CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Dennis Richards called the regular meeting to order at 5:00pm in the conference room of the Adams Township Municipal Building.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all present.
ATTENDANCE:
Those in attendance were Supervisors, Dennis Richards, Dennis Gdula, Brian Schrader, Mark Bucci and Dan Senft, Jennifer Zakraysek, Secretary-Treasurer, William Barbin, Solicitor, Police Chief Moss and twenty (20) visitors.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR AGENDA ITEMS AND PRIOR MEETING MINUTES:
Mr. Richards stated now the Public has the right and the opportunity to comment on any item from the previous meeting minutes. None were forthcoming.
MINUTES:
Mr. Richards stated everyone had copies of the June 26,2023 regular meeting. He asked all Board members to read the minutes. Mr. Richards asked for a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Gdula made the motion, second by Mr. Bucci. With all in favor, motion passed.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
After discussion, Mr. Richards stated the Treasurers Report was accepted as written. The General Account Fund showed revenues received totaling $68,209.10, expenditures of $72,556.33(check # 33189 to #33221) and a balance of $936,040.06. The Street Light Account Fund showed revenues received of $0.00 and expenditures of $4,934.59(check #1659 to #1660) and a balance of $42,643.70. The Fire Protection and Fire Hydrant Fund showed revenues received for the hydrants of $0.00 and protection of $0.00 and expenditures of $1,381.60(check #1366 to #1368) and a balance of $79,509.86. The State Liquid Fuels Account Fund showed revenues of $66.35 in interest, and expenditures of $0.00(check#--) leaving a balance of $360,415.06. The American Rescue Plan Account showed revenues of $6.28 in revenues in interest, and expenditures of $10,230.00(check#033) leaving a balance of $96,295.48.
CORRESPONDENCE: Thank you Letter from Mrs.Wolfhope about fixing ditch/ravine on Palestine Road.
OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Richards asked if the Board had any old business they would like to discuss. None was forthcoming.
NEW BUSINESS:
Payment of the Bills: Mr. Richards stated all Board Members have a copy of the bills presented for payment totaling $96,940.80 and asked them to take a few minutes to review the bills before calling for a motion to approve payment of the bills. Mr. Bucci made the motion to pay all bills. Mr. Senft seconded this motion. With rest in favor, motion passed.
The bills are as follows:GENERALFUND: Amtrust…..4,748.00,CambriaCtyBldgCodes…..671.73,CamCtyLawLib……7.00,Cintas….65.79,Comcast….760.15,CrystalPure….35.80,CumberlandTruck….88.22,E.Pentrack…30.00,EmploymentPartners….20,319.26,Highmark….278.25,FHMA…..132.00,Highland….78.66,J.Nibert….30.00,KimballMidwest….79.95,LarrysAuto…69.96,LongBarn….496.62,LutherPMiller…..2,919.83,N.Kundrod….200.00,P.Kundrod….39.27,Penelec….162.58,P.Helsel….30.00,R.Cortese….40.00,R.Webb…30.00,R.Lehman…30.00,R.Young….30.00,ThomasAuto….231.96,TritechSoftware…..2,138.08,USCleaning….745.00,VISA….828.04,WBMason….220.98,WindberStone…4,060.64. The State Liquid Fuels Fund: None. The StreetLightAccountFund: Penelec3,813.90, REA….127.60. The Fire Hydrant and Protection Fund: Highland….1,352.09, ATVolFireCo#1……20,000.00, ATVolFireCo#2…20,000.00. The American Rescue Plan Account Fund: Pristows….10,230.00, Chemung….935.….367.….516.46.
Mr. Richards asked for a motion to approve/ratify rental agreement with Jessica Hayes effective July 1,2023. Mr. Gdula made the motion, second by Mr. Schrader. With all in favor, motion passed.
Mr. Richards asked for a motion to approve amendment of development agreement and permit with Highland North LLC as previously described to the supervisors. Mr. Gdula made the motion, second by Mr. Senft. With all in favor, motion passed.
Mr. Richards asked for a motion to approve weight limit ordinance for Helsel Road.Mr.Gdula made the motion, second by Mr. Senft. With all in favor, motion passed.
Mr. Richards asked for a motion to approve Ervin Ace Development subdivision on Old Bedford Pike as approved by Planning Commission. Mr. Gdula made the motion, second by Mr. Richards. With all in favor, motion passed.
Mr. Richards asked for a motion to approve Adjoining Land Merger for Kelsi Nicodemus on Villa Road as approved by Planning Commission. Mr. Schrader made the motion, second by Mr. Bucci. With all in favor, motion passed.
