Board Of Supervisors Meeting Minutes 2010

 

Franklin Township, Adams County

Board of Supervisors

Reorganizational / Regular Meeting

January 4, 2010

 

SUPERVISORS PRESENT: Sandra Spence, Ed Sharrah and Daniel Fetter,

OTHERS PRESENT: Craig Zack, KPI Technology; Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology; Walton Davis, Solicitor; Lori Killinger, Office Manager/Secretary/Treasurer

 

The meeting, held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, was called to order at 1:00 p.m. by Supervisor Sandra Spence.  The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in unison.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to appoint Ed Sharrah as temporary Chairman.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to appoint Lori Killinger as temporary Secretary.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

REORGANIZATION

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to elect Ed Sharrah as Chairman of the Board.  Motion carried, 3-0.

           

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to elect Daniel Fetter as Vice-Chairman of the Board.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to appoint Lori Killinger as Office Manager/Secretary/Treasurer setting the wage at $19.67 per hour.  Motion carried, 3-0.

           

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to establish the Treasurer’s Bond at $600,000.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to establish the Sewer Secretary’s Bond at $600,000.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to appoint Jamie Gebhart as Sewer Secretary setting the wage at $13.50 per hour.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to appoint Jeff Black as the Road Crew Foreman setting the wage at $16.73 per hour.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to appoint Curtis MacBeth, Eddie Pritt and Dale Byers as full-time Road Crew employees setting the wages at $14.73, $14.25 and $14.25 per hour, respectively.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to appoint Matthew Williams and Daniel Gebhart as part-time snow removal employees setting their wages at $15.00 per hour.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to appoint Commonwealth Code Inspection Services – David Lutz – as the Code Enforcement Officer setting the wage at $35.00 per hour. 

Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to appoint Land & Sea Services – Wilbur Slothour – as the Zoning Officer.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to appoint Walton V. Davis as the Township Solicitor.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to appoint KPI Technology as the Township’s Engineering Firm.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Fetter, to appoint Gil Picarelli as the Sewage Enforcement Officer.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to appoint Dominic Picarelli and Leah Heine as the alternate Sewage Enforcement Officers.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to appoint Stacy Degler as Office Cleaning Personnel.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

The appointment of a Vacancy Board member was tabled until the February meeting.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to appoint Dennis Robinson to the Franklin Township Planning Commission for another term.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to appoint Robert Cullison as a Municipal Authority member for another term. Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to appoint Elizabeth Fetter as a Zoning Hearing Board member and Barbara Platt as alternate Zoning Hearing Board member for another term.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to appoint Lori Killinger as Open Records Officer.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to appoint Sandra Spence and Lori Killinger as Representative and Alternative Representative, respectively, to the Board of Directors of the York Adams Tax Bureau.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to establish PLGIT and Adams County National Bank as the depositories for Township funds.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to certify Ed Sharrah as the State Convention Delegate and the Voting Delegate for Franklin Township.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve Land and Sea’s 2010 fee schedule.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve KPI Technology’s 2010 fee schedule.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve the IRS mileage reimbursement rate of $0.50 per mile.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to set the 2010 Board of Supervisors meetings for the first Thursday after the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00p.m.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to establish the 2010 holidays observed as the same as 2009 for Township employees.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

There being no further business to conduct, the reorganizational meeting was adjourned at 1:13 p.m. and the regular meeting was immediately called to order.

 

REGULAR MEETING

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to approve the minutes of the December meeting as pre-read by the Supervisors.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

APPROVAL OF BILL LIST #1

MOTION  by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve Bill List #1, General Fund checks 28475-28598 totaling $69,392.10, Sewer Fund checks 1248-1263 totaling $627,088.23 and CDBG Account checks 1004-1011 totaling $17,826.56.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

PLANS

            None

 

REPORTS

Secretary Killinger reported that Sturgill Trostle had started the township’s 2009 audit.

 

Supervisor Spence reported that she attended a Council of Government (COG) meeting in December.  She announced that there would be a meeting on January 12th  for road foremen to coordinate services and use of equipment.  There was also a discussion at the COG meeting on getting a contract for website assistance for townships.

Supervisor Spence also reported that a joint public hearing would be held concerning the Northwest Comprehensive Plan on January 21st at the Biglerville Fire Hall.

 

Supervisor Sharrah suggested a quarterly township newsletter be written.  There was discussion on the cost of mailing a newsletter.

 

Supervisor Fetter read the Road Crew Foreman report for December.  The road crew was called out several times for trees down on roads.  The road crew did maintenance on Units #3, #13, #5, #6 and #11; cold patched holes as needed and filled spots on dirt roads; opened ditches and tile inlets; anti-skidded and plowed snow; installed safety delineators on Old Route 30; and replaced road signs.

 

Supervisor Fetter asked the other Supervisors for their opinion on having the interior of the township building painted.  Supervisor Spence preferred to wait.

 

Supervisor Sharrah read the Code Enforcement Officer’s report for the month of December.  There were 10 code violations involving the need for address markers, junk vehicles and yard waste.  9 of these violations were cleared.

 

Supervisor Sharrah reported that, for the month of December, 4 building permits were issued with a total construction value of $49,800.  1 sexually oriented business license was also issued.

Supervisor Sharrah also read the Zoning Officer’s year end report for 2009.  During 2009, 52 building permits were issued with a total construction value of $2,439,530.  In addition, 11 sign permits, 18 land use permits, 5 home occupation permits, 5 storage of moveable dwelling unit permits, 1 sexually oriented business permit and 46 occupancy permits were issued.

 

Craig Zack, KPI Technology, updated the Supervisors on the status of the Cashtown/McKnightstown sewer project.  As part of the closeout of the Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP), the Highway Restoration and Maintenance Bond provided by Mendon Pipeline, Inc. was recently released.

After closure of Contract #1, closeout of the EPA STAG grant could begin.

There were a few minor issues still being addressed by Mendon Pipeline, Inc. for contract closure.  Zack summarized these issues.

 

Mendon Pipeline, Inc. submitted a request for final payment.  There was discussion on the list of issues Mendon Pipeline, Inc. had left to address and the release of final payment.

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve the payment request for Mendon Pipeline, Inc. in the amount of $154,585.61 contingent upon KPI’s list of issues being satisfactorily addressed.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

            Due to a holdup of the November payment request to Pennvest, the previously approved payment request could still not be submitted.  Zack asked for authorization to sign the next payment request if it was ready prior to the next Board of Supervisors meeting.

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve and sign, upon preparation, the reimbursement request for Pennvest.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Zack provided the township with a copy of his response to the Construction Project Control Review performed in April 2009.  Pennvest approval of this response was required for closure on the Pennvest award.

 

OLD BUSINESS

None

 

NEW BUSINESS

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to set the date for a public hearing on the proposed addition to Agricultural Security Area #3 as February 4, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. and to authorize its advertising,  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to authorize the bidding of the 2010 road materials, stone hauling & various equipment and to authorize its advertising.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

There was discussion on the bond release for Hauser Estate, Inc.  Solicitor Davis recommended a revised “as built” plan be approved and recorded before the bond was released.  A note should also be included on the plan indicating how and why it was different from the original plan.

 

            A final requirement for approval of the SPECO subdivision plan was the approval of right-of-way agreements for the Poplar Springs sandmound system to the two lots created by this subdivision plan.

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve the SPECO right of way agreements for 2 lots on Poplar Springs Road.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

GUESTS

Greg Newman, High Street resident, was present to discuss the increased sewer fees he was assessed due to the childcare business in his home.  He asked if he could pay the additional $2,000 in installments as he was already connected when he received notice of the increased fee.  Supervisor Fetter explained that several businesses in addition to his were brought up by a resident at the October Board of Supervisors meeting.  This occurred after the connection notices had been mailed.  Supervisor Sharrah stated the Board would discuss his request and get back to him.

 

There being no further business to conduct, meeting adjourned at 1:55 p.m.

                                                                       

Respectfully submitted,

Lori J. Killinger

Office Manager/Secretary/Treasurer

 
Franklin Township, Adams County
Board of Supervisors

Public Hearing – February 4, 2010

SUPERVISORS PRESENT:  Sandra Spence, Ed Sharrah and Daniel Fetter
OTHERS PRESENT:  Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology; Walton Davis, Solicitor; Jamie

Gebhart, Sewer Secretary

 
PUBLIC HEARING
The hearing was held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, and called to

order at 6:47 PM by Supervisor Ed Sharrah re: Resolution 2010-01 proposed

addition to Agricultural Security Area #3.

 

There was discussion on the Ernie Shriver property and questions were asked

about what the Ag security area protects and Supervisor Spence answered that the only

thing Ag security area protects people from is nuisance ordinances and it also if in the

future the owner wants to acquire ag preservation funding the property will need to be

in an ag security area whether the land is preserved through the ag program or land

conservancy.  Future plans for the property are unknown.

 

There being no further comments from the audience.

 

The public Hearing was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jamie Gebhart

Sewer Secretary

 

Franklin Township, Adams County

Board of Supervisors

Regular Meeting

February 4, 2010

 
REGULAR MEETING
The meeting was held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, and called to order at 7:00 PM by Supervisor Ed Sharrah, The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in unison.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, approve the minutes of the January Reorganization/Regular Meeting minutes as pre-read by the Supervisors.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to approve Bill List #2, General Fund checks 28599-28695 totaling $93,341.44, Sewer Fund checks 1264-1285 totaling $33,702.06 and CDBG Account checks 1012-1022 totaling $31,762.97.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence to approve the Sewage Module by Marsh Creek, LLC.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence to approve  Preliminary Plans and waiver submitted by RB Enterprises. Motion carried, 3-0.

 

There was discussion of the property being subdivided is the lot north of Crossroads restaurant.  Concerns were made by Supervisor Fetter to all when submitting plans to include possible water problems and to address where the water will be rerouted to avoid future problems.  Gil Picarilli, KPI Technology reported that they was discussion at the Planning Commission Hearing of access to the property by obtaining an occupancy permit from the state or a driveway permit through the township.  What has been proposed is an easement to the property from Hilltown Rd which will still meet township requirements.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence to approve Resolution 2010-01 – Proposal for an addition to Agricultural Security Area #3.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 
REPORTS
Supervisor Spence reported that she attended a Tax Committee Meeting January 14, 2010.  She announced that the discussed the by-laws and the meeting was continued until March 4, 2010. She also attended a Tax Bureau meeting on January 25th, the township is now being assessed a 2% collection fee on earned income tax beginning in 2010.  She also attended Council of Government (COG) meeting on January 28th and given a presentation by Emily Kellet with Collaborating for Youth Agency about Drug Free Community’s and if interested the organization is willing to come out and do a presentation for the township.  There was also a presentation given by Maragreta Kelly with DCED about one stop shop for local governments about programs available.  Services are limited due to budget cuts.

 

Walton Davis, Solicitor asked if now that the township is being assessed the 2% collection fee with the York/Adams Tax Bureau sit on the township funds for 90 days or release them immediately.  Supervisor Spence believes that the Bureau will continue to sit on the money for 90 days. At the October Tax Bureau meeting there was discussion about how the Bureau is not allowed to accrue interest on the money being held and how the Bureau is in need of operating funds. It was discussed that a possible collection fee being assessed to each township might be in order.  A vote was never taken at the October meeting, and the collection fee was just included in the budget when the budget was voted.  Townships and Boros were notified by mailings of the 2% collection fee.

 

Walton Davis, Solicitor also noted that money that the being collected to date is for 2009 and that there should be no fee assessed until 2010 money is collected and ask that any collection fees that were assessed for the 2009 monies be reimbursed.

 

Supervisor Sharrah requested that Supervisor Spence ask at the next Tax Bureau meeting why the Tax Bureau continues to sit on 2010 money when they are being assessed the collection fee and would like the money dispersed monthly.

 

Supervisor Sharrah read the Code Enforcement Officer’s report for the month of January.  There were 10 code violations involving the need for junk vehicles and yard waste.  6 of these violations were cleared.  A total of 31.75 hours being logged.

 

Supervisor Sharrah reported that, for the month of January, 1 land use permit and 1 building permit was issued with a total construction value of $46,000.  1 sexually oriented business license was also issued.

 

Supervisor Fetter read the Road Crew Foreman report for January.  The road crew was called out several times to address trees down, road damage due to rain, anti-skid and plow roads.  The road crew did maintenance on Units #3, #11, #6, #14, #2 and #12; replaced stop signs at Greenridge/Mt Carmel Rd, 2 intersection signs on Bingaman Rd, 2 weight limit signs on Short Curt Rd, No outlet signs on Oak Tree Rd/White Pine Rd, 1 dead end sign on Oak Tree Rd.  The road crew cut brush on Poplar Springs, Orchard Rd, Hickory Bridge Rd, Ragged Edge Rd, Bingaman Rd, Greenridge Rd, Peach Tree Rd, upper part of Hilltown Rd, Spigot Valley Rd, Sunset Rd, Oak Tree Rd and Twin Run Rd.  The road crew met with Adam Co-Op about Orchard Rd and met with several tree removal companies about the removing trees on Orchard Rd.

 

Walton Davis, Solicitor reported that the township began with 12 liens and 12 connection suits for the sewer project and since being filed 3 have appeared to respond by paying their connection fee and only 9 remaining that have yet to pay.  Once the properties are connected the liens will be terminated.  No fines were assessed, only a $4,000 lien placed on the property and once paid there is also a $33.00 filing/satisfaction fee assessed charged by the courthouse which must be reimbursed.

 

Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology reported that operation of the Sewer Treatment Plant had no violations for the month of January.  The only thing that was discovered was that 2 clean out caps were removed from the plant.  Suggested that if a township employee had some extra time perhaps they could drive around the township to inspect properties and see where the problem exists.  Belt on the generator at the sewer plant is

being replaced. The plant is operating one basin to save on electrical costs and treating an average 39,000.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, second by Supervisor Spence to pay Menden Pipeline contract #1, requisition #14 in the amount of $154,585.65.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology reported that Dennis House, John McColley, Ron Shultz and James O’Shea are the 4 remaining properties that have to discontinue the use of their septic tanks.  After speaking with Mr. Shultz and Mr. O’Shea they are requesting from the supervisors to wait until spring to bust the tanks.  Mr. Houser states that his contractor did bust his tank but was not inspected by a township official.  Mr. McColley will not allow his contractor back on his property to bust the septic tank.  Owner has been notified that septic must be discontinued either by doing the work themselves or to hire another contractor.

 

OLD BUSINESS

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter to appoint Judy Singley as Vacancy Board member.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter to approve the Newman connection agreement.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter to exonerate the tax collector from uncollected real estate and per capita taxes for the year ending December 31, 2009.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence to approve Resolution 2010-02 – EMA Promulgation indicating new Board of Supervisors Chairman.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter to approve Resolution 2010-03 – Adoption of the NW Adams County Comprehensive Plan.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

There was discussion that is this eventually going to turn into regional planning.  Supervisor Sharrah responds no and that the supervisors were informed the comp plan as it’s written where the township is part of the Planning Co-Op and they will get to pick and choose what they want to be involved in.   There is also a clause written in the agreement that states any municipality can withdrawal from the Comp Plan or agreement at any time.

 

Supervisor Fetter opened sealed envelopes for tree cutting bids for Orchard Rd/Poplar Springs Rd.  First estimate – Cumberland Valley Tree Service, $7,800.00, second estimate Pennington Tree Experts, $3,055.00 and third estimate The Klinger Family Sawmill $3,050.00

Supervisor Fetter opened sealed envelopes for time and materials rates for emergency work bids.  First bid – Cumberland Valley Tree Service, 1 man crew $65 hr, 2 man crew $130 hr, 3 man crew $195 hr, 4 man crew $260 hr, 5 man crew $300 hr; second bid – Pennington Tree Experts, 4 man crew $125 hr, 1 extra man if needed $25 hr and third bid – Klinger Family Sawmill minimum tree work w/ no truck or chipper $35 hr per man, Bucket Truck & Chipper with man $175 hr and truck hauling $80 hr.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence to approve Klinger Family Sawmill for tree cutting services on Orchard Rd/Poplar Springs. Motion carried, 3-0.

