April 12, 2001 Maidencreek Supervisor's Meeting:
Due to a poor ballot position, candidate Edward Carlson has removed his name from the ballot, and I have removed it from the main page of the web site. I thank Mr. Carlson for his interest.
Fee in Lieu of Ordinance:
This is the ordinance that would have discouraged business in the township by charging a recreation fee to business properties being developed. The matter was dropped when the solicitor informed us that the fee for business is likely to lose in court. The only part of this ordinance that is likely to be adopted is a section clarifying our fee in lieu of for residences.
Regular Business Meeting:
A few quick notes on the meeting. There is a "Candidate's forum" at the Andrew Maier Gym 7:00 PM May 2. This event is hosted by the Maidencreek Citizen's Action Committee.
Noise Ordinance:
This noise ordinance has taken on a life of its own. In previous meetings I tried to simplify the ordinance by eliminating language on specific behaviors like hobbyist activity (noise from wood working, do-it yourself home repair, race cars etc.) Terry Rarick and Karl Bolognese voted to put these behaviors back into the ordinance along with a ban on construction and trash pick up before 7:00 AM.
I know on the face of it much of this may sound good to many of you, but banning construction and trash pick up before 7:00 AM assures that the intersections we are already complaining about will have even more traffic for the morning commute.
Let's carefully think about what were actually doing. By banning roofers (do-it yourselfers or professional) before 7:00 AM we are forcing these workers to stay on the roofs longer into the hot summer afternoon. A roof lasts 25 years. With our own house and four nearest neighbors we can expect to have to endure the noise of roofers 5 mornings in 25 years. Folks, that's one morning every 5 years. The price of these 5 mornings is born by the workers having to sweat it out in the heat of the day every day. If this thing passes I hope they all charge us more for home repairs, we will deserve it. The trash haulers are also likely to give us all a price increase.
From my observations we have two severe noise problems in the township.
* On occasion a party at the picnic grove goes late into the night and loud.
* The operator of one dog kennel is less than conscientious about taking steps to quell the barking.
In an effort to solve these two issues the supervisors are preparing to pass an ordinance that will affect over 5,000 people. The ordinance can be leveled against woodworkers, car enthusiasts, motorcycles, model airplanes, model cars, snow mobiles, and whatever else may offend any two residents of this township.(check out section 6.01 if any two residents think something is too loud it is, regardless of the time of day.)
The only winner is this mess will be the solicitor. We had a resident thumb his nose at building codes and were forced to fine him. To date the township has spent $9,863.30 in professional fees to secure an $8,000 fine that has yet to be paid. From what I've been told there were safety issues in the legal action, and it was necessary to fine the individual. Just think of the fees likely to be generated defending this noise ordinance, as neighbors use it to punish each other for their hobbies. I will post a copy of this ordinance for your review when it is available.
I'm beginning to think it may be more cost effective to have the township get court injunctions to regulate our two sources of noise, and preserve the liberty of the other 4,998 people in the community.
The newest draft will be the subject of a public hearing to be scheduled at the next meeting.
Auditors Report:
The auditors (Reinsel & Company) gave their report. The township is running on a cash basis for the calendar year. This year the cash system made things look a little worse than they actually are. For example, the police insurance payments are made by the township and reimbursed by the regional police. The reimbursements are running with a 5 month lag. This lag makes it appear that things are worse for calendar year 2000 than they actually will be once all the reimbursements are in. The auditors also noted the $100,000 impending loan to purchase the land adjacent to the park as a future liability. It is my intention that this $100,000 loan be retired by the money in the Park and Rec. fund. The new tax for Park and Rec. is generating $150,000 per year. The report is available at the township building for interested residents.
Treasurer's Report:
There was no Treasurer's report this month as our treasurer is on jury duty. A motion was made authorizing the payment of this month's bills, although the details will be available at next months meeting.
Other Items of interest:
In the January 11th meeting it was mentioned that the Martin Retirement Village has caused concern with their septic system. Its seems on occasion the system has failed and allowed sewage to leak onto neighboring property. In response to this concern, the owner agreed to pump the tank bi-weekly and provide the township with receipts. The township has only received one receipt. The Sewage Enforcement Officer has objective evidence of leaking. The board voted unanimously to authorize the solicitor to fine the owner. This is done to protect the neighbors from the leaking sewage.
Paid
for by Roy Timpe