PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS
175 OAK GROVE ROAD, PINE GROVE, PA 17963
SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 MEETING MINUTES
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CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Larry Zimmerman called the September 8, 2004 meeting to order at 7:00 PM and opened the meeting with
the Pledge of Allegiance. Attending were Supervisors Diane Tobin, Allen Aungst, Herman Clemens and Jerry Wise.
Also present were Solicitor Gino DiNicola, Secretary / Treasurer Kathy Ferguson, Robert Harris, Frank Fox, Lillian
Patten, Dennis Schnoke, Leroy Schnoke and other residents; list on file.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS – No comments.
MINUTES / FINANCIAL ITEMS
s August 11, 2004 Meeting Minutes Allen Aungst moved to approve the minutes, Herman Clemens seconded the
motion, all voted in favor, motion carried 5 to 0.
s Treasurer’s Report
General Fund beginning balance was $2,126,616.72; August receipts were $46,850.06, August expenses were
$75,036.38 and the ending balance is $2,098,430.40. Clemens moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report, Aungst
seconded the motion, all were in favor, and motion carried 5 to 0. Aungst asked if the expenses included the line
striping and the truck bill. Ferguson said the line striping invoice is not included, it was paid with Liquid Fuel Fund
money and shown on the report; the truck bill is included in the expenses this month and the transfer from Liquid
Fuels will be made after the paving project is complete to use all available equipment money.
s Approval of Bills
Tobin asked if the Zoning Hearing Board was to review their invoices before payment. Zimmerman said yes. Tobin
asked if they are doing that. Ferguson said the current invoice may not have been reviewed, she put a copy in their
bin, but their August meeting had been cancelled. Aungst questioned if the Township should pay for the
advertisement of the Act 537 amendment. Zimmerman said the Joint Treatment Authority did the update, but we are
responsible for the Ordinance. Tobin noted that the host fees for the fire companies are only $1600 for the second
quarter. Wise asked if there is a contract price for macadam from Pennsy and noted the average per ton doesn’t
agree. Ferguson said that there was a credit applied to one of the invoices. Zimmerman moved to pay the bills; Wise
seconded the motion, all were in favor and motion carried 5 to 0.
PERSONS TO BE HEARD
Robert Harris, representing the Paraclete Foundation gave an update on the progress they have made with building a
library in Pine Grove. Harris said they have a site for the library and a concept of what they want the building to look
like. The architect, Frank Fox said the proposed site is behind Borough Hall. Fox drew some ideas from the history of
the land and the building has some components of a rail station. The design is an open plan and includes a café and
conference center. Harris said in order to become a part of the state library system they need a contribution of a
minimum of $5 per person, per year from the communities being served. Harris proposed the township institute a $10
per capita tax per person, per year to subsidize construction of the library. He suggested using the per capita tax, as
it is a system already in place with exemptions for low incomes. Harris said after the library is constructed, by law, a
board must govern the library and if the tax were levied, there would be a seat on the board for a township
representative. Clemens asked if the library tax and the per capita tax could be the same. Harris said yes, he
suggests keeping it separate from the millage so it would be easier to discontinue when no longer needed. Aungst
asked how many per capita taxpayers were in the three municipalities. Harris said he estimated income between
$45,000 and $50,000 per year. Zimmerman asked if that funding would be enough with the amount the foundation
would raise. Harris said he is looking to raise the money with 50% from special gifts, 25% from individual contributions
and 25% from donations in kind from skilled craftsmen etc. Harris said people need to contribute to the library so they
will feel they own it and use it. Wise asked when they hope to finish the library. Harris said within five to seven years.
Tobin asked if there is a time frame on an answer for the per capita tax. Harris said no, it would make it easier to have
it sooner in order to get the project started, and is required to be part of the state library program.
REPORTS
Engineers Report - No comments.
Landfill Inspector - No comments.
Roadmaster - Clemens said he appreciates the shrubs being trimmed.
Zoning Officer - Zimmerman said there were 7 permit applications, all were approved.
Recreation Board - Tobin said she did not see in the Recreation Board’s minutes anything about the vehicles driving
on the ball field that was reported to them and to the police.
OLD BUSINESS
Dry Hydrants at Sweet Arrow Lake - Aungst reported that he had talked to Earl Matz at the county and he said he
would get it changed. Aungst said the concern at the clubhouse was the locked gate and we would only plow to the
gate rather than to the hydrant; Earl said someone else plows that so there is no problem in changing that. Aungst
said the other concern was the repair of any damage to hydrant through acts of vandalism would be our
responsibility. Aungst felt that the wording could be changed so the landowner would be responsible. DiNicola said
anytime the township takes ownership they are exposed to some risk and suggested sending the agreement back to
them saying the township is willing to work with them if they agree to limit our exposure. After further discussion, it was
agreed the supervisors would review their copy and give changes to Aungst to present to Earl for further review with
the county.
Per Capita Tax - DiNicola said he sent a letter to the school regarding the per capita tax but had not received a
response. DiNicola said he is operating under the assumption the answer is no and is preparing a draft ordinance
and advertisement under Act 511 for the next meeting.
