JUNE 3, 2014
CALL TO ORDERThe Supervisors meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chairman Eshleman.
PRESENTSupervisors Craig C. Eshleman, Steven R. Charles, Sr., & John Berry, Kelly Ream, Todd Ream, Don Linton, Cheryl Linton, Vince Metzler, Nicole Metzler, Bob May, Andrew Collins, Dan Alexander, Robert Hershey, Jr., Eric Doman, Andrea Berry, Stu Levenson, Diane Levenson, Jim Hindes, Corey Collins, Rae Ann Henry, Joanna Gruber, Linda Eshleman, Teresa Murphy, Ed Ritz, Nick Snavely and Officer Dianne Carter.
MINUTESThe Supervisors approved the May 2014 meeting minutes on a motion by Berry, seconded by Charles. All in favor, none opposed.
TREASURER’S REPORTThe Supervisors approved the May 2014 Treasurer’s Report on a motion by Eshleman, seconded by Charles.
APPROVE BILLSThe Supervisors approved all bills paid during the month of Mayon a motion by Eshleman, seconded by Berry. All in favor, none opposed.
POLICE REPORTOfficer Dianne Carter was present and read the May police report.
ZONING REPORTThe zoning officer was present and read the May zoning report.
ROAD REPORTCorey Collins read the road master’s report for the month of May.The road crew replaced various signs; replaced 40’ of pipe on River Road, prepared various sections of roadway (milling and stone placement) for the paving project; regular equipment maintenance was done; Pennsy completed the paving project on River Road, Sassafras Road and Green Hill Road. Diane Levenson thanked the supervisors for approving the work on Sassafras Road.
BUSINESS
537 PLAN UPDATERandy Shearer of Wilson Consulting Group has completed his draft report for DEP. This report contains the water testing results. The report also contains suggestions for action. On a motion by Eshleman, seconded by Berry, the Supervisors authorized Randy Shearer to move forward and meet with DEP and advertise the plan update for review by DEP. All in favor, none opposed.
RAIL TRAIL UPDATEOn a motion by Charles, seconded by Berry, the Supervisors voted to join Martic Township on a re-bid of the trestle bridge work. All in favor, none opposed.
CONESTOGA AMBULANCEBob May, executive director of LEMSA was present to discuss the merger of LEMSA with Conestoga Ambulance. Mr. May explained that the merger will take place in August, 2014. The ambulance will remain in Conestoga Township; the service will remain 24/7. The name on the side of the ambulance will probably eventually be changed to LEMSA. Mr. May expressed that LEMSA will provide the same caliber of service as Conestoga Ambulance has for many years. Membership pricing is not expected to increase as a result of the merger. Mr. May also indicated that he will keep the supervisors in the loop of any news or important issues. LEMSA will also cover the cost of worker’s comp. insurance for employees and volunteers.
ORCHARD HILLSThe dumping issue on Berrydale Drive seems to have subsided. The road crew and Supervisors will continue to keep an eye on the situation.
VINCE METZLERVince Metzler was present and the supervisors discussed a pipe on Stoney Lane that is no longer adequate in size to control run-off from Metzler’s property. As a condition of approval of Mr. Metzler’s storm water design for his chicken house operation, Randy Shearer (township engineer) indicated that something should be done about the pipe. The Supervisors and Vince Metzler discussed this and decided that Mr. Metzler will pay the township $1000.00 for the new pipe and installation. Mr. Metzler asked about his pending permit – the process has been delayed several months already and he requested that his permit be issued now, due to the letter from Randy Shearer dated May 12, 2014. In this letter, Randy deemed the storm water design acceptable, except for the pipe on Stoney Lane and that the E & S plan needs sent to the LCCD. On a motion by Eshleman, seconded by Charles, the Supervisors authorized Jim Hindes to issue the permit to Vince Metzler on the condition that all items required by our zoning and storm water ordinances, as well as all items indicated in Mr. Metzler’s storm water plan, and all items required by our engineer are met, including payment for the pipe replacement on Stoney Lane. All in favor, none opposed. The storm water plan will need signed and the Supervisors authorized the future signing of the plan as well.
