Tag Archives: supervisors meeting

Proposed Floodplain, Telecommunications Ordinances

Bridgeton Township Meeting RoomPublic hearings were opened at the Tuesday, Sept. 13th Supervisor’s Meeting for proposed ordinances relating to Telecommunications and Floodplain issues. The hearings were tabled to be continued at the October 11, 2016 Supervisor’s meeting after receiving input from the township and county Planning Commissions.

Telecommunications Facilities Ordinance

Floodplain Setback ordinance

September Supervisor Meeting Minutes

Bridgeton Township Meeting Room  September 2015 Minutes

The regular monthly meeting of the Bridgeton Township Board of Supervisors was held on September 10, 2015, as advertised, at the Township Building, 1370 Bridgeton Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania.  Present were Supervisor/Chairman Gard Holby, Supervisor Roger Keller and Supervisor Michael Lynch. David Shafkowitz, Township Solicitor was also present.  An Executive Session was held prior to the meeting to discuss a matter of personnel.

Supervisor Holby called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.

Supervisor Holby called for public comment on the regular meeting agenda.  No public comment was received.

PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

  1. State Police Presentation.  Sergeant David Nosal and Trooper Bill Griffith were in attendance at the meeting and provided an incident report for Bridgeton Township from January 2015 to the present.  The Officers explained the incident numbers in the report and were able to reach the conclusion that Bridgeton is a safe and quiet community.  The Officers took questions from those members of the public and Board.  The Officers agreed to place more focus on speeding along River Road.
  1. Arianne Elinich from the Bucks County Concerned Citizens against the Pipeline was present to discuss the event held on behalf of the Organization earlier in the month and wanted to thank the Board for their assistance and support.

MINUTES:   Upon motion by Supervisor Keller, seconded by Supervisor Holby, which carried 2-0, the July 9 and August 13, 2015, minutes were approved.  Supervisor Lynch abstained.

BILLS/PAYROLL:  Upon motion by Supervisor Keller, seconded by Supervisor Lynch, which carried 3-0, the expenditures and payroll reports for August 2015 were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Upon motion by Supervisor Holby, seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 3-0, the treasurer’s report for August 2015 was approved.

REPORTS:

  1. UBE Fire Company Report. Jim Serfass provided the Township with an update on Fire Company activity
  1. B/N/T Groundwater Management Committee. A representative of the   provided a report on the Committee’s current activity.  The July 2015 minutes were received and are on file with the Township.
  1. Open Space Committee. Supervisor Holby presented a resolution for the Board’s consideration from the Heritage Conservancy with regard to the pursuit of the potential purchase of the Pursell Property.  Supervisor Holby explained that the Heritage Conservancy has expressed an interest in pursuing grant dollars on the Township’s behalf from State and County sources.  There will be no matching requirement from the Township.  The Resolution is required by the Conservancy which essentially commits the Township as a sponsor of any state or county funds.  Upon motion by Supervisor Holby, seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 3-0, the Resolution was approved.
  1. Planning Commission. Supervisor Keller reported that the Noise Ordinance was delivered to the Township Solicitor for review and re-submission to the Planning Commission for their next meeting.  Additionally, Supervisor Keller reported that the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed zoning amendment involving townhomes in the VC and VR Districts and the Planning Commission recommended adoption of the ordinance to the Board of Supervisors.
  1. Secretary/Treasurer. None.
  1. Solicitor. The Solicitor advised the Board that the Proposed Zoning Ordinance regarding townhome use in the VC-VR Zoning District has been advertised for a hearing at the October meeting of the Board.
  1. Road Master. None
  1. Zoning Officer.  None
  1. Emergency Management.  Supervisor Holby reported to the Board that a request was received for the Board to consider a Mutual Aid Agreement for emergency services between Bridgeton, Nockamixon and Tinicum Townships.  Along with the Agreement came a draft Ordinance.  Before the Township’s executes intergovernmental cooperation agreement, an Ordinance must be advertised and adopted at a public meeting.  Upon motion by Supervisor Holby, second by Supervisor Keller, which carried 3-0 the proposed Ordinance was authorized for advertisement.

