The Morris Township Board of Supervisors met at the township office for their regular scheduled meeting. Present were Supervisors David Stockdale, Dave Dietrich, Doug Smith, Zoning Officer Bob Sanders, Planning Commission member Randy Hamilton, resident Carl Sanders and Chris Rabbit of Consol and Justin Burdette of Walsh Granite.
Chairman Stockdale called the meeting to order at 7:32 P.M. Minutes of the previous meeting were read. Motion by Stockdale, second by Smith to approve the minutes as read.
In old business, Chris Rabbit of Consol went before the board to state that Consol is ready to begin construction on the Archer Road Coal portal and related facilities as soon as possible. Heavy construction equipment may be a safety hazard to traffic traveling on Archer Road. Dietrich indicated that the township is waiting for Consol to have the bypass road tar and chipped as recommended by Widmer Engineering and under the guidelines of Road Foreman Dietrich. Blaine Lucas, solicitor for Consol submitted a letter asking for Morris Township to temporarily close Archer Road and Consol also agreed to permit township traffic to travel on the recently completed bypass road. This will give additional time for Consol Attorney Blaine Lucas to complete the deed of dedication for the bypass road and all necessary paperwork to close a portion of Archer Road and to have Morris Township attorney Bill Hook time to review all forms. Motion by Dietrich, second by Smith to accept Consol’s letter of request and temporarily close a portion of Archer Road due to safety concerns. It will be Consol’s responsibility to erect road closure signs and install detour signs. All agr,eed. Secretary to email letter to Blaine Lucas relating to this approval.
Justin Burdette of Walsh Granite went before the board concerning the rapid bridge replacement on Plum Sock Road (TR-0221) at the intersection of Plum Sock and Weir Cole Road (TR-633). Walsh Granite held a public meeting last week on this issue. Mr. Burdette stated the only way at least one lane of the bridge can remain open, is to temporarily close that end of Weir Cole Road, to get their construction equipment off roadway.
Construction timeline is 6 months. However, the expected closure timeline of the end of Weir Cole Road is 2 to 3 months. Anticipated beginning construction date is mid-June. Dietrich requested that Walsh Granite agree in writing that if any damage is done to that portion of Weir Cole Road by Walsh Granite or any of their subcontractors, all damage will be repaired. Mr. Burdette agreed to that and will submit so in writing. Motion by Smith, second by Dietrich to close that portion of Weir Cole Road when the time is necessary and that the
township received written agreement from Walsh Granite pertaining to the repair of any road damage that may be done by Walsh Granite or any of their subcontractors. All agreed.
After consulting with Solicitor Hook regarding the plumbing error in the plans, it was discussed offering a good faith offer toward the $29,711.00 shortage. Stockdale and Dietrich were willing to offer $12,000.00 which is about 40% of the shortage, while Smith was adamant about not offering more than 33% of the shortage amount. The township will await response from Waller Corporation and from Sentry Mechanical (Plumber).
Township received a bid for security cameras from Tim Fritz in the amount of $4,914.00. After discussion, motion by Smith to only have Fritz run the cable/wire for the security cameras and holding off on the purchase and installation of the cameras later. Second by Dietrich.
Secretary to schedule a Zoning Hearing for two zoning variance requests. The first by Ryan and Grace Coffield and the second request from Chris Bedillion, owner of the Prosperity Social Hall. Secretary to contact all necessary individuals and obtain the court stenographer, solicitor and place the legal notice in the Observer.
Motion by Dietrich, second by Stockdale to review and pay bills. Motion by Smith, second by Stockdale to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:01 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Lesnock, Secretary