The Morris Township Board of Supervisors held their monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Township Municipal Building.
CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
All Board members were present for the meeting. Chairman Bracey called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
Also in attendance were Janet Coffield, Marty Finch, Karen Shaw, Dave Watt, Dan Watt, Randy Hamilton, Tim Hamilton, Janet Hamilton, Michael and Billie Schwarz, Greg Dunn, Bob (Hap) Fisher, Doug and Pegg Smith, and Marcy Lindley.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All attendees present stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
The minutes from the March monthly meeting were previously distributed to the Board. Chairman Bracey motioned to approve the minutes. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Finch. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried. Minutes from the special meeting held on March 20, 2026 were also submitted for approval. Chairman Bracey motioned to approve the minutes, and Supervisor Coffield seconded the motion. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
UNFINSHED BUSINESS
The Township received several quotes for concrete for the basketball/pickleball courts. T. Rock Construction provided the best price at $11,480.00. The Township will supply the stone and concrete, strip the soil and reclaim the area when completed. Chairman Bracey motioned to award the concrete job to T. Rock Construction. Vice Chairman Finch seconded the motion. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
A Heavy Hauling Agreement was received from Red Oak Farms Lumber Co. for work on Pie Ridge Road. Payment has yet to be received. Chairman Bracey motioned to approve the agreement, pending complete payment. Supervisor Coffield seconded the motion. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
*** OPENING OF BIDS ***
At 7:13 pm, the Supervisors opened all sealed bids for materials. The following bids were received:
CRS2 E3 OIL (50,000 gallons)
- Midland Ashphalt – $2.58/gallon
- Russell Standard – $2.53/gallon
- Youngblood Paving – $2.91/gallon
CM52 E5 (10,000 gallons)
- Midland Ashphalt – $3.00/gallon
- Russell Standard – $2.73/gallon
- Youngblood Paving – $3.60/gallon
MC-70 PETROLEUM ASPHALT
- Midland Asphalt – $4.65/gallon
- Russell Standard – $4.53/gallon
- Youngblood Paving – $5.65/gallon
The motion to accept the bids from Russell Standard for all these products was made by Chairman Bracey and seconded by Vice Chairman Finch. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
No bids were received for any of the advertised aggregate material. The advertisement will be reviewed and revised, if necessary, and readvertised in the Observer Reporter.
There have been some issues with the phone/internet system. Options for upgrading and streamlining the system will be researched. The Supervisors tabled this discussion until more details are available. Motion by Vice Chairman Finch, seconded by Supervisor Coffield. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
A new bank account for general funds was opened through PLGIT (Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust). This account will be used for payroll direct deposit transfers as those transactions are free. Chairman Bracey motioned to approve the Secretary transferring between funds as needed. Motion seconded by Supervisor Coffield. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
Township Clean Up Day will be Saturday, May 2, 2026 beginning at 7:00 am. This year, tires are allowable. Residents may passenger vehicle tires, 20” or less. The first two tires will be free, and any tire after that will cost $4.00 for disposal. Motion to add tire disposal to clean up day made by Chairman Bracey, seconded by Supervisor Coffield. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried. Electronics and appliances are acceptable. No freon is allowed.
TOWNSHIP REPORTS & PRESENTATIONS
The Roadmaster, Dave Dietrich, prepared and distributed a public works report. It included a description of the weekly tasks performed by the Road Crew during March.
The Morris Twp Fire Department submitted a call report for the Board. There were 31 calls, three of which were during work hours.
No Solicitor was available to give a report.
The Secretary & Treasurer did not have anything extra to add.
FINANCIAL BUSINESS
The Secretary presented the financial report for the twelve bank accounts. Each bank account is reconciled at the end of the month in the QuickBooks accounting program. A reconciliation report is printed and provided to the Board of Supervisors. The financial report contains the ending balances for each of the accounts for the previous month.
SUPERVISORS’ COMMENT
Vice Chairman Finch reminded the audience of Jeff Mooney’s upcoming retirement on April 16, 2026. The Township has hired Dan Watt as a new Road Crew member at the special meeting in March.
A representative from the DEP also came by the office in preparation for the upcoming community meeting. This meeting will discuss the coal mine’s projection schedule and its effect on residents. The meeting is Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 6:00 pm.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Bob Fisher asked about the termination of contract for police coverage. His concern is that many vehicles are stopped along Route 221 where parking is limited and where an accident could occur. Chairman Bracey suggested he call the police station to express his concerns directly to them.
The Center for Coalfield Justice is also having a meeting. The date is unknown, but it will take place at the Social Hall. Flyers are supposed to be mailed to residents.
Randy Hamilton asked about the return of the seasonal road crew worker. He is expected to start soon. Mr. Hamilton also suggested that Dan Watt resign as being auditor since he is now a Township employee. He recommended that Karen Shaw take the vacancy position. The Solicitor will be contacted regarding correct procedure.
Mike Schwarz asked about the paper hanging on the wall in the meeting room. Chairman Bracey explained that it was notice of a petition to unionize the Road Crew workers at the Township.
ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
Chairman Bracey motioned to adjourn the meeting and pay the bills. Supervisor Coffield seconded the motion. