The Morris Township Board of Supervisors met at the township office for their regular scheduled meeting. Present were Supervisors Rob Sanders, Dave Dietrich, Doug Smith, Zoning Officer Bob Sanders, Board of Election members Susan Dunn, Linda Shriver, Kak Addleman, Marlyn Dorsey, Zoning Board member Dusty Stockdale and Paul & Melissa Whitmer.
Chairman Sanders called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. Minutes of the previous meeting were read, and the financial report was made available for inspection. Motion by Sanders, second by Smith to approve the minutes as read.
In old business, Susan Dunn addressed the Supervisors about the current polling place at Upper Ten Mile Church. She stated that the board of elections is not interested in moving the polling place from the church to the new township building. She stated they were upset that the supervisors did not ask them their opinion on this matter before the supervisors sent a letter to the Washington County Board of Elections to seek approval in moving the polling place to the new municipal building. Dunn stated they are content with holding the elections at the church. After much discussion, Chairman Sanders apologized on behalf of the supervisors and stated that the supervisors should have sought input on this matter from the Morris Township Board of Elections. He also added that the supervisors thought the board of elections members would have been happy to use the municipal building for the polling place. Motion by Smith, second by Dietrich to discontinue the effort to move the polling place from the church to the municipal building. All agreed. In a related matter, Lesnock asked the Washington County Election Board about Morris not having a constable to provide security at the polling place and was told that the Morris Township Judge of Elections can hire someone to be on site during elections and that person would be paid by Washington County Election Board. However, they do not wear a constable uniform and they are not permitted to carry a gun. Smith also discussed the possible need of a hidden driveway sign for the Church entrance. As Prosperity Pike is a state road, a request for a study by Penn DOT concerning this matter would have to be requested by the township.
Paul Whitmer had some questions concerning the possible Hathaway demo project before he can give the township an accurate estimate. There is an electric line that is somewhat near the house site and he is concerned about burning the debris that close to the line. Phone lines are an issue by the barn. His other issue was the possibility of hand dug wells and how to secure them for safety. Supervisors will place this matter on hold till more info on the disconnection of utilities is resolved.
Moreland Vault Service stated they would refund the township fees of $650.00 for the two inscriptions not completed on the Vietnam Marker.
Township is waiting for activity report from the Greene County Regional Police. Captain DeForte told Dietrich the required state police reports are now up to date. Township was informed by Janice that May payment for police was accidentally destroyed. As it was a treasurer’s check from Washington Financial, twp must wait 90 days to have new check issued.
The recycling request will be tabled until Jim Beatty can attend a meeting and explain the request in more detail.
Township received a quote of $150.00 per monthly cleaning or $125.00 per every two weeks cleaning from Sherry Stevenson, owner of Squeeky Clean for cleaning of the municipal building (not including the garage area) Motion by Smith, second by Dietrich to approve Sherry Stevenson bid of $150.00 per monthly cleaning. She is licensed and bonded and will provide documentation to township.
Secretary gave draft of partially completed employee handbook to supervisors to review.
In new business, Chairman Sanders stated the township is getting behind on mowing the township roads. Crew have been busy preparing township roads for oil and chipping. Sanders felt we could use a temporary employee to mow and help out with other projects. After much discussion motion by Sanders, second by Smith to search for a temporary employee not to exceed $15.00 per hour with no benefits.
Robert Metz of Conger Road complained about engine brakes noise as they are being used passed his house and believes their use is not necessary. Secretary to contact EQT and Penn DOT concerning this matter.
Bob Price complained about the terrible dust coming from Harvey Road and covering his house due to well truck traffic. Dietrich contacted Steve Quinn of CNX and was told that end of Harvey would be paved. Rich Sherbourne of Robb Ridge would like road crew to see if a drain is needed on Robb Ridge near his mobile home to help divert water coming into his yard.
Motion by Dietrich, second by Smith to review and pay bills. Motion by Dietrich, second by Sanders to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:48 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Lesnock, Secretary