Westfall Township, Matamoras, PA

February 5, 2018

The Regular meeting of the Westfall Township Board of Supervisors was held Monday, February 5, 2018 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 (arrived at 7:30 pm), Vice Chairman, Jerry Dotey; Supervisors; Paul Fischer, Robert Bostinto and Michelle Wilkins; Solicitor; Robert Bernathy; and Secretary, Jodi Hulse. Also present were Zoning Officer, Wayne Rohner; Road Master, Bill Schneider; Westfall Township Fire Department Chief; Robert Llewellyn; Westfall Fire Department President; Bill Koferl; Mill Rift Fire Chief, Tom Lamb; Chief Eric Stewart; Emergency Management Coordinator, Robert Ewbank; Treasurer, Scott Myer; Commissioner Steve Gucchini, Commissioner Matt Osterberg, Mike Sullivan, John Bell, Michael Gable and approximately 5 members of the general public.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA: A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to approve the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Supervisor Wilkins and carries with all in favor.

PUBLIC COMMENT: No public comment.

MINUTES:

Organization Meeting Minutes-January 2, 2018 and Regular Meeting Minutes-January 2, 2018-A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to approve the January 2, 2018 Organization Meeting Minutes and the January 2, 2018 Regular Meeting Minutes. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with three in favor and one abstention.  Supervisor Wilkins abstained since she was not in attendance as a Supervisor at the meetings on January 2, 2018.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Mr. Myer gave the report through the month of January, 2018.

A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to approve the Treasurer’s report through the month of January, 2018. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with all in favor.

POLICE REPORT:  Chief Eric Stewart gave the report for the month of January, 2018.  The report which reads as follows:

Miles patrolled: 5,064

YTD: 5,064

Motor Vehicle Accidents: 17

YTD: 17

Calls for the month: 151

YTD: 151

Westfall: 98

Matamoras: 53

  Received a $23,000 grant to incorporate crime mapping software into our Report Management System and the County’s

• Attended a Winter Driving Awareness event at Penn Dot office
• Winter Parking Ordinance in still in effect until April 1^st
• The EPRPD Foundation is 3D Archery Shoot on Saturday, May 12, 2018
• Annual Report submitted to the Supervisors

Supervisor Bostinto questioned employee benefit costs. Chief Stewart suggested the matter be discussed at the Police Commission meeting since the Secretary of the Police Commission could provide any financial information needed.

Supervisor Fischer congratulated Chief Stewart for his ten years of service.

A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to approve the Police Department Report for the month of January, 2018. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with all in favor.

FIRE DEPARTMENTS:

Westfall Fire Department:  Chief Llewellyn read the report for January, 2018:  2 Automatic Fire Alarms, 5 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 3 Chief Investigation, 1 Water Rescue, 1 Gas Leak, 1 Utility Tree Down, 1 Landing Zone, 1 CO alarm, 1 Public Service, 1 Traffic Control and 15 Structure Fires.  Total calls for January, 2018 were 32; 32 calls YTD

The EMS Report for the month of January, 2018 was as follows: 69 Calls in Westfall Township, 13 Calls in Dingman Township, 7 calls in Milford Township, 15 calls in Milford Borough, 19 calls in Matamoras Borough, 4 call in Shohola Township, 1 call in Delaware Township, 1 call in Sussex County, NJ and 6 calls in Orange County, NY.  Total calls for January, 2018 were 135.  Total EMS calls YTD are 135.

The combined Year to Date calls are 167.

Training for the month: Four drills/In-house training sessions held for 76 hours

Fundraising: May 12-Annual Golf Outing-High Point Country Club

August 10-Pulled Pork Dinner

Other: EMS Subscription drive out to residents currently; Go 24 store hydrant not installed; Best Western Dry Hydrant not repaired; Roy Rogers knox box not installed.

A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to approve the Westfall Fire Department report for the month of January, 2018. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.

Mill Rift Fire Department: Chief Lamb gave the report for the month of January, 2018.  It read as follows:

1/02/18: Structure Fire-Martowicz Court-Engine and Tanker

01/03/18: Work Night-ran and checked all vehicles

01/09/18: Monthly Meeting

01/17/18: Work Night- Fire House Maintenance

01/20/18: Structure Fire-Minisink Lanes-Route 209-Tanker 1

01/24/18: Work Night-went over engine

01/31/14: Work Night-Equipment Maintenance-Tanker 1

Total Man Hours: 117

Total Equipment Hours: 40

Total Man Hours for the Year: 117

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: Mr. Schneider gave the report for January, 2018.

Mr. Schneider stated the department applied material to all roads for four storms. They maintained all equipment and cleared culverts for storms.  Pot holes were filled.  Mr. Schneider attended the Road Task Force Meeting for January.  He also met twice with a representative from Pike County Power and Light regarding the lights in the parking lot at the township office building.  Mr. Schneider noted that Kiley Associates, LLC has been working on the Decker Lane issue.  He noted that salt has been ordered and that he may need to order from a private distributor due to the recent amount of storms in a short period of time.

A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to approve the Highway Department Report for January, 2018. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Wilkins and carries with all in favor.

BUILDING/ZONING REPORT:  Wayne Rohner gave the report for January, 2018. He confirmed there were 1 electrical, 2 mechanical and 1 Planning Permit for the month of January, 2018 totaling $863.50 in fees.

A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to approve the Building/Zoning Report for January, 2018. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Wilkins and carries with all in favor.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Mr. Ewbank read the report for January, 2018.  There were no calls for the month of January, 2018.  Mr. Ewbank updated the point of contact information for the Verizon Wireless account to Jodi Hulse and himself.