 

The approval of Pennington Tree Experts for materials rates for emergency work bid is tabled until the March meeting pending proof of liability insurance.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter to appoint Joe Sharrah to serve the remainder of Richard Hartman’s term until 12/2011 on the Municipal Water Authority.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence to approve the Adopt-A-Road Agreement with Marcia Phillips of Mt. Carmel Rd.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 
GUESTS
 

Nancy McGlaughlin, Hilltown Rd resident, was present to inquire if there was a township official present to verify the water on Hilltown Rd after the heavy rains on 2/1/10.  She also contacted the township office regarding fencing left by Menden Pipeline on her neighbor’s property.  Supervisor Sharrah stated that the resident does not care about the fencing and signed off with Menden.

 

Dale Byers, Flohrs Church resident, was present to ask if the township right-aways were measured from the center of the road or property pins in the road.  Supervisor Fetter answered that it is measured from the center of the road.

 

Joe Sharrah, Old Rt 30 resident, was present to verify that Parks Garbage Service was in awarded the garbage bid due to be cheaper per person than IESI’s bid.  Supervisor Sharrah answered that they were not cheaper than last years rate by IESI but with the new rates given by IESI for this year they were considerably higher than Parks.  Mr. Sharrah then asked Gil Picarelli if Pennvest ever specifically stated that the $90.00 monthly rate for the new sewer system is definite.  Mr. Sharrah then ask that the supervisors make up  a flip chart that explains what the $90.00 monthly fee is paying for.  Supervisor Sharrah answered that after the final numbers come in from Pennvest he would gladly make-up a flip chart for the residents. Walton Davis, Solicitor also answered by stating that it was once discussed the possibility of having the connection fee at $5,000.00 to lower the monthly payments and Pennvest refused by saying that the supervisors could only lower the connection fee and have the monthly fee higher.

 

Nancy McGlaughlin, Hilltown Rd resident , continued the discussion by stating that there are people in the community that just cannot afford the $90.00 monthly fee.  She also inquired about the Lancaster County sewer system that is being updated and the residents that are “grandfathered in” to their rates if and when Franklin Township gets to that point will she be able to negotiate her sewer costs to stay the same or will they go with the new costs.  Supervisor Sharrah answered by explaining that a group of cluster homes in 2009 wanted the sewer line to go back an pick-up their properties but their was an issue with the main line that prevented them from being able to hook-up.  Now the township is saying that those home must hook-up, but in 2009 it cost $1,800 to hook-up and now it is $5,600. And with the upgrade that is being done to the treatment facility the residents are paying around $260 per quarter and now it is looking to increase to $375 per quarter.  During an interview with the chairman of the board he stated that there is possibility of those 18 homes could be “grandfathered in” to the $1800 connection fee because it was of no fault of their own. Ms. McGlaughlin then ask if down the road when the township starts to consider expanding to Mummasburg Rd or Seven Stars what is going to happen to her monthly fees. Supervisor Sharrah answered that those residents will have to absorb new construction fees and he would not confirm that her monthly fees would or would not be affected because the initial loan payments still need to be paid off.  Supervisor Spence stated that electrical costs alone for the sewer plant are running $2,500 per month and that $150,00 was budgeted for operating costs per year.  Once monthly payments begin to Pennvest those payments are $21,500 per month plus the 1.3 million loan that needs to be paid back on top of the Pennvest loan.  Ms. McGlaughlin asked if there were any areas of development being proposed.  Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology answered that he doesn’t think there are any areas of development being proposed in the state.  Supervisor Fetter answered that we are waiting for figures and wrapping things up with Pennvest before they decide to go any where else with the sewer in the township, but that DEP stated the township will be looking at going to Mummasburg Rd next.

 

Buchanan Valley Fire Department reported that there was 140 calls total fire calls and medical assists were 187 so for the year the department ran 327 calls and total fire loss $384,050.00. A new 2009 brush truck will arrive in March and didn’t cost the township anything.  Money was received through the Federal Grant Program and private donations.  Meeting are held on the second Wednesday of each month.  There were 8 fire calls and 11 medical assists reported for the month of January.

 

Thomas Kerr, Flohrs Church Rd resident, was present and ask if the school district is still hooking up to the sewer system Walton Davis, Solicitor answered by stating yes the school is going to connect but how much and when is yet to be determined.  Supervisor Sharrah stated that the township has been in discussion with the school district for the past few years.  The school intends on hooking up but are still going run their plant. Up until this evenings meeting it was understood by Supervisor Sharrah by discussions he had with school board members that the schools sewer plant would be shut down.  The plant runs the school district $100,000 in excess per year to continue to run the plant and by connected to the new sewer system it would cost $16,000 per year.  The school district main issue is the EDU’s that were assessed and the township had to file papers against the school district which the supervisors were trying to avoid.  Ms. McGlaughlin asked how many EDU’s the school was assessed.  Supervisor Sharrah answered that the school was assessed 15 EDU’s for a total of $60,000 and that the school would like to be assessed at 5 EDU’s.

 

Russell Ritchie, Cashtown Rd resident, was present asked about how many homes still need to hook-up to the sewer system.  Walton Davis, Solicitor answered that there were 9 that haven’t paid their connection fees and Supervisor Sharrah answered that there were 26 homes that have paid their connection fee but have not hooked into the system but have plumbers lined-up.  As an approved plumber, Mr. Ritchie stated that he did not put sewer pumping estimates on his final estimate submitted to Anne Thomas for a grant resident.  Mr. Ritchie stated that he can not give an estimate on pumping because he didn’t know what size the tank is for each property.  Supervisor Spence answered that estimates are supposed to be included and that it was explained at the contractors meeting.  Any questions regarding pumping bills not included in their estimates would need to be taken up with Anne Thomas and then submitted to the supervisors for final approval.

 

There being no further business to conduct, meeting adjourned at 8:19 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jamie Gebhart

Acting Secretary

 

Franklin Township, Adams County

Board of Supervisors

Regular Meeting

March 4, 2010

 
SUPERVISORS PRESENT:  Sandra Spence, Ed Sharrah and Daniel Fetter
OTHERS PRESENT:  Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology; Walton Davis, Solicitor; Jamie Gebhart, Acting Secretary

 
REGULAR MEETING
The meeting was held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, and called to order at 7:00 PM by Supervisor Ed Sharrah, The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in unison.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, approve the minutes of the February Meeting as pre-read by the Supervisors.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

The approval of Bill List #3 was tabled until the April meeting due to technical difficulties.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah to approve the Preliminary/Final Plan by Marsh Creek, LLC pending the approval of Highway Occupancy Permit and sewage module.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence to approve Final Plan by RB Enterprises. Motion carried, 3-0.

 
REPORTS
 

Supervisor Sharrah read the Code Enforcement Officer’s report for the month of February.  There were 5 code violations involving the need for address markers, unsafe structure (sign) and yard waste.  4 of these violations were cleared.  A total of 28 hours being logged.

 

Supervisor Sharrah reported that, for the month of February, 1 demolition permit, 1 sign permit and 1 building permit was issued with a total construction value of $20,000.

 

Supervisor Fetter read the Road Crew Foreman report for the month of February.  Filled washout on Jack Rd, New Rd, Bottom Rd, Crooked Creek Rd, Winding Rd, Poplar Spring Rd, and Orchard Rd.  Plowed and anti-skidded during the month.  Worked on various repairs needed on units #4, 14, 6, 3, 1 7, 13, 2.

 

Walton Davis, Solicitor reported he took 5 default judgments to force them to connect.  One of which Mr. Davis wrote a letter to their 401(K) administrator to assist them in acquiring the money.  One resident he has been in contact by phone and one never achieved service and 3 he never heard from.  Next step is to ask the judge to enter an order setting a time period in which these residents can hook-up on their own or the township can send in an agent to have them hooked-up.  Supervisor Sharrah stated that he would attempt to make contact with the Gettysburg Area School District to set-up a meeting where all supervisors, GASD board members, Walton Davis and Craig Zack are in attendance to discuss hooking-up to the new sewer system.

 

Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology reported that there was a clog in the main and it was unclogged within 1-2 hrs on 2/23/10.  It was discovered that 7 lateral clean out caps and 2 pipe glue caps with brushes were responsible for the clog.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence to approve Pennington Tree Services emergency tree work estimate. Motion carried, 3-0.

 
NEW BUSINESS
 

Supervisor Fetter opened sealed envelopes for Orchard Rd project bids.  First estimate – Kinsley Construction, Inc total amount bid $110,555, second estimate – Scott’s Hauling & Excavating, Inc. total amount bid $75,075.00, third estimate – CE Williams Sons, Inc. total amount bid $80,580.00 and fourth estimate – David H. Martin Excavating total amount bid $79,940.00.  Scott’s Hauling & Excavating, Inc was the lowest bidder but did not provide a bid bond therefore bid was rejected.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence to approve David H. Martin Excavating the Orchard Rd excavating and widening of road project contingent upon reassessment of funds available for remaining road projects for 2010 as well as any funds that maybe reimbursed from the state. Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Supervisor Fetter opened sealed envelopes for materials bid.  First estimate – Hammaker East Ltd, bid for oil, 45,000 gallons of CRS 2, unit price per gallon $2.00 for a total amount of $90,000.00 and 2,000 gallons of CRS-2PM, unit price per gallon $2.25 for a total amount of $4,500.00.  Second estimate – Valley Quarries Inc. bid on snow materials for 500 ton #67 stone, unit price $9.25 for a total amount of $4,625.00, 2000 ton #8 stone, unit price $10.25 for a total amount of $20,500.00, 10,000 ton #2-A aggregate, unit price $6.75 for a total amount of $67,500, 2000 ton 2RC, unit price $6.50 for a total amount of $13,000, 500 ton 3-A modified crushed aggregate subbase, unit price $6.75 for a total amount of $3,375.00, 100 ton #57 stone, unit price $9.00 for a total amount of $900.00, 2,500 ton #3 stone, unit price $9.25 for a total amount of $23,125.00, 500 ton #10 stone, unit price $9.25 for a total amount of $4,625.00, 800 ton R-4 stone, unit price $12.50 for a total amount of $10,000.00, 1000 ton rip-rap, unit price $12.50 for a total amount of $12,500.00, 5000 ton anti-skid, unit price $9.25 for a total amount of $46,250.00, 250 ton coldpatch, unit price $79.00 for a total amount of $19,750.00.  Third estimate – Shipley Energy bid for ultra low sulfur diesel – price based on Harrisburg average the rock price dated and price with winter additives and prices are not fixed.  Prices effective March 1, 2010.

Motion by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter to approve Valley Quarries, Inc on snow materials bid as presented as well as Hammaker East Ltd for oil contingent upon Hammaker providing a current bid bond as well as reassessment of funds available for remaining road projects for 2010 as well as any funds that maybe reimbursed from the state. Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Motion by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence to reject Shipley Energy bid as presented and to authorize new bidding.

 

 
GUESTS
 

Roger Forsythe, Bingaman Rd resident, was present with concerns with fixing Bingaman Rd and a plow truck cutting into his black topped driveway.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that a representative from the township will take a look at the damage.    Supervisor Fetter asked if the township should make the ditch above his driveway bigger to divert water from running down onto his property.  Mr. Forsythe also voiced concerns over hazardous roadways and who might be responsible for putting up guardrails along the roads where a driver could run off the bank.  Supervisor Sharrah and Supervisor Fetter responded that they were in agreement that there are several places that need guardrails but that it would cost the township $1,500 for every 5 ft of guardrail and that the township has put reflectors up in an attempt to warn drivers.  It is something the supervisors will discuss when determining the budget for 2011.

 

Thomas Kerr, Flohrs Church Rd resident, was present with concerns over if any roadwork will be done on Flohrs Church Rd this year.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that there is nothing planned for Flohrs Church roadwork.

 

Charles Kiehl, Flohrs Church Rd resident, was present with concerns over receiving a monthly sewer bill for the entire month of December when his lateral was not installed until 12/17 and septic system was not decommissioned until 12/31.  Mr. Kiehl was confirming with the supervisors that after a returned call from the sewer secretary it was deemed that anyone who did not pay their $4,000.00 within the 60 day period they would be liable for the entire month of December.  Supervisor Sharrah agreed that in fact that statement was indeed true and that the reason he was billed for the month of December was because the deadline for connection was 11/26.

 

Harold Ford, Greenridge Rd resident, was present with concerns over road work being completed on Greenridge Rd and that every time it rains the gutters are over flowing and stones are coming from his neighbors into his yard.  Mr. Ford is requesting large stones being placed on the sides to help with the problem.  He also advised the supervisors that there is a large hole in the road that will need attention.

 

Supervisor Sharrah discussed a letter he received from a concerned resident on Flohrs Church Rd re: trash dumping, four wheeler, party’s etc.  The resident has approached the township about the possibility of closing off the road on either end accessible only to property owners, Knouse Foods, the township would maintain the road.  Supervisor Sharrah is asking for input from residents present that live along the road.

 

Joel Riddlemoser, Flohrs Churhc resident, was present to answer the concerns addressed in the letter to the supervisors about the possibility of closing Flohrs Church Rd.  Mr. Riddlemoser stated that he has no objections to closing of the road.

 

Supervisor Sharrah stated that before a decision could be made the matter would need further attention with concerns needing to be addressed such as mail delivery, garbage pick-up and use of the road by emergency vehicles.

 

Harold Ford, Sr., Greenridge Rd resident, voiced concerns over the damaging of mailboxes.  He stated that his mailbox was torn down 6 times and that it costs $100.00 to replace the mailbox.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that it should be reported to the State Police if Mr. Ford feels it is intentional.

 

Roger Forsythe, Bingaman Rd resident, wanted to verify a rumor that he’s heard about the Orrtanna Post Office being shut down.  Mary Grimes, Old Rt 30 resident responded by stating the lease contract on the building is set to expire the end of April and that they do not have another spot to put the post office and that all of the rural routes will move to Fairfield but the zip code, 17353 will remain the same.

 

Supervisor Sharrah then ask Ms. Grimes her opinion of closing sections of Flohr Church Rd.  Ms. Grimes stated that she doesn’t have a problem with closing the road but warned that closing a road could cause new problems.  Further discussion on closing the one section of Flohrs Church Rd will be tabled until the next meeting so that more comments and concerns can be addressed.

