Morris Township
Washington County, PA
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Supervisor Meeting Minutes – January 6, 2020

The Morris Township Board of Supervisors met in the township meeting room for their regular scheduled meeting. Present were Supervisors Dave Dietrich, Rob Sanders, Doug Smith, Denise Chadwick, Bob Sanders, Kathy Lesnock and Jeff Mooney.

Chairman Sanders called the meeting to order at 7:42pm. Minutes of the previous meeting were read. Motion by Sanders, second by Smith to approve.

Denise Chadwick, president of the Morris Township Historical Society, stated that she is getting estimates on electrical wiring for the schoolhouse. She inquired about the insurance on the schoolhouse, whether there was liability coverage in case of any accidents. Smith stated that there is $25,000 coverage on the building but nobody was sure about liability coverage. Pam will call the insurance company and get that information. Denise discussed upcoming meetings and events. She asked about getting some kind of tread on the steps and about sidewalk clearing when it snows or is icy. She asked about a handrail for the sidewalk and gravel for a driveway for people to pull up closer to the building. Smith stated it should be the township’s responsibility since it is on township property. Supervisors discussed maybe putting in concrete. Denise also asked about putting a porta john closer to the schoolhouse. Smith suggested Denise call and get rates. Denise asked if the township would be willing to cover the cost. Supervisors will discuss it. Denise mentioned the flag, which is torn and should be replaced. Smith agreed that it should be replaced.

Jeff Mooney attended the meeting to get further information on why his employment with the township was terminated this morning. Smith stated that he just found out himself and would like to know the circumstances of the termination. Kathy Lesnock stated that her opinion is that Jeff was let go because Jim Wilson was in need of a full time job and it was not in the budget for a fourth employee, and that the township will now hire Jim Wilson. She stated that she will stay with the township for 14 days to train the new secretary and complete audits and then will be leaving. Supervisor Smith also stated emphatically that he is completely opposed to Jeff Mooney’s termination and how it was handled. There was discussion between supervisors and it was decided, against Smiths desire, to move on to old business.

In old business: the car belonging to the Watt family is no longer on township property. There was no action taken on the old V plow. The Lemon Hill Slip repair is complete. The Minton Run slip repair is complete.

In new business: Motion made by Sanders, second by Dietrich to approve the reconstruction project for the paving a portion of Weir Cole Rd. with funds from a community block grant from the Washington County Redevelopment Authority. Dave added that the project will be finished to the Pie Ridge intersection with township funds. Smith voted present.

Dave made a motion to approve electronic payments of payroll taxes and insurance payments when necessary. Second by Sanders.

Pam had a question about multiple day rentals of the park. It was agreed that it would be rented in that case for $75 per day with one security deposit for the duration of the rental.

Sanders made a motion to keep Jim Wilson on for at least a month to finish slip repair on Parcell Rd. Dietrich second. Smith voted no.

Sanders stated he would like a revision to the employee handbook. To the job description on page 33, he would like to add a subcategory to Labor. It would now read Labor/Operator and add to responsibilities, Heavy Equipment Operator, Class A&B Truck Driver. Second by Dietrich. Smith NO.

There was further discussion on Jeff Mooney and Supervisor Smith once again stated his displeasure with the situation. Sanders made motion to review and pay bills. Second by Dietrich. Motion by Chairman Sanders to adjourn meeting at 8:40.

Monday, January 6, 2020

The Morris Township Board of Supervisors met at the Municipal Building for their 2020 reorganization meeting.  Present were Supervisors Rob Sanders, Dave Dietrich, Doug Smith, Zoning Officer Bob Sanders, Denise Chadwick, Kathy Lesnock and Jeff Mooney

Motion by Dietrich, second by Smith to appoint Sanders temporary Chairman.  Sanders called the temporary reorganization meeting to order at 7:31 pm.  Motion by Dietrich, second by Smith to appoint Sanders Chairman for 2020.  Motion by Dietrich to appoint Smith as Vice Chairman, second by Sanders.  Motion by Dietrich, second by Sanders to close temporary meeting at 7:35.    Chairman Sanders called the 2020 Reorganization meeting to order at 7:35.

Motion by Dietrich, second by Smith to appoint Bill Hook as solicitor.  All agreed.

Motion by Dietrich, second by Smith to appoint Pamela Bartolotto Secretary/Treasurer.  All agreed.

Motion by Sanders, second by Smith to appoint Keystone Collections Group as EIT, LST and Delinquent Tax Collector.  All agreed.

Motion by Sanders, second by Dietrich to maintain current depositories for 2020.  Washington Financial(General Fund, Veterans Marker, Sewage Escrow, Gaming Revenue and ACT 13 Impact Fee Fund), PLGIT(Liquid Fuels Fund and Capital Improvement Equipment Fund).  All agreed.

Motion by Dietrich, second by Smith to appoint Jim Watt as Citizen at Large.  All agreed.

Motion by Dietrich, second by Smith to appoint Bob Sanders as Zoning Officer.

Motion by Dietrich, second by Sanders to appoint Debbie Bardella as Local Realty Transfer Tax Collector.  All agreed.

Motion by Sanders, second by Smith to hold the next Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 7:30 pm and all subsequent meetings, the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm.  All agreed

Motion by Dietrich, second by Sanders to appoint Steve Buchanan to a three year term on the zoning hearing board. All agreed.

Motion by Dietrich, second by Sanders to appoint Bob Price and David Franz to a three year term on the Planning Commission. All agreed.

Motion by Dietrich, second by Smith to appoint Jim Watt as Emergency Management Coordinator.  All agreed.

Motion by Sanders, second by Dietrich to appoint Building Inspection Underwriters of PA as U.C.C. Building Code Inspector.  All agreed.

Motion by Dietrich, second by Smith to appoint Rob Sanders as Voting Delegate for the PSATS Convention in Hershey PA.  All agreed.  Motion to close reorganization meeting by Dietrich, second by Smith.   Meeting closed at 7:40.

Respectfully Submitted,

Pamela Bartolotto, Secretary