Westfall Township

Regular Supervisor Meeting Minutes-June 3, 2019

Westfall Township, Matamoras, PA

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June 3, 2019

 

The Regular meeting of the Westfall Township Board of Supervisors was held Monday, June 3, 2019 at 7:01 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; Treasurer, Scott Myer; Zoning Officer, Jeff Cammerino. Also present were Road Master, Bill Schneider; EPRPD Chief, Chad Stewart; Emergency Management Coordinator, Mike Fischetta; Westfall Township Fire Department President; Bill Koferl; Stephen Steeneck; Geri McKinney; Robin Waizenegger; John Dalton; Roland Edwards and approximately six 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:

 

A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the agenda with no changes. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT: Robin Waizenegger addressed the Board.  She asked if a scope of work has been submitted to the township for the Cummins Hill Road project.  Solicitor Bernathy stated that Penn Dot is not required to submit plans to the Township.  Secretary Manheim stated that no plans have been received.  Brief discussion followed.

 

Mr. Dalton addressed the Board. He stated he has attended several Matamoras Borough Council meetings over the past four years.  He noted specifically a 2014 Police Commission meeting where he submitted a presentation on Police Department funding cost split.  Chairman Melvin stated that this matter has already been addressed and fixed.  Mr. Dalton asked Chairman Melvin not to interrupt.  He noted that Matamoras Borough lost $145,000 on paper.  Mr. Dalton stated he does not agree with the revised split and he provided a spread sheet to the Board and to one member of the public, Roland Edwards.  Also noted was that Mr. Dalton would like to see 100% attendance by the Board of Supervisors and the Matamoras Borough Council at the joint workshop in September.  Mr. Dalton stated he does not want the police department to be affected.

 

Chairman Melvin thanked Mr. Dalton.

 

No further public comment.

 

MINUTES:

 

May 6, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to approve the May 6, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with four in favor and one abstention.  Chairman Melvin abstained due to his absence at the meeting.

 

May 20, 2019 Special Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Chairman Melvin to approve the May 20, 2019 Special Meeting Minutes. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with all in favor.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT: The Treasurer’s Report through the month of May, 2019 was presented by Mr. Myer.  Mr. Myer noted that Real Estate Tax Collection is at roughly 95% and that expenses are in line.

 

A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the Treasurer’s Report through the month of May, 2019. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with all in favor.

 

POLICE REPORT:  Chief Stewart gave the report for the month of May, 2019.  The report reflects the following:

 

Juvenile Arrests   4

Adult Arrests       19

Investigations       5

Motor Vehicle Crashes 20

Assaults 1

Thefts   16

Motor Vehicle Thefts 1

Fraud   2

Vandalism   3

Weapons Offense 1

Drug Abuse 4

Drunkeness 6

Disorderly Conduct 7

All other 5

 

Significant Happenings:

 

Discussion followed regarding seatbelt laws and cell phone/texting use while driving.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to approve the May, 2019 Police Report. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.

 

WESTFALL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Bill Koferl gave the report for the month of May, 2019 which reflects the following: Assist EMS-1; Automatic Fire Alarm-8; Chief Investigation-2; CO Alarm-2; Elevator Rescue-1; Structure Fire-3; Vehicle Fire-2; Water Rescue-2; Wire Down-1.  The total fire calls 28.

 

YTD: 104

Man Hours:39.82

Man Hours YTD: 226.60

 

The EMS Report for the month of May, 2019 was as follows: Delaware TWP-1; Dingman TWP-6; Matamoras Borough-11; Milford Borough-13; Milford Township-7; Orange County-2; Shohola Township-1; Westfall Township-32; Total-73

 

YTD: 403; Man Hours-167; Man Hours YTD-506

 

Training for the month: Mutual Aid water ops drill with Port Jervis FD-22.5 Man hours; Mutual Aid vehicle extrication drill with Milford FD-15 man hours; Mutual Aid structural burn drill with Highland Falls FD and Cornwall on Hudson FD- 20 Man Hours; 3 in house drills-45.5 man hours:  Total training hours-103 Man Hours

 

Discussion followed regarding the number of ambulance calls and the status of Commonwealth Ambulance service coverage. Mr. Koferl stated that Port Jervis Ambulance has been assisting Westfall Township.

 

A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the Westfall Fire Department report for the month of May, 2019. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.

 

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: Mr. Schneider gave the report for May, 2019 which reflects the following:

 

Mr. Schneider stated the Chevrolet Pick Up/plow/spreader is ready to be put out for bid. Also, the price for the emergency road should be under $25,000.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to approve the Highway Department Report for May, 2019. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.

 

BUILDING/ZONING REPORT:  Jeff Cammerino gave the report for May, 2019 which reflects the following:

2 Building Permits totaling $1,108.50 in fees;  8 Zoning Permits totaling $900.00.  Total Fees received for the month of May, 2019; $2,008.50.