 

There being no further business to conduct, meeting adjourned at 8:12 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jamie Gebhart

Acting Secretary

 

Franklin Township, Adams County

Board of Supervisors

Regular Meeting

April 8, 2010

 
SUPERVISORS PRESENT:  Sandra Spence, Ed Sharrah and Daniel Fetter
OTHERS PRESENT:  Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology; Walton Davis, Solicitor; Jamie Gebhart, Acting Secretary

 
REGULAR MEETING
The meeting was held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, and called to order at 7:02 PM by Supervisor Ed Sharrah, The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in unison.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, approve the minutes of the March Meeting as pre-read by the Supervisors.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve Bill List #3, General Fund checks 28696-28769 totaling $81,966.20, Sewer Fund checks 1289-1297 totaling $161,959.69 and CDBG Account checks 1023-1043 totaling $56,835.32.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to approve Bill List #4, General Fund checks 28770-28842 totaling $84,575.74, Sewer Fund checks 1300-1208 totaling $18,506.37 and CDBG Account checks 1044-1049 totaling $13,592.22.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

PLANS

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter to conditionally approve the Preliminary/Final Plan by The Village of Laurel Run pending the sediment control plan and Certification of Ownership.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah to approve the Final Plan by Floyd A. Kuhn.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter to approve the non-building declaration for Floyd A. Kuhn property.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah to approve the sewage facilities planning module for the Village of Laurel Run.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 
REPORTS
 

Supervisor Spence 3/25 attended COG where Rick Hiess, Adams County Mapping Department gave a presentation about GIS system and stated that the county reassessment is completed.  Values will be mailed out to homeowners in June and if anybody wants to appeal they can do it after that.  On 3/25 she also attended a tax collection committee meeting where a decision on tax collection agency.  At this meeting a motion was made by a Supervisor from Highland Township to accept proposals from various tax collection agencies but that motion was defeated by school district officials.  A motion was then made by Brad Hunt of Gettysburg School District to have York/Adams continue to handle the tax collection for our community where she voted against it due to the 2% fee that was imposed by York/Adams Tax Collection Agency, motion passed.  Township resident Richard Bell, of Orrtanna Rd ask if it was Supervisor Spences opinion that taxes would not be raised due to the county reassessment.  Supervisor Spence responded that what she’s been told at meeting is that the reassessment will be fair.  Walton Davis, Solicitor responded that the amount of income that municipalities and school districts can take in cannot increase by more than 5 or 10% in the year that the reassessment takes place.  That does not mean that individuals may or may not be paying more or less in taxes but the overall revenue that Franklin Township takes in real estate tax cannot be more than 5% than the previous year.  The millage rate may go down whereas assessment values will go up.  The county assessing office is the one handling the assessments and will report to the township what their overall taxable real estate tax will be.  The last reassessment in the county property values did increase.

On March 31 Supervisor Spence attended a Northwest Comprehension Plan meeting of which Frnaklin Township is a part of along with 5 other municipalities.  They are in the implantation stage of the plan and would like to know if a cooperative agreement so that the six municipalities would meet regularly to discuss any planning or zoning issues.  Bill Hanna of Arendtsville would like to know Franklin Twp would be willing to do shared zoning in case for example the McDannell Farm were every to be sold for development.  Supervisor Spence asked the other supervisors if they would be open to the option of a Shared Land Use Agreement or Cooperative Agreement.  Supervisor Sharrah does not feel there is a need for a Cooperative Agreement for the municipalities to meet.  Supervisor Spence also attended a South Mountain Summit in February the South Mountain region where Franklin Twp has been designated a conservation initiative area similar to the PA Wiles, Laurel Highlands, and Pocono region and the lower Suquehanna region.  The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources designates these areas so that you can improve land use planning and promote local agriculture and development local businesses and tourism to improve getting people into the area and use the recreational area.

 

Supervisor Sharrah reported that, for the month of March, 5 building permits were issued with a total construction value of $102,300.

 

Supervisor Sharrah read the Code Enforcement Officer’s report for the month of March.  There were 6 code violations involving the need for address markers, junk vehicles and yard waste.  8 of these violations were cleared 2 of which were from the preceding month.  A total of 39.75 hours being logged.

 

Supervisor Sharrah read the Cashtown Fire Department report from Eric Nagle.  A total of 16 calls were reported for the month of March.  Response by jurisdiction 11 of those calls were Franklin Township, 5 were in Hamilton, Highland, Cumberland and Green townships. A reminder to all residents that the Cashtown Community Fire Departments annual appreciation banquet will be held at the Cashtown Community hall on Saturday, April 10, 2010.

 

Supervisor Fetter read the Road Crew Foreman report for the month of March.  Worked on Units #3 and #11.  Plow, anti-skid spots from snow drifts and ice. Dug out spots on Sunset Rd, Flohrs Church Rd, Hilltown Rd, and Railroad Lane.  Installed geo-textile #3, geo-grid then 2A stone cover with class 3 cold patch.  Repaired plows and filled in pot holes.  Cut brush on B&F Rd, Winding Rd, Pleasant Valley Rd, Silo Rd, Jack Rd, Hilltown Rd, Belmont Rd, Fox Hill Rd, Seven Stars Rd, Crooked Creek Rd, Camp Rd, Tillietown Rd, Goldenville Rd, Glenwood Rd, Short Cut Rd, Pine Valley Rd, and Flohrs Church Rd.  Started to sweep intersection and replaced signs and sign posts.  Open ditch on Goldenville Rd and Green Ridge Rd.

 

Walton Davis, Solicitor reported he received a call from Hauser Estate Winery asking for the balance of their securities bond returned.  Gil Picarelli responded that they changed the design plans and it was inspected but they are awaiting an as built plan.

 

Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology reported they have been checking manhole 203 on a regular basis and a baseball size rock was found and was causing a slight backup in the mainline.   Due to the depth of the line it will require someone with the property equipment to remove the rock and to flush the pipes.  Craig Zack is requesting a meeting with the Supervisors to discuss the closing out of the PennVest Loan.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter to approve Peck’s Septic Service to haul sludge from the sewer plant at $.087 per gallon and $.091 for solids.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Plant operator Steve Defrese will email the Supervisors regarding the minor mechanical issues with the Muffin Monster.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 
NEW BUSINESS
 

Supervisor Fetter opened sealed envelopes for stone hauling bids.  First estimate – Carl Woerner Trucking, to haul out of Fairfield plant $1.50 per ton, to haul out of Gettysburg plant $2.45 per ton and to haul up to the Orchard Rd project $1.95 per ton; second estimate – George & Sons Construction, failed to include schedule of pricing sheet, third estimate – Valley Quarries, to haul out of Fairfield plant $2.90 per ton, to haul out of Gettysburg plant $2.90, and 16,000 ton of assorted aggregate for $2.90 per ton fourth estimate – KBS, Inc.16,000 ton of assorted aggregate $3.75 per ton, fifth estimate – CE Williams, to haul out of Fairfield $1.75, to haul of Gettysburg plant $2.60.

 

   Motion by Supervisor Fettter, seconded by Supervisor Spence to approve Carl Woerner the stone hauling bid as presented as well as Carl Woerner for the stone hauling bid for the Orchard Rd project. Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Supervisor Fetter opened the sealed envelope for fuel hauling bid.  First estimate – Shipley Energy prices based on Harrisburg average.  No action taken.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter to approve the Designation of Agent Resolution that designates Jeff Black, Road Foreman as the Snow Emergency Agent for Franklin Township. Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence to approve the Request for State Route Closure Permit.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter to request necessary procedures in regards to the new sewer system and the Poplar Springs System on non-paid amounts from 2009 and prior years against residents and to bring them into compliance with connection and/or the rules and regulations.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 
GUESTS
 

Richard Bell, Orrtanna Rd resident, was present with concerns over property line stakes being replaced after they were removed to install the sewer line.  Gil Picarilli responded that a damage complaint form needs to be filled out in order to have the contractor fix the problem.   Mr. Bell also ask if there was a report that was filled out on the contractors with regards to what work they did or a completion form on how the engineers feel the work was completed.   Mr. Picarilli responded by saying that it is not a requirement to fill out any form.  Mr. Bell ask if there were any compliance’s that a contractor needed to abide by.  Mr. Picarilli responded by saying that the inspector is the one that the contractors will answer too.  The contractor does have to post bonds were anyone may look to see if anyone has ever cashed in on a bond and then inquire as to why a bond was cashed in.  Currently there is a maintenance bond for 2 years on all of the contractors to make sure that everything is okay.  Mr. Bell then ask about the Plank property and their chosen contractor, BATTS, why when BATTS contacted KPI did they give them a grinder pump size and everything that was needed to install.  Mr. Picarilli responded that the contractor submitted what they wanted to put in and KPI told them if they would approve it or not.  To clarify KPI did not tell the contractor whether or not the Plank property did need a grinder pump.

 

Charles Sheridan, Orrtanna Rd resident, was present and asked who determines the monthly sewer system rate.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that the rate is determined based on the monthly payment that has to go back to PennVest for compliance.  Mr. Sheridan asked if the monthly bills were paying off all the bills in Franklin Township?  Supervisor Sharrah responded that there is not a dime of that money going back out into the township for the use other than then the sewer system.  Mr. Richard Bell then asked if the PennVest computations were available at the township office.  Supervisor Sharrah responded no and that no accurate total until PennVest closes out the loan.  Mr. Bell responded that PennVest said $90.00 and is there nothing in writing from where they came up with the numbers.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that the amount is based on the amount of assessed EDU’s and the township should have the final numbers once everyone is connected.  Gil Picarilli stated that PennVest wanted to see the monthly fees at $90.00 because that is what they are giving out across the state and they are trying to keep it fair.  PennVest will not give any criteria on their numbers given across the state.  Mr. Bell is simply asking how they came up with $90.00 per month.  Gil Picarilli stated that, take the cost of the project, the amount of users, the connection fees and that is the monthly bill.  Mr. Bell then asked if the project costs are in?  The numbers are not available until everyone is connected.  Walton Davis commented that the estimated connection fee at one point was going to be $5,000.00 with the monthly rental at $90.00 and it turned out that the project wasn’t going to be quite as expense as originally estimated and what the supervisors wanted to do was keep the connection fee at $5,000.00 and lower the monthly rental because $90.00 is high and PennVest said no.  Supervisor Sharrah commented that they supervisors were looking at $60.00 being more practical and PennVest said no.

 

Barbara Redding, an Old Rt 30 resident was present to ask about her monthly sewer bill.  They were they residents that had to relocate a bathroom.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that he didn’t not necessary agree that the bathroom had to be moved to hook-up to the sewer.  Ms. Redding responded that it was either put $20,000.00 in their side yard or move the bathroom.  She contacted several contractors to get several possibilities of hooking into the system.  The one contractor had a 90% failure rate by bringing the pipes two 90 degree turns and it would have cut off their basement access or out door access and the answer to that was that the contractor would install a pipe that could be connected and disconnected as needed.  According to the January 22nd letter from the township Ms. Redding instructed that contractor not to hook into the sewer system.  She agreed that she did in fact instruct Alexanders Plumbing not to hook into the system because of the 90% failure rate.  She stated that Alexanders was going to temporarily hook them into the system and that there was no way to temporarily hook them up.  She has a letter from her contractor stating that there was no way to temporarily hook them up, the inspection report from 3/23 when Alexanders ran the pipe in order for the general contractor to hook in and she has the dates when they signed their loans.  She stated that she’s called the township office to keep them up-to-date on the process.  Her concern is that she was just hooked into the system the previous Friday and received a bill January through March.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that it was decided that sometime ago, after the first of the year that with very few exceptions because these connections were to be made back in October, 2009 that all residents were to begin paying the monthly sewer bill.  Ms. Redding stated that she was dealing with the state and due to the budget being off, and the county the loan was not signed until January 29th.  Supervisor Sharrah was concerned with why this is the first time Ms. Redding has come forward with any details of why her sewer hook was delayed, only after she receives her first quarterly bill.  Supervisor Sharrah asked if it would be fair for him to wave the first quarterly bill when the notice went out at the end of September that stated connections were to be made within 60 days.  Ms. Redding stated that she has contacted the township office every time she’s received a notice with the progress of her situation.  Phone calls were not logged.  Supervisor Fetter then asked if Ms. Redding was waiting on the grant funding from the county.  Mr. and Mrs. Redding responded yes and money from the state.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that it’s situations like these that have the board in a bind, having residents wanting to know the final figures and Anne Thomas wanting to close out the grant funding so that she can move on to the next set of grant funding.  The board can’t do any of this due to people not being connected that have funding money coming.  Ms. Redding stated that she’s been dealing with Anne Thomas and John McPaul who was off due to the state money not being available. Supervisor Sharrah understands but the bathroom should not have held up the sewer project.  There is another property were alternatives were offered and again funding is being held up and he feels that Anne Thomas will close out the funding and move on.  Ms. Redding stated that she’s called and that she’s had four alternatives for her bathroom. One was to run the pipe through her side yard and where she only had 24 hour notice from the contractor, the second estimate given was an astronomical figure, stating that trees as well as a brick patio and sidewalk would have be removed which at that point Supervisor Sharrah came out to the property to inspection.  They also had an issue with collapsing the septic tank which is under the garage floor, where she was then told by Supervisor Sharrah that that would not have to be done.  Alexanders Plumbing estimate had a 90% failure rate, the second estimate who was going to run a line off the side of the house had a 60% failure rate and would have also damaged the foundation.  Supervisor Sharrah wanted to know where these figures came from.  Ms. Redding stated that the figures were given to her by the general contractor to reassess it for Anne Thomas.  It was at that point that it was decided the best alternative was to relocate the bathroom.  Supervisor Sharrah then ask Ms. Redding if she was present this evening requesting that her first quarter bill be waived which he cannot give her an answer before discussing it with the board first.  Ms. Redding ask if he would like a copy of all the letters and paperwork that she has which she was instructed to leave them with the secretary.

 

Robert Witt, a Old Route 30 resident was present and states that he owns three properties in the McKnightstwon/Cashtown area that have had to hook into the new sewer system.  He states that he is one of the individuals that will be contacted within the next 30 days if he’s not connected.  His property in McKnightstown is hooked into the system and is now taking water in the basement and the engineers came out to check the manhole and said that there was no problem with the manhole, regardless there was 4 inches of water in the basement for the first time in 2 years after which he’s had to install a sump-pump.   His personal residence for the first time in 6 years took on water and he’s paid all the hook-ups and he estimated that it would cost $18,000 for plumbing costs for the 3 properties however the contractor came in an stated that his personal home would require a grinder pump.  That property is not hook-up up because of the additional $10,000.  He’s trying to find alternative ways to hook into the system.  He is paying the $90.00 per month on the properties of which one is vacant and one is a rental.  Basically what he is asking is are there any additional ways to hook into the system.  Supervisor Sharrah states that he has no other options for him.  Supervisor Sharrah is not hooked into the system because he does not live around the system but he understands the dilemma because several years back he put $28,000 into his septic system and I went else where for the money.  He made several calls and has had several discussions with the board because a rumor was going around then that the sewer was going to Mummasburg, Cashtown, McKnightstown and he wanted to know when because he didn’t want to put that kind of money into a system when only in a few years the sewer might be coming to Mummasburg.  It got to the point where he could not wait any longer.  He did not come to the meetings and ask them for other alternatives because he knew what they would have told him, it’s your problem, your property.  Supervisor Sharrah then ask Gil Picarelli regarding the pump.  Gil Picarelli responded that he was not sure where Mr. Witt lived on Old Route 30 but ask how the pipe is lower than the sewer main so is guessing that Mr. Witt has a bathroom in his basement.  Mr. Witt responded that no he does not have a bathroom in his basement, his property sits back.  Gil Picarelli ask why the pipe cannot be run out of the front of the house.  Mr. Witt responded that in a pipe will be going through the middle of the basement and the contractor is still not sure if he will get enough fall.  Another option given by Gil Picarelli was to redo the plumbing in the basement and run the pipe out the front.  The concern is that there are steps that access to would be cut off.  Gil Picarelli suggested that the contractor needs to check the depth of the main and then he should easily be able to figure out if he can get it there and maybe they can go around the steps and out the front.  The delay in hooking up the property is that Mr. Witt and his contractor are trying to find the best way to handle the situation and possibly avoid the use of a grinder pump.

