May 11, 2000 and May 18, 2000 Meetings:

The May 11 meeting was attended by Karl Bolognese and Roy Timpe. Terry Rarick was not present. On the May 11^th Karl and I were unable to agree on the sidewalks and the stream relocation. May 18 results are in bold italics.

Stream relocation: The stream near Limestone Village is to be relocated. The relocation of the stream will make room for the proposed park, and hopefully eliminate the frequent flooding of several of the homes in Limestone Village. SDE has designed the relocation, but does not specialize in this type of work. I have proposed that we have Dr. Givler, P.E. do a technical review of their design. Dr. Givler is a civil engineer who has specialized in this type of work. The review should cost less than $1,600, a small percentage of the cost of the project. Failure to design the stream relocation properly is likely to result in maintenance costs for the township. A good design will not suffer erosion or fill with silt. No decision yet. When our engineer was present Terry Rarick was not and visa versa. Terry Rarick wants to hear our engineer's opinion of having Dr. Givler review the stream.

Computers: The Township is also interested in upgrading computers. This upgrade is precipitated in part by the desire to have a Township web page. For some reason the township feels the need to have a web presence. The cost may be about $1,500. Rather than micromanage the computer purchase, I moved that we allow the office staff up to $1,500 to shop for a new computer. The motion passed.

Zoning: The ordinance that will allow fraternal organizations on agricultural land will be voted on at the 6/8/2000 meeting. This most directly affects the Mason owned property near the lake.

Sidewalks to nowhere: Berks County used to have a road to nowhere, and, not to be outdone, Maidencreek Township is to have sidewalks to nowhere. A waiver has been requested for Walnut Manor Lot 5. If this waiver is not granted Walnut Manor Lot 5 would be the only lot on Schaeffer Road to have curb and sidewalk. Karl was very much in favor of requiring the curb and sidewalk. I asked if there was a plan to require the rest of the property owners on Schaeffer Road to install curb and sidewalk. The answer seems to be that there is no plan, but Karl was very happy to announce that the township had the power to compel property owners to install curb and sidewalk. My opinion: In the absence of a plan to have curb and sidewalk for the rest of Schaeffer Road I do not see the benefit of having a lone property with sidewalk. Sidewalk is a large expense for the property owner, adds to the storm water runoff, and is seldom used. In many cases, a sidewalk on one side of the street is sufficient. Compelling property owners to install and maintain curb and sidewalk is more obnoxious than our recent tax increase.

A similar waiver for sidewalks was requested for Walnut Manor III. Failure to grant this waiver will result in two isolated lots on East Wesner Road having sidewalks, where no others exist. Terry Rarick also did not see the benefit of sidewalks to nowhere. The waivers passed 3 to 0.

2000 Road Bids:

Project 7 includes Girard Ave., Midway Ave., Sunset St., Lindbergh Ave., Marden Dr.

7A is more extensive (Tack Coat, Pave, Wearing Course, and Seal)

7B is (Sweep, Single treatment of Microresurfacing)

NOTE: These numbers are believed to be accurate, but due to poorly designed bid forms they had to be manually totaled at the 5/11 meeting.

 On 5/18/00 we voted to award EJB the paving contract for project 7B and projects 2 through 6. Project 1, Scheafer Rd., will delayed since the sale of Scheafer's farm, just Nort of Maidencreek Estates, will likely result in residential development of that property. It will be best use of resources to work on that road after the truck traffic has ceased.

 Paid for by Roy Timpe

email: Roy Timpe

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