Westfall Township, Matamoras, PA
July 1, 2019
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The Regular meeting of the Westfall Township Board of Supervisors was held Monday, July 1, 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 Fischer, 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 Representative; Michael Pflanz; Pike County Light and Power Representative; Steve Grandinali and approximately 2 members of the general public.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: The last executive session was held on May 20, 2019 at 7:29 pm for personnel matters.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Chairman Melvin added “Easement Agreement” for the Heater Hill Emergency Repair as #6 under Old Business. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the revised agenda. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.
PUBLIC COMMENT: No public comment.
MINUTES:
June 3, 2019-Regular Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Supervisor Schaldonat to approve the June 3, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Scott Myer was absent. This matter was tabled.
POLICE REPORT: Chief Stewart gave the report for the month of June, 2019. The report reflects the following:
13 Adult Arrests
5 Investigations
22 Motor Vehicle Crashes
3 Assaults
6 Thefts
1 Motor Vehicle Thefts
8 Fraud
1 Stolen Property Recovery
4 Vandalism
1 Weapons Offense
6 Drug Abuse
2 DUI
6 Drunkeness
8 Disorderly Conduct
4 All other
Significant Happenings:
*All officers completed 12 hours of Legal Updates
*Department presented “Sit Back It’s Elementary” seatbelt program to DVES Students
*Officers completed firearms training
*Sportsman’s Raffle Tickets are available to support Foundation
*Law & Leadership Academy begins July 8, 2019
A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to approve the June, 2019 Police Report. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.
WESTFALL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Mike Pflanz gave the report for the month of June, 2019 which reflects the following: Automatic Fire Alarms-9; Grill Fire-1; Investigation Chief-1; Investigation Outside-2; MVA-6; Structure Fire-3; Water Rescue-2; Wires Down-1. The total fire calls 25.
YTD: 129
Man Hours:62.08
Man Hours YTD: 288.68
The EMS Report for the month of June, 2019 was as follows: Dingman Township-20; Matamoras Borough-15; Milford Boro-11; Milford Township-4; Orange County-6; Shohola Township-1; Westfall Township-57; Total-114
YTD: 517; Man Hours-175; Man Hours YTD-681
Training for the month: 4 in house drills for a total of 120 Training hours-Department will be attending the Port Jervis Fireman’s Day Parade on Saturday July 13
Brief discussion was held regarding ambulance coverage.
A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to approve the Westfall Fire Department report for the month of June, 2019. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: Mr. Schneider gave the report for June, 2019 which reflects the following:
- Heaters Hill Paving Project Complete
- Met with Penn DOT Representative regarding pedestrian tunnel
- Penn DOT will take care of fence in five places in Pedestrian Tunnel area
- Mr. Schneider attended the Road Task Force Meeting
- Cleared township rights of way
- Cold patching was done throughout the township
- Hot patching was done on Bluestone Boulevard
- Mr. Schneider worked on the Heaters Hill Slide project-coordination with Engineer and DEP
- Obtaining quotes on the emergency access road
- Maintenance was done on compost area
- Pot Holes filled on Fire Tower Road and in Pond Eddy
- Cleared Culvert pipes and ditches on Cummins Hill, Bluestone Boulevard, Keystone Park and Glass House Hill
- Corresponded with Kiley Associates, LLC regarding salt shed specifications/location
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the Highway Department Report for June, 2019. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.
BUILDING/ZONING REPORT: Jeff Cammerino gave the report for June, 2019 which reflects the following:
5 Building Permits totaling $1,582.50 in fees; 6 Zoning Permits totaling $900.00. Total Fees received for the month of June, 2019; $2,482.50.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the Building/Zoning Report for July, 2019. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Mike Fischetta was absent. Chairman Melvin read the Emergency Management Report for the month of June, 2019. The report is on file at the Township Office.
A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to approve the Emergency Management Report for the month of June, 2019. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE: On desk for review.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Specification Package for base of proposed salt storage building: The Board is still waiting for the specification package from Kiley Associates, LLC for advertising. This matter was tabled until the next Special Meeting.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to schedule/advertise a Special Meeting for the purposes of discussing the Specification Package for base of proposed salt storage building and any other business that may come before the board for Tuesday, June 9, 2019 at 7:00 pm. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.
- Modification of Township Building/Police Department Relocation: Vice Chairman Dotey stated one quote was received from the one contractor that responded to the township after calling the three contractors which is required by Second Class Township Code. A written quote was received from Thomas Lamb, Contractor, at a rate of $30.00 per hour for approximately 150 to 200 hours to include the electrical work at a rate of $35.00 per hour for approximately 40 hours. Most (90%) of the materials needed for the job will be purchased by the Township from the Home Depot at a discounted rate of $3,979.00. It was noted that the cost of the labor and material would comply with the Second Class Township Code Sections 3102 (a) and (b.1).
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the written quote from Thomas Lamb at a rate of $30.00 per hour for approximately 150 to 200 hours to finish the lower level of the township building to include the electrical work at $35.00 per hour for approximately 40 hours subject to the Contract prepared by the Township Solicitor and for the purchase of the materials from Home Depot at approximately $3,979.00. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.
- Pedestrian Tunnel: Discussion was held regarding graffiti in the tunnel and tunnel drainage. It was noted that Mr. Shay has agreed to assist with placing a drainage pipe to alleviate the water issue. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of having Eagle Scouts volunteer to paint. Mrs. Manheim was directed to contact the Township’s Insurance carrier to check the coverage for volunteers. Chairman Melvin stated this matter is not urgent at this time and there are many projects of more importance to be done.
Mr. Schneider agreed to obtain a price on graffiti-proof paint. This matter was tabled.
- Emergency Access Road: Mr. Schneider stated he has a specification sheet and will obtain three quotes from contractors next week. This matter was tabled.
- Act 537 Special Study-Letter and Survey to Residents: Chairman Melvin explained a letter will be sent to the residents regarding the sewer expansion project. The draft letter was sent to the Board for review and approval.
A motion was made by Chairman Melvin to approve the project as designated. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with all in favor.
- Easement Agreement: Solicitor Bernathy provided the Easement Agreement for the Heaters Hill Emergency Repair to the Board for disposition. He also thanked Mr. and Mrs. Ellison for the easement.
A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to approve the Easement Agreement for signatures. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Amendment #1 to Pike County Scenic Rural Character Preservation Program Grant Contract: A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to approve the Amendment #1 to the Pike County Scenic Rural Character Preservation Program Grant Contract. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.
- 2009 Chevy Silverado -350 4X4: Brief discussion followed. A motion was made by Supervisor Schaldonat to approve the sale/advertising of the vehicle including plow and spreader with a minimum bid of $12,000 with sealed bids to be opened at the August 5, 2019 Regular Supervisor Meeting. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.
- Plow Driver Application: A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to hire Mr. James Scheuer as a part time snow plow driver at a rate of $15.00 for a non CDL Driver per hour subject to a background check and all requirements in the Township Employee Manual. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.
- Grant Writer Services-Contract: Solicitor Bernathy reviewed the contract submitted by Mr. James Martin at a cost of $1,250.00. A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to approve the contract at a rate of $1,250.00 with Mr. Martin. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.
- Flood Gate Demonstration: Mr. Schneider explained that within the next two weeks there will be demonstration by Morgan Site Contractors of the flood protection system. This matter was tabled and will be placed on the agenda for the July 9, 2019 Special Meeting.
- Flood Insurance Renewal: Discussion followed. The insurance coverage is only for building coverage and not contents. Mrs. Manheim was directed to contact the township insurance agent to check the availability of content coverage. This matter was tabled until the July 9, 2019 Special Meeting.
- Correspondence from Pioneer Construction-Delaware Drive Construction/Mill Rift: Chairman Melvin read the letter regarding the one lane closure in Mill Rift due to slide remediation to make the public aware of the situation. No action required.
- Pike County Light and Power Light –Six Month Update: Mr. Grandinali gave a six month update to the Board and noted the following:
- Fully staffed-four customer service representatives
- Full underground and overhead crew
- Gas technician on call
- Focusing on the main line which is the back bone of the electric system
- Inspected over 1700 poles
- Will be replacing over 500 poles
- Tree trimming completed
- Drone flew over service territory looking for hot spots and top of pole inspections
The Board thanked Mr. Grandinali for the update.
- Letter from Ms. Houlden regarding Reuben Bell Drive: Chairman Melvin read the correspondence regarding the request of center line painting on Reuben Bell Drive. Brief discussion followed.
A motion was made by Chairman Melvin to send a response letter to Ms. Houlden to thank her for bringing this matter to the Board’s attention but the Second Class Township Code does not require lines to be painted and that there was no line painted previously on Reuben Bell Drive. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.
SUBDIVISION REVIEW and ACTION:
None
EXECUTIVE SESSION: No executive session held.
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m. on a motion by Vice Chairman Dotey. Motion seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jodi Manheim
Secretary