OLD BUSINESS:

  1. Internet/Phone System Changes. Supervisor Lynch reported that proposals have been solicited for upgraded phone and internet service for the Township.  Service Electric provided the best proposal, as compared to the current service.  The proposal was presented to the Board by Supervisor Lynch.  Upon motion by Supervisor Holby, seconded by Supervisor Lynch, which carried 3-0, the proposal from Service Electric was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

  1. Fire Police Request, Borough of Riegelsville.  Upon Motion by Supervisor Holby, seconded by Supervisor Lynch, which carried 3-0, the Board authorized the Township’s Fire Police to assist in the Riegelsville Fall Roll Out Car Show schedule for November 1, 2015.
  1. Website.  Supervisor Lynch provided an update on the scanning of ordinances for the Township’s website, which Supervisor Lynch explained was now complete.

PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comment was received from CC Hopf with regard to parking during fire company carnival and shooting at the Sportsman’s Club.

Being no further business, upon motion by Supervisor Keller, seconded by Supervisor Holby, which carried 3-0, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm, with the next meeting to be held on October 8, 2015 at 7:00 pm at the Township Building.

Respectfully submitted,

Tammy Macaluso

Secretary/Treasurer

May 2015 Supervisor Meeting Minutes

Bridgeton Township Meeting Room

BTS – May 2015 Minutes

The regular meeting of the Bridgeton Township Board of Supervisors was held on May 14, 2015, as advertised, at the Township Building, 1370 Bridgeton Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania.  Present were Supervisors Gard Holby, Roger Keller and Michael Lynch.  Also present was Secretary/Treasurer Tammy Macaluso and David Shafkowitz, the Township Solicitor.  No Executive Session was held prior to the meeting.

Supervisor Holby called the meeting to order at 7:18 p.m.

Supervisor Holby called for public comment on the meeting agenda.  No public comment was received.

PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

Paul Dietz, III, P.E., Urwiler & Urwiler – Gerhardt Sewage Facilities Planning Module – Mr. Dietz was present on behalf of the Applicant with regard to a planning module application which sought an amendment to the Township’s Act 537 Plan.  Mr. Dietz advised the Board that the matter was reviewed by the Township Planning Commission which recommended approval of the proposed Act 537 application.  Mr. Dietz explained that the application for the Act 537 Amendment was necessary because the Bucks County Board of Health visited this property and determined that it was unsuitable for a traditional on-lot sewage disposal facility consistent with the Township’s Act 537 Plan.  The option presented and discussed with the Department of Health is to install a mini-sewage treatment plant with stream discharge on the Property.  This proposed revision to the Township’s Plan requires approval from the Board of Supervisors, the establishment of an operation and maintenance agreement and ultimate approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Timothy Fulmer, Township Engineer was also present for this application.  Mr. Fulmer advised that notice of the application and tonight’s meeting were published in a newspaper of local circulation requesting any comments to the proposed amendment.  Mr. Fulmer reported that there were no written comments made during the 30 day period allotted.  Mr. Fulmer also stated that the monitoring of this treatment plant is done on an annual basis with the County Board of Health and language can be added to the Operation and Maintenance Agreement stating that the Township will be copied on any documents provided to and from the County Board of Health.

Upon motion by Supervisor Holby, seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 3-0, the Board adopted Resolution 2015-2, Resolution for Plan Revision for New Land Development condition upon the Operation and Maintenance Agreement being prepared to the Board’s satisfaction and the escrow account being established pursuant to the Township’s requirements.

Nick Zangli, Bridgeton Athletic Association – Mr. Zangli was present to discuss with the Board the prior request for a municipal donation to the Athletic Association.  Supervisor Holby stated that the AA serves, essentially, as a Park and Recreational facility for the Township and that the Township has a budgetary line item committed to park and recreation which has not been used.  Accordingly, the Board has decided, after reviewing the financials of the AA that providing a donation to the Association would be consistent with the Township’s goals and budgetary parameters.  Upon motion by Supervisor Keller, seconded by Supervisor Holby, which carried 3-0, the Board approved a $1000.00 donation to the Bridgeton Athletic Association.

Kris Linden, Township Resident – Ms. Linden reported to the Board that she was concerned about a neighboring farm which was  being sprayed with a pesticide that may cause harm to the surrounding property owners.  Ms. Linden inquired whether the Board has any authority to address the use of pesticides within the Township.  The Board requested that the Solicitor look into what, if any authority the Township may have in regulating the use of pesticides within the Township.