 

Charles Sheridan, an Orrtanna Rd resident asked when it was decided that the township needed a sewer system.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that it was back in the 70’s.  Again Mr. Sheridan asked why they said the area needed one.  Supervisor Spence responded that it was because of malfunctioning systems.  Mr. Sheridan stated that he’s originally from Florida and their septic’s run through 6 ft of sand and rock and it’s clear enough to drink.  The Federal Government is the one that decided that the area needed the sewer system.  An unknown resident then ask if there was anyway to say no to the sewer system.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that no, and Mr. Obama just made more regulations on top of the 537 plan that was already in existence.  DEP must follow the federal government mandates, which is then passed onto the municipalities and if the municipalities do not follow them then fines are $300.00 per day.  Mr. Charles Sheridan then asked who was responsible for the drainage systems in our roads.  For example there is a drainage system onto of Bingaman Rd.  Supervisor Fetter responded that 6 ft of the top of the hill was removed many years ago.  Mr. Sheridan was also concerned with the many potholes on Bingaman Rd that was created by the gas company digging lines.  Mr. Sheridan the inquired about the talk of a police department in our township.  The only time he sees a trooper going down the Orrtanna Rd is when they are doing 90 miles per hour going somewhere.  There are cars that are going 70-80 miles per hours and no one seems to care if a kid steps out into the middle of the road.  Supervisor Fetter responded that there was a request by a resident to check into a police dept.  One thing in Franklin Twp you don’t bring up police, dog barking and don’t take the burn barrels.   It was recommended that if Mr. Sheridan has problems he is to contact the state police.  Mr. Sheridan responded that he has contacted the state police on several occasions.  Supervisor Spence responded that the state police told the board that if a resident would like them to sit in there drive way all they had to do was tell.  Mr. Sheridan responded that his neighbor has told them several times that they could use his drive as well as his driveway and to date nobody has come out.

 

Nancy McGlaughlin, a Hilltown Rd resident is concerned with her plumber not coming out to her property to install the lateral.  Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary responded that she has been in contact with the plumber and he has tried on three different occasions to install the lateral.  Ms. McGlaughlin is concerned that she will loose her grant because she’s locked into this plumber and he is the one approved to do the work.  Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary responded that Ms. McGlaughlin is not locked into any plumber and that she could use a different plumber to get the lateral installed.  Ms. McGlaughlin does not want to use a different plumber because she would have to pay the difference should the cost exceed her approved grant funding.  Supervisor Sharrah asked to be provided the number of Ms. McGlaughlins plumber after the meeting.

 

Supervisor Sharrah asked Mr. Robert Witt to get back to him with regards to the pump being installed.

 

Joel Riddlemoser, Flohrs Church resident, was present with several neighbors to ask if any further decisions were made in regards to the closing of a section of Flohrs Church Rd.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that there has been brief discussion and that before a decision could be made the matter would need further attention with concerns needing to be addressed such as access by homeowners, mail delivery, garbage pick-up and use of the road by emergency vehicles.  At the last monthly fire dept meeting a knox box was discussed as a possibility should they decide to gate Flohrs Church Rd.  Mr. Riddlemoser suggested that maybe placing No Litter Signs along the road might deter trash from being thrown along the road.

 

Keith Stambaugh, a Hilltown Rd resident, was present to ask the difference between junk and recycling.   Supervisor Sharrah responded that the process that Mr. Creed White is doing is recycling, it’s not a junk yard.  However it is not in an area that is zoned for recycling.  Supervisor Sharrah made note that there is a zoning hearing on April 21, 2010 at 7:00 pm for anyone that would like to attend.

 

There being no further business to conduct, meeting adjourned at 8:08 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jamie Gebhart

Acting Secretary

Franklin Township, Adams County

Board of Supervisors

Regular Meeting

May 6, 2010

 

SUPERVISORS PRESENT:  Ed Sharrah, Daniel Fetter and Sandra Spence

OTHERS PRESENT:  Craig Zack, KPI Technology; Walton Davis, Solicitor; Jamie Gebhart, Acting Secretary

 

The meeting, held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Chairman, Ed Sharrah.

 

The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in unison.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve the April regular meeting minutes as pre-read by the Supervisors.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

APPROVAL OF BILL LIST #5

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve Bill List #5, General Fund checks 28843-28906 totaling $63,037.09, Sewer Fund checks 1312-1326 totaling $27,879.93 and CDBG Account checks 1050-1054 totaling $8,374.98.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

PLANS

            None  

 
REPORTS
Sewer Secretary, Jamie Gebhart, requested approval to open a P.O. Box at the Cashtown Post Office to accept future sewer payments.  Supervisor Spence asked if the Cashtown Adams County National Bank was accepting payments.  Jamie Gebhart responded that after speaking with a bank representative it was decided that the bank would not be accepting any new sewer payments because it created extra work for their tellers.

 

Supervisor Spence reported that she accompanied Jeff Black, Road Crew Foreman, to the FEMA workshop on April 26th regarding reimbursement for costs incurred during the February snowstorm.  The township will be able to submit for a 48 hour period between 2/11/10 and 2/13/10 and hopefully will be reimbursed 75% of costs.  Jeff Black also went in to meet with a FEMA representative on May 3rdto work on paperwork.

Supervisor Spence also attended a Tax Bureau meeting and a Tax Committee meeting.  The Tax Committee meeting met and established a Management Committee with two township representatives, Joe Brennan of Highland Township and Russell Roth of Tyrone Township.  Supervisor Spence also attended the Supervisors Spring Conference where she heard a presentation from Benchmark Solutions regarding how the township may be able to save at least 15% on electric if services were provided by them.  Littlestown is the only municipality using their services.  Supervisor Spence spoke with Dave Willard of Littlestown and he said that he wasn’t able to give figures at this time on how much they were saving since they had only been using the services for 3 months.  Joe Sharrah, an Old Route 30 resident, responded by stating in Lancaster County there were municipalities/townships going together to bargain for energy much like Franklin did for the garbage collector.  He asked if it had been mentioned at the meetings.  Supervisor Spence responded that Bill McMaster asked Benchmark if it would be of any benefit if they went together as a group and Benchmark responded by stating they wouldn’t see any additional savings.  Mr. Sharrah responded that he wanted to know if our township decided to use Benchmark would the residents see any savings.  Supervisor Spence responded that if the township were to enter into a contract with Benchmark only nonprofits would be allowed to benefit from the savings, like fire companies or churches and it could possibly be extended to businesses.  Benchmark could also perform an audit of prior bills to see if any money could be recouped.  Supervisor Spence will continue to keep in contact with Dave Willard of Littlestown to see if there were any savings.  Supervisor Spence also asked Craig Zack, KPI Technology, if it would be worth having an audit on the electric service at the sewage treatment plant.  Mr. Zack responded that it wouldn’t hurt.  Supervisor Spence stated that she would wait to see what happened with next month’s bill.

 

Supervisor Sharrah read the Cashtown Fire Department report from Chief Eric Nagle.  A total of 23 calls were reported for the month of April.  There were 39 calls for the year to date, 23 of which were fire and 16 were medical.  Response by jurisdiction – 15 of those calls were in Franklin Township, 3 were in Hamiltonban Township, 1 in Highland Township, 2 in Cumberland Township, 1 in Menallen Township and 1 in Bonneauville.

 

Supervisor Sharrah reported that for the month of April, 2 building permits and 1 land use permit was issued with a total construction value of $74,500.00.

 

Supervisor Sharrah read the Code Enforcement Officer’s report for the month of April.  There were 7 code violations involving junk vehicles and yard waste.  5 of these violations were cleared.  The remaining 2 were sent letters of recognition of work in progress.  A total of 42.25 hours were logged.

 

Supervisor Fetter read the Road Crew Foreman report for the month of April.  The road crew installed safe hit delineators on Green Ridge Road.; met with Century Link about moving the phone line for the third phase of Orchard Road; dug out spots on Hickory Bridge Road to install geo-textile, #3 stone, grid, 2A stone; and cold patched.  The road crew was called in for trees down after one of the storms.  They reviewed the bridge reports for inspections done in July 2009.  The road crew started moving at the township building, the Poplar Springs sandmound, and the township sewer plant.  They replaced a belt on the mower; dug out spots on Winding Road, Pleasant Valley Road and refilled with textile, #3 stone, rid, 2A stone and cold patched; replaced drain tile on Winding Road; replaced a stop sign on Spigot Valley Road; and replaced blades on unit #11.

 

Craig Zack, KPI Technology, reported that he had updates on the subdivision/land development status reports.  Mr. Zack also reported that he received the monthly operational report from Steve DeFriece.  Mr. DeFriece reported that the average monthly flow decreased by 7,000 gallons from the previous month.  He also reported the discovery of rocks in the sewer line between manholes 203 and 204.  KPI scheduled NazzTech Services to come in and clean out the line.

 

OLD BUSINESS
            None
 
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve Carl E. Frantz, Jr. & Marsha S. Frantz’ Storm Water Management Plan contingent upon financial security and a maintenance agreement.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve signature on the Gettysburg Area School District / Franklin Township Sewer Agreement upon the School District’s approval of the changes made by Solicitor Walton Davis.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Joe Sharrah, Old Route 30 resident, asked where the Franklin Township Elementary School was installing their lateral.  Craig Zack responded that the school was hooking up down by the treatment plant.  Joel Riddlemoser, Flohrs Church resident, asked how many EDUs they were assigned.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that they were assessed 15 EDUs and they finally agreed to it pending the agreement that the Supervisors have asked for revisions on to protect the residents that were already connected to the system.  The school wanted to see EDU adjustments based on any changes/additions or decrease in occupancy that were based on meter flow.   EDUs were not established by meter flow.  They were established according to the number of students.  Joel Riddlemoser then asked if the school was paying and if not would they be fined and treated the same as the other residents.  All Supervisors, in unison, responded that yes the school would be treated the same as all residents currently using the system.

 
GUESTS
Joe Sharrah asked how many people were left to hook into the system.  Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary, responded that there were approximately 7 to 8 properties left to connect, 2 of which were vacant.

 

Bob Sharrah, Sharrah Design, was present to request the closing out of the Hauser Estate Winery financial security which was a $14,000 bond.  Solicitor Walton Davis responded that in December 2009 the Supervisors requested a revised plan showing the changes made during construction with a note stating that it was different from the original plan and approved by the township engineer.

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve releasing the funds pending updated plans showing no trenches were submitted.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

There being no further business to conduct, meeting adjourned at 7:28 pm.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jamie Gebhart

Acting Secretary

 

Franklin Township, Adams County

Board of Supervisors

Regular Meeting

June 3, 2010

 

SUPERVISORS PRESENT:  Ed Sharrah and Daniel Fetter

OTHERS PRESENT:  Eric Main, KPI Technology; Walton Davis, Solicitor; Jamie Gebhart, Acting Secretary

 

The meeting, held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Chairman, Ed Sharrah.

 

The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in unison.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to approve the May regular meeting minutes as pre-read by the Supervisors.  Motion carried, 2-0.

 

APPROVAL OF BILL LIST #6

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve Bill List #6, General Fund checks 28919-28962 totaling $41,627.97, State Fund checks 6461-6465 totaling $37,794.36 and Sewer Fund checks 1327-1337 totaling $13,778.87.  Motion carried, 2-0.

 

SEWAGE MODULE

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to approve the sewage module for Ronald Bennett of Bottom Road.  Motion carried, 2-0.

 

PRELIMINARY/FINAL PLAN

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve the preliminary/final subdivision plan for William and Mary Ann Oyler of Pleasant Valley Road pending approval of the NPDES permit, execution of a Maintenance and Operation Agreement for stormwater management facilities and submission of a public improvements bond estimate.  Motion carried, 2-0.

 

Bob Sharrah, surveyor, was present on behalf of Bonnie Holland in regards to her proposed subdivision off of Old Route 30.  The proposed plan consisted of a two lot subdivision and did not conform to the zoning ordinance as it did not meet the minimum lot size and road frontage requirements.  Supervisor Sharrah stated this needed to go before the Zoning Hearing Board.

 

REPORTS

Secretary Killinger received a proposal for an addition to Agricultural Security Area #3.  The Rarricks would like to add their 104.55 acre property off of Crooked Creek Road.

Supervisor Sharrah read Commonwealth Code Inspection Service’s report for May.  There were 5 code violations involving noxious weeds, yard waste and rental occupant reporting.  5 violations were cleared.

Supervisor Sharrah reported, for the month of May, 6 building permits and 2 land use permits were issued with a total construction value of $221,220.

Supervisor Fetter read the Road Crew Foreman report for May.  The road crew opened ditches on the dirt part of Newman Road; was called in several times to remove trees off roads; replaced a drain tile on Hilltown Road; added 5 foot of tile to an existing tile on Church Road; mowed along township roads; replaced a drain tile on Flohrs Church Road; replaced several stop signs and speed limit signs; and trimmed weeds along guide rails and at intersections.

 

Eric Mains, KPI Technology, gave the Supervisors copies of the May 2010 monthly operating report for the wastewater treatment plant.  One of the sewer lines was televised and the problem in that area had been rectified.

 

OLD BUSINESS

None

 

NEW BUSINESS

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to authorize the Solicitor to take action against those in Sewage Management District 1 who are in violation of the Sewage Management Ordinance.  Motion carried, 2-0.

 

The Supervisors discussed connecting three properties which had not connected to the Cashtown/McKnightstown sewer system.  The township had court orders which permitted the township to connect the properties with 24 hours notice.  One of the property owners indicated that he had a contractor lined up to connect his property.

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to obtain estimates from contractors Matt Re and Jeremy Davis to connect the Nagle and Sanders properties to the sewer system and motion to send a letter to Mr. Hunt indicating that he has until June 11th to connect to the sewer system or the same contractors will enter his property.  Motion carried, 2-0.

 

GUESTS

Terry Sheldon, a surveyor with Carl Bert Associates, was present on behalf of HS Group to discuss their subdivision plan.  KPI Technology had recommended in the plan review that a highway occupancy permit (HOP) be obtained for the lot being created in this subdivision.  Sheldon was present to get the Supervisors’ opinion on whether that was necessary.  Sheldon explained that there was plenty of sight distance at this location and nothing would prevent the lot owner from getting an HOP in the future.  He indicated that they put the standard note on the plan stating that an HOP was required and also that a land development plan was required prior to development.  He didn’t think the other lot should be encumbered by a “cross over” easement either unless absolutely necessary.  Supervisor Sharrah thought the notes were sufficient but asked what would happen if the HOP application was denied and the property owner of lot 1 didn’t give cross over easement.  Sheldon didn’t think that would be an issue since the owner of lot 1 was selling lot 2.

Supervisor Fetter mentioned that the drainage ditch crossing the property needed some maintenance.  Sheldon stated he would arrange a meeting with the Supervisors and property owner to discuss this.

 

Mary Grimes, Old Route 30, expressed concern over the grass that was planted after the sewer construction and how a lot of it did not come up.  She was also concerned about the water that lies in the ditch between her driveway and the stream.  Eric Mains, KPI Technology, stated he would pass her concerns along to Craig Zack, KPI Technology.

 

Tom Kerr, Flohrs Church Road, stated he had a grass problem as well.  He said the rain washed a lot of the seed away.  Mains would pass this concern along as well.

 

Bob Sharrah asked what the status was of the zoning application for the recycling center at the intersection of High Street and Route 30.  Solicitor Davis stated the property owner lost his request for a special exception.  Supervisor Sharrah stated the zoning officer sent a 30 day cease and desist order.

 

At this point in the meeting the Supervisors excused Solicitor Walton Davis and Eric Mains, KPI Technology.

 

Mary Grimes stated the Orrtanna Post Office would be closed as of June 25th.  She said if anyone wanted to try to do anything about it they better do it now.  She could provide some contacts and some phone numbers.

 

Tom Kerr asked if the township could mow in the ditch along the road at his property on Flohrs Church Road.

 

There being no further business to conduct meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Lori Killinger

Office Manager/Secretary/Treasurer

 

Franklin Township, Adams County

Board of Supervisors

Regular Meeting

July 8, 2010

 

SUPERVISORS PRESENT:  Ed Sharrah, Daniel Fetter and Sandra Spence

OTHERS PRESENT:  Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology; Walton Davis, Solicitor; Jamie Gebhart, Acting Secretary

 

The meeting, held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Chairman, Ed Sharrah.

 

The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in unison.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to approve the June regular meeting minutes as pre-read by the Supervisors.  Motion carried, 2-1, with Supervisor Spence abstaining due to her absence at the June meeting.

