REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 1, 2010


The regular meeting of the Jefferson Township Board of Supervisors was held on Monday, November 1, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jefferson Township Municipal Bldg. 487 Cortez Rd., Jefferson Twp., PA 18436.

CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Lester L. Butler, Jr.

ROLL CALL: Lester L. Butler, Jr., John H. Patterson, Jr., Paul T. Thomas, Coleen Watt, Donald P. Dolan.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: A motion was made by John H. Patterson, Jr. seconded by Paul T. Thomas to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Aye carried.

TREASURERS REPORT: A motion was made by Paul T. Thomas seconded by John H. Patterson, Jr. to approve the treasurer’s report as read. Aye carried.

REPORTS OF OFFICIALS AND COMMITTEES: Ambulance, Fire Co., Historical Society, Police, Road and Twp. Liason reports were read by Secretary, Coleen Watt.

ACTION ON BILLS: A motion was made by John H. Patterson, Jr. seconded by Paul T. Thomas to pay all outstanding bills and payroll. Aye carried.

NEW BUSINESS: A motion was made by John H. Patterson, Jr. seconded by Paul T. Thomas to extend the lease for the motorcycle through Harley Davidson. Price is $2,100.00 for the year. Aye carried.

A motion was made by John H. Patterson, Jr. seconded by Paul T. Thomas to grant an extension for Outlook Construction subdivision until December 6, 2010. Aye carried.

A motion was made by Paul T. Thomas seconded by John H. Patterson, Jr. to grant an extension to Moosic Lakes, Inc. for a subdivision until December 6, 2010. Aye carried.

A motion was made by Paul T. Thomas seconded by John H. Patterson, Jr. to grant an extension to Great Bend Holdings for a subdivision until December 6, 2010. Aye carried.

A motion was made by John H. Patterson, Jr. seconded by Paul T. Thomas to approve bills for the upstairs renovations. Stevens and Lee for closing loan $8,500.00. William J. Rinald for load closing $5,000.00. Aye carried.

A motion was made by Paul T. Thomas seconded by John H. Patterson, Jr. to approve the purchase of two portable dug outs for the Township baseball field. Cost $1,640.00 each. Aye carried.

A motion was made by John H. Patterson, Jr. seconded by Paul T. Thomas to reject all bids for the Jefferson Township sidewalk and landscaping project. Aye carried. Project is to be rebid.

A motion was made by John H. Patterson, Jr. seconded by Paul T. Thomas to have LaCapra stone install treads on the stairs at the front of the Municipal Bldg. Cost $3,300.00. Aye carried.

A motion was made by John H. Patterson, Jr. seconded by Paul T. Thomas to grant the Recreation Board permission to hire an appraiser to get an appraisal on the Ritter property. Aye carried.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: The Board would like to contact DGK Insurance to discuss the lawsuit that occurred in Madison Twp. where the Board of Supervisors did not have sufficient insurance coverage to pay the amount of the judgement against them.

The Board thanked all of our Veterans for their service.

Supervisor Patterson wants to have the Ambulance and Fire Company audited. He feels they need to be accountable for the public funds they receive from the Township. Letters will be sent to both organizations.

Supervisor Butler wants to make it clear and put it on record that he has no intention of taking money away from either the Ambulance or Fire Company.

Mike Hyduchak gave a report on the TCC. He said it looks as though Berkheimer will be the tax collector effective January, 2012.

Doran Wade of Laurel Ridge asked about the line of credit for the development. He asked how much money is in the line of credit.

The residents of Laurel Ridge notified the Board of Supervisors that nothing has been done in the development since they have been attending meetings. Numerous times during the past few months they have expressed their concerns over unfinished projects throughout the development and no work has been done to complete any of the projects.

Nick Rocco asked what the Township is negotiating with the bank.

Solicitor Dolan noted that he could not discuss Mr. Rocco’s question regarding negotiations with the bank. He explained the letter of credit to Mr. Rocco and noted that there should be enough money to finish the construction that still needs to be done.

Nick Rocco discussed the developer’s agreement and how it should have increased every year.
A resident of Laurel Ridge asked if any action has been taken regarding snow removal for their development and if the Township is holding as escrow account for the developer to pay for snow removal.

Nelson Tavaris thanked the Ambulance and Fire Company for a job well done is assisting his father in law when he had a medical emergency. Mr. Tavaris noted that he is very concerned with snow removal this winter. He suggested passing a bylaw allowing the Township to enter a development to plow and cinder roads when resident’s health and welfare are at risk. The Township should then be able to turn around and bill the developer for their services. If the developer does not pay, the Township should be able to put a lien against them. Mr. Tavaris wants the Township to protect itself and its residents.

Rodney Branning of Laurel Ridge is concerned now that winter is upon us because the road that leads to his home is in very poor condition. He noted that his road is in such poor condition he is afraid it will be rendered impassible when winter arrives.

Doran Waide asked why Laurel Ridge was given a line of credit and not a bond. Solicitor Dolan explained that is the way is was done at the time.

Arlene Scutt of Pumphouse Rd. said her property is full of rocks from the sewer project.

Tony Zadjura asked if the Township has a plan in place to prevent the problems the residents of Laurel Ridge are currently experiencing.

Solicitor Dolan noted all the Township can do is enforce the developer’s agreement. In the future additional language will be included to help avoid the situation at Laurel Ridge.

Nick Rocco asked who the Township watchdog is. He asked if the Township has someone monitoring all of the developments to make sure everything is in check and the projects are completed on time.

Solicitor Dolan noted that there is not one person however, the Township Engineer usually keeps a running log on the amount of money in the line of credit.

Betty of Laurel Ridge noted that the school district will not come into the development until the Township takes over the roads.

Supervisor Ike Butler stated the Township has an obligation to the residents of Laurel Ridge.

There being no further business a motion was made by Paul T. Thomas seconded by John H. Patterson, Jr. the meeting adjourned.

Meeting Adjourned 8:50 p.m. ______________________________
Coleen Watt, Secretary