The Morris Township Board of Supervisors met at the township office for their regular scheduled meeting. Present were Supervisors David Stockdale, David Dietrich, Doug Smith, Zoning Officer Bob Sanders, Tax Collector Marissa King, Planning Commission member Randy Hamilton, Nathan Voytek of Washington County Redevelopment Authority, Greg Kittridge of Waller Corporation and resident earl Sanders.
Chairman Stockdale called the meeting to order at 7:33 P.M. Minutes of the previous meeting were read. Motion by Stockdale, second by Smith to approve the minutes as read. The financial report was made available for inspection.
In old business, Nathan Voytek elaborated on an issue that was brought up briefly at the construction site earlier. He stated that Claytman Engineering was the mechanical engineer that created the plumbing drawings, and had made an error in the drawings. Part of the drawings were scaled at 1/8″ and the other part were scaled at 1/4″. This error went undetected and when the plumbing contractor bid the plumbing portion of the job, he was short in materials and labor cost in the amount of $29,711.40. The error was on the garage portion of the building. After much discussion, the Supervisors all felt that the error should have been caught either before or during the bidding process. Dietrich questioned whether the Architect or Plumbing Contractor or Waller Corporation had an error and omission insurance policy to cover such an error_ Nathan Voytek felt that the cost should be covered by Morris Township as we are the client. None of the Supervisors felt that the township should have to pay this amount due to the error, but will refer this issue to Bill Hook, the township solicitor. Greg Kittridge of Waller Corporation stated that he felt bad that such an error occurred. He also felt that the township may be able to negotiate the cost down to about $25,000.00. Carl Sanders and Randy Hamilton both felt the township should not pay for the error. There was much discussion on the matter. No decision was made as the Supervisors will wait for opinion from Attorney Hook.
Regarding the electric service at the cinder shed site, the breaker is in and the inspection is complete. Township waiting for West Penn Power to connect electric service.
Supervisors discussed the two road slips on Weir Cole Road. The one near Cole’s has dropped about a foot and has been filled with stone. The lower hasn’t moved. Dietrich stated that if the Supervisors want to fix these slips correctly, core samples will have to be done and the core samples could cost $10,000.00. After much discussion, it was concluded that the board will wait until the township building is completed and then we will know more about the ability to afford to either fix or just keep band aid repairing the road slips.
Concerning the Hathaway property, Secretary received two “phone bids” for demolishing the dilapidated house and barn. Still waiting on third bid from Wilson Outdoor Services. Township will hold off until we get third bid.
Consol began to board up the vacant farmhouse and barns previously owned by Deemer’s on Prosperity Pike. Consol indicated they would begin to secure vacant properties.
Widmer Engineering inspected Archer Road and will put his finding in writing and send them to the township. Widmer felt that part of Archer was pretty steep.
Regarding the Historical Society’s Archer School House, Smith stated that the Historical Society hasn’t been using the building lately. He had to step down from being on the board at the Society due to time constraints. He doesn’t believe that the upkeep of the building will be a problem as it has had recent work done on the roof and the siding was recently painted. However, he stated that if the Morris Township Historical Society would ever end, then he felt the township should take over in caring for the structure. Discussion ensued.
In new business, Marissa King spoke to the Board of Supervisors and informed them about McGuffey’s drastic reduction in compensation of the School Tax Collectors. She went on to say that several township tax collectors will be taking action against the school district. Also, in researching this matter, she discovered that the overwhelming majority of elected township tax collectors are paid a 5% commission. She currently earns 3% from Morris Township. Motion by Dietrich, second by Smith to raise elected township tax collector commission to 5%. All agreed.
Gene Crouch will charge the same amount as last year to mow the park, memorial marker and township building on Sparta Road. Total price does not fall within bidding criteria. Motion by Smith, second by Stockale to have Gene Crouch mow for the 2017 season. All agreed.
Morris Township was notified that the Southwestern Pa Water Authority will be extending their water line on Carey Way from Amwell Township into Morris Township. Supervisors discussed the possibility of a fire hydrant.
Motion by Stockdale, second by Smith to review and pay bills. Motion by Dietrich, second by Smith to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:14 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Lesnock, Secretary