A motion was made by Supervisor Wilkins to approve the report for January, 2018. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with all in favor.

CORRESPONDENCE:  On desk for review.   

OLD BUSINESS:  

• Proposed Fire Code Enforcement Ordinance: This matter was directed to executive session to be held later in the meeting.
• Emergency Access Road-Township Property-Delaware Drive to Decker Lane: This matter was directed to executive session to be held later in the meeting.
• Township Building-Parking Lot Lighting: This matter was tabled. Mr. Schneider is waiting for a quote from Pike County Power and Light. Supervisor Bostinto directed Mr. Schneider to also obtain a quote for a light at the Price Chopper intersection
• Municipal Expansion-Highway Department: Supervisor Bostinto stated that he has been in contact with Charles Garnett at the USDA regarding possible financing for this project. This matter was tabled until the next workshop meeting.

A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to schedule a Supervisor Workshop for February 13, 2018 at 6:00 pm. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Wilkins and carries with all in favor. 

NEW BUSINESS:

• Letter from Planning Commission-Component 2-Sewage Planning Module-Sylvan Ridge Farm-232 Cummins Hill Road-Resolution 2018-3: A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to enact Resolution 2018-3 to approve the Component 2 Sewage Planning Module for Sylvan Ridge Farm. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Wilkins and carries with all in favor.

• Open Space Grant Bank Account (2011): Mr. Myer explained that this account has been inactive for several years and that the grant money was spent. The balance was actually money that came from the general fund originally.A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to close the account and move the balance to the general fund. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with all in favor.

• Change December 25, 2018 Planning Meeting to December 18, 2018: A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to change the December 25, 2018 Planning Meeting to December 18, 2018. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Wilkins and carries with all in favor.

• Letter from Westfall Municipal Authority-Vacancy on Board: A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to appoint Supervisor Fischer to the vacancy on the Municipal Authority Board. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with three in favor and one abstention. Supervisor Fischer abstained.

• Approval for Wayne Rohner, Zoning Officer to attend FEMA Course-February 26, 2018 through March 1, 2018-Cost $200: Secretary Hulse noted there was also a course at Middle Smithfield Township for Zoning March 6, 13 and 20^th that Mr. Rohner is also interested in attending. The cost is $75.00. A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to approve the payment for both courses. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Wilkins and carries with all in favor.

• Resignation Letter dated January 25, 2018-Richard Mai: Vice Chairman Dotey read the letter. A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to accept Mr. Mai’s resignation effective March 28, 2018. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Wilkins and carries with all in favor.

• Decker Lane Drainage Study-Kiley Associates, LLC-dated February 5, 2018: This matter was tabled until the February 13, 2018 Supervisor Workshop Meeting.

• Sketch Plan-Informal Presentation-Westfall Senior Center Facility-Senior Health Care Solutions, LLC: Representatives: Michael Gable- Boucher & James and Michael Kelly-Senior Health Care Solutions-Mr. Gable explained the proposal to the Board along with presenting a proposed plan. He noted the following:

1. Proposed location behind Lowes
2. Area is in flood plain-area will be filled in
3. Easement to be obtained for emergency access
4. Public water and sewer

Chairman Melvin joined the meeting.

1. 70 beds to be provided
2. There is a need for skilled nursing beds
3. Fire suppression system
4. Mr. Sullivan and Pike County Commissioners have put a lot of work into this proposal
5. Proposal is not assisted living
6. Proposal resembles hotel
7. Private dining
8. Recreation activities
9. Creation of 105 full time jobs

Discussion followed regarding flooding concerns. Mr. Koferl noted the increase in EMS calls.

Mr. Rohner confirmed the nursing home use is permitted in the C-2 Zone. Solicitor Bernathy noted this proposal is informal and that the applicant will need to go through the formal process and that the Supervisors will not pre-judge the matter.  The only issue the Supervisors noted was flooding.

No comment by Chief Llewellyn.

No comment by Chief Stewart.

No further comment was made. 

SUBDIVISION REVIEW and ACTION:

• Delaware Valley School District-CTE (Career Technical Education) Addition-Final Land Development Plan: Letter from Planning Commission: Representatives: Don Flynn, Burkavage Design Associates; Jeffrey Jerome, Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.; Dr. John Bell:

Mr. Jerome explained the addition to the vo-tech area of the building.

Chief Stewart stated that the school district has agreed to grant camera access to the Police Department for emergency purposes only. Mr. Bell stated he spoke with Chief Chad Stewart earlier in the day and they have come to an agreement.

Supervisor Fischer brought up the side walk issue. Discussion followed.  Mr. Bell noted that Penn DOT made the school district move the trees from the right of way.  He stated that he is not sure that Penn DOT would allow the sidewalks.  Additional discussion followed.

Mr. Bell pledged to put funding towards the bond amount to install the sidewalks at some point in the future.

A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the Final Land Development Plan for the CTE Addition to the Delaware Valley High School Complex with the conditions noted in the January 29, 2018 Planning Commission letter to the Board of Supervisors. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Wilkins and carries with all in favor.

A motion was made by Chairman Melvin to approve the waiver request from Section 305.1 of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance in regard to posting a financial guarantee for the project. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: An executive session was called at 8:05 pm for personnel and land exchange purposes.

The meeting was called back to order at 8:58 pm. No decisions were made. Chairman Melvin stated discussion was also held regarding Fire Department Mutual Aid.

ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. on a motion by Vice Chairman Dotey. Motion seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jodi Hulse

Secretary