Mr. Richards asked for a motion to authorize solicitor to prepare amendment to zoning ordinance regarding minimum square foot of a dwelling (if basement is included or not; applicable districts should be like AR-1) as recommended by Adams Twp. Planning Commission and advertise for hearing. Mr. Bucci made the motion, second by Mr. Gdula. With all in favor, motion passed. Bucci stated to Solicitor Barbin that the amendment is about minimum square footage for dwellings excluding basements; other applicable sections should read like AR-1 area; it was overlooked when Planning Commission updated the zoning ordinance.
Mr. Richards asked for a motion to amend agenda to include motion to purchase power washer; old one died after agenda was posted. Mr. Bucci made the motion, second by Mr. Gdula. With all in favor, motion passed. After discussion of quote for new power washer of $7,660 or to repair which is $4,346.00; to repair is more than half of new one. Mr. Richards asked for a motion to purchase a new power washer from Portage Power Wash at $7,660.00. Mr. Senft made the motion, second by Mr. Schrader. With all in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC GENERAL COMMENT PERIOD: Jennifer and Jason Miller of Helsel Road here about weight limit ordinance on Helsel Road…which sets it at 10 tons. She said her husband drives truck for living; his truck is empty going in and out. Solicitor Barbin asked Mr. Miller what unloaded gross weight was on truck; stated it was 28,000 (which is equal to 14 ton) which would be overweight according to new weight limit. Mr. Miller stated there is a law that states that he can do one in and one out a day. Solicitor Barbin said he is not aware of one; if Mr. Miller can provide document where it states so he would be happy to look at; he said to give to township secretary, and she can forward onto him. He said then we can discuss at next meeting and figure out a solution; but would not be enforced against Mr. Miller until we review /figure things out. Tracy Helsel asked if an engineering study was done and when. Solicitor Barbin stated yes one was and in June 2023 and explained that report sets weight limit; after testing road using core samples,etc to determine condition of road. She asked about if Mr. Miller could get exemption that this is his livelihood. Solicitor Barbin said we have to sure to treat people equally ; he said after getting more information and reviewing it; we will try and figure out a solution with Mr. Miller. Mr. Gdula then explained that for the last 3 or 4 years we have been doing weight limits on township roads due to a couple years ago; we had a logger bond a road and there was some damage and when he went to call in bond; the guy asked to see engineering study. At the time, we didn’t have one for that road. He said we found out we cannot enforce the bond unless engineering traffic study is done, and road posted for weight limit. Mr. Dan Wolfhope said he has land he rents to farmers; he said thinks they are; does not want to tell them they can’t farm. Solicitor Barbin said if we change something we want to know weight so we can adjust weight to accommodate; cannot make a law based on guesses. He said to ask farmers what weight of equipment is and let us know. Mr. Richards said he has been here for 25 years or more; he said we have always worked with the farmers, and he said anytime we had an issue with Mr. Miller we just talked to him and worked it out. Mr. Gdula said if we pulled bond if there is damage to road; it is 12,500 per paved mile and there is no way to fix road for 12,500. He said years ago they had a logger drop plow bottom on Helsel on road; and said after twp. had to fix. Said residents that normally use road that are not hauling; have to protect road basically that their tax money paid for by bonding/posting road. Mr. Gearhart asked about upgrading road/paving; could you get a grant? Mr. Gdula said grants are hard to come by for blacktop. Mr. Dan Helsel brought up Baumgardner Road by him; if that one was done; Mr. Senft and Mr. Gdula said no they did not think that was one that was done; asked if they were doing so many a year. Mr. Gdula said yes, these last few years; we have tried to do/pay for a couple roads a year to do engineering study on so we can post/bond roads. He said we are also doing Fifty Acre Road this year have to wait until after road is paved for engineer to do study. Mr. Percy Helsel asked when Helsel Road will be posted with the 10 ton. Solicitor Barbin said you can’t post until ordinance is adopted. He said they just did that so anytime now they are allowed to post it. Discussion turned back to agricultural hauling; Mr. Gdula commented that is mostly done now in nicer weather as opposed to winter when it can get muddy,etc. Ms.Smay inquired that she heard trucks have to have a permit? And if so, how much is it and how long is it good for? Solicitor Barbin said if they are overweight and not considered local delivery; there is a 50.00 administrative fee along with amount for bond. He and Mr. Gdula explained that the amount of it is based on miles of road they are using to haul (12,500 per mile of paved road and 6,000 per mile for unpaved and that how long depends on how long they will be in there some are for 90 days or could be 6 months. Solicitor Barbin said system is primarily used for loggers who have to bond roads.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Richards stated with no other township business to conduct he would entertain a motion to adjourn. Mr. Bucci made the motion, second by Mr. Senft. With all in favor, motion passed, and the meeting adjourned at 5:31 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted: Jennifer Zakraysek, Secretary-Treasurer
Chairman Dennis Richards called the regular meeting to order at 5:00pm in the conference room of the Adams Township Municipal Building.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all present.