 

APPROVAL OF BILL LIST #7

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve Bill List #7, General Fund checks 28964-29071 totaling $49,452.15, State Fund checks 6466-6472 totaling $13,335.72, Sewer Fund checks 1342-1351 totaling $16,974.19 and CDBG account check 1055 totaling $4,226.13.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

FINAL PLANS

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve the final subdivision plan and request for planning exemption for HS Group of Chambersburg Road.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve the final subdivision plan and planning waiver for David Kuhn of Old Route 30.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

REPORTS

Supervisor Spence reported that she attended the May and June COG (Council of Government) meetings.  Sheriff Muller was present at the May meeting to discuss plans for a firing range at the Adams County Emergency Center.  The firing range would be available to all County and Municipal officials who carry firearms.  Muller will be sending letters requesting donations from all municipalities.  He will be asking for donations of $500 to $1,000.  At June’s COG meeting, Tim Barr from 21st Century Appraisals was present to discuss the reassessment forms.  He stated all property values doubled within the past 20 years.  He also explained the appeals process.

Supervisor Spence attended the May Tax Committee meeting during which a Solicitor was selected.  The meeting in June was cancelled as there was no quorum.

Supervisor Spence stated at the May Board of Supervisors meeting the Supervisors voted not to be part of the Implementation Plan for the Northwest Comprehensive Plan.  However, four municipalities involved decided to create an implementation plan.  Solicitor Davis reviewed the plan and his comments along with the plan were presented to the Franklin Township Planning Commission the evening prior.  The Planning Commission invited Dick Schmoyer, Adams County Office of Planning and Development, and the Board of Supervisors to a meeting an hour prior to their next meeting to discuss the Implementation Plan.

 

Supervisor Sharrah read the Cashtown Fire Department report from Chief Eric Nagle.  A total of 31 calls were reported for the month of June, 18 of which were fire-related and 13 were medical.  Supervisor Sharrah announced the township burn ban was in effect as of July 7th.  Adams County also had a burn ban effective July 8th.

 

Supervisor Sharrah reported, for the month of June, 5 building permits and 2 land use permits were issued with a total construction value of $223,300.  In addition 1 demolition permit was issued.

 

Supervisor Sharrah read Commonwealth Code Inspection Service’s report for June.  There were 15 code violations involving noxious weeds, yard waste and junk vehicles.  5 violations were cleared.  The Code Enforcement Officer worked 46.25 hours.

 

Supervisor Fetter read the Road Crew Foreman report for June.  The road crew replaced 2 drain tiles each on Hickory Bridge Road and Ragged Edge Road; installed baskets on Orchard Road; repaired ditch along Goldenville Road; assisted Butler, Menallen and Hamiltonban Townships with road work; cold patched pot holes as needed; and mowed along township roads.

 

Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology, gave the Supervisors copies of the June 2010 monthly operating report for the wastewater treatment plant.  Supervisor Sharrah mentioned the township would be fixing the drain area at the treatment plant.

 

OLD BUSINESS

None

 

NEW BUSINESS

The owners of a new lot extending off of the driveway to 900 New Road requested that the private lane be named Timberwood Lane.  At the September 2009 meeting the Board of Supervisors approved naming the lane New Minglewood Lane.

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to approve re-naming the private lane off of 900 New Road as Timberwood Lane.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve extending Comcast’s Franchise Agreement until January 1, 2015.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Approval of the Land Sea Services’ contract with Franklin Township was tabled until more information on fees was received.

 

The Supervisors discussed connecting the Young, Eichelberger and Witt properties to the Cashtown/McKnightstown sewer system.  Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary, stated the Young’s had neither contacted nor paid a down payment to their contractor, Carl Frantz.  Mrs. Eichelberger’s daughter told Gebhart that their property was in the bank’s hands.  Mr. Witt told Gebhart that on July 14th his contractor, Mike Baumgarder, would be connecting his property to the sewer.

Mike Baumgardner, Witt’s contractor, was present and stated the problem at the Witt property was that they were putting an addition on the back at the same time they were to be connecting to the sewer.  Baumgardner was concerned for safety reasons with digging a ditch and leaving it open while waiting for part of the addition to be completed. Supervisor Spence asked what the July 14th date meant.  Baumgardner responded that was the PA One Call date which was the earliest digging could start.  He indicated he needed to do his work in the midst of the addition being constructed so that he could get true grade.  Currently there is a negative grade.  Supervisor Sharrah asked what date Witt was to have the construction done.  Baumgardner did not know.  Gebhart stated Witt talked to her about his construction plans but she never saw any plans.

Solicitor Davis asked the Supervisors whether he was to keep moving forward with the legal proceedings in this case.  He was waiting for an answer from Witt’s attorney.  If he did not get an answer his next step was to produce a Notice of Intent to Take Judgment by Default.  If in 10 days nothing happened he would go for a Judgment by Default and then he would file that motion with a Judge to then get an order for the township to connect the property.  Supervisor Sharrah stated if Solicitor Davis did not get an answer the following day he should let Secretary Gebhart know.  Supervisor Sharrah stated Solicitor Davis should proceed with the Young and Eichelberger properties as well.

Supervisor Spence asked who was responsible for properties such as the Eichelberger’s if they were in foreclosure.  There was discussion regarding whether or not the Eichelberger property was in foreclosure.  Solicitor Davis stated if a property was in foreclosure the bank would own it.  Supervisor Sharrah asked Secretary Gebhart to confirm which banks held the mortgages for the Eichelberger and Reuille properties.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to approve the Service Agreement with Retirement Plan Services, LLC to administer the Township’s pension plan.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Gary Hartman and Bob Sharrah were present on behalf of Carl and Marsha Frantz to discuss their zoning request.  The Frantz’ were requesting the zoning of their parcel be changed to commercial.  Hartman stated he understood the Frantz’ were responsible for the costs associated with changing the zoning map.

Ed Spence Jr., adjoining property owner, had some concerns.  Hartman indicated that Spence had the right to voice his concerns to the Franklin Township Planning Commission, County Planning Commission and also at the public hearing.

Spence complained that ground was dug up from his property for the sewer project and taken to Frantz’ property and he was never contacted.

Hartman believed it was a good project because it wouldn’t change the nature of the neighborhood.  The re-zoning was not contrary to the health and welfare of the community.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to appoint Sandra Spence as a member of the Northwest Adams Comprehensive Plan Committee.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

The next item on the agenda was the discussion of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for Implementing the Northwest Adams Comprehensive Plan.  Supervisor Spence reiterated that Dick Schmoyer, Adams County Office of Planning and Development, would be meeting with the Planning Commission to discuss this at 6:00pm on August 4.  The Planning Commission also request the Board of Supervisors attend.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to appoint Bicky Redman as the primary representative to the County Stormwater Plan Advisory Committee and to appoint Sandra Spence as the alternate representative.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Supervisor Spence stated it was time to update the Traffic Impact Fee Study.  Secretary Killinger spoke with Jim Cullison, Trans Associates, who indicated that the fees associated with an update could be paid with the impact fees that had been collected.  Cullison also stated that the current vacancy on the Traffic Impact Fee Committee needed to be filled by a person involved in development in some way (ie. developer, realtor or builder).  There will soon be two vacancies on this committee as one member will soon be moving out of the township.  Supervisor Sharrah asked if anyone in the audience was interested.  There was no response.  Supervisor Spence added that there would soon be a vacancy on the Planning Commission as well.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to authorize Carl and Marsha Frantz’ proposed zoning ordinance amendment be submitted to the Adams County Office of Planning and Development and to the Franklin Township Planning Commission for review.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

GUESTS

Mary Grimes, Old Route 30, asked if KPI had received her complaint form.  Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology, stated Craig Zack received it and he recommended she speak with him about it.

 

At this point in the meeting the Supervisors excused Solicitor Walton Davis.

 

Wilhelmina Heckman, Flohrs Church Road, asked if there was a schedule for posting minutes to the website.  She stated June had not been posted yet.  Supervisor Sharrah stated he would check with Secretary Killinger.

Heckman complained about her sewer payment needing to be sent to the new mailbox set up for sewer payments.  She asked why her payment couldn’t be made at the township office.  Secretary Gebhart explained that the Water Authority had its own

mailbox because it was a separate entity.  Once a Sewer Authority was created it would also be its own entity.  Secretary Gebhart was preparing for that.

Gil Picarelli explained that the June minutes couldn’t be posted to the website because they were not official until they were approved at this meeting.

Supervisor Sharrah explained that some of the changes such as not accepting payments at the township building were made due to the last audit.

There was a discussion about the creation of a newsletter.

There was also a discussion about purchasing CDs of the meetings from the township.

 

Chris Santay, Misty Lane resident, asked how the reassessment would affect the township’s budget.  The Supervisors indicated they had not received anything yet to determine that.

Santay asked if action was being taken against those who had not connected to the sewer and if so, how will the contractors be paid.  Do contractors have to bid on it?  Supervisor Sharrah responded the Board of Supervisors designated a primary and secondary contractor to do this work.  The Supervisors requested bids from each to connect properties to the system.  This work would be paid with sewer fund money but ultimately, the property owner will have to repay that money to the township.  The primary contractor was Matt Re.  Santay asked why this work didn’t have to be bid on.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that the cost of the work fell below the bid requirements.

 

Michael Baumgardner asked what the outcome was to the discussion on connecting the Witt property to the sewer.  Supervisor Sharrah responded the township Solicitor was waiting until the following day for an answer from Witt’s attorney.

 

Deb Flickinger, Hilltown Road resident, asked about the letter that went out to sewer customers in regards to grease in the sewer pipes.  Supervisor Sharrah stated they were seeing a problem with this at the treatment plant and the restaurants had been eliminated as sources of the problem.

 

Supervisor Fetter asked Mary Grimes for a description of her water problem on her property.  She stated water was following the path of the sewer line and coming out in her meadow.  She suggested putting a tile in to guide the water to the stream.  She said she also had two dead trees.  She would complete a complaint form for this.

 

There being no further business to conduct meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Lori Killinger

Office Manager/Secretary/Treasurer

Franklin Township, Adams County

Board of Supervisors

Regular Meeting

August 5, 2010

 

SUPERVISORS PRESENT:  Ed Sharrah, Daniel Fetter and Sandra Spence

OTHERS PRESENT:  Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology; Walton Davis, Solicitor; Jamie Gebhart, Acting Secretary

 

The meeting, held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Chairman, Ed Sharrah.

 

The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in unison.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve the July regular meeting minutes as pre-read by the Supervisors.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

APPROVAL OF BILL LIST #8

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve Bill List #8, General Fund checks 29072-29132 totaling $71,427.65, State Fund checks 6473-6477 totaling $90,905.12, Sewer Fund checks 1352-1360 totaling $44,750.98.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

PLANNING EXEMPTION

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to approve to approve the planning exemption for William and Mary Ann Oyler of Pleasant Valley Road.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

TIME EXTENSION

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to grant a time extension until November 15, 2010 for the Bonnie Holland subdivision plan.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAN

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve the preliminary and final subdivision plans for Ronald and Deborah Bennett of Bottom Road.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

FINAL PLAN

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve the final subdivision plan and planning waiver, conditionally, for Linwood and Karan Vedier of Old Route 30.  Motion carried, 3-0.

  

REPORTS

Supervisor Spence reported that she attended the July COG (Council of Government) meeting.  Commission George Weikert spoke regarding the reassessment process.  He stated the Commissioners realized that changes were not being made during the informal interview process and they were trying to correct that.    In addition, Weikert stated the design on the Belmont Road bridge needed to be re-done.  Also, the trail leading from Gettysburg to the school district was being worked on.  Skip Strayer from Representative Alloway’s office spoke regarding Act 46.

 

Supervisor Sharrah read Commonwealth Code Inspection Service’s report for July.  There were 10 code violations involving noxious weeds, address markers and yard waste.  10 violations were cleared.  The Code Enforcement Officer worked 35 hours.

 

Supervisor Sharrah reported, for the month of July, 4 building permits and 4 land use permits were issued with a total construction value of $58,800.  In addition, 1 storage of moveable dwelling permit and 1storage of motor vehicle permit were issued.

 

Supervisor Fetter read the Road Crew Foreman report for July.  The widening of Orchard Road was completed.  A second coat of tar and chip would be applied to Orchard Road in the early fall.  The road crew did maintenance on Units #15, #5, #2 and #16; started cutting side ditches in order to keep the water off the roads; and mowed along township roads.

 

Solicitor Walton Davis reported the township had its first hearing as a result of someone not pumping their septic system per the township ordinance.  The judgment was in favor of the township and the individual was given 15 days to pump his septic tank along with a fine of $300.

 

Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology, gave the Supervisors copies of the July 2010 monthly operating report for the wastewater treatment plant.

 

OLD BUSINESS

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to schedule a public hearing on proposed zoning ordinance amendment 2010-01, Zoning Change for Carl and Marsha Frantz’ property, for September 2, 2010 at 6:30pm and to authorize its advertising.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to schedule a public hearing on the proposed addition to Agricultural Security Area #3 for September 2, 2010 at 6:30pm and to authorize its advertising.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

The Supervisors discussed the renewal of Land and Sea Services’ contract for Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code inspection services in Franklin Township.  Supervisor Sharrah explained that the only fee increase was in the hourly rate for field inspections and administrative work.  This was due to the reduced number of building projects in the township.  In the past, the Building Code Inspector would make one trip to the township to look at several projects.  Within the past 6 months he was finding he was making one trip to look at one project at a time thereby increasing his operating costs.

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve the renewal of Land and Sea Services’ contract for inspection services with Franklin Township.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Supervisor Sharrah stated the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for Implementing the Northwest Adams Comprehensive Plan was discussed at the Planning Commission meeting the evening prior.  Some items that were discussed included the increase in coordination, communication and cooperation between the communities through the Plan; the fact that current ordinances conform to the joint comprehensive plan; the fact that the township would not be required to change anything if it didn’t choose to in regards to what other municipalities were changing, or, on the other hand, the township could agree to make changes; the fact that the chances for funding for projects increased if you had joint planning; and they discussed the need for an annual report which the County would do.

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for Implementing the Northwest Adams Comprehensive Plan.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to authorize the Solicitor to prepare an ordinance authorizing entry into the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for Implementation of the Northwest Adams Comprehensive Plan.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Supervisor Sharrah stated Merry Bush was resigning from the Planning Commission.  He announced that if anyone was interested in filling the vacancy they could submit a letter of interest to Secretary Killinger.  Supervisor Spence reported that the township did receive a letter of interest from Chris Santay.

Supervisor Sharrah stated there was still a vacancy on the Traffic Impact Fee Committee which needed to be filled by a person associated in some capacity with development.

Supervisor Sharrah added that there was also a vacancy on the Adams County Tax Collection Committee.  Supervisor Spence was the township’s representative but since they changed meeting nights it now provided a conflict for her.

 

The Supervisors reviewed a letter Secretary Killinger wrote to Kenneth Coleman, 53-55 Pheasant Trail in the Gettysburg Hunting and Camping Club.  The letter confirmed Coleman’s wishes to not have his property considered a permanent residence as he did not fulfill the septic inspection requirements.  Solicitor Davis stated a copy of the letter should be included in the meeting minutes.

 

The Supervisors discussed HB 2431 and SB 1357 which would eliminate township government and provide county-wide government.

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve Resolution 2010-05, Opposition to Forced Local Government Mergers and Consolidations.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Darrin Flake, Tillietown Road resident, commented on the above resolution.  He stated Franklin Township was the example of why there should be county-wide government.  He stated the township was burdened by a sewer system now, whereas, if the townships were consolidated Franklin Township could have hooked into Cumberland Township’s sewer system.  In addition, he stated he had three school systems in close proximity to his house.  He asked if that was good government.  He stated 35 local governments for 100,000 people did not make sense.  Solicitor Davis stated Flake’s view of connecting to Cumberland Township’s sewer system was not correct.  He stated the users of the system pay for it.  So even if we had county government it would still be the users paying for the sewer.  Flake argued that by consolidating there would be shared resources.  Supervisor Sharrah stated this issue of local government mergers and consolidations covered a lot more than sewer issues.  Supervisor Sharrah stated the bigger concern was property taxes in his opinion.