PennDot Snow Removal Agreement - Sweet Arrow Lake Road- DiNicola reviewed the agreement and said it is a
standard state form, it is up to the board if they want to accept it. Zimmerman said he looked the agreement and we
could get out of the agreement after the second year. Zimmerman said we drive the road anyway and doesn’t see a
problem with it. Tobin asked if the amount of the agreement would cover the cost of salt and ash for that section of
road. Zimmerman said yes. Aungst moved to accept the snow removal agreement, Clemens seconded the motion, all
were in favor and motion carried 5 to 0.
Heating / Air Conditioning System Bid Opening - One bid was received from Hlavaty’s; $16,451.00. This bid was for all
new ductwork and a heat pump with gas fired furnace for back-up heat. Zimmerman moved to accept this bid
contingent upon review, Clemens seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion carried 5 to 0.
Township Building Outside Lights - Aungst said the pole light was disconnected and they plan to dig a trench in the
next few days to the pole light to find the problem. Zimmerman said there are five lights on the garage building that
burn all night and thinks they should be put on a switch and motion sensors. Aungst said a light on this building is
broken and he will have them look at it also.
Township Building Landscaping - Clemens and Tobin said the road crew did a good job and the item was dismissed.
NEW BUSINESS
2005 Budget Meetings - The first meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2004 at 7 PM and a tentative date of
October 20, 2004 for the next budget meeting.
Community Day - Tobin said she received no cooperation last year, none this year and the item was dismissed.
Pine Grove Joint Treatment Authority Preliminary Plan - The Planning Commission waived Section 5.521 which
requires direct driveway access and Section 5.8424 which requires the fencing of the detention basin; the plan was
given conditional approval. After review by the supervisors, Zimmerman moved to accept the plan and approve the
two waivers, Clemens seconded the motion, all were in favor and motion carried.
County Bulk Clean Up - Tobin said it is October 14, 15 and 16 and she talked to Allen to set the hours; they will be
from 12 to 7 on Thursday and Friday, 8 to 12 on Saturday; coverage is still needed for some of the hours. Kathy will
get a packet with all the information from the county. Zimmerman said to let Tobin know when the supervisors can be
there so she can make a schedule.
Health Care - Aungst said he and Clemens are continuing to work on health care plans, they have three proposals.
Aungst said Kathy will need to continue with the application for the senior option for John Heinbach with Capital Blue
Cross. Ferguson said she understood the motion at last month’s meeting approved the senior option and has already
filed that paperwork.
Heating Expense - Aungst said the oil tank for the garage is outside and we pay a premium because they put an
additive in the oil tank to keep it from freezing. Aungst said the money we would save the first year would cover the
cost of putting the tanks inside. Aungst said the old tank may be used and he would also like to get another tank so
we can store 500 gallons at one time. Aungst moved to purchase a new 275 gallon tank and have it placed inside the
garage and also move the existing tank inside the garage. Zimmerman seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion
carried 5 to 0.
New Heating System - Aungst said with the new gas system we need a propane tank, he got prices for two 100 gallon
tanks at $890, a 325 gallon tank at $975 or a 500 gallon tank for $1,195. Aungst moved to purchase the 325 gallon
tank, Clemens seconded the motion, all were in favor and motion carried 5 to 0.
CORRESPONDENCE - No comments.
PUBLIC COMMENT
s Clemens said in regards to people driving through yards, smashing mailboxes and paint-balling houses, there
are citizens who may know something about it, but are afraid of retaliation. He said the police had a program where
people could call in anonymously and they are checking into it again. Clemens said it is a shame when residents won’
t come forward.
s Ferguson said the Township received a check from the county for the recycling from 2003 in the amount
$199.12.
s Lillian Patten said more than half the people do not have HELP #’s posted and asked if someone checked with
the 911 Center about it. Zimmerman said if the ambulance association won’t use street addresses, he would suggest
they don’t get a donation from
the township. Tobin said the ambulance association paid $5,000.00 to re-vamp the HELP # system and the numbers
are available through the ambulance association. Tobin said according to the ambulance association, with their
system of books and HELP #’s they can find a number in seconds, but they don’t know where the streets are and don’t
have a reference book of the maps. Zimmerman said they should get up to date and use computer maps. Ferguson
said at the last meeting she asked the board to pay to have the HELP #’s updated because she has seen how the
ambulance crew uses the book and it is a good system and very easy to use. Aungst asked what the fire companies
are using, Zimmerman said they use addresses. Tobin said she has heard they prefer the HELP #’s over the
addresses.
s Dennis Schnoke asked the supervisors to close down any further subdivision until the Comprehensive Plan is in
place or speed up the Comprehensive Plan. Tobin said the Planning Commission is working on the Comprehensive
Plan.
s Leroy Schnoke asked if anything is being done about the water problem in Ravine, from the alley to Spittler
Road. Aungst and Zimmerman said work is progressing and the engineer’s report says it is 45% complete. Tobin
said we are waiting for the permit approval from DEP to put the storm water into the creek.
ADJOURNMENT
At 9:15 PM, Zimmerman moved to adjourn the meeting, Aungst seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carried 5 to 0
and meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Ferguson, Secretary / Treasurer