ATTENDANCE:
Those in attendance were Supervisors, Dennis Richards, Dennis Gdula, Brian Schrader, Mark Bucci and Dan Senft, Jennifer Zakraysek, Secretary-Treasurer, William Barbin, Solicitor, Police Chief Moss and twenty (20) visitors.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR AGENDA ITEMS AND PRIOR MEETING MINUTES:
Mr. Richards stated now the Public has the right and the opportunity to comment on any item from the previous meeting minutes. None were forthcoming.
MINUTES:
Mr. Richards stated everyone had copies of the June 26,2023 regular meeting. He asked all Board members to read the minutes. Mr. Richards asked for a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Gdula made the motion, second by Mr. Bucci. With all in favor, motion passed.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
After discussion, Mr. Richards stated the Treasurers Report was accepted as written. The General Account Fund showed revenues received totaling $68,209.10, expenditures of $72,556.33(check # 33189 to #33221) and a balance of $936,040.06. The Street Light Account Fund showed revenues received of $0.00 and expenditures of $4,934.59(check #1659 to #1660) and a balance of $42,643.70. The Fire Protection and Fire Hydrant Fund showed revenues received for the hydrants of $0.00 and protection of $0.00 and expenditures of $1,381.60(check #1366 to #1368) and a balance of $79,509.86. The State Liquid Fuels Account Fund showed revenues of $66.35 in interest, and expenditures of $0.00(check#--) leaving a balance of $360,415.06. The American Rescue Plan Account showed revenues of $6.28 in revenues in interest, and expenditures of $10,230.00(check#033) leaving a balance of $96,295.48.
CORRESPONDENCE: Thank you Letter from Mrs.Wolfhope about fixing ditch/ravine on Palestine Road.
OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Richards asked if the Board had any old business they would like to discuss. None was forthcoming.
NEW BUSINESS:
Payment of the Bills: Mr. Richards stated all Board Members have a copy of the bills presented for payment totaling $96,940.80 and asked them to take a few minutes to review the bills before calling for a motion to approve payment of the bills. Mr. Bucci made the motion to pay all bills. Mr. Senft seconded this motion. With rest in favor, motion passed.
The bills are as follows:GENERALFUND: Amtrust…..4,748.00,CambriaCtyBldgCodes…..671.73,CamCtyLawLib……7.00,Cintas….65.79,Comcast….760.15,CrystalPure….35.80,CumberlandTruck….88.22,E.Pentrack…30.00,EmploymentPartners….20,319.26,Highmark….278.25,FHMA…..132.00,Highland….78.66,J.Nibert….30.00,KimballMidwest….79.95,LarrysAuto…69.96,LongBarn….496.62,LutherPMiller…..2,919.83,N.Kundrod….200.00,P.Kundrod….39.27,Penelec….162.58,P.Helsel….30.00,R.Cortese….40.00,R.Webb…30.00,R.Lehman…30.00,R.Young….30.00,ThomasAuto….231.96,TritechSoftware…..2,138.08,USCleaning….745.00,VISA….828.04,WBMason….220.98,WindberStone…4,060.64. The State Liquid Fuels Fund: None. The StreetLightAccountFund: Penelec3,813.90, REA….127.60. The Fire Hydrant and Protection Fund: Highland….1,352.09, ATVolFireCo#1……20,000.00, ATVolFireCo#2…20,000.00. The American Rescue Plan Account Fund: Pristows….10,230.00, Chemung….935.….367.….516.46.
Mr. Richards asked for a motion to approve/ratify rental agreement with Jessica Hayes effective July 1,2023. Mr. Gdula made the motion, second by Mr. Schrader. With all in favor, motion passed.
Mr. Richards asked for a motion to approve amendment of development agreement and permit with Highland North LLC as previously described to the supervisors. Mr. Gdula made the motion, second by Mr. Senft. With all in favor, motion passed.
Mr. Richards asked for a motion to approve weight limit ordinance for Helsel Road.Mr.Gdula made the motion, second by Mr. Senft. With all in favor, motion passed.
Mr. Richards asked for a motion to approve Ervin Ace Development subdivision on Old Bedford Pike as approved by Planning Commission. Mr. Gdula made the motion, second by Mr. Richards. With all in favor, motion passed.
Mr. Richards asked for a motion to approve Adjoining Land Merger for Kelsi Nicodemus on Villa Road as approved by Planning Commission. Mr. Schrader made the motion, second by Mr. Bucci. With all in favor, motion passed.
