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, Township Solicitor Bill Hook, Zoning Officer Bob Sanders, Planning Commission member Randy Hamilton, Tax Collector Susan Dunn, Auditor Marissa King, Consol Solicitor Larry Beaumiller, Consol Representatives Phillip Molesky, Brian Rabbitt, Joanna Nigorski, Chad Roberts, Anthony Drewzeski and Matt Ruckle. Chairman Smith called the meeting to order at 7:32 P.M. Minutes of the previous meeting were read. Motion by Smith, second by Stockdale to approve the minutes as read.
In old business, Elected Auditor Marissa King submitted her resignation as township auditor. Her last day as Auditor is January 15, 2016.Motion by Smith, second by Dietrich to accept King’s resignation. Elected Tax Collector Susan Dunn submitted her resignation as tax collector. Her final day as tax collector is January 15, 2016. Motion by Smith, second by Stockdale to accept Dunn’s resignation. As Marissa King is currently the deputy tax collector, Motion by Smith, second by Dietrich to appoint Marissa King as Tax Collector to replace Susan Dunn. King’s first day as Tax Collector is January 16, 2016. King will have to run for the office in the next municipal election in 2017. This leaves an opening for Auditor. Supervisors will see who is interested in filling the auditor position and will act on that during the next township meeting. All agreed.
Concerning Consol’s extended conditional use application for an Archer Road Portal/Air Shaft and related road closing and road construction, Consol Solicitor Beaumiller stated there are two open issues, roads and water. Consol is amenable to approve the townships requested road updates. From Archer to newly constructed bi-pass road (est cost $64,730), Portal to Deer Park (est cost $18,000),Covered Bridge from Archer to just before the Day Covered Bridge (est cost $86,000 with $24,000 worth of stone then come back with liquid asphalt). This does not include the guide rails but Consol could purchase them but a contractor would have to install them. All roads would be up to Penn DOT specs for township roads. As far as the waterline, the options for a PA American Water line are still extremely high. Although a decision has not be made concerning public water, Consol would be willing to have a water well drilled at the park so that the township could have potable water at the new municipal building, should a public water line, to or through the park not be feasible. After discussion, Smith felt it was a good counter offer for Consol to pay to have a water well drilled for the township, but if a public water line could be a possibility, then that is what he would prefer as it is a positive for public safety. Consol encouraged the Supervisors to contact Pa American Water. Motion by Stockdale, second by Smith to grant Consol a conditional use for the Archer Road Portal/Air Shaft subject to a road agreement being entered into indicating the road upgrades, the road closure and road relocation construction and water well agreement, in addition to the heavy haul agreement and agreement to comply with all applicable township ordinances. Also, motion by Smith, second by Dietrich to sign the DEP forms for Consol’s Sewage Treatment Plant and the form that permits Consol to build their facility within 100 feet of Dry Run Road. All agreed.
Due to Washington County’s new interpretation of “Clean and Green” the Beil Subdivision was brought back before the Board of Supervisors as the new survey shows a “net” ten acres. The former subdivision had road right of way that cut into the net acreage and therefore would not technically qualify for clean and green. This new survey corrects that. Also the Planning Module was previously approved by the DEP. Mrs. Beil will have to follow up with the Washington County Sewage Council concerning this matter.
Dietrich discussed his thoughts on the site where the new township building will be built. He wants to meet with someone to make sure it fits the site. There was much discussion on this matter.
Dietrich would like to see the township purchase a new 4 wheel drive 75 HP Massey Ferguson tractor with a five foot boom mower, and it would be possible to purchase a broom for road sweeping. We already have a drag and a ditcher that we could use. Twp would keep current old mowing tractor but get rid of the old #886 tractor we drag the roads with. The cost would be $123,000.00 for the tractor and boom mower. If township waits until 2016, then it would be a tier 4 and the tractor price would go up about $10,000 or more. Township would be able to have 2 men mowing the roads at the same time. The current deal is if the township takes delivery by April or May in 2016 then the first payment would be due in April or May of 2017. Walsh Equipment has State Contract. Smith stated he is kind of against this purchase as he wants to get the township building first. After much discussion, Motion by Dietrich, second by Stockdale to purchase the Massey Ferguson Tractor with Boom Mower from Walsh and have a 5 year payment plan beginning one year after the township receives delivery of the tractor. The 886 tractor will be advertised for sale after the new tractor has been received. Smith cast the dissenting No vote on the Massey Ferguson tractor and boom mower purchase.
Motion by Smith, second by Stockdale to review and pay bills. Motion by Smith, second by Dietrich to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 10:16 P.M.
Respectfully submitted, Kathy Lesnock, Secretary