Westfall Township, Matamoras, PA

November 5, 2018

The Regular meeting of the Westfall Township Board of Supervisors was held Monday, November 5, 2018 at 7:05 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; Paul Fischer, Robert Bostinto and Paul Schaldonat; Solicitor; Robert Bernathy; Secretary, Jodi Manheim; Treasurer, Scott Myer. Also present were Road Master, Bill Schneider; Westfall Township Fire Department Chief; Robert Llewellyn; Sgt. Zegarski, EPRPD; Emergency Management Coordinator, Michael Fischetta; Zoning Officer; Wayne Rohner;   Nate Oiler, RKR Hess, Jonah Mandelbaum, Landa Copertino and Bryan Copertino. There were approximately 7 members of the general public present.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: The last Executive Session was held October 10, 2018 at 7:44 pm for personnel matters.

 

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENT: No public comment

 

MINUTES:

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to approve the October 1, 2018 Regular Meeting Minutes. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with three in favor and two abstentions.  Chairman Melvin and Supervisor Schaldonat abstained due to their absence at the meeting.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to approve the October 4, 2018 Joint Workshop Meeting Minutes. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with four in favor and one abstention.  Supervisor Schaldonat abstained due to his absence at the meeting.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to approve the October 10, 2018 Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with four in favor and one abstention.  Supervisor Schaldonat abstained due to his absence at the meeting.

 

A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the October 15, 2018 Special Meeting Minutes. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with four in favor and one abstention.  Supervisor Schaldonat abstained due to his absence at the meeting.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to approve the October 26, 2018 Special Meeting Minutes. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with four in favor and one abstention.  Supervisor Schaldonat abstained due to his absence at the meeting.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT: The Treasurer’s Report through the month of October, 2018 presented by Scott Myer.

 

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

 

POLICE REPORT: Sgt. Zegarski gave the report for the month of October, 2018 which reflected the following:

 

Significant Happenings:

-Hung Purple ribbons on the Avenue with Safe Haven in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness

-Conducted coffee with a cop at McDonalds

-Participated in Milford’s Safety Day

-Extra patrols in the Borough of Matamoras for Halloween

-High speed chase from NPS through Township and Borough

 

Miles Patrolled: 5,000

YTD: 50,100

 

Motor Vehicle Accidents: 20

YTD: 150

 

Calls for month: 220

YTD: 2,052

Westfall: 142

Matamoras: 79

 

A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the Police Report for the month of October, 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 October, 2018: 11 Automatic Fire Alarms; 7 Motor Vehicle Accidents; 1 Water Rescue/Dive Team; 2 CO/gas alarms; 1 Standby Transfer; 1 Landing Zone; 12 Controlled Burns; 3 Chief Investigation; 1 Vehicle Fire; 4 Structure Fires  –  Total calls for October, 2018 were 43; 312 calls YTD

 

The EMS Report for the month of October, 2018 was as follows: 70 Calls in Westfall Township; 14 calls in Dingman Township; 5 calls in Milford Township; 13 calls in Milford Borough; 11 calls in Matamoras Borough; 1 calls in Delaware Township; 3 calls in Shohola Township; 1 call in Sussex County, NJ; 3 calls in Orange County, NY. Total calls for October, 2018 were 121.  Total EMS calls YTD are 1129.

 

The combined Year to Date calls are 1,451.

 

Training for the month: Four Drills/In-house training sessions held for 92 hours

 

Other: Submitted for State Accreditation for the Department

 

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

 

Supervisor Bostinto thanked the Department for the great time at their banquet held on November 3^rd and thanked the Department for the invite.

 

 

Mill Rift Fire Department: No Representative present.  Secretary Manheim read the report which reflected the following:

 

10/2/18: Structure Fire-Graham Street-Tanker

10/3/18: Work Night-Ran and checked all vehicles

10/9/18: Monthly Meeting

10/17/18: Work Night Cleaned Fire House-Power Wash

10/19/18: Mutual Aid-Station 39

Fire Alarm-Walmart-Tanker 1

10/20/18: Open House-Mill Rift Fire House

10/24/18: Work Night-Driver Training

10/27/18: Wire Down-Meadow Brook Road-Engine/Support

 

Total Man Hours: 123

Total Equipment Hours: 290

Total Man Hours for the Year: 865

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to approve the Mill Rift Fire Department Report for the month of October, 2018. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.