RIVER ROAD PAVINGThe bid for paving was awarded at the May meeting. The section of River Road between Main Street and Powerhouse Road was properly identified; however the measurement was underestimated by approximately 500 tons of asphalt.The paving work has been complete and on a motion by Charles, seconded by Eshleman, the supervisors agreed to pay the additional 500 tons (totaling $29,000.00) out of the general fund. All in favor, none opposed.
TRANSITIONAL HOUSEStu and Diane Levenson inquired about the Good Works Recovery Program House on Green Hill Road. The Levenson’s expressed concerns that a place like this exists without notification of the neighboring residences. The Levenson’s also indicated that they like to know who their neighbors are and said that they were curious why the place is still operational after the article appeared in the newspaper last month. The zoning officer explained that the house can continue to operate, and the owner began the program believing it was a permitted use. The zoning officer also explained that there is no procedure for notifying neighboring residences about something like this. The Supervisors understood the concerns of Mr. and Mrs. Levenson and thanked them for attending the meeting.
POOL PURCHASEPool manager Linda Eshleman presented three quotes to the supervisors for a new Ultramax Automatic Pool Cleaner. The lowest quote was from J.L. Honberger for $4395.00. On a motion by Berry, seconded by Charles, the Supervisors approved the purchase of the new cleaner from J.L. Honberger. All in favor, none opposed.
TERESA MURPHYTeresa Murphy asked the Supervisors to consider an ordinance similar to Quarryville Boro, which regulates wood burning fireplaces to channel the smoke straight up through the chimney. Ms. Murphy explained that she believes smoke from a neighboring chimney that blows on to her property is the same as trespassing and she can’t breathe the smoke because she is currently on oxygen. Supervisor Charles indicated that Conestoga Township is a rural area and Quarryville is a Boro and more residential in nature. After more discussion, Ms. Murphy indicated that she has concern for the 27 asthmatic children who attend Conestoga Elementary School. Supervisor Berry said that the planning commission could look into this and the Supervisors agreed that this is something the planning commission could investigate. This will be placed on the planning commission agenda for June 23.
BUSINESS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC
CHERYL LINTONCheryl Linton asked the zoning officer what the regulations are for horses – how many acres do you need for 1 horse. The answer is 2 acres for the first horse and one acre for each additional horse. Ms. Linton explained that one of her neighbors may have more horses than the zoning ordinance would allow. The zoning officer indicated that he would look into it.
BOB HERSHEY, JR.Bob Hershey,Jr. stated that it was brought to his attention that there is a vacancy on the planning commission and that he would be very interested in serving on this board and said he feels he has a lot to offer in this capacity. John Berry said that he learned that the member of the questionable vacant seat does not have to formally resign; the Supervisors can replace this person at will. Chairman Eshleman said he would like to hold off on making any decisions until next month or later. The other supervisors agreed.
RAE ANN HENRYRae Ann Henry, representing Friends of the Force, updated the Supervisors on the car show that will take place on September 27. Ms. Henry obtained the necessary information from Penn Dot to close the road – the only requirement at this point is a certificate of insurance from the township. Ms. Henry and the secretary-treasurer worked on this and the township insurance company will be providing Rae Ann what she needs to move forward. The Friends of the Force will pay any fees to place a rider on the insurance policy for the day of the event.
NICK SNAVELYNick Snavely who lives on Main Street, said the pipeline is going to go through his property. He wondered if the township had any new information and the supervisors answered no. Mr. Snavely also asked if the township is getting any benefits from the pipeline company. Chairman Eshleman said the township is absolutely not receiving any benefits from Williams (the pipeline company).
ED RITZEd Ritz asked the Supervisors of public water and sewer is coming to the township. Chairman Eshleman explained that public water and sewer would not be an option for the township. However, DEP is looking at recent water test results and will advise on the course of action the township needs to take. Chairman Eshleman said that DEP has the final say, and the township must do what they tell us to do – we have no choice, legally or otherwise. Mr. Ritz expressed concern about public water and sewer being required here – it would be extremely costly for him and others.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
NONE
ADJOURNThe meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm on a motion by Eshleman, seconded by Berry.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Kelly A. Ream
Secretary-Treasurer
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