PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS
175 OAK GROVE ROAD, PINE GROVE, PA 17963
MAY 12, 2004 MEETING MINUTES
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CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Larry Zimmerman called the May 12, 2004 meeting to order at 7 PM. Attending were Supervisors Diane
Tobin, Allen Aungst, and Jerry Wise. Also present were Gino DiNicola, Kathy Ferguson, Judith Lehman, John
Heinbach, Clinton Koontz, Ron Aungst, Ed Davis, Charles Unangst, Lee Zimmerman, Lillian Patten and other
residents; list on file.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS – No comments.
MINUTES / FINANCIAL ITEMS
s April 14, 2004 Meeting Minutes and May 3, 2004 Special Meeting Minutes
Allen Aungst motioned to approve the minutes, Larry Zimmerman seconded the motion, all voted in favor, motion
carried 4 to 0.
s Treasurer’s Report General Fund beginning balance was $892,040.32; the ending balance is $929,059.09.
Aungst motioned to approve the Treasurer’s Report, Diane Tobin seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carried
4 to 0.
s Approval of Bills The invoices from Nestico, Druby & Hildabrand were discussed. Tobin agreed to pay the
bills with exception of the disputed Nestico invoices for $375. Aungst said the bills should be paid and they should
meet with the Zoning Hearing Board to review their legal fees. Aungst motioned to pay all the bills, including the
disputed Nestico bills. Motion died for lack of a second. Wise suggested contacting the solicitor to waive the
additional fees for explaining the December invoice. Tobin said the issue with the initial December invoice for $200
is that it was not for Zoning Hearing Board matters; the attorney then billed $125 for the summary of his advice
clarifying the December invoice and charged $50 for finalizing his advice. Aungst said the Zoning Hearing Board
requested legal information, the bill says, “review email from Larry Mann”; regarding zoning issues. Aungst said
although the supervisors said there should be no further legal work done on the issue, it was not told to Larry
Mann; doesn’t he have the authority to talk to their attorney about a zoning issue or code? Aungst feels it is an
issue we need get over and it puts the Zoning Hearing Board in an awkward situation with their attorney. DiNicola
suggested a compromise of paying the undisputed portion of the Nestico invoices then speak with the Zoning
Hearing Board to ask their attorney to waive part of the fees. Tobin motioned to pay the bills with the exception of
the disputed Nestico invoices; Jerry Wise seconded the motion, Aungst opposed, motion carried 3 to 1.
PERSONS TO BE HEARD
s Ron Aungst, Pine Vista Estates and Ed Davis of W. J. P. Engineers were present to speak with the
supervisors. Davis said they are requesting approval of the Preliminary Plan that has been approved by the
Planning Commission contingent upon a few items. Davis also requested adoption of a resolution and signatures
on the sewage planning module submitted to the supervisors for approval to meet DEP requirements. The other
item Davis requested is a letter from the supervisors to the County Planning Commission stating they will be willing
to accept the roads and will maintain them. Ron Aungst added that they are meeting with the County on
Wednesday and would like approval for that meeting if possible.
Tobin questioned the regulations on the sidewalks. Davis said the County does not require sidewalks and the
Borough waived the requirements of their sidewalk ordinance on the plan. Ron Aungst stated they would require
the property owner by deed restriction to put in a sidewalk to meet the Borough’s ordinance within 6 months after
the house is finished. Koontz noted that the township cannot enforce deed restrictions. Tobin noted the engineers
comment about street intersections to be shown on the plans. Davis said minor revisions will be made to the plan.
Zimmerman moved to approve the Pine Vista Preliminary Plan, Allen Aungst seconded the motion, all in favor,
motion carried 4 to 0.
Zimmerman moved to adopt Resolution #051204 for approving the Pine Vista sewage planning module, Tobin
seconded the motion, all in favor, and motion carried 4 to 0.
Zimmerman moved to write a letter to the County Planning Commission stating the township’s intent to accept
responsibility for the roads in the township portion of the Pine Vista development, Aungst seconded the motion, all
in favor, and motion carried 4 to 0.
REPORTS
Engineers Report – Zimmerman said he met with the engineer about the Scenic View Road project; plans are to
take some of the trees down to improve the sight line, no other property will be affected.
Landfill Inspector’s Report – Aungst asked about an item on the report, the placement of a temporary cap over
Pads 6 through 11. Lehman clarified that it is a temporary cap on Pad 11, North.
Roadmaster’s Report – Heinbach reported the new truck controls are in and the box is waiting to be painted.
Ferguson reported the road projects specifications need to be typed prior to advertisement.