 

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: Mr. Schneider gave the report for October, 2018 which reflected the following:

 

1. Maintenance on equipment
2. Trucks ready for winter operations
3. 150 tons of salt on order
4. Culvert pipe replacement throughout the township
5. Cold patch on pot holes
6. Cleared culvert pipes and ditches before rain storms
7. Attended Road Task Force Meeting-Penn DOT in need of CDL Drivers
8. Right of way trimming/shoulder work
9. Part Time Plow Driver/Training
10. Attended to a call for tree/wires down on Meadow Brook Court-Glass House Hill
11. Municipal Grounds lawn maintenance
12. Handouts provided for snow in right of way/end of driveways/mailbox clearing

 

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

 

BUILDING/ZONING REPORT: Wayne Rohner gave the report for the month of October, 2018 which reflected the following:

 

2 Building Permits-$369.00

1 Mechanical Permit-$124.50

 

Total Fees $493.50

 

Chairman Melvin asked Mr. Rohner if the GO 24 Store Certificate of Occupancy has been issued yet.  Mr. Rohner said no.  Chairman Melvin also directed Mr. Rohner to check sign compliance throughout the township.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to approve the Building and Zoning Report for the month of October, 2018. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.

 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Mike Fischetta gave the report for the month of October, 2018 which reflected no calls for the month. Mr. Fischetta stated he would be participating in a webinar on November 7, 2018 with the NWS Binghamton to go over the 2018-19 Winter Outlook and preparedness.  Also the Pond Eddy Bridge construction has been completed.

 

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

 

CORRESPONDENCE:  On desk for review.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

• Proposed Fire Code Enforcement Ordinance: Solicitor Bernathy provided a draft ordinance to the Board which incorporates the 2015 International Fire Code which is quite voluminous. He asked that the Board refer this matter to a workshop meeting. The Board will schedule a workshop later in the meeting.

 

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Schaldonat to request that both the Mill Rift Fire Department and Westfall Fire Department submit all documents to insure compliance with the Fire Protection Contract which was effective July 10, 2017. All documents to be submitted by the December 3, 2018 Supervisor Meeting.  The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with all in favor.

 

 

• Highway Department Full Time Employee: Secretary Manheim stated one application has been received. This matter was referred to an executive session at the end of the meeting.

• Cable Company Contract: This matter was referred to the workshop which will be scheduled at the end of the meeting.

• Specification Package for base of proposed salt storage building: Secretary Manheim stated that nothing has been received yet from Kiley Associates, LLC. –This matter was tabled.

• Ralph Burger/Westfall Township-Agreement re: Emergency Access Road: A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the conditions outlined in the September 27, 2018 correspondence from Attorney Thomas Mincer. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with all in favor.

• Westfall Township Ordinance #172: Solicitor Bernathy explained that he received correspondence from the Pike County Planning Office regarding Ordinance #172-Pike Health Properties, LLC/Zone Change. The correspondence said the application was not submitted to the Pike County Planning Office for review and comment. Solicitor Bernathy explained that the Township is in receipt of an email from the applicant’s engineer, Michael Gable, Boucher & James that confirms the application was sent to Pike County Planning on June 5, 2018 prior to the hearing held on August 6, 2018. Therefore, Solicitor Bernathy respectfully disagrees with Mr. Mrozinski from Pike County Planning.

 

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to direct Solicitor Bernathy to send a letter on behalf of the Board of Supervisors to Mr. Mrozinski, Pike County Planning Office in response to letter dated October 2, 2018. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.

 

• Amendment to Regionalization Agreement: A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to sign the Amendment to the Regionalization Agreement document reflecting the change in funding split previously approved by the Board.   The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with all in favor. 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

• Adoption of 2019 Tentative Budget: Mr. Myer explained the General Fund mills are reduced by ½ mill. Chairman Melvin noted the proposed mils as follows: General Fund Mills 5.40; Katz Tax Mills 6.25; Fire Tax Mills 3.00; Capital Roads Mills; 4.70; Debt Service Mills; 2.90 Total 22.25

 

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Fischer to approve/advertise the 2019 tentative budget accordingly in the Pike County Dispatch and the Pocono Record. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Dotey and carries with all in favor.

 

• Proposal to adopt paper rights to portion of Graham Street-Michael and Landa Copertino: Mrs. Copertino and her son, Bryan Copertino addressed the Board. She presented a proposed map of her property at 1035 Graham Street and asked the Board to consider vacating a portion of the Township Road, Graham Street which consists of 50 feet by 82 feet of the unpaved section. Discussion followed. Solicitor Bernathy stated the Supervisors have the power to vacate by ordinance. He noted the following: a) applicant would be responsible for providing a survey by licensed surveyor b) adjacent property owners would be put on notice c) Ordinance process would comply with the Second Class Township Code d) Public Hearing would be required e) vacation of a road is discretionary by the Board of Supervisors f) it is the applicant’s responsibility to provide a draft ordinance for review by the Board. Solicitor Bernathy suggested Mrs. Copertino obtain legal counsel to assist with the process. Chairman Melvin confirmed with Mrs. Copertino that the purpose of the assumption of property would be to construct a privacy fence.

