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December 2014 Supervisor Meeting Minutes

            The regulaBridgeton Township Meeting Roomr meeting of the Bridgeton Township Board of Supervisors was held on December 11, 2014 at the Township Building, 1370 Bridgeton Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania.  Present were Supervisors Michael Lynch and Roger Keller.  Supervisor Gard Holby was absent.  Also present was Secretary/Treasurer Tammy Macaluso, and Township Solicitor David Shafkowitz.

Supervisor Keller called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m.  Supervisor Keller called for public comment on the meeting agenda.  No public comment was received.

CORRESPONDENCE:  None
PERSONS TO BE HEARD:  None

MINUTES:  Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch and seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 2-0,  the minutes from the November 13, 2014 regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors were approved.

BILLS/PAYROLL:  Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch, seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 2-0, the bills and payroll in the amount of $20,792.35 from November 2014 were approved.

 TREASURER’S REPORT:  Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch, seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 2-0, the Treasurer’s report from November 2014 was approved.

REPORTS:

  1. Fire Company – None
  1. Open Space – None.
  1.   Solicitor –
  • Solicitor Shafkowitz presented Resolution No. 2014-7 Establishing the Annual Millage Rate on Real Property within Bridgeton Township and providing for the Adoption of the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2015.  Upon motion by Supervisor Keller, seconded by Supervisor Lynch, which carried 2-0, the Board adopted Resolution No. 2014-7, Establishing the Annual Millage Rate on Real Property within Bridgeton Township and Providing for the Adoption of the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year.  No tax increase was proposed for fiscal year 2015.
  • Solicitor Shafkowitz reported to the Board that the Township has received approval from the PADCED to adopt the stand alone Ordinance of Bridgeton Township Requiring All Persons, Partnerships, Businesses, and Corporations to Obtain a Floodplain Permit for Any Construction or Development; Providing for The Issuance of Such Floodplain Permits; Setting Forth Certain Minimum Requirements for New Construction and Development Within Areas of Bridgeton Township Which are Subject to Flooding; and Establishing Penalties for Any Persons who Fail, or Refuses to Comply With, the Requirements of This Ordinance.
  • The Solicitor also reported to the Board that the Township has received a recommendation from the Bridgeton Township Planning Commission to consider the adoption  of the corresponding Subdivison, Land Development and Zoning Ordinance Amendments.  The Solicitor, therefore, requested the Board’s authorization to advertise the three ordinances for adoption at the February 12, 2015 regular Board of Supervisor’s meeting.  Upon motion by Supervisor Keller, seconded by Supervisor Lynch, which carried 2-0, the Board authorized the advertisement of the Floodplain Ordinance and corresponding Subdivision, Land Development and Zoning Amendments.

 

  1. Planning Commission – Supervisor Keller reported that the Planning Commission recommended that the Board adopt the required Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Amendments and the Zoning Ordinance Amendments , which correspond with the proposed revisions to the Township’s Floodplain Management Ordinance.
  1. Secretary/Treasurer – Secretary/Treasurer Macaluso reported to the Board that the Township has an existing contract with Line Systems, Inc, which provides phone/internet service, until July 2015.  Secretary/Treasurer Macaluso has provided information to Verizon to begin working on a quote for the Township in preparation for the upcoming end of the Line Systems contract.

 

Secretary/Treasurer Macaluso provided the Board with the details of the proposed annual support contract of $3,500.00 from Dallas Data Systems, Inc, the 3rd party company responsible for the installation of the Government Accounting Software that will be purchased.  Supervisor Lynch stated that the software could be purchased without the support contract.

 

  1. B/N/T Groundwater Committee – None

 

  1. Roadmaster – None

 

  1. Zoning – Zoning Officer’s Report provided and reviewed by the Board.  A copy of the report is on file with the Township.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. Signage for Township Building – Phil Brandeau, Township resident, presented to the Board a a potential configuration for the “Bridgeton Township Municipal Building” sign proposed for the building.  The Board would like Mr. Brandeau to investigate the use of a natural product for the base and report back to the Board by next meeting, if possible.

