February 22, 2002 Maidencreek Vacancy Board Meeting:
The lawyer informed the board that the law requires no public comment at a vacancy board meeting, however, the board decided to hear from each of the two nominees, and then have public comment. Joe Rudderow, the vacancy chairman, did not have a nominee of his own. Joe did ask if anyone else present was interested in serving as supervisor. No one else came forward. A coin was tossed to determine the first speaker. Gloria Kemmerer spoke first from prepared notes. Her thoughts were well organized. She articulated a vision for the township of lower taxes through increased business development. Larry extemporaneously gave his background and experiences. He was somewhat less organized than Gloria. A chief difference in their positions was that Larry clearly identified himself with a position of zero change. After both Gloria and Larry spoke, the public comment ranged from traffic concerns, school taxes, and other public policy issues. The matter was brought to a vote and Gloria was chosen to fill the remainder of Terry's term. Roy Timpe and Joe Rudderow voting for Gloria, and Bob Kopfer voting against. Public comment was continued after the vote to give the supervisors a chance to hear everyone's views on these issues.
February 12, 2002 Northern Berks Police Meeting:
The main business at the police meeting was the offer of employment to two new officers. This is to offset the recent attrition the department has experienced. I've met both these men; they have earned high scores at their respective academies, and appear to be conscientious law enforcement professionals.
Our department has two celebrities: Sergeant Schnittinger, and his K9 partner Iso. Iso is a rather large German Shepherd whom you would not want to meet in a dark alley. Officer Schnittinger and Iso traveled to Tallahassee FL for a dog competition where he and Iso won first place over 20 police dogs competing.
The union contract with the officers still has one last issue to be ironed out. This is most important. The officers have been working under the 2001 contract.
February 14, 2002 Maidencreek Supervisors' Meeting:
Terry Rarick's Resignation:
Toward the end of the meeting under New Business we voted to accept Terry's resignation. Bob and I then proceeded to talk about a replacement. I nominated Gloria Kemmerer. Since our town has two Gloria Kemmerers, I 'll clarify. I nominated Ted Hughes' daughter. My wife and I moved to Maidencreek in late 1989. One of the first families we met was the Kemmerers. Both Ron and Gloria are good people. Since my election as supervisor, I've come to value her opinion on township matters. As a life long Maidencreek resident, she has a perspective I cannot bring to the supervisors' table. After my election she was appointed to the planning commission. While Gloria always showed an interest in the township through her frequent meeting attendance, as a planning commission member, she has become very familiar with the zoning ordinances. During Karl's chairmanship she offered many suggestions to improve ordinances, in both scope and wording. The addition of Gloria to the board will give Maidencreek a board with three independent people working for good government in our township. Robert Kopfer nominated Larry Kunkel. After some discussion, we decided that we could not agree. Rather than wait the full 30 days for the vacancy board, we decided to schedule a meeting on Friday 2/22/02 at 7:30 PM. The vacancy board chairman will either cast the deciding vote, or perhaps select a third candidate Bob and I have yet to consider. The 2/22/02 meeting will have public comment, and the candidates will make a brief presentation.
Martin Sewage Leak:
A gentleman in the audience said Maritn's trailer park has been leaking sewage since 1985. I don't know for sure when it started, but it was leaking long before I took office in January 2000. The last sticking point with getting this fixed was a catch 22 with letters of credit (LOC) with the Water Authority. I went to the Water Authority meeting, and Mr. Martin did not show up. After a fruitful discussion with the Authority, I decided to issue an ultimatum to Mr. Martin. Naturally, Bob and I would have to vote on this at the 2/14/02 meeting. I wanted the LOCs with the authority drafted within 30 days and completed within 60 days. I communicated this to our solicitor via email so he could prepare for the 2/14/02 meeting. The solicitor telegraphed our intention to Mr. Martin's attorney, and Mr. Martin began to work on complying with the ultimatum before it was voted on. Mr. Martin has the drafts of the LOCs ready, and likely can have them in place at the next authority meeting. Bob and I did not want this project to lose momentum again, so at the meeting with the help of the engineer and solicitor we worked out the following ultimatum.
By March 14, 2002 the following is to be done:
The LOCs are in place with the Water Authority.
The improvements agreement is signed and contains a construction schedule that has the existing units hooked up within 5 months.
Failure to make the March 14 deadline will result in the township seeking injunction to immediately stop the use of the failed system. (The solicitor has already been authorized to do so. It will not require an additional vote.)
Before the signed plans are released the following needs to be done:
The money for the reviews, inspections etc. needs to be in place (approx. $4,700)
The pump out fund balance needs to be brought to a total of $5,000 (This will provide the township with money to pump the system for about 6.5 months. Which should be enough given the schedule in point 2 above)
The township is paid for 100% of the SEO fees regarding the inspections for the pumping.
These conditions are intended to be fair to the taxpayers of Maidencreek Township, since they should not be subsidizing the maintenance or development of this retirement village. The ultimatum is designed to get this sewage leak fixed for the protection of the Martin Retirement Village residents and the neighbors of the retirement village. I have been assured by the engineer and the solicitor that these conditions should not be difficult for Mr. Martin to meet. In the worst case, it may be necessary to carry through with the injunction. This would cost the township some money, but it is a good use of taxpayer money to spend it protecting these neighbors and their property from this sewage leak. In so doing, we are sending a message that protects all of our property.
Bedrock Stone and Mulch:
The plan expired for Bedrock Stone and Mulch. This was due to the failure of the owner to ask for an extension. As a result the memorandum of understanding that was allowing his business to function during the planning process also expired. We voted to have the solicitor send a letter asking him to cease business operations. Why he did not pursue the planning process with vigor is something I don't understand.
Other News:
The township is accepting bids to purchase a light truck (about 17500 GVW) to be used for snow plowing etc. in the developments. Road bids will be going out for the scheduled maintenance of various roads. Dave Anspach was appointed to the Park and Rec. Commission. Cindy Stump was appointed to the Ag. Security Board.
paid for by Roy Timpe