October 11, 2001 Hearing:
Testimony was heard concerning the Greth re-zoning of the parcel near the Coca-Cola bottling plant. The land is currently residential and would (if approved) go to commercial.
The Martin and Pendeton properties were added to Agricultural Security.
October 11, 2001 Maidencreek Supervisor's Meeting:
The October Meeting also opened with a moment of silence, in memory of the 9/11/01 victims in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.
U.S. Route 222:
There will be a PennDOT meeting concerning Route 222 congestion on 10/18/01. Both Terry Manmiller and I will be there. Clearly the Route 222 traffic is one of the most frustrating things affecting the quality of life in our township.
Budget Workshop:
The year 2002 budget is due. There will be a workshop on 10/29/01 7:00 PM. The word from the grape vine is the police charges are up by about $100,000. The regional police were intended to save us money (over having our own department) but with their cost to Maidencreek approaching $500,000 one wonders if the money saving goal has been met. These police increases may require a tax hike. You are encouraged to attend the workshop.
Halloween:
The budget was not the only scary thing mentioned at the meeting. It was decided to have "trick or treat" on 10/31/01 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Road Report:
We passed a motion to authorize bids for emergency road repairs to West Shore Drive. This road is plagued with unstable soil due to underground springs.
Storm Water:
Mark Kutzmuller prepared an ordinance similar to the ideas I have expressed previously. This ordinance would require a calculation of a flood level with the culverts 50% blocked, and finished floors (including basements) must be 1½ feet above that level. I can support this ordinance. I also would like to see the 100% blockage level placed on the drawings, this is a trivial calculation for the developer (once the 50% level is calculated) and would give potential buyers information as to the worst case water level. The distance between the 50% and 100% lines would give the township a good idea as to the sensitivity of the area to blockages. Terry and Karl were quick to point out that most of the land affected by this change has already been built up. I regret that this is true. The township would have profited from better storm water management 20 years ago.
More complete history/discussion of this issue is available at The Storm Water Zone.
Please let me know what your opinion is on this storm water, and flood plane issue. email: Roy Timpe
Leaf Burning:
Part of the mandatory recycling is that leaf burning will have to be prohibited in all zoning areas of the township. Including Agricultural. The township's failure to prohibit leaf burning would result in our having the lowest priority in obtaining state grant money for the additional costs of recycling. In other words, we won't get grant money if we don't stop burning leaves.
paid for by Roy Timpe