Joe Sharrah, Old Route 30 resident, stated municipalities in Adams County could be more proactive in reducing certain functions in local government.  He gave the example of tax collectors.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve the 2011 Minimum Municipal Obligation for the township’s pension plan.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve Resolution 2010-06, Establishment of Fees for Verification of Plan Extensions.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to approve getting estimates to connect Heather Young’s property to the sewer system.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

GUESTS

Nancy McGlaughlin, Hilltown Road resident, asked what steps a developer would have to take to connect a development, not located near the sewer system, to the sewer system.  Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology, responded they may start with showing their idea to the Planning Commission.  Then they would have to submit a preliminary plan which would be reviewed by the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.  If approved, they would have to come back with a final plan.  In the meantime, the developer would have to propose their plan to connect to the sewer.  They would have to pay for everything involved including the design.  Solicitor Davis added that, depending on where they were located, it may also require an addendum to the sewage facilities plan.  In addition, it would all depend on whether the Supervisors wanted it.  Picarelli stated it would be the same process whether it was a 1 lot subdivision or a 50 lot subdivision.

 

Thomas Kerr, Flohrs Church Road, stated he went to a meeting in regards to his tax reassessment.  It was recommended to him to get a letter from the township indicating there were manholes on his property and this may decrease the assessment of his property.  Supervisor Sharrah asked Picarelli to let Secretary Killinger know the manhole numbers so that she could write a letter for Mr. Kerr.

Joe Sharrah, Old Route 30 resident, asked if the Supervisors had been approached in regards to fighting the assessment.  Supervisor Sharrah stated he had not.

 

At this point in the meeting the Supervisors excused Gil Picarelli.

 

Darrin Flake, Tillietown Road resident, asked if there were any plans to create a Sewer Authority Board.  Supervisor Sharrah responded yes.  Flake indicated he would be interested in serving on it and on the Tax Collection Committee.

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to appoint Darrin Flake as a voting delegate to the Adams County Tax Collection Committee.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Flake asked for more details on the creation of a Sewer Authority Board.  Supervisor Sharrah stated the first thing they needed to do was to appoint 2 part time treatment plant operators.  The Supervisors had interviewed for these positions.  Supervisor Sharrah added that even after hiring treatment plant operators, KPI would still be involved as the operators would be operating under KPI’s license.  DEP was not issuing new licenses during this time.

Supervisor Spence asked Solicitor Davis how long the process was to create a Sewer Authority.  Davis responded 1 to 2 months.

Joe Sharrah suggested that a certain number of Sewer Authority Board members should be those who were serviced by the sewer system.

Supervisor Sharrah stated that even after hiring treatment plant operators he would recommend keeping Steve DeFriece, KPI Technology, involved because he knew the treatment plant inside and out and in an emergency he would be available to call in.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to appoint Chris Santay to the Planning Commission and to the Traffic Impact Fee Committee.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Joe Sharrah expressed interest in serving on the Sewer Authority Board.  Supervisor Fetter asked anyone else who was interested to submit a letter of interest to the township.

 

There being no further business to conduct meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Lori Killinger

Office Manager/Secretary/Treasurer

 

Franklin Township, Adams County

Board of Supervisors

Public Hearing – September 2, 2010

 

SUPERVISORS PRESENT:  Ed Sharrah, Daniel Fetter and Sandra Spence

OTHERS PRESENT:  Jamie Gebhart, Acting Secretary

 

The purpose of the hearing was to receive comments from the public regarding Resolution 2010-07 concerning the proposed addition of Mark and Katherine Rarrick’s 104.55 acre property off of Crooked Creek Road to Agricultural Security Area #3.

 

The hearing for the addition to the agricultural security area was advertised in the Gettysburg Times according to public notice.

 

The public hearing, held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by the Chairman, Ed Sharrah.

 

There were no members in the audience.

 

The Adams County Office of Planning and Development, Franklin Township Planning Commission and Agricultural Security Area Advisory Committee approved of the addition to Agricultural Security Area #3.

 

The public hearing was adjourned at 6:33 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Lori J. Killinger

Office Manager/Secretary/Treasurer

 

Franklin Township, Adams County

Board of Supervisors

Regular Meeting

September 2, 2010

 

SUPERVISORS PRESENT:  Ed Sharrah, Daniel Fetter and Sandra Spence

OTHERS PRESENT:  Craig Zack, KPI Technology; Walton Davis, Solicitor; Jamie Gebhart, Acting Secretary

 

The meeting, held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Chairman, Ed Sharrah.

 

The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in unison.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve the August regular meeting minutes as pre-read by the Supervisors.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

            A public hearing was held prior to this meeting concerning Mark and Katherine Rarrick’s proposal to add their 104.55 acre property to Agricultural Security Area #3.

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to adopt Resolution 2010-07, the addition to Agricultural Security Area #3.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

APPROVAL OF BILL LIST #9

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve Bill List #9, General Fund checks 29134-29194 totaling $47,286.96, State Fund checks 6478-6485 totaling $17,019.59 and Sewer Fund checks 1361-1371 totaling $16,671.31.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

PRELIMINARY PLAN

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve the preliminary plan and sewage module for David and Joan Swisher of Mummasburg Road pending KPI’s comments are addressed.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

FINAL PLAN

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to table the final subdivision plan and planning waiver for Bonnie Holland of Old Route 30 until the Supervisors receive a written decision from the Zoning Hearing Board in regards to a variance.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

REPORTS

Supervisor Spence reported that she attended the August COG (Council of Government) meeting.  There was a presentation regarding prescription drug Take Back Day on September 25, 2010.  There was also a presentation by Don Cole, Adams County Community Television.  New Oxford was conducting a community media initiative.  If the township wished to join there was a letter of support for the Supervisors to sign.  The additional funding received from Comcast would be used to offer educational services to the school districts.

Supervisor Spence also attended a Northwest Comp plan meeting.

Supervisor Spence read Darrin Flake’s report concerning the Adams County Tax Collection Committee meeting.  There were enough members present for the Board to vote.  Dave Wheeler from Littlestown Borough Council was appointed Secretary.  A new solicitor was appointed.  A bank account was established.  All municipalities except two had paid their dues.  The next meeting will be October 6.  Flake also included that he would be interested in serving on the Sewer Authority.

Supervisor Spence discussed a concern which was presented by Pat Schindel at the Planning Commission meeting the evening prior.  Schindel asked if the Supervisors would consider writing a letter to the Commissioners suggesting they consider, during the reassessment, that development was limited in the Agricultural and Open Space zones and in the floodplain areas.  The Supervisors agreed to send a letter.

 

Supervisor Sharrah reported, for the month of August, 1 building permit and 1 land use permit were issued with a total construction value of $78,700.  In addition, 1 yard sale/flea market permit, 1 driveway permit and 2 demolition permits were issued.

 

Supervisor Sharrah read Commonwealth Code Inspection Service’s report for August.  There were 7 code violations involving noxious weeds, non-operable vehicles and yard waste.  8 violations were cleared.  The Code Enforcement Officer worked 23.5 hours.

 

Supervisor Sharrah read the Cashtown Fire Department report from Chief Eric Nagle.  A total of 40 calls were reported for the month of August, 26 of which were fire-related and 14 were medical.  Nagle also reported that the fire department tanker committee reviewed the specification bids on the proposed Tanker project.  The committee found several additions and corrections to be applied to the specifications.  A fifth tanker manufacturer was now involved.   The Fire Department was working to purchase and replace their 26 year old engine with an elliptical tanker.

 

Supervisor Fetter read the Road Crew Foreman report for August.  The road crew cut side ditch on Church, Mountain, Miltonberger, Club and Pine Trees Roads; maintenance was done to Units #2, #6, #11; and they trimmed weeds around the guard rails along Old Route 30, Boyers Nursery and Pleasant Valley Roads.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Following the executive session, Solicitor Davis explained the reason for the executive session was to discuss the State Code on the sale of township assets and the procedure for the sale of assets.

 

Craig Zack, KPI Technology, reported that he had been researching alternate chemical suppliers for the wastewater treatment plant.  Zack discussed the benefits of having tanks on-site for the chlorine to eliminate handling drums of chlorine.  He also explained that an alternate chemical supplier would provide the chlorine at a lower rate if there were tanks on-site.  Zack estimated the tanks would cost $5,000.  However, this supplier only supplied chlorine and none of the other chemicals which were used at the treatment plant.  If the township purchased tanks and used the alternate supplier the cost benefit would be seen after approximately two and a half years.

The current chemical supplier would lease the tanks for one dollar per year but the price of chlorine would remain the same.

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to continue with the current supplier and enter into a lease agreement with them to put in a bulk tank.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Zack stated Dick Bell, Orrtanna Road resident, requested KPI Technology survey his property in order to replace a pin.  KPI would like to have a meeting with Bell and at least one Supervisor to discuss the work to be done.

 

OLD BUSINESS

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to adopt Ordinance 2010-02, authorization to enter into the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for Implementation of the Northwest Adams Comprehensive Plan.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Solicitor Davis explained there were errors in the initial land use ordinance amendment submitted to the township.  The County pointed out the errors and Solicitor Davis thought the changes were significant enough to start the process from the beginning.

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to authorize the submission of the revised land use ordinance amendment to the Adams County Office of Planning and Development and to the Franklin Township Planning Commission for review and to schedule a public hearing for November 4, 2010 at 6:30pm.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to appoint Bicky Redman to the Pilot Watershed Assessment of Marsh and Rock Creeks Advisory Committee.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

            Supervisor Sharrah stated grant money was applied for to pay for energy audits of the township building and sewer treatment plant.

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve energy audits of the township building and sewer treatment plant be performed by ThermoCat, Inc.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

The Supervisors discussed Gettysburg Area School District’s past due sewer bill and whether to file a lien.

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to file a lien against the Gettysburg Area School District for the unpaid sewer rental fees.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to file liens on the 10 sewer customers who have not paid any sewer rental fees since connection to the sewer.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

The Supervisors discussed Adams County TV, Comcast and the Community Media Initiative.  Supervisor Spence attended a meeting where the Community Media Initiative was discussed and a letter of support was requested from Adams County municipalities.  Supervisor Spence indicated the new facility for Adams County TV would be the New Oxford Borough building.  This was part of the proposal.  The selling point for the Community Media Initiative was the grant funding that would be received from Comcast which would provide better services to the municipalities and to the school districts.  Supervisor Spence added that it would not affect any franchise agreements municipalities had with Comcast.  Solicitor Davis stated the Supervisors would be giving authority to New Oxford Borough to speak on their behalf.  Supervisor Sharrah indicated this was a concern of his as well.  Solicitor Davis suggested a letter of support could be written stating the township was in favor of Comcast providing services to municipalities and schools but the Supervisors were not delegating any authority of theirs to any other municipality in that regard.

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to send a letter of limited support indicating that no other group or municipality may speak or make decisions on behalf of Franklin Township.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

GUESTS

Darrin Flake, Tillietown Road resident, and Supervisor Spence discussed the recent Adams County Tax Collection Committee meeting which Flake attended.

 

John Hubley, Old Route 30 resident, discussed his concerns with his neighbor, Frank Garlach, building a fence between their properties.  The fence was built on a foundation.  Hubley stated Garlach’s property was lower than his and now that a fence (with foundation) was there water would dam up on Hubley’s property for hundreds of feet.  Wilbur Slothour, Land and Sea Services, permitted Garlach to build his fence.  Hubley stated the height of the fence exceeded the regulations in the township ordinance.  His primary concern, however, was how this fence would impede the flow of water.  His well was located in the area where he said water would dam up and he was afraid his well would be contaminated.  Hubley cited sections of the Township Code which he believed pertained to this stormwater issue.

Frank Garlach, was present and stated there was a water problem, primarily in the spring, and it came from the creek.  Garlach indicated that part of this, he believed, was due to someone being in the creek with equipment moving stones around.  Garlach stated he had photographs of this.  Garlach stated he had 2 purposes in erecting the fence.  One, for privacy and two, he installed the foundation part of the fence to eliminate the future issue of rotting fence posts as this was a damp area.

Supervisor Fetter stated he believed this was a civil matter between neighbors. Hubley stated he was not questioning the fence.  He asked if Wilbur Slothour took stormwater management into consideration.  Hubley stated he asked Slothour that and Slothour responded that he (Garlach) was allowed to build a wall or fence.

Solicitor Davis stated he had conversations with Wilbur Slothour in regards to this case.  Davis stated Hubley could appeal Slothour’s decision to the Zoning Hearing Board or he could go in to the Court of Common Pleas with an attorney of his choosing to see whether he had rights, which the Court would recognize, in regards to surface drainage.

Garlach stated he was not in a floodplain however; Hubley would be since he was next to the creek.  Garlach also stated he was advised to call Rusty Ryan since he had evidence that someone was moving stones in the creek.

Solicitor Davis stated Wilbur Slothour visited the location more than once and he thought both parties had it resolved as far as what could and could not happen.  Davis stated he told Slothour that he thought this was a neighbor dispute and not a township issue.  That may be why Wilbur Slothour told Hubley that he was done with the issue.  Hubley responded that the time when the issue seemed to be resolved was before the fence was built.  Hubley thanked the Supervisors for their time.

 

There being no further business to conduct meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Lori Killinger

Office Manager/Secretary/Treasurer

 

Franklin Township, Adams County

Board of Supervisors

Regular Meeting

October 7, 2010

 

SUPERVISORS PRESENT:  Ed Sharrah, Daniel Fetter and Sandra Spence

OTHERS PRESENT:  Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology; Walton Davis, Solicitor; Lori Killinger, Secretary

 

The meeting, held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Chairman, Ed Sharrah.

 

The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in unison.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve the September 2, 2010 public hearing and regular meeting minutes as pre-read by the Supervisors.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

APPROVAL OF BILL LIST #10

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve Bill List #10, General Fund checks 29195-29258 totaling $29,954.32, State Fund checks 6486-6489 totaling $27,830.20 and Sewer Fund checks 1372-1382 totaling $8,121.08.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

FINAL PLANS

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve the final land development plan for David and Joan Swisher of Mummasburg Road pending DEP approval of the sewage module.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve the final subdivision plan and planning waiver for Bonnie Holland of Old Route 30 pending the placement of one concrete boundary marker.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

REPORTS

Supervisor Spence reported that she attended the September COG (Council of Government) meeting.  Bicky Redman spoke at the meeting about alternative energy.  She has sample ordinances for municipalities to use regarding solar and wind power.  She also has ordinances regarding open burning.  Redman reported that recycling had increased in Adams County largely due to Parks Garbage Service.  Also, a CART (County Animal Rescue Team) was in place and available for people to use.

Supervisor Spence read Darrin Flake’s report concerning the Adams County Tax Collection Committee meeting.  The Committee has been in effect for 1 year.  Dave Wheeler and Dick Mountfort were appointed as liaisons to the York Adams Tax Bureau (YATB).  The Management Committee would be working on nominations for the Chair and Vice-Chairman positions.  The new Solicitor, Guy Beneventano, was present at the meeting and commented on what needed to be done over the next year and the purpose of the Committee.  The main purpose was oversight of the tax collection agency which was the YATB.  In addition, the Committee was to make sure independent audits were done, negotiate contracts with YATB, and understand that the Committee falls under the Right to Know Act and the Sunshine laws.

 

Supervisor Sharrah read Commonwealth Code Inspection Service’s report for September.  There were 5 code violations involving noxious weeds, non-operable vehicles and yard waste.  7 violations were cleared.  The Code Enforcement Officer worked 21.25 hours.