Timothy Fulmer, Township Engineer – Seal Coat Bid – Mr. Fulmer reported to the Board regarding the bids received for the Township’s 2015 road projects.  Mr. Fulmer advised that only one bid was received for the 2015 Bituminous Sealcoat Road Project for Lodi and Boulder Roads and Skyline and Riverview Drives from Asphalt Maintenance Solutions, LLC.  The bid amount was $67,796.30 for the entire project.  Mr. Fulmer recommended to the Board that the bid was reasonable, that the bidder was a responsible bidder and that the bid should be awarded to Asphalt Maintenance Solutions, LLC in the total amount of $67,796.30, which was based on the unit price of $2.42/SY conditional upon the following:

  1. Receipt of a Performance Bond and Payment Bond, both in the amount of 100% of the contract price.
  2. Compliance with all other specifications contained in the contract documents.

Upon motion by Supervisor Keller, seconded by Supervisor Holby, which carried 3-0, the Board of Supervisors awarded the bid to Asphalt Maintenance Solutions, LLC based on the Unit Price of

$2.42/SY conditional upon the receipt of a Performance Bond and Payment Bond, both in the amount of 100% of the contract price and Compliance with all other specifications contained in the contract

documents relative to the project.  Receipt of Certificate of Insurance, naming the Township and its agents as additional insured, pursuant to terms of the contract documents was received and noted.

MINUTES:  Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch and seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried

2-0, the minutes from the April 9, 2015 regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors were approved.

BILLS/PAYROLL:  Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch, seconded by Supervisor Holby, which carried 3-0, the bills and payroll in the amount of $22,492.41 from April 2015 were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch, seconded by Supervisor Holby, which carried 3-0, the Treasurer’s report from April 2015 was approved.

REPORTS:

  1. Fire Company – None
  1. Open Space – None
  1. Solicitor –
  2. A. Road Maintenance Agreement with Nockamixon Township – No update at this time.
  3. Sabatini Letter of Credit – No update at this time.
  1. Zoning Hearing Board Meeting – The Solicitor reported to the Board that a zoning application was received from a Mr. Elk for his property located on 1945 River Road, Upper Black Eddy, PA  18972.  Mr. Elky’s application was an appeal from the Zoning Officer’s Notice of Violation, which indicated that an illegal junk yard use was being conducted on the subject property.  Upon motion by Supervisor Holby, seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 3-0, the Board moved to have Solicitor Shafkowitz represent the Board at the zoning hearing scheduled June 2, 2015 before the Township’s Zoning Hearing Board.
  1. Planning Commission – Minutes have been received and are on file for March 2015.  Planning Commission report read and is on file.
  1. Secretary/Treasurer – Ms. Macaluso reported to the Board that the new accounting software and databases previously approved has been installed.
  1. B/N/T Groundwater Committee – Minutes have been received and are on file for March 2015.
  2. Roadmaster – Roadmaster Rich Pursell reported that the ditches alongside the roads slated for sealcoating are currently being prepped.  Roadmaster Pursell also reported that the addition to the garage has been completed and, as a result, a security sensor will need to be relocated.  Mr. Pursell requested that Secretary Macaluso contact Advent Security for assistance in this regard.

 

  1.   Zoning –Zoning Officer’s Report for March 2015 has been delivered to the Board.  A copy of the Zoning Officer’s report is on file with the Township.

OLD BUSINESS:

  1. Signage for Township Building – This matter is still under consideration by the Board and different options are being reviewed.  Supervisor Keller advised the Board that he will obtain a sample of the letters that can potentially be used to identify the Township Building.
  1.   Digitalizing Ordinances/Resolutions – Supervisor Lynch reported that he would like the Board to approve the hiring of File X to digitalize the Township’s Ordinances and Resolutions, at a cost not to exceed $250.00.  Upon motion by Supervisor Holby, seconded by Supervisor Lynch, which carried 3-0, the Board approved the hiring of File X to digitalize the Township’s Ordinances and Resolutions, at a cost not to exceed $250.00.

 

  1. Internet/Phone Upgrade – Supervisor Lynch is still researching the Township’s franchise agreement with Service Electric.  Service Electric states that the franchise agreement only allows for the provision of cable TV service to the Township, and not internet.  Supervisor Holby will

contact Service Electric to research and/or discuss the potential provision of internet service directly to the Township.

