. Whether the building will be used for the Police Department or the Fire Department will need to be decided. Chairman Melvin stated his concern from a hazard insurance coverage stand point. Mr. Koferl stated the equipment stored in the building covers this end of Mill Rift and the department needs one bay for a deep truck. Solicitor Bernathy stated the dissolution is still in process and needs to be finished.
This matter was tabled until the September 9, 2019 Supervisor Meeting.
Zoning Ordinance-Temporary Use Permit: Vice Chairman Dotey suggested extending the time limit for temporary use food cart zoning permits. Solicitor Bernathy suggested the Board involve the Planning Commission and put some more thought into it. Mr. Cammerino stated an amount of vendors could be regulated. Mrs. Manheim stated there have been many inquiries regarding this use. Chairman Melvin showed concern of impacting the businesses who pay taxes to the township. Brief discussion followed. Vice Chairman Dotey stated that no changes should be made to the ordinance at this time.
No action taken.
2018 Financial Statement Approval: Chairman Melvin stated the draft submitted by Kirk Summa & Co. is materially correct with no major findings.
A motion was made by Supervisor Schaldonat to approve the draft 2018 Financial Statement. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.
Schedule Budget Workshop Meetings: A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to schedule the budget workshop meetings for October 9, 2019 and October 16, 2019 with both meetings to be held at 7:00 pm. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.
Letter of Support from Planning Commission Re: Monroe County Local Share Grant Application: A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the application and letter of support. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.
Monroe County Local Share Grant Submission-Resolution 2019-2: A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to approve Resolution 2019-2. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.
United Way Day of Caring: A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to decline the invitation and to send a thank you letter to the Delaware Valley School District. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.
SUBDIVISION REVIEW and ACTION:
Westfall Town Center-Grocery Store-Land Development: Representatives: Attorney John Stieh and Michael Gable, Boucher & James
The Board was in receipt of a recommendation letter dated July 24, 2019 from the Planning Commission.
Mr. Stieh explained the project and noted the following:
- The proposal location is the previous Kmart store in the Westfall Town Center
- 70,000 square feet will be a grocery store
- 40,000 square feet will be retail space
- Truck access is being amended
- 2 new loading ramps are proposed
Mr. Gable explained the traffic pattern change and loading dock additions. It was noted that approval from Pike County Conservation District and the Pike County Planning Office have been obtained.
Brief discussion followed regarding lighting. Mr. Gable stated the lighting will all be fixed when the tenant occupies the space.
Solicitor Bernathy stated there are no other issues and no conditions.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the Westfall Town Center-Grocery Store-Land Development application with no conditions. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: No executive session held.
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m. on a motion by Supervisor Bostinto. Motion seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jodi Manheim
Secretary