 

Supervisor Sharrah reported, for the month of September, 3 building permits and 1 land use permit were issued with a total construction value of $230,000.  In addition, 1 demolition permit and 1 driveway permit were issued.

 

Supervisor Fetter read the Road Crew Foreman report for September.  The road crew cut spots on Old Route 30 in the areas of concrete joints; cold patched; worked on Unit #11; installed drain tile across Hilltown Road; oil and chipped Orchard Road, Peach Tree Road, Sunset Road, Flohrs Church Road, Newman Road, Ragged Edge Road; did some spot shooting on Greenridge Road, Poplar Springs Road; Church Road; New Road; Winding Road; Pleasant Valley Road and Hillside Drive; cut brush on Bridgeport Road; and cut side ditch along Boyers Nursery Road and Bridgeport Road.

 

Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology, presented the Supervisors with the September Wastewater Treatment Plant Monthly Operators report.

Picarelli indicated the engineers who worked with PennDOT on the Crooked Creek Road bridge replacement project sent a report which required the Chairman’s signature.  The report pertained to flood levels which may have changed following the completion of the bridge replacement project.  Picarelli stated KPI Technology was in the process of reviewing the paperwork and would need a signature when they were finished.

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to authorize Supervisor Sharrah to sign the report following KPI’s review and approval.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Supervisor Sharrah requested the zoning officer log his hours on his monthly report.

 

OLD BUSINESS

None

 

NEW BUSINESS

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to authorize the opening of an ACNB checking account retroactive to 10/5/10 for the Village of Laurel Run’s deposit for public improvements inspections.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to schedule Trick or Treat for Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

GUESTS

Joe Dingus, Marsh Creek LLC, was present to discuss his proposal for a 69 lot subdivision off of Fairview Fruit Road.  Dingus would like to connect this development to the Cashtown/McKnightstown sewer system.  Dingus also presented his proposal to the Planning Commission the evening prior.  Picarelli stated his plan would require a zoning change and he suggested the Supervisors may wish to meet with the Planning Commission to get their opinion.  Solicitor Davis indicated as long as they didn’t deliberate official action or take official action the meeting with the Planning Commission would not have to be advertised.  The Supervisors indicated this would be a “fact finding” meeting and asked the Secretary to schedule it.

 

Nancy McGlaughlin, Hilltown Road resident, expressed concern, following the natural gas line disaster in California, over the gas lines which go through Franklin Township.  She asked when they were installed and the Supervisors did not know.  Texas Eastern has a pipeline which goes through Franklin Township.  Supervisor Sharrah, was not aware of any major replacement of service lines and suggested she send an inquiry letter to the Public Utility Commission.

McGlaughlin stated the Supervisors did a good job of “holding the line” on the budget last year and asked if they were going to do the same and keep the budget down this year.  Supervisor Sharrah stated they would do the best they could to hold the budget where it was.  Solicitor Davis stated the Supervisors could go up 5% when the new assessment takes place but they could not get revenues in excess of 5% more than they got in 2010.

McGlaughlin commented since the sewer had been installed her sump pump hadn’t turned on.  Picarelli stated that was because the sewer line was a natural drain.  Supervisor Fetter also pointed out a swale was put in across the street from her driveway.

 

Ms. Qually, Flohrs Church Road resident, stated she was glad something was being done about the culverts on her road.  She stated she hoped the water would exit at such an angle that it wouldn’t ruin the mill pond.  Supervisor Fetter stated there would be baskets with stone at each end to disperse the water.  She asked if it would be concealed.  Supervisor Fetter responded yes.  She asked if it could be more angled and Supervisor Fetter responded that he would have to look at it.

 

Mary Grimes, Old Route 30 resident, asked about the situation with her 3 trees and her concern about her pasture.  Supervisor Fetter stated he would meet with her following the meeting.

 

Tom Kerr, Flohrs Church Road resident, stated there was a sinkhole close to where the sewer went by his property and asked if someone could stop by to look at it.  Supervisor Sharrah responded yes.

 

There being no further business to conduct meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Lori Killinger

Office Manager/Secretary/Treasurer

 

Franklin Township, Adams County

Board of Supervisors

Public Hearing – November 4, 2010

 

SUPERVISORS PRESENT:  Ed Sharrah, Daniel Fetter and Sandra Spence

OTHERS PRESENT:  Walton Davis, Solicitor and Jamie Gebhart, Acting Secretary

 

The purpose of the hearing was to receive comments from the public regarding Ordinance 2010-01, Carl and Marsha Frantz’s revised land use ordinance amendment.

 

The public hearing was advertised in the Gettysburg Times according to public notice.

 

The public hearing, held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by the Chairman, Ed Sharrah.

 

Attorney Bernie Yannetti and Bob Sharrah were present on behalf of Carl and Marsha Frantz.  Attorney Yannetti explained that this was a revised amendment as there was an error in the parcel number on the original land use amendment he had submitted.  The ordinance proposed a zoning map change of Carl and Marsha Frantz’s two parcels from agricultural to commercial.  According to the Adams County Office of Planning and Development’s comments they were in agreement with the proposed map change.

 

Solicitor Walton Davis noted that there were no audience members in attendance at this hearing

 

The public hearing was adjourned at 6:36 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Lori J. Killinger

Office Manager/Secretary/Treasurer

 

 

Franklin Township, Adams County

Board of Supervisors

Regular Meeting

November 4, 2010

 
SUPERVISORS PRESENT:  Ed Sharrah, Daniel Fetter and Sandra Spence
OTHERS PRESENT:  Craig Zack, KPI Technology; Walton Davis, Solicitor; Jamie Gebhart, Acting Secretary

 

The meeting, held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Chairman, Ed Sharrah.

 

The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in unison.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, approve the October regular meeting minutes as pre-read by the Supervisors.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

APPROVAL OF BILL LIST #11

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to approve Bill List #11, General Fund checks 29259-29325 totaling $77,621.62, State Fund checks 6490-6496 totaling $11,746.87 and Sewer Fund checks 1383-1398 totaling $19,850.51.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 
PRELIMINARY/FINAL PLAN
MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve the Judith Kern preliminary/final subdivision plan of Knoxlyn Road which is located in both Highland and Franklin Townships.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 
REPORTS
 

Supervisor Spence attended a Counsel of Government meeting the speaker was patrick bowling from DEP where spoke about proper well construction.  Townships with ordinances are Cumberland, Straban and the borough of Carroll Valley.  The Counsel of Government also now has a website.  Each municipality must have a sign inventory which is required by the state.  A training is scheduled for November 17th in Chambersburg which she will speak with the Road Foreman about attending.  Darrin Flake emailed Supervisor Spence that there was no Tax Committee meeting due to no quorum. YATB has selected a new director, Al Tempko and starts January, 2011.  Bicki Redman is attending Storm Water Managerment meetings on the townships behalf and sent a Storm Water Management ordinance for the Supervisors to review.  Solicitor Davis advised Supervisor Spence that Franklin Township already had a Storm Water Management ordinance and that it applies to all dwellings not just land development plans.

Zoning officer reported that for the month of October there were four building permits issued and 1 land use permit issued for a total construction value of $423,976.00.  1 temporary use and occupancy permit was issued and received 1 zoning hearing application for special exception for a bed and breakfast.  A total of 33 hours were logged for the month of October.

 

Code enforcement activities for the month of October.  There were 3 total violations, 1 was yard waste/refuse.  It was a slower month than usual however he is following up on outstanding or pending violations.  A total of 21.5 hours were logged for the month of October and approximately 11 properties are being worked on to bring into compliance.

 

Cashtown Fire Dept. Fire Chief’s reported that for the month of October they had a total of 29 responses in which 16 were fire calls and 13 medicals.  No report submitted from Buchanan Valley.

 

Road crew report for the month of October.  Tires were replaced on the backhoe, finished mowing along roads, installed mower boom for cutting brush, installed rip/rap and delineators in the valley, received 100 tons salt, installed tiles on New, Bottom and Flohrs Church Rd, cut brush along Orchard, Poplar Spring Rd and Hillside Drive, installed drain tile on Bottom and Silo Rd as well as delineators and rip/rap, units 1,5,12, 15 were inspected, services units 2,6,9 and 13, cleaned oil chipper and put away for next year.

 

Craig Zack of KPI Technology reported that the treatment plant has passed the one year date of operations. DEP requires a certification report to be submitted.  Mr. Zack has prepared said report and is ready to submit to DEP pending a motion from the Supervisors to approve and sign the affirmative performance certificate.  Mr. Zack also prepared the final payment request Pennvest however there are still loose ends on their side that need to be addressed so Mr. Zack ask that the Supervisors tentatively approve the signing and reimbursement request from PennVest.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter to approve the signing upon preparation of the Reimbursement Request from Pennvest. 

 

MOTION PASSED.  Mr. Zack reported that the operations report received a maintenance/service agreement for the generator, the equipment calibrations, and blower and ask that the Supervisor approve the signing of said maintenance agreement.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence to finalize the maintenance/service agreement for the generator, equipment calibrations and blower.  MOTION PASSED 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter to approve Ordinance 2010-01 – Carl & Marsha Frantz’s revised land use ordinance amendment.  MOTION PASSED 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence to tentatively adopt proposed 2011 budget for December 2, 2010, and Authorize advertisement.  MOTION PASSED 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Spence to approve PennDOT’s plan for a set of flashing warning devices to be placed along Rt 30 approaching the RT 234 intersection with the understanding the PennDOT will be paying for the initial start-up costs of the installation after which the Township will become responsible for maintenance.  MOTION PASSED 3-0.

           

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence to update and adopt the Sewer Resolution to set future tapping fee at $8,000.  MOTION PASSED 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence to authorize Solicitor Davis to begin the initial phase of establishing a Municipal Sewer Authority.  MOTION PASSED 3-0.

 

GUESTS

Joe Sharrah, Old Rt 30 resident, asked the Supervisors if they have hired anyone for the sewer plant operator position.  Supervisor Sharrah responded it still managed by KPI and that they had quite a few applicants but the ones initially chosen already have other systems that they are in charge of and as much as they would have liked to take it on they don’t have the time.  Mr. Sharrah then asked if it was a full time position.   Supervisor Sharrah responded that it is a part time position.

 

Darren Flake, Tillietown Rd resident, asked the Supervisors if they have thought about piggy backing off of Cumberland Township with a sewer contract. Supervisor Sharrah responded that the operators in Cumberland Township are full time employees where that work on the road crew and part of the time as sewer operators.  Mr. Flake asked if it was worthwhile to look into the possibility.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that the Township has put “feelers” out and there was only one that did step up and state that they would be interested in part time.  The township has had two people interested that ran the school sewer plant.  Those two gentlemen will be taking a tour of the sewer plant November 6, 2010 with Steve Defriese of KPI and one of the two does not want to get into a lot of hours and the other is more willing to cover more of the responsibilities.  Mr. Flake then asked if there were 4-5 guys working the sewer plant in Cumberland Township.  Craig Zack, KPI Technologies responded that the men working the Cumberland Township Sewer Plant are full time operators but they have 2 plants to operate.  Mr. Zack stated that he doesn’t see those operators having any interest in running the Cashtown/McKnightstown plant but he is willing to approach them with the over.  Mr. Flakes concern is that with a part-time operator what happens if there is an emergency whereas it maybe better to piggy back off of other municipalities that are already set-up for 24 hours response. Supervisor Sharrah responded that with KPI the township has the 24 hour response in the event of an emergency and if it isn’t a conflict with his present employer Steve Defriese has expressed interest in serving as a back-up to the sewer operator and Bob Cullison is also another good candidate for the position.  There will be at least 2-3 guys on call in the event of an emergency whether it be after hours or on the weekends.  Mr. Flake asked it those men would be paid for being on call.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that no they would only get paid if they were to be called in on an emergency.  Mr. Flake the asked what the estimated hours were for the operator.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that in the neighborhood of 80-100 hours per month with 20-25 hours a week.  Mr. Flake then asked if they would be considered township employees.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that they would be township/sewer employees which they would ultimately fall under the sewer authority employees.   Joe Sharrah, Old Rt 30 resident, asked if the Cumberland Township employees were full time and receive full time benefits.  Craid Zack, KPI Technologies responded that yes they receive benefits.  Mr. Flake asked if the sewer operators would be receiving benefits.  Supervisor Spence responded that if the operators were full time then yes they would receive benefits however they are not hiring a full time operator with no benefits.

 

Nancy McGlaughlin, Hilltown Rd resident, thanked the supervisors for holding the line on the budget.  The other item she was concerned with now that the sewer system is here is the possibility of rezoning.  She is asking the township to put out a newsletter informing them of the proposed new development on Fairview Fruit and the Supervisors thoughts on the rezoning of agriculture to residential.  Put in a survey asking for feed back.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that a newsletter will possibly be sent out before the end of the year and that the rezoning will start at the planning commission meetings and he encourages residents to attend those meetings.  Ms. McGlaughlin stated that residents don’t feel they are being heard when they attend those meetings and that a survey would be a good way for them to voice concerns.  Supervisor Spence stated that when the original zoning was done in the township surveys were sent out.  Ms. McGlaughlin asked how the response was.  Supervisor Spence responded that there was a fairly good response.  Ms. McGlaughlin also suggested that when sending out the survey include the dates of township meeting as well as the planning commission and zoning board dates.  Supervisor Spence informed Ms. McGlaughlin that rezoning begins at the planning commission.  The planning commission is appointed by the Board of Supervisors and are an advisory body to the Board.  Supervisor Spence brought up at the Planning Commission meeting about the rezoning and they expressed interest in having a joint meeting with the Supervisors.  Chris Santay, Misty Ln resident, sits on the Planning Commission Board stated that the Planning Commission was more interested in meeting with the Supervisors to discuss the possible developer and his development.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that discussion now is past the developer and now must focus on rezoning.  Mr. Santay asked if the board feels it would be beneficial for the neighbors of the area to be present and during the November 17thdiscussion.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that in an informative session were no one commits to anything and no decisions are made and even if the public were to show up public input should come once the Planning Commission begins the process.  The Planning Commission if everyone is present should be a fair representation of the community because it is more than twice the amount of people on the Board of Supervisors which means that is more than twice the amount of contact that they have with the general public.  Joe Sharrah, Old Rt 30 resident, states that he understands where Ms. McGlaughlin is coming from, that the community is upset about the sewer and that no matter what decision is made people will not be happy.  Supervisor Spence responded that they did not have a choice when it came to the sewer.  Ms. McGlaughlin then again ask if the Supervisors would send out a survey.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that feedback from the survey needs to be given to the Planning Commission.  Supervisor Spence informed the public that there will be a meeting held on November 17th for the two bodies, Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, to meet and talk about rezoning where no public comment will be taken.  Supervisor Sharrah brought up that overall he feels that the township needs to be looked at as a whole as opposed to spot zoning.  Ms. McGlaughlin asked if there was any advantage to doing a more controlled rezoning and dealing with a request on a as needed basis.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that they are not doing that for Mr. Dingus.  Ms. McGlaughlin is concerned with residential sprawl and having a situation much like in Carroll Valley.  Is there more of an advantage to spot zoning as opposed to doing all one area and changing from agriculture to residential and she’s thinking they may have more of a handle on it.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that it sounds like what she’s saying is she leaning more towards spot zoning.  Ms. McGlaughling then asked which is more effective general zoning or spot zoning.  Supervisor Sharrah responded that general is better because with spot zoning what happens is the first time you decide to spot zone then someone from another state comes in and says I want to put a 100 home development in right next to the other one and all of a sudden that gentlemen says wait you rezone that last year from residential to commercial why can’t I continue to build another development over there and ultimately the township ends up in court.  The other concern that Ms. McGlaughlin has is Wednesday night one week ago she caught Gil Picarrli in 3 different lies and it upsets her that he disrespects the Supervisors that much and that he would like to the public in front of everyone.  He has told so many untruths and he doesn’t even remember what he’s told people.  It just blows her away that the Board still goes to him for counsel when she personally feels, he gains to come away from this with his pockets lined more than anyone else.

