REGULAR MEETING
September 6, 2011
The regular monthly meeting of the Jefferson Township Board of Supervisors was held on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at the Jefferson Township Municipal Bldg., 487 Cortez Rd., Jefferson Twp., PA.
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Vice-Chairman, John H. Patterson, Jr.
Pledge Allegiance to the flag was given.
Roll Call: John H. Patterson, Jr., Paul T. Thomas, Coleen Watt, Attorney Donald P. Dolan, Lester L. Butler, Jr. was absent.
Minutes of Previous Meeting: A motion was made by Paul T. Thomas seconded by John H. Patterson, Jr. to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Aye carried.
Treasurer’s 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 Company, Police, Historical Society and Sewer Authority 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 approve all outstanding bills and payroll. Aye carried.
RESOLUTION NO 6 OF 2011
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISIORS OF JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, LACKAWAAN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING, EMPOWERING AND DIRECTING THE TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS TO APPOINT A LIASON BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP AND BERKHEINMER, THE DULY APPOINTED COLLECTOR OF EARNED INCOME TAX FOR THE TOWNSHIP, FOR THE EXPRESS PURPOSE F SHARING CONFIDENTIAL TAX INFORMATION WITH THE TOWNSHIP FOR OFFICAL PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, Act No. 511 of the 1965 General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (53 P.S. § 6901 et seq.), enacted December 31, 1965, and effective January 1, 1966, authorizes certain political subdivisions, including Jefferson Township to provide for the for the creation of such bureaus or the appointment and compensation of such officers, clerks, collectors and other assistants as may be deemed necessary for the assessment and collection of taxes imposed under the authority of that Act; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson Township, has entered into a contractual agreement with Berkheimer of Bangor, Pennsylvania, whereby and whereunder Jefferson Township appointed Berkheimer to collect Earned Income Tax; and
WHEREAS, said Act 511 specifically mandates that any information gained by the appointed tax officer, his agents or by any other official or agent of the taxing district, as a result of any declarations, returns, investigations, hearings or verifications required or authorized by the taxing municipality’s ordinance or resolution, be kept confidential, except for official purposes; and
WHEREAS, any person who divulges any information which is confidential under the provisions of any ordinance or resolution, upon conviction may be subject to fines and/or imprisonment, upon conviction, and dismissal from office or discharged from employment; and
WHEREAS, Berkheimer requires passage of a resolution by the governing body of Jefferson Township, specifying that said confidential information is needed for official purposes and absolving Berkheimer from any liability in connection with the release of said confidential information.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT REOLVED that:
1. Jefferson Township hereby appoints Coleen Watt as its authorized representative to make requests upon and receive any and all tax information and records from Berkheimer, relative to the collection of taxes for Jefferson Township, as desired and deemed necessary by Jefferson Township, to be used or official purposes only; and
2. Berkheimer is hereby directed to provide and/or transmit any and all tax information and records, or any portion thereof, relating to the collection of taxes for Jefferson Township, upon request to Coleen Watt, as the authorized contact representative for it.
3. Jefferson Township hereby saves harmless, indemnifies and/or absolves Berkheimer from and against any and all liability in connection with the release of said confidential information.
A motion was made by Paul T. Thomas seconded by John H. Patterson, Jr. to adopt Resolution 2011-6. Aye carried.
New Business: A motion was made by Paul T. Thomas seconded by John H. Patterson, Jr. to appoint Coleen Watt it’s authorized representative to make requests upon and receive any and all tax information and records from Berkheimer, relative to the collection of taxes for Jefferson Township, as desired and deemed necessary by Jefferson Township, to be used for official purposes only. Aye carried.
A motion was made by John H. Patterson, Jr. seconded by Paul T. Thomas to allow the Jefferson Township Civic Association to erect a message board at the Jefferson Township Recycling Center. Aye carried.
A motion was made y John H. Patterson, Jr. seconded by Paul T. Thomas to refund Charles and Melissa LeStrange for a building permit application they applies for. They have since changed their mind and are not going to build. Aye carried.
A motion was made by Paul T. Thomas seconded by John H. Patterson, Jr. to approve a drawdown for Moosic Lakes, Inc. in the amount of $76,362.30. Aye carried.
A motion was made by John H. Patterson, Jr. seconded by Paul T. Thomas to donate $500.00 to the Cortez Country Cupboard and Critter Closet. Aye carried.
A motion was made by John H. Patterson, Jr. seconded by Paul T. Thomas to apply to DCED for a recreation grant. Application fee is $100.00. Aye carried.
Miscellaneous Business: Patty Ternetsky asked why the Township did not replace the driveway pipe at Mr. Kincel’s property. The Supervisors said they would look into the matter.
There being no further business a motion was made by Paul T. Thomas seconded by John H. Patterson, Jr. the meeting adjourned.
Meeting Adjourned 7:50 p.m.
Coleen Watt, Secretary