 

 

No action taken by the Board. Mrs. Copertino agreed to provide the necessary documents to the Board to move forward with scheduling a public hearing for a proposed ordinance.

 

• Westfall Senior Apartments/Warwick Properties, Inc.-Informal discussion/potential additional building proposal: Representatives: Nate Oiler, RKR Hess and Johan Mandelbaum, Owner

 

 

Mr. Oiler addressed the Board informally and explained that Mr. Mandelbaum is considering building another 49 unit structure near the previously built senior housing complex off of Hulst Drive. Mr. Mandelbaum stated the rental unit building would be “workforce housing” which would be housing for individuals of 55 years of age and under and disabled individuals.  He noted this would be a conditional use in the C-2 zone.  Discussion followed. Chairman Melvin noted the Westfall Plaza intersection and traffic signal was built to the highest standard possible. Mr. Mandelbaum noted the need for this type of housing and that he has a waiting list of 86 people at this time.  The following was noted by the proposed applicant:

1. Project would not adversely impact the surrounding area
2. Current water and sewer capacity available
3. Sprinkler system will be installed in the proposed facility
4. Structure will be identical to the two buildings already constructed
5. No parking issues
6. Proposed units are 49 plus 1 for superintendent

Chief Llewellyn suggested making the access from the road into the parking wide enough for emergency vehicles. He also suggested a 360 degree driving area around the entire building for emergency fire vehicles.

 

Supervisor Schaldonat noted he is familiar with Mr. Mandelbaum’s construction projects in New York State and that Mr. Mandelbaum built a home for him in Warwick, NY. He also noted that he has no current business relationship with Mr. Mandelbaum.

 

Chairman Melvin noted the proposal is a great idea and that the township’s experience with Mr. Mandelbaum so far has been good and that Mr. Mandelbaum has followed through with all of his commitments.

 

• Correspondence from FEMA-Flood Risk Review Meeting Invitation-November 19, 2018: A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to approve the attendance of Michael Fischetta, Emergency Management Coordinator, Wayne Rohner, Flood Plain Manager and Jerry Dotey, Supervisor. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schaldonat and carries with all in favor.

 

 

Chairman Melvin directed Secretary Manheim to provide Supervisor Schaldonat with the information for the 100 and 700 NIMS Courses.

 

• Correspondence from Pike County Emergency Management Director, Tim Knapp-Meeting Invitation: A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the attendance of Supervisor Bostinto and Michael Fischetta, Emergency Management Coordinator. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with all in favor.

 

 

• Intergovernmental Agreement for Sewer Line Extension: Solicitor Bernathy explained a proposed ordinance, which he provided to the Board for review, for the evaluation/implementation of a sewer line extension from the area of Walmart through Milford Township to Milford Borough. Discussion followed.

 

1.  

A motion was made by Supervisor Bostinto to advertise for the public hearing for proposed ordinance for December 3, 2018 at 6:45 pm. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with all in favor.

 

A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to schedule/advertise for a Supervisor Workshop meeting for November 28, 2018 at 7:00 pm the purposes of discussing the proposed Fire Code Protection Ordinance and the Proposed Cable Company Contract. The motion was seconded by Chairman Melvin and carries with all in favor.

 

• Part Time Snow Plow Drivers: Two application were received earlier in the day. The Board referred this matter to the executive session to be held at the end of the meeting.

 

 

SUBDIVISION REVIEW and ACTION: None

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION:  An executive session was called at 8:21 pm. for personnel matters.  The meeting was called back in session at 8:36 pm.

 

The full time highway department position matter was tabled until the December 3, 2018 Supervisor Meeting Agenda.

 

A motion was made by Vice Chairman Dotey to approve the hiring of Howard Vobis and John Hallman as Part Time Plow Drivers at the rate of $20.00 per hour contingent upon all conditions in the Westfall Township Employee Manual and a criminal background check. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fischer and carries with all in favor.

 

No further action taken.

 

ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m. on a motion by Supervisor Fischer. Motion seconded by Supervisor Bostinto and carries with all in favor

Respectfully Submitted,

Jodi Manheim

Secretary