 

  1. Outdoor Message Center – The Township received a quote for the outdoor message center in the amount of $698.97. Upon motion by Supervisor Keller, seconded by Supervisor Lynch, which carried 2-0, the Board approved the quote of $698.97 and the purchase of the outdoor message center.

 

  1. Road Maintenance Agreement with Nockamixon Township – Solicitor Shafkowitz will contact Nockamixon Township Administration to discuss the proposed shared road maintenance agreement.

 

  1. Motion to Approve 2015 Budget – Upon motion by Supervisor Keller, seconded by Supervisor Lynch, which carried 2-0, the Board approved the 2015 Bridgeton Township Budget.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. Motion to Advertise Re-Organization Meetings – Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch, seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 2-0, the Board approved advertisement for the Bridgeton Township Supervisors reorganization meeting, which will be followed by their regular monthly meeting, on January 5, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Building, 1370 Bridgeton Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, PA.

 

The Bridgeton Township Auditors will hold their organization meeting on January 6, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at the Township Building, 1370 Bridgeton Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, PA.

 

  1. Motion to Approve Appointment of Joyce E. Rosswaag to the position of Deputy Tax Collector for Bridgeton Township – Due to a recent change in the state law concerning local tax collectors,

 

which requires the appointment of a Deputy Tax Collector,  Peter Rosswaag requested the Board to consider the appointment of his wife, Joyce E. Rosswaag as Deputy Tax Collector for Bridgeton Township. Upon motion by Supervisor Keller, seconded by Supervisor Lynch, which carried 2-0, the Board appointed Joyce E. Rosswaag to the position of Deputy Tax Collector for Bridgeton Township.

 

  1. Township Park – Supervisor Lynch requested the Board to consider ways to promote the use of the Township Park.  Supervisor Keller stated that, a proposal was previously presented by Mark Bryan, of Mark Bryan Designs, for consideration of park upgrades.  However, no action was pursued.  The Supervisors agreed that the Board at future meetings should discuss consideration of park upgrades.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:  None

 

Being no further business, upon motion by Supervisor Lynch, seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 2-0, the meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m., with the next meeting scheduled to be held on January 5, 2015, immediately following the Re-Organization meeting which begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Building.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Tammy Macaluso

Secretary/Treasurer

 

December 2014 Minutes

 

Penn East Pipeline Forum – Rescheduled for Jan. 14 at Palisades HS

natural-gas-pipeline-sean-gallup-getty-images-news.jpgWhat:              PennEast Pipeline Education Forum
When:             January 14, 2014, 7:00 p.m.
Where:           Palisades High School in Nockamixon

 