 

Darrin Flake, Tillietown Rd resident, asked the Supervisors if they have heard anything in regards to the lawsuit that was filed by Freedom Township.  He read in the paper that Hamilton Township is considering joining in the lawsuit and was wondering if the Board has considered joining as well.  Supervisor Spence responded that she has been approached by only 2 residents and ask if the Board would consider joining in the lawsuit.  Mr. Flake said that perhaps down the road it might be a good idea.  Chris Santay, Misty Ln resident, stated that Freedom Township is working from donations not through Township funds that in order for Franklin to join we would have to be privately funded.  Supervisor Sharrah stated that Franklin Township was the first to draw up a letter and submit it to the commissioners.  Supervisor Spence stated that the letter just asking them to consider zoning, agriculture and open space as well as residents located in the flood zone and there was no response.

 

There being no further business to conduct, meeting adjourned at 8:04 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jamie Gebhart

Acting Secretary

 

Franklin Township, Adams County

Board of Supervisors

Regular Meeting

December 2, 2010

 

SUPERVISORS PRESENT:  Ed Sharrah, Daniel Fetter and Sandra Spence

OTHERS PRESENT:  Craig Zack, KPI Technology; Walton Davis, Solicitor; Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary; Dorothy Shaffer, Secretary

 

The meeting, held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Chairman, Ed Sharrah.

 

The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in unison.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve the November regular meeting minutes as pre-read by the Supervisors.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

APPROVAL OF BILL LIST #12

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve Bill List #12, General Fund checks 29326-29390 totaling $41,392.73, State Fund check 6497 totaling $1,34156 and Sewer Fund checks 1399-1414 totaling $37,855.50.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

REPORTS

            Sewer Secretary, Jamie Gebhart, reported that she is now a notary for the township and if anyone is in need of that service to contact her.

 

Supervisor Spence reported that she had the Adams County Tax Collection Committee Report from Darrin Flake. At their meeting the following officers were elected: Joe Brennan, Chairman; Mike Sewell, Vice Chairman; Dave Wheeler, Secretary and Christy Redding-Myers, Treasurer. The next Adams County Tax Collection Committee meeting is scheduled for January 5, 2011.

Supervisor Spence also stated that on November 10th she attended the Adams County Supervisors Convention. Rep Moul, Tallman and Alloway held a question and answer session and a representative from PSATS spoke on pending legislation. She also said on November 18th she attended a COG (Council of Government) meeting where Henry Grossman gave an informative presentation on internet fraud.   Supervisor Spence also stated that the Gettysburg Hunting and Camping Club (GHCC) was sent a letter asking them to enforce their by-laws.  GHCC responded  by sending a letter to 3 campers that they are not to remain at the campsite on a  permanent basis or their membership privileges would be revoked and they would be evicted.  GHCC sent copies of the letters to the Township and stated that they were slow to respond due to the fact that their attorney was busy with reassessment issues.

 

Supervisor Sharrah read Commonwealth Code Inspection Service’s report for November.  There were 6 violations total, involving yard waste/refuse and vehicles.  Two violations were cleared.  The Code Enforcement Officer worked 18 hours.

 

Supervisor Sharrah reported that for the month of November there were 8 building permits issued and 2 land use permits issued with a total construction value of $1,041,000. The Zoning Officer logged in 27 hours.

 

There was no news to report from either fire company for the month of November.

 

Supervisor Fetter read the road crew report for November.  Tile was replaced and delineators were installed in the area of 395 Miltonberger Road.  Baskets and rip/rap were put in place at the outlet end of Mountain and Plantation intersection.  New tile and a new flare outlet were installed at Winding and Bridgeport Roads.  The road(s) was built up with millings over the tile area.  Brush was cut along the following roads: Ragged Edge, Poplar Springs, Scott School, Mt Carmel, Jack, Bingaman, Sunset, part of Flohrs Church Road and Old Route 30.  Minor repairs were done on Units #3, #6, #11 and #14.  Delineators were installed at tile crossings and the following new road signs were installed: 13 curve, 4 speed advisory, 3 T/intersection, 12 stop and 5 stop ahead.  Plows and spreaders were installed on Units #2, #5, #12 and #15 in preparation for the coming winter months.

 

Solicitor Wally Davis provided the Supervisors with an information sheet on establishing a municipal sewer authority and asked them to read it at their convenience.

 

Gil Picarelli, KPI Technology, reported to the Supervisors on his communication with Penn DOT regarding the repainting of the “Stop Ahead” markings at the intersection of Cashtown Road and Route 30. Gil responded, on the township’s behalf, to a letter from Penn DOT that the intersection could not be repainted by Penn DOT because the “Stop Ahead” markings did not appear on the original plan of the intersection.  Gil said that Penn DOT provided three options to the township: (1) simply ignore the markings and let them fade away; (2) at the township’s expense, revise Penn DOT’s original plan to show the markings; (3) send a letter to Penn DOT asking them to revise their plan to show the markings.  Supervisor Sharrah asked Gil to give Dorothy the information he received from Penn DOT so a letter can be drafted.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to draft a letter to Penn DOT asking them to revise their plan of the Cashtown Road and Route 30 intersection to show the “Stop Ahead” markings and once the plan is revised to repaint the “Stop Ahead” markings.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Craig Zack, KPI Technology, presented the Supervisors with the November Wastewater Treatment Plant Monthly Operators Report.  Craig said that the bulk chemical storage tanks were installed.  A leak was discovered in one tank.  Coyne Chemical responded promptly and removed the chemicals and will replace the damaged tank on Dec 4th.  Preventative maintained was done on the blowers. During Coyne’s visit they discovered an issue with the seal on one of the blowers that should be covered by the warranty.

 

OLD BUSINESS

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to adopt the 2011 Budget.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

NEW BUSINESS

MOTION by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to appoint Dorothy Shaffer as Secretary, with a pay rate of $14.25 hourly, retroactive to November 29, 2010. Motion carried, 3-0.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Fetter, to set the date of the Supervisor’s Reorganizational meeting and Regular meeting as January 3, 2011 at 1:00pm and to advertise the meeting.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

The Supervisors discussed the donation request by the SPCA and the Animal Services Agreement.  Supervisor Sharrah noted that the Township did not enter into an agreement last year with the SPCA and the donation amount is the same this year as last year.  Nancy McGlaughin informed the Supervisors that Adams County SPCA shelter is now known as The Myers Animal Shelter.  She wanted to know if Mr. Keys could be contacted to see if he would be willing to donate as he did last year.  Nancy also said that the state funded County Animal Rescue Team would not be asking for donations from the Township.  The County Animal Rescue Team is activated through 911 and they handle large animal and/or large numbers of animals.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to approve a donation to the Adams County SPCA for the same amount as donated in 2009.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

            Supervisor Sharrah brought up the next item for discussion as the proposed zoning ordinance amendment concerning the standards for Continuing Care Retirement Communities.  Supervisor Spence said that some of the proposed changes discussed at the Planning Commission meeting were to change the maximum building height from 55 feet to 65 feet, reduce the amount of parking spaces and buffer zone changes.  Supervisor Spence said that the Planning Commission tabled passing the amendment.  The Planning Commission requested that Mr. Gerhardt request written confirmation from the fire companies that the 65’ building height change could be accommodated even with a sprinkler system installed at Laurel Run.  Supervisor Spence requested that KPI research what other Townships have done regarding this type of expansion. Gil Picarelli clarified that Laurel Run wants to construct a 5 story building. Supervisor Spence also mentioned that the Planning Commission is having a Zoning Workshop at 6pm on December 29 and their regular (January 2011) meeting will be at 7pm following the workshop that evening.

 

MOTION by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to advertise for the Planning Commission Zoning Workshop on December 29, 2010 at 6:00pm followed by the regular (January 2011) Planning Commission meeting at 7:00pm.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Supervisor Spence verified with Solicitor Davis that the December 29th meeting scheduled for the Planning Commission could replace the monthly meeting for January 2011.

Next agenda item was to approve the new tax millage on real estate for the year 2011. Solicitor Davis mentioned that although the millage rate has changed the income from taxes will be about the same as last year with some residences paying less tax and others more tax.  Supervisor Sharrah stated the new millage rate is .2264 per $100 of assessed value.

 

Motion by Supervisor Spence, seconded by Supervisor Sharrah, to adopt Resolution 2010-08 setting the Tax Millage rate for the year 2011.  Motion carried, 3-0.

 

Next agenda item was Resolution 2010-09 pertaining to setting the Sewer System tapping fee at $8,000.  Dr. Michael H. Yeager asked the Board about the amount of the old tapping fee and when the rate was first discussed.  Solicitor Davis responded that at several prior public meetings it was discussed that the tapping fees would increase after most of the initial residents were on the sewer. Dr. Yeager wanted to clarify that any business that wanted to expand would have to pay the higher fee for any new additional EDU’s.

 

Motion by Supervisor Fetter, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to adopt Resolution 2010-09 setting future tapping fees at $8,000 per EDU. Motion carried, 3-0.

 

GUESTS

Dr. Michael Yeager presented to the Board a summary sheet of (5) issues he wished to discuss.

Dr. Michael H. Yeager of Jesus Is Lord Ministries mentioned that he wanted to hook up the existing church gym to the existing on-site sewer system because he said according to PA Labor and Industry it is a separate building from the church.  Supervisor Sharrah expressed that it was his understanding that the building was all under one roof regardless of how it was structured.  Dr. Yeager maintained that the buildings were separate.  Supervisor Sharrah said that he would have Wilbur Slothour respond to Dr. Yeager in writing about the DEP’s definition of a separate building.  Dr. Yeager said that he had two different occupancy permits for the gym and the church so therefore they were separate buildings.  Supervisor Sharrah said the occupancy permits only reflected the use of the structure not whether it was an individual structure.  Dr. Yeager said he would explore the legal possibility of declaring the structure separate in order to disconnect from the sewer and use the existing on-site system.

Dr. Yeager expressed his desire to convert the gymnasium into a homeless shelter for the winter months and a retreat center for youth and married couple counseling during the summer months.  Supervisor Sharrah expressed that this is a zoning issue and the Planning Commission has been asked to look at zoning in general in the Township but any changes would be months away.  Dr. Yeager’s request would be taken into consideration.  Supervisor Sharrah said that any zoning changes start with the Planning Commission and Dr. Yeager was encouraged by Supervisor Spence to attend the next Planning Commission meeting and workshop on December 29th at 6:00pm.

Dr. Yeager asked if he could have a hotel on church property even though it is a non profit organization.  Supervisor Sharrah said that that would be something to bring before the Planning Commission and then the Planning Commission would make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.

Dr. Yeager expressed his concerns that the business community was paying far more for sewer services than the average residential user.  Supervisor Sharrah assured him that this is not the case because the EDU values are the same. Supervisor Sharrah reminded Dr. Yeager that regulations are established by DEP not the Township. Dr. Yeager wanted to know why the Township could not supply sewage meters to more accurately track usage.  Solicitor Davis explained that this measure was cost prohibitive.

Dr. Yeager asked if the standards set for the business community were the same across the state.  Craig Zack replied that the Municipality had some input on the standards they chose.  Dr. Yeager said that he has had response from the business community that the Township does not care about the financial impact the sewer has had on them.  Nancy McGlaughlin expressed her opinion that most of the community was not responsive to the sewer till decisions were made and it impacted their pocket books.

Supervisor Sharrah explained to Dr. Yeager that visits to his property by Township officials are in direct response to complaints by residents. Dr. Yeager recounted visits by Wilbur Slouthour and Gil Picarelli.  Supervisor Sharrah explained the reasons for the visits by Wilbur Slouthour and Gil Picarelli. Dr. Yeager said the Township responded like the Gestapo and demanded to investigate his property.

Dr. Yeager addressed Craig Zack and asked if Craig thought, after his visit to the property yesterday, the property was in compliance with the sewage regulations.  Craig said his concern was with the upstairs apartment.  Dr. Yeager explained that this was not an apartment but a guest speaker room. After much discussion Dr. Yeager asked if his guest room will be considered an additional EDU to the property.  Supervisor Spence and Solicitor Davis responded that it would be an additional EDU because it is set up with cooking and sleeping facilities.  Dr. Yeager expressed that he may remove the guest room/apartment that is already hooked up to the sewer system.

Supervisor Sharrah stated that the items concerning Dr. Yeager related to zoning be addressed before the Planning Commission.  Dr. Yeager brought up Gil’s visit to his property and that it was his understanding that Gil wanted to see the inside of the building because he was going to a meeting to discuss his visit to the property.  Gil then clarified that he had a Planning Commission meeting that evening and was stopping by on the way to see if he could have access to the buildings on the church property.  It was not his intent to discuss his visit to the church property at the Planning Commission Meeting.

Dr. Yeager wanted to know if there were any written discussions concerning his property.  Solicitor Davis suggested he consult the Right to Know Act.  Dr. Yeager acknowledged that he has received the Right to Know Act form.

Supervisor Fetter expressed to Dr. Yeager that the township does care about the residents and that the Board has done it’s best to help residents acquire grant monies and help with the whole scope of the sewer project.

 

Next agenda item was guest Mark Wherley of ACTV.  Mr. Wherely was asking about the status of a letter of support sent by the Borough of New Oxford.  Supervisor Sharrah was concerned that although it is written in the Community Media Initiative letter that the township would not directly be financially responsible for the PEG station cost, that as a consequence it could result in new higher fees for residential service to cover the cost of the PEG.  Supervisor Sharrah also said that there is a rate increase for Comcast service starting in January 2011.  Mr. Wherely explained what the funding from Comcast would provide and some of the services that the PEG Station provides for the community. After much discussion Supervisor Sharrah said a decision to support the Community Media Initative would be tabled till the next meeting.

 

Mr. Joseph Dingus asked if there had been any decision on his project. Supervisor Sharrah explained that the Planning Commission is reviewing the present zoning for the Township and possible changes.  Supervisor Spence explained she recently received an email saying neighbors of the Dingus property had water concerns.  Supervisor Sharrah told Mr. Dingus that his concerns should be brought before The Planning Commission and encouraged him to attend the next Planning Commission meeting. Supervisor Fetter explained that most changes to zoning took anywhere from 6 months to a year.

 

Nancy McGlaughlin had a question for Supervisor Fetter concerning the road markings at the intersection of Flohrs Church Road and Hilltown Road.  Supervisor Fetter explained that there are tiles that need replaced in this area.  Nancy expressed her concern that the road would need to be closed.  Supervisor Fetter said that it was possible that it could be closed for one day.  Nancy also asked about when the township would be sending out a newsletter.  Nancy would like the newsletter to inform residents that the Planning Commission is considering some zoning changes within the township and indicate Supervisor and Planning Commission meeting times.

Supervisor Spence asked if the newsletter could be placed in public places instead of mailings.  Discussions took place among Board members and Nancy about the most cost effective way to distribute the newsletter. Supervisor Spence suggested that posting in public places and also putting the newsletter on the township web site might be the best way.

 

Bicky Redman said that she is working with Rusty Ryan on stormwater management practices for property owners under an acre and that she would keep the township informed of their findings.

 

A resident had a question about the new tax milage rate and how to apply the new rate to the accessed value of a property.

 

Darrin Flake asked if there was any news on the appeals to the tax reassessment.  Darrin asked when the Board would be appointing a sewer authority.  Supervisor Sharrah replied that the process would take about 6 months.  Supervisor Spence explained that the term for sewer authority members would be for 5 years and consist of 5 board members.

 

There being no further business to conduct meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Dorothy J. Shaffer

Secretary