  1. Multimodal Transportation Fund Program – The Board decided to forgo the development of a project for this grant cycle and will reconsider the matter for next year.

NEW BUSINESS:

  1.   Electronic Recycling Information – The Board was considering potential methods of offering recycling of electronics within the Township.  Secretary Macaluso presented some options for consideration by the Board.  The Board decided to table the matter for further discussion.

 

  1. Bucks County Association of Township Officials, Membership Outreach Meeting – Supervisor Holby will attend June meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Nick Zangli, Bridgeton AA is seeking contact information for cell tower companies for a possible site location on Bridgeton AA land.  Supervisor Holby stated that cell providers look to co-locate first instead of building new towers.

Mr. Zangli would like any information possible regarding the lowering and raising of the American flag.  Secretary Macaluso will forward information on to him.

Being no further business, upon a motion by Supervisor Holby, seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 3-0, the meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m., with the next meeting scheduled to be held on June 11, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Building.

Respectfully submitted,
Tammy Macaluso

Secretary/Treasurer

March 2015 Supervisor Meeting Minutes

 

Bridgeton Township Meeting Room March 2015 Minutes

The regular meeting of the Bridgeton Township Board of Supervisors was held on March 12, 2015, as advertised, at the Township Building, 1370 Bridgeton Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania.  Present were Supervisors Roger Keller and Michael Lynch.  Supervisor Gard Holby was absent. Also present was Secretary/Treasurer Tammy Macaluso and David Shafkowitz, the Township Solicitor.  No Executive Session was held prior to the meeting.

Supervisor Keller called the meeting to order at 7:24 p.m.

Supervisor Keller called for public comment on the meeting agenda.  No public comment was received.

PERSONS TO BE HEARD:  None

MINUTES:  Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch and seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried
2-0, the minutes from the February 12, 2015 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 $17,758.45 from February 2015 were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch, seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 2-0, the Treasurer’s report from February 2015 was approved.

REPORTS:

  1. Fire Company – None
  1. Open Space – None
  1. Solicitor –
    Road Maintenance Agreement with Nockamixon Township – Solicitor Shafkowitz stated that a letter has been sent to Nockamixon Township Office Manager Keith Deluca requesting follow up on memorializing the maintenance relationship for shared roads between the two Townships.Sabatini Letter of Credit – Solicitor Shafkowitz stated that ongoing discussions are being held with Sabatini Counsel regarding replacement of the Letter of Credit.

 

  1. Planning Commission – Minutes have been received and are on file for December 2014 and January 2015.  Supervisor Keller reported that the Planning Commission is still in debate and discussion over the form of a potential noise/nuisance ordinance update for the Township.

 

  1. Secretary/Treasurer – The annual audit is ongoing and almost complete.Secretary Macaluso reported that the Township office will be closed March 16, 2015 – March 23, 2015, but the Zoning Office will remain open during this time.
    Secretary Macaluso also reported that the Township office computer has been updated with the necessary hardware in preparation for the new accounting software, previously approved by the Board of Supervisors.

 

  1. B/N/T Groundwater Committee – Secretary Macaluso reported that Minutes have been received from the Committee and are on file for December 2014 and January 2015 meetings.  The Groundwater Ordinance informally proposed by the Committee is being reviewed by the several Engineers from the participating Townships.
  1. Roadmaster – None
  1. Zoning – Secretary Macaluso reported that the Zoning Officer’s Report for February 2015 has been delivered to the Board.  A copy of the Zoning Officer’s report is on file with the Township.

OLD BUSINESS:

  1. Signage for Township Building – Supervisor Keller reported that he has been in touch with Phil Brandeau, who has been working on this project, who directed him to Fritz Yous who is preparing  a cost proposal.
  1. PA DOT Multimodal Transportation Fund – Secretary Macaluso reported that Supervisor Holby will be speaking with the Township Engineer to receive a preliminary cost estimate for a project to be located by the river bridge which may be compatible with this grant program.
  1. Digitalizing Ordinances/Resolutions – Supervisor Lynch reported that he is seeking proposals for this project and is currently awaiting more information from a third provider.   Supervisor Lynch expects to be able to report back to the Board at the next public meeting.
  1. DCNR Grant Program – Secretary Macaluso, at the request of the Board, looked into the availability of grants from DCNR for this fiscal year.  Secretary Macaluso reported that it was too late to start a project for this year’s round of grants, but the possibility of participating in the program next year will be made a priority.