Gallows Run Watershed Association Reschedules Educational Forum on PennEast Pipeline
On Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00 p.m. the Gallows Run Watershed Association will host the rescheduled educational forum on the PennEast Pipeline at the Palisades High School. PennEast, Inc. is proposing to construct 108 miles of 36 inch pipeline from Luzerne County, PA to Mercer County, NJ.  The pipeline would cross from Pennsylvania into New Jersey under the Delaware River at Riegelsville, Bucks County.
Concerned members of the community will learn more about the project proposal, impacts on affected communities and the environment, upstream impacts of pipeline proliferation, the regulatory process for pipeline approvals, and what they can do to fight the pipeline.
Speakers include:
  • Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper, PennEast Pipeline – Cumulative and Environmental Impacts, and Strategic Arguments for Challenging
  • Lynda Farrell, Executive Director, Pipeline Safety Coalition ­- Pipeline Siting/Safety and Landowner Rights
  • Sam Koplinka-Loehr, Clean Air Council, Taking Action to Reach Community Goals and Protect Public Health
  • Karen Feridun, Founder, Berks Gas Truth – What You Can Do to Fight the Pipeline
  • Charles Reichner, Sustainable Energy and Efficiency Strategies, and Living with Pipeline Construction
  • Robert Gardner, Sierra Club Campaign Representative
 “While the pipeline companies want us all to believe we are powerless in the face of their onslaught, it is not true,” said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper.  “There are things that landowners, local governments, and the protectors of our public lands and natural resources can and should do.  The first thing is to get educated and get active, and that is what this forum is all about.”
 “Methane, the main ingredient of natural gas, is 86 times more efficient than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere in the 20 year time scale,” said Karen Feridun, Founder of Berks Gas Truth. “Methane leaks can and do occur at every point in production, transmission, processing, and distribution of natural gas, but mounting scientific evidence reveals that leaks are occurring at alarmingly high rates that outweigh any cleaner burning benefits of natural gas.”
“If approved, the PennEast pipeline would increase demand for fracking in Pennsylvania, impact tens of thousands of people along the entire route, and pollute our air, water, and soil in the Delaware River Watershed,” said Joe Minott, Esq., Executive Director of the Clean Air Council, “Already, every single community in New Jersey has passed a resolution of opposition to the pipeline, along with many townships in Pennsylvania. The people are standing up and demanding an end to polluting gas infrastructure.”
The PennEast Pipeline Company is currently contacting property owners and has submitted a pre-filing application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The public can submit comments on the pre-filing by using FERC’s website and the docket number PF15-1. PennEast plans to submit a formal application with FERC in 2015.

Gallows Run PennEast Release Final

 

Supervisors January Organization/Monthly Meeting Jan. 5, 2015

The Bridgeton Township Supervisors will hold their annual Organization Meeting,January_5
followed by their regular monthly meeting, on January 5th, 2015, at 7:00 pm at the Township Building,
1370 Bridgeton Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, PA
The Bridgeton Township Auditors will hold their Organization Meeting on January 6, 2015, at 10:00 am at the Township Building.
The public, as always, is encouraged to attend.

2015 Budget Passed – No Tax Increase

  • township_building
    The Bridgeton Township Supervisors passed the 2015 budget at their Dec. 11th meeting, along with a resolution setting the millage rate at 3 mills for general revenue and 3 mills for the Upper Black Eddy Fire Company for equipment and training. The millage rate is unchanged from 2014.
  • A resolution was also passed to advertise changes required by FEMA concerning floodplain definition and protection standards in the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
  • A new, outdoor bulletin board was approved for the township building, to better post information for residents.
  • Progress was made in determining the style and cost of signage for the township building
  • Due to a new state law, a Deputy Tax Collector must be named, in case of incapacitation, appointed by the duly-elected Tax Collector. The Supervisor’s approved Joyce Rosswag as Bridgeton’s Deputy Tax Collector
  • Discussion of the township park on River Road, as to its maintenance and future plans.

PennEast Pipeline Forum Rescheduled: Jan. 5th, 7 pm, Palisades HS

natural-gas-pipeline-sean-gallup-getty-images-news.jpg

Gas Forum IV-Impacts of PennEast Pipeline

Palisades High School

Kintnersville, PA

Monday, January 5, 2015

The public is invited to attend the re-scheduled Gas Drilling Forum IV- PennEast Pipeline Impacts educational forum sponsored by the Gallows Run Watershed Association.

The forum is scheduled for Monday, January 5, from 7:00-9:00pm at the Palisades High School, 35 Church Hill Road in Kintnersville, PA.

Speakers, listed below, will address the potential impacts on our communities and environment of the proposed PennEast pipeline and other infrastructure for the export of Marcellus shale gas. A question and answer session will follow.

  • Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper, PennEast Pipeline ‹ Cumulative and Environmental Impacts, and Strategic Arguments for Challenging
  •  Lynda Farrell, Pipeline Safety Coalition ­ Pipeline Regulation and Landowner Rights
  •  Sam Koplinka-Loehr, Clean Air Council, Taking Action to Reach Community Goals and Protect Public Health
  •  Karen Feridun, Berks Gas Truth, What You Can Do to Fight the Pipeline
  •  Charles Reichner, Living with Buckeye Pipeline in Nockamixon

For more information, please see the Gallows Run Watershed Association web site http://www.grwabucks.org

Met-Ed Holiday Lights Contest

Met-Ed Announces “Courtesy Melissa De CastroMerry & Bright” Holiday Lights Photo Contest
Reading, Pa. – For the second year, Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed) invites customers to show off their best and brightest outdoor holiday light displays by entering its “Merry & Bright” Holiday Lights Photo Contest.

Participants can enter by submitting a photo of their home’s outdoor holiday lights at the Met-Ed Facebook page (www.facebook.com/MetEdElectric) until Dec. 21.  Up to 10 finalists will be selected by Met-Ed based on criteria such as creativity and volume of lights.  Finalists’ photos will be posted on Facebook for public voting from Dec. 22 until Jan. 4.

The grand prize winner will receive a $250 Visa® gift card and the first prize winner will receive a $100 gift card.

Met-Ed Merry Bright Holiday Lights Photo Contest

 

PennEast Pipeline Forum Postponed

What: PennEast Pipeline Education Forum

When: December 2, 2014, 7:30 p.m.-POSTPONED

Where: Palisades High School in Nockamixon
Due to inclement weatnatural-gas-pipeline-sean-gallup-getty-images-news.jpgher forecast and dicey road conditions for our presenters, the Impacts of PennEast Pipeline educational forum at Palisades High School tomorrow evening is postponed.
We are looking for an alternative date and will let you know when we have one.

 

Met-Ed Monitoring Strong Winds Today & Tomorrow

downed-power-lines

FirstEnergy’s Utilities Monitoring Heavy Wind Conditions Across Service Areas
Prepared to Respond Should Wind Impact  Customer Service Today

Akron, Ohio – FirstEnergy Corp.’s utilities are closely monitoring wind conditions today across the companies’ service areas. Heavy winds are hitting Ohio and Pennsylvania and are anticipated for West Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey later today, with gusts expected to reach 60 mph in some areas.

FirstEnergy’s utilities include Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company and Toledo Edison in Ohio; Penn Power, West Penn Power, Penelec and Met-Ed in Pennsylvania; Mon Power and Potomac Edison in West Virginia; Potomac Edison in Maryland; and Jersey Central Power & Light in New Jersey.

Customers are reminded to keep clear of any downed lines, and to always assume a downed line is carrying power, even if it looks like it’s not. Extra caution should be used in areas where downed lines are tangled in trees or other debris.

Customers of FirstEnergy’s utilities also can use a free smartphone app to report outages and access important information and services related to their electric accounts. The app is available for Apple® iPhone® and Android™ smartphones. Customers can use the keyword “FirstEnergy” to locate the apps in the online store.

In addition, customers can use FirstEnergy’s text messaging service to report outages and receive updates on reported outages. Text REG to 544487 (LIGHTS) to get started. Customers who are without power are encouraged to call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report their outage or click the “Report Outage” link on www.firstenergycorp.com. In the event of severe weather, customers should immediately report downed wires to their utility or their local police or fire department. Customers should never go near a downed power line, even if they think it is no longer carrying electricity.

For updated information on the company’s current outages, FirstEnergy’s storm restoration process and tips for staying safe, visit the 24/7 Power Center at www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.

 

Zoning Hearing Board Member Needed

Land-Use The Bridgeton Township Zoning Hearing Board is in need of an Alternate member, appointed by the Supervisors, who would serve a 3-year term. The Zoning Hearing Board meets as needed, to review applications of planned residential developments, applications for variances from the zoning or land-use ordinances, challenges to land-use ordinances, appeals of the determination of the Zoning Officer, and many other duties as outlined in the PA Municipalities Planning Code.
Anyone interested in this position, please use the Contact Us form on the website, or send/drop off a letter of interest to the Township (PO Box 200, 1370 Bridgeton Hill Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972)