Zoning Officer Report – Written report on file. Koontz said there are three properties in Pleasant Valley that he
needs approval to send letters to regarding unregistered vehicles and junk on the property and un-permitted
additions on the property. Zimmerman moved to approve sending the letters, Aungst seconded the motion, all in
favor, motion carried 4 to 0. Koontz said he is taking two U.C.C. exams on Friday.
Planning Commission – Camp Wood Haven Plans were discussed. Charles Unangst of Hanover Engineering
spoke on their behalf asking for approval of the Preliminary / Final plan conditional on the treatment plant permit
from DEP. Zimmerman moved to approve the plans, Tobin seconded the motion, motion carried 4 to 0.
Recreation Board – Aungst announced a work party scheduled for 6:30 tomorrow night. Tobin said Pine Grove
Landfill has offered to donate portable toilet facilities for the recreation area for the summer. Aungst questioned if
it would have Waste Management’s name on it, Lee Zimmerman said it would not. Tobin moved to accept Pine
Grove Landfill’s donation, Zimmerman seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion carried 4 to 0.
OLD BUSINESS
Uniform Construction Code – DiNicola prepared and distributed a resolution for the supervisors to review and
consider for adoption at the June meeting. Aungst said he met with other municipalities and they are in the
process of having an attorney draw up an intermunicipal agreement. After discussion, Aungst moved to advertise
the Uniform Construction Code ordinance DiNicola prepared for adoption, Zimmerman seconded the motion, all
were in favor and motion carried 4 to 0. Zimmerman said the other municipalities have agreed to get approval to
spend $700 when needed for the computer, the courses etc. Zimmerman asked for approval to budget $700 so
when they need money they can come in and get a check signed. Zimmerman moved to make $700 available for
a start up fund for the Building Code, Wise seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion carried 4 to 0.
At 8:15 PM the supervisors and solicitor DiNicola retired into a brief executive session on the threatened federal
claim by C.L.E.A.N. The meeting resumed at 8:25 PM. Atty. DiNicola did not rejoin the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Camp Woodhaven Request for Partial Fee Payment - Ferguson reported Hanover Engineering felt they should not
have to pay full submission fees for Camp Woodhaven because there should be money left from their original
submission of plans, also they are only developing a few acres and our fee schedule is for the total acreage.
Supervisors requested Ferguson research the fees paid and item was tabled until next meeting.
Memorial Day Parade Route Approval for Borough - Zimmerman moved to send a letter to Pine Grove Borough
granting approval of use of township roads during the Memorial Day Parade. Aungst seconded the motion, all
were in favor and the motion carried 4 to 0.
Donations - After a review of all request received in the last year, Tobin moved to approve the following donations,
Wise seconded the motion, all were in favor and motion carried 4 to 0.
s Children’s Aid $500
s Pine Grove Borough Fire Hydrant $1,000
s Pine Grove Community Ambulance $1,500
s Steinert Memorial $200
s Tremont Public Library $300
Meeting with the Zoning Hearing Board - After discussion, it was decided that Aungst and Wise would meet with
Larry Mann to express the supervisors concern regarding the legal invoices.
PLGIT Funds - Aungst said that the transfer of $300,000 funds to the Sovereign investment account has not been
done because the PLGIT account uses have not been identified. Ferguson noted that PLGIT offered us a fixed
term rate of 1.8% for a one year term, item tabled until next meeting.
Gas Extraction Project - Tobin reported she met with Lee Zimmerman, Dave Nowotarski, a solicitor and engineer to
discuss PUC regulations, peak plants and green power. Tobin said the EPA has a brochure available with
information on landfill gas.
Township Website - Tobin reported that she has gotten the township website on-line; www.pinegrovetownship.com,
she will be adding more information.
Department of Corrections Work Release Program - Tobin would like to apply to the program and have them pull
weeds, move the bushes near the sign, other landscaping, and painting in the Township building. Aungst
questioned what painting needs to be done. Tobin said the hallway and office need to be painted. Tobin moved to
apply to the program, Zimmerman seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion carried 4 to 0.
CORRESPONDENCE - All items previously covered.
PUBLIC COMMENT
s Lillian Patten asked where the township dump is that Clemens referred to in a letter.
Zimmerman said the dump is covered over and now cows graze on the land.
ADJOURNMENT
At 9:00 PM, Aungst moved to adjourn the meeting, Tobin seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carried 4 to 0
and meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted, Approved by the Board of Supervisors,
Kathy Ferguson, Secretary / Treasurer at the Township meeting on June 9, 2004.