PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS
175 OAK GROVE ROAD, PINE GROVE, PA 17963
FEBRUARY 11, 2004 MEETING MINUTES
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CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Larry Zimmerman called the February 11, 2004 meeting to order at 7 PM. In attendance were
Supervisors Diane Tobin, Herm Clemens, Allen Aungst, and Jerry Wise. Also present were Gino DiNicola, Kathy
Ferguson, Clinton Koontz, Tom Daubert, John Mindermann, Brett Habecker and other residents; list on file.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS - No comments.
MINUTES / FINANCIAL ITEMS
s January 5, 2004 Reorganization Meeting Minutes
s January 14, 2004 Meeting Minutes
s January 23, 2004 Special Meeting Minutes
Diane Tobin motioned to approve the minutes, Allen Aungst seconded, all in favor, motion carried 5-0.
s Treasurer’s Report: Beginning balance was $1,386,956.39 and the ending balance is $1,345,744.20. Herm
Clemens motioned to approve the Treasurer’s Report, Aungst seconded, all in favor, motion carried 5-0.
s Approval of Bills:
Clint Koontz requested the Township purchase books needed to be qualified as a residential code inspector,
books cost $145. Koontz noted that the total cost for PSATS seminars is $975. Koontz said he spoke with Ed
Leister at the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry and he said tests can be scheduled at any time without attending a
seminar. Koontz would like to look at the books before he decides if he would need to attend the seminars. Tobin
questioned if Clint is certified and we want to join with other municipalities for code enforcement, are they going to
accept Clint or want to hire someone else. Aungst said a letter received from Stump shows interest in sharing a
person or outside firm. Tremont Township had an outside firm give a presentation, but did not hire them and is
waiting for our decision. Zimmerman said a commitment would be necessary from the person for whom we pay the
schooling. Zimmerman motioned to order the construction code books, Jerry Wise seconded the motion, motion
carried 5 - 0. Aungst will meet with Tremont Township, Washington Township, and Pine Grove Borough regarding
a building code inspector.
Zimmerman asked if the unpaid bill from last month had been clarified, Tobin said the attorney replied he must
discuss it first with the Zoning Hearing Board in a public meeting.
Tobin asked about the C & S Mini Market bill and noted the fuel tax is not listed separately. Aungst said the
gallons of fuel are listed and that is what is needed to claim a refund. Aungst will come in to the office and
complete the report for the refund. Tobin noted that a new account was opened at the Shell station and she
wanted to make sure we got the tax money refunded.
Aungst motioned to pay the bills, Zimmerman seconded the motion, motion carried 5-0.
PERSONS TO BE HEARD
s Dane Huntzinger - Flood Plain Report
Huntzinger was not present. Zimmerman stated Huntzinger spoke with the supervisors before the meeting and he
wants to review building permits issued since 1987. Zimmerman said the secretary should set a date for
Huntzinger to come in and review the permit files.
REPORTS
Engineers Report – No report received.
Landfill Inspector’s Report – Lehman on sick leave, report submitted by Dan Grow, no comments received.
Roadmaster’s Report – Clemens noted that the state had said when the truck stop opened up they would fix the
hole there. Aungst reported four prices received for up-fitting of the new truck with Structural Metal Fabricators
being the lowest at $33,866. (E. M. Kutz was $38, 817, Lancaster Truck Body was $45,009 and Everest
Equipment was $35,289.) These prices were received under the Harrisburg PACC agreement. Aungst motioned
to have Structural Metal Fabricators up fit the truck, Zimmerman seconded the motion, motion carried 5 - 0.
Zoning Officer Report – Koontz stated he issued three permits in January.
Landfill Advisory Board - Larry Zimmerman questioned Lee Zimmerman about the capping. Lee Zimmerman said
the permanent cap is finished and the temporary cap is one third complete. The new generator is up and running.
Planning Commission – Waivers were granted on the Harris / Motter Lot Annexation and the plan is now before the
supervisors. After reviewing the plans, Zimmerman motioned to approve the plans and waivers, Aungst seconded,
all in favor, motion carried 5 - 0.
Recreation Board – Aungst said the last meeting was cancelled due to the weather.
