Recycling Workshop Meeting: August 29, 2002:
The state of Pennsylvania has mandated that we have curbside recycling in Maidencreek Township. I have heard from many residents that they would prefer things left the way they are. Many are already recycling now through their private trash hauler. The state however is requiring the Township to provide curbside recycling. If the township does not comply, we will lose all state liquid fuels money and all grant money. This is the hammer the state holds to force us to provide curb side recycling. Will this new recycling cost you more money? Yes. Will you have to participate in the township recycling program? Yes. The supervisors will try to comply with the state mandate, and minimize the costs to the residents, but the alternative is to thumb our nose to the state and lose the liquid fuels money and the grant money. Thumbing our nose at the state is likely to cost more than recycling.
Bob Kopfer was unable to attend this meeting. At this time we are considering having a drop off for aluminum, cardboard and office paper. This would be for the small businesses in the township, and any residents. Plastics, glass, and newspaper are likely to be the curb side pick up items. The whole thing will likely be funded through a pass through charge to residents. In other words, you would get a bill for the cost of the mandated recycling program. We also learned that the township will have to pay to get rid of all these recyclables with the exception of Aluminum. The township will even be charged to get rid of Aluminum if it is mixed with other recyclables. The lack of economic benefits to recycling is an indicator that more resources are being consumed reclaiming these recyclables than they are worth.
September 5, 2002 Hearing on Vacating Wesner Road:
This hearing had to do with the new Park (just South of the intersection of Hoch Rd. and East Wesner Rd.)
It had always been the plan of the previous board to vacate the section of Wesner Road that would travel through the park. However, recently it came to light that the farmers use this road to get tractors and combines to fields on the other side of Park Rd. The board heard much testimony. There was concern for the safety of children if the road were to be left open, and there was concern for the safety of farmers if the road were closed. The farmers would have to travel several hundred yards on Park Road, rather than just crossing it. The choice was not a pleasant one. A choice between children or farmers.
Gloria favored closing the road. Bob favored keeping it open. I came to the meeting undecided, but leaning toward keeping it open. Keeping it open would also mean re-engineering the park. I decided to vote for closing the road. The farmers will have to take their combines on Golden Drive as an alternate to Wesner Rd. I decided that if we eliminate parking on at least one side of Golden Drive we will make it easier on the farmers navigating combines (that can be 17 feet wide) through the alternate route. The final vote was Gloria Kemmerer, and Roy in favor of closing the road through the park, and Bob Kopfer against.
September 12, 2002 Maidencreek Regular Business Meeting:
Length of Meetings:
This meeting went to midnight. There was much business, and the meeting was fairly efficient. The late hour was due more to the volume of business.
I believe every one was fatigued toward the close of the meeting. I am thinking about interrupting the meeting at 9:45 and concluding any absolutely necessary business (i.e. the treasurer's report) and then schedule a special meeting to conclude the business left over from the regular meeting.
We ended up curtailing public comment more than I would have liked. What follows is a brief summary of some of the items.
Meadowbrook:
The developer has requested phasing of this already approved plan. The developer had at first represented the plan as going in all at once. Our solicitor was concerned about the interests of taxpayers being protected. The big danger would be a scenario where phase I and phase II get built, and phase III and IV never get built. The development would then look like a half finished thing, unless phase I and II are planned to look like stand alone developments. Also there are letter of credit issues for the improvements for the various phases. The solicitor thought these issues are not trivial, but that it is possible to phase the development and keep the taxpayers interests protected. Gloria and I voted to allow phasing while Bob voted against.
Recycling Workshop:
The board scheduled a recycling workshop for October 8, 2002 7:00 PM. There was no date that seemed to be possible for Bob Kopfer to attend, and 10/8/2002 is Bob's bowling night.
Youth Aid Panel:
The township adopted a youth aid panel. This is an alternative to the normal court system for juveniles in trouble. The panel is made up of volunteers from the community.
Police Building:
Maidencreek Plaza Corp. is offering to build a 3,200 square foot police building and rent it to the township for 30 years at $3,000 per month. The value of the building is between $500K and $600K. The rental is below the cost of the money. The Corp. wants us to waive the land development plan, and (for tax reasons) decide by 10/15/2002. Maidencreek Plaza Corp. is making this offer out of a desire to help the community, and be good corporate citizens. The board appreciates this generous offer, and will consider it carefully.
Outdoor Advertising:
The October 2nd Public hearing will also deal with a proposed outdoor advertising ordinance.
paid for by Roy Timpe