 

Chairman Melvin directed Mr. Cammerino to address illegal signs throughout the township. Mr. Cammerino stated he has been working on businesses throughout the township.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to approve the Building/Zoning Report for May, 2019. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.

 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Mr. Fischetta gave the report for May, 2019 which reflects the following:

There were no calls for the month of May. Over the last month there were multiple severe weather events and warnings issued that were closely monitored by EMA and resulted in no action needed.  Progress is being made on updated the township’s EOP and notification and resource manual.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to approve the Emergency Management Report for the month of May, 2019. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.

 

CORRESPONDENCE:  On desk for review.

OLD BUSINESS:

 

 

 

A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the Cable Company Contract/Franchise Agreement-Ordinance #174. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with four in favor and one abstention. Supervisor Bostinto abstained due to his employment at Spectrum.

 

  1. Specification Package for base of proposed salt storage building: This matter was tabled until Kiley Associates, LLC provides the specification package.

 

  1. Specification Package for Modification of Township Building/Police Relocation: Discussion followed regarding legal requirements for letting of bids/advertising. Vice Chairman Dotey stated that the Westfall Home Depot is willing to make a donation of material to the township for this project. He is waiting for a call regarding the materials to be donated. The Board showed their appreciation for the proposed donation and help to the community. Further discussion took place regarding bidding requirements. Solicitor Bernathy read the Second Class Township Code and confirmed the Board may obtain at least three phone/written quotes from qualified contractors for pricing between $11,700 and $20,600.

A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to obtain at least three written quotes from qualified insured contractors to include name of contractor, subject, work specifications and price of work to be done to remodel the lower level of the township building for the Police Department Relocation. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor.

 

 

 

Solicitor Bernathy directed Secretary Manheim to forward the property owner information for the preparation of an encroachment agreement.

 

 

Mr. Koferl asked about the usage of the Mill Rift sub-station adjacent to the township building. Chairman Melvin stated research needs to be done pertaining to ISO (insurance rating).

 

No action was taken.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

 

A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to send a letter of support to the Pike County Light and Power Company for the Hometown Hero flag project. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor

Penn State Extension-PSATS Youth Service Award: Brief discussion followed regarding donations. Solicitor Bernathy stated he would need to research this matter. This matter was tabled. No action was taken.

 

 

        Stephen Steeneck and Kenneth Kirchoff-Proposed Fireworks Business: Stephen Steeneck was present.

 

Solicitor Bernathy stated that this is the third meeting Mr. Steeneck has attended on an informal basis. Solicitor Bernathy stated the following regarding Mr. Steeneck’s proposal:

  1. Proposal is informal
  2. No formal application for a temporary zoning permit or application for a conditional use approval has been submitted although same was requested from the applicant, and, as a result, there was nothing before the Supervisors to act upon.
  3. Mr. Steeneck was told not to rely on any representations made at this evening’s meeting since the proposal is informal only as noted.
  4. The proposal is repetitive and he is not presenting any new information for the Supervisors to consider.
  5. The Township Zoning Officer has gone out of his way to be accommodating-provided copies of ordinances after most recent planning meeting
  6. A conditional use is needed for the proposal of a use not provided for in the zoning ordinance

 

Mr. Steeneck stated he was told something different at the last planning workshop meeting. Solicitor Bernathy stated it has not changed.  It is a zoning matter with regard to an application for a temporary zoning permit and a conditional use application as was discussed informally at previous planning commission meetings.  Solicitor Bernathy stated that Mr. Steeneck addressing the Board of Supervisors has, without new information, no purpose and that the Supervisors have no jurisdiction over zoning and cannot act upon a conditional use application which has not been filed.  Mr. Steeneck repeatedly questioned that he is in need of clarification and proper answers.  Solicitor Bernathy stated that the zoning officer has, and will continue, to accommodate him to a certain extent as it is not the township’s position to overly assist an applicant.  Solicitor Bernathy also suggested that Mr. Steeneck obtain legal advice since he has no working knowledge of the township ordinances.  Zoning Officer Cammerino stated he just received, two hours ago, two zoning permit applications and that the proposal as changed since the applicant was last before planning and that he would review the permit applications as soon as possible.

 

No further comment.

 

  1. Pedestrian Tunnel-Reuben Bell Drive: Mr. Schneider addressed the Board and stated there is a water issue in the pedestrian tunnel at Reuben Bell Drive. Discussion followed regarding the water issue and possible lighting in the tunnel.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to send a letter to ask Penn DOT to ask the department to take a visual of the drainage issue at the tunnel for remedy and to repair damage to the fence by the trailer park for security purposes. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.

 

 

SUBDIVISION REVIEW and ACTION:

 

None

EXECUTIVE SESSION: No executive session held.

ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m. on a motion by Supervisor Fischer. Motion seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jodi Manheim

Secretary