OLD BUSINESS
Health Officer - Tobin reported that she has not heard anything new from the Borough regarding the plans for a
Board of Health. Item was tabled.
Board Representatives - Aungst suggested forming committees of two people to look at different items throughout
the year instead of having the supervisors represent the different township boards. Zimmerman agreed with
setting up committees and stated that there are citizens on the other boards. Tobin agrees the items need to be
looked at and agrees with forming the committees but wants to point out that the supervisors should view attending
the different township board meetings as a way to learn. Aungst suggested the following committees and the
supervisors volunteered for the ones they wanted to serve on.
s Budget and Finance - Allen Aungst and Jerry Wise
s Fire Company - Diane Tobin and Jerry Wise
s Employee Handbook - Herm Clemens and Larry Zimmerman
s Salary Reviews, Health Insurance and Benefits - Allen Aungst and Herm Clemens
s Property and Roads - Larry Zimmerman
It was noted that the secretary should not list the committees on the agenda unless contacted to do so. The
Recreation Board should be listed on the agenda when a report is submitted.
PACC Resolution - DiNicola has reviewed the resolution and recommends signing it.
Comcast Cable Agreement - Tobin reported that a revised agreement was received from Comcast with terms of 15
years, (we can change our franchise fee anytime in those 15 years), quarterly payments and a 3% franchise fee.
Aungst motioned to sign the Comcast franchise agreement, Clemens seconded the motion, all in favor and motion
carried 5 - 0.
Washington Township letter ~ Mountain Road - After discussion the supervisors agreed that due to safety issues
they should not close the road. Clemens motioned to have the secretary send a letter denying the request, Tobin
seconded the motion, motion carried 5 - 0.
Money in lieu of Health Benefits - Supervisors and the solicitor reviewed emails received in response to Tobin’s
query. DiNicola will pursue this further and no changes will be made at this time.
CORRESPONDENCE
s Zimmerman requested an executive session be held after the meeting on a threatened
claim by CLEAN. DiNicola stated he has an update on the legal matter.
PUBLIC COMMENT
s Secretary Ferguson asked the supervisors if they wish to file a claim with PEMA for any
extra costs incurred because of the security needs etc. during the recent Orange Alert. It was agreed that the
township does not have any costs to claim.
s Ferguson voiced her concerns with issuing and signing the building permits and not completing the
requirements for the permits as stated in the ordinances. Tobin agreed that according to what she has read,
Ferguson is correct regarding the building permits. Zimmerman said the new building codes will take care of the
situation and he could sign the permits until the new codes are in effect. Aungst motioned that Zimmerman will sign
the building permits, Clemens seconded the motion, motion carried 5 - 0.
s Wise commented on the meeting he and Tobin had with the Ravine Fire Company. He felt the tour they
were given was informative and noted that Ravine is the leading heavy rescue equipment fire company in the west
end of Schuylkill county.
s Tobin said she felt they should look into part time office help. Zimmerman agreed and said he would talk to
John Stahl about Diane’s suggestion of sharing help.
s Tobin said our host agreement is valid only with approval of Pad 12. She would like to pursue an agreement
with Pine Grove Landfill regarding gas extraction, separate from the Pad 12 host agreement. DiNicola advised
sending a letter of intent to the landfill. It was agreed that Tobin will compose and send a letter to the landfill to
start negotiations.
s Tom Daubert asked why minutes are not available until after approved by the board and what if there are
questions about the minutes. Zimmerman replied the minutes are not official until the board approves them and
technically it is the Board of Supervisors meeting and their minutes. Aungst questioned when a person is quoted if
they should get a copy before the minutes are approved. Zimmerman said no, it comes down to what he thinks the
person said, not what the person claims they said. Minutes are official after the board of supervisors agrees that
they are accurate and approves them.
s John Mindermann asked the supervisors for direction to the Planning Commission for proceeding with the
Comprehensive Plan. Zimmerman directed them to start with the zoning map and see what has changed.
s Brett Habecker asked the supervisors for their comments on flag lots. DiNicola stated that generally
speaking flag lots are discouraged as access is usually a problem.
ADJOURNMENT - Zimmerman motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 PM. Aungst seconded, motion carried 5-0,
meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted by Kathy Ferguson
Secretary / Treasurer
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