NEW BUSINESS:

  1.   Township Garage Addition Land Development Plan Submission Requirements – The Township Road Master presented a plan to the Board of Supervisors depicting the previously approved Township garage addition project.  The plan has been reviewed by the Township Engineer and Township Zoning Officer.  Solicitor Shafkowitz explained to the Board that, generally, an expansion of a commercial building requires land development approvals pursuant to the Township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.  Accordingly, the Board of Supervisors is required to take action to waive the applicable land development application, escrow and fees so this project may proceed to building permit.  The Township Engineer stated the plans for the addition are adequate and has recommended that the Board waive Land Development application, escrows and fees related to the filing of a land development plan for the project.  Upon motion by Supervisor Keller, seconded by Supervisor Lynch, which carried 2-0, the Board approved the waiver of the applicable Land Development application, escrows and fees that would otherwise have been necessary for the Garage Addition project.
  1. Bucks County Health Department Yearly Letter Request to Treat Township Properties for West Nile Virus Protection – Upon motion by Supervisor Keller, seconded by Supervisor Lynch, which carried 2-0, the Board approved the County Department of Health’s request to treat Township owned properties for West Nile Virus protection.
  1. Internet/Phone Upgrade – Supervisor Lynch reported that he contacted Service Electric to determine available internet access for the Township Building.  Service Electric stopped by the Township building to see where the service would come in to the building and where the modem location is currently.  Supervisor Lynch reported that based on these finding there should be no problem upgrading the Township’s service.  Before proceeding, however, Supervisor Lynch is going to contact them again to see if internet and phone service can be bundled and whether our franchise agreement also for “free” service to Township facilities.
  1. Email Program Update – Supervisor Lynch is going to research whether a Gmail account, which allows file sharing, would be possible and suitable for the Township.  Supervisor Lynch advised that he will report back to the Board at future meetings.
  1. Tax Collector Deposit Request – Peter Rosswaag, Township Tax Collector is seeking the Board’s approval to make direct deposits into the Township account for the collection of Township taxes.  This direct deposit feature is utilized generally, throughout the County.  Upon motion by Supervisor Keller, seconded by Supervisor Lynch, which carried 2-0, the Board approved direct deposit of collected Township taxes in to the Township account.

PUBLIC COMMENT:  Carl Stokes, Township resident inquired if the position of Deputy Tax Collector was an elected position and the training required of a Deputy Tax Collector.  The Board explained that the position was not elected and in the future the Deputy will have the same training as the tax collector. Also that the deputy was appointed by the tax collector and would be in position to continue the work of the tax collector should the collector be unable to fulfill his/her duties for some reason.  The deputy would fill the position as needed until the term expired.  The Board also noted that the Deputy was able to assist the Collector, if required and the Collector is still the person responsible for the collection.

Marty Focazio, Bridgeton Township Emergency Management Coordinator, stated that he is currently updating the emergency management plan and would like to know if he can hold a meeting of his emergency management team and the public without providing or publishing public notice.  Solicitor Shafkowitz stated that a meeting may be held by the Emergency Management Coordinator without publishing public notice.

Mr. Focazio would like the Township to purchase a County radio, estimated cost being $2000.00.  Supervisor Keller would like Mr. Focazio to provide details on this requested purchase.

Mr. Focazio would like to designate the Township building as the EOC, which would require a key and an access code.  The Board will advise Mr. Facazio on his request.

Mr. Focazio stated that during activated emergencies, emergency supplies are dropped at the Palisades High School.  He would like to be able to pick up these supplies in a Township truck and is questioning whether his Emergency Management team is covered under the Township insurance.  Secretary Macaluso will make this inquiry to the insurance representative.

Supervisor Lynch asked Mr. Focazio what is the deadline for the updated plan.  Mr. Focazio would like to have the update complete by the end of the year.

Being no further business, upon a motion by Supervisor Lynch, seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 2-0, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m., with the next meeting scheduled to be held on April 9, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Building.

Respectfully submitted,

Tammy Macaluso

Secretary/Treasurer