February 13 & 20, 2003 Maidencreek Regular Business Meeting:
Attendence:
All three supervisors attended the 2/13 meeting, while only Gloria Kemmerer and Roy Timpe attended the 2/20 meeting.
Martin Retirement Village:
This is perhaps the big news of the month. Mr. Martin has two septic systems on his property. One of these systems has failed. The township, in an effort to protect the neighbors, has been pumping the failed system and billing Mr. Martin. Mr. Martin now owes the township about $8,000 in pumping fees. In addition, Mr. Martin has had his plans approved since about June that will allow him to hook up to the municipal system, and finally solve his problems with septic on the property. The board has patiently waited for Mr. Martin to act. The current situation has the taxpayers of Maidencreek subsidizing a private businessman for his sewage pumping. The board voted 3 to 0 to have the solicitor inform Martin that the township will stop pumping. He has 30 days to pay his bill, and he will be responsible for pumping his system from this time forward. In the event the Sewage Enforcement Officer documents a leak on the property, the solicitor is authorized ask the Court of Common Pleas to shut the failed system down. This is not a perfect solution, but something needs to be done to get this project moving. The status quo, has Maidencreek Taxpayers subsidizing a private business. The status quo is unacceptable. It is the hope of the board that Martin will execute on his plans and connect his system to eliminate the leak, protect his neighbors, and his renters.
Recycling:
The board passed a recycling ordinance on 2/20/03. The ordinance is the first step. The ordinance needs to be supplemented with regulations stating what is to be recycled and how it is to be recycled. The ordinance passed nearly unmodified, however, some additional definitions were added. Yard waste will be picked up at different times with two pieces of equipment. The chipper will be used to collect yard brush (small branches 3 inches or less in diameter), and the leaf vacuum will be used to collect the leaves. It has yet to be decided exactly how grass clippings will be handled, but they are not to take up valuable land fill space.
Roads:
The board voted to have the Police Chief comment on making the following roads snow emergency routes: Grove, East Wesner, West Wesner,and Wyatt.
The switch to Quick Books:
Quick Books is working well for us, and the board authorized Diane to do the township payroll via. quick books. This should save about $1,100 per year.
paid for by Roy Timpe