Mr. Richards asked for a motion to authorize solicitor to prepare amendment to zoning ordinance regarding minimum square foot of a dwelling (if basement is included or not; applicable districts should be like AR-1) as recommended by Adams Twp. Planning Commission and advertise for hearing. Mr. Bucci made the motion, second by Mr. Gdula. With all in favor, motion passed. Bucci stated to Solicitor Barbin that the amendment is about minimum square footage for dwellings excluding basements; other applicable sections should read like AR-1 area; it was overlooked when Planning Commission updated the zoning ordinance.
Mr. Richards asked for a motion to amend agenda to include motion to purchase power washer; old one died after agenda was posted. Mr. Bucci made the motion, second by Mr. Gdula. With all in favor, motion passed. After discussion of quote for new power washer of $7,660 or to repair which is $4,346.00; to repair is more than half of new one. Mr. Richards asked for a motion to purchase a new power washer from Portage Power Wash at $7,660.00. Mr. Senft made the motion, second by Mr. Schrader. With all in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC GENERAL COMMENT PERIOD: Jennifer and Jason Miller of Helsel Road here about weight limit ordinance on Helsel Road…which sets it at 10 tons. She said her husband drives truck for living; his truck is empty going in and out. Solicitor Barbin asked Mr. Miller what unloaded gross weight was on truck; stated it was 28,000 (which is equal to 14 ton) which would be overweight according to new weight limit. Mr. Miller stated there is a law that states that he can do one in and one out a day. Solicitor Barbin said he is not aware of one; if Mr. Miller can provide document where it states so he would be happy to look at; he said to give to township secretary, and she can forward onto him. He said then we can discuss at next meeting and figure out a solution; but would not be enforced against Mr. Miller until we review /figure things out. Tracy Helsel asked if an engineering study was done and when. Solicitor Barbin stated yes one was and in June 2023 and explained that report sets weight limit; after testing road using core samples,etc to determine condition of road. She asked about if Mr. Miller could get exemption that this is his livelihood. Solicitor Barbin said we have to sure to treat people equally ; he said after getting more information and reviewing it; we will try and figure out a solution with Mr. Miller. Mr. Gdula then explained that for the last 3 or 4 years we have been doing weight limits on township roads due to a couple years ago; we had a logger bond a road and there was some damage and when he went to call in bond; the guy asked to see engineering study. At the time, we didn’t have one for that road. He said we found out we cannot enforce the bond unless engineering traffic study is done, and road posted for weight limit. Mr. Dan Wolfhope said he has land he rents to farmers; he said thinks they are; does not want to tell them they can’t farm. Solicitor Barbin said if we change something we want to know weight so we can adjust weight to accommodate; cannot make a law based on guesses. He said to ask farmers what weight of equipment is and let us know. Mr. Richards said he has been here for 25 years or more; he said we have always worked with the farmers, and he said anytime we had an issue with Mr. Miller we just talked to him and worked it out. Mr. Gdula said if we pulled bond if there is damage to road; it is 12,500 per paved mile and there is no way to fix road for 12,500. He said years ago they had a logger drop plow bottom on Helsel on road; and said after twp. had to fix. Said residents that normally use road that are not hauling; have to protect road basically that their tax money paid for by bonding/posting road. Mr. Gearhart asked about upgrading road/paving; could you get a grant? Mr. Gdula said grants are hard to come by for blacktop. Mr. Dan Helsel brought up Baumgardner Road by him; if that one was done; Mr. Senft and Mr. Gdula said no they did not think that was one that was done; asked if they were doing so many a year. Mr. Gdula said yes, these last few years; we have tried to do/pay for a couple roads a year to do engineering study on so we can post/bond roads. He said we are also doing Fifty Acre Road this year have to wait until after road is paved for engineer to do study. Mr. Percy Helsel asked when Helsel Road will be posted with the 10 ton. Solicitor Barbin said you can’t post until ordinance is adopted. He said they just did that so anytime now they are allowed to post it. Discussion turned back to agricultural hauling; Mr. Gdula commented that is mostly done now in nicer weather as opposed to winter when it can get muddy,etc. Ms.Smay inquired that she heard trucks have to have a permit? And if so, how much is it and how long is it good for? Solicitor Barbin said if they are overweight and not considered local delivery; there is a 50.00 administrative fee along with amount for bond. He and Mr. Gdula explained that the amount of it is based on miles of road they are using to haul (12,500 per mile of paved road and 6,000 per mile for unpaved and that how long depends on how long they will be in there some are for 90 days or could be 6 months. Solicitor Barbin said system is primarily used for loggers who have to bond roads.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Richards stated with no other township business to conduct he would entertain a motion to adjourn. Mr. Bucci made the motion, second by Mr. Senft. With all in favor, motion passed, and the meeting adjourned at 5:31 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted: Jennifer Zakraysek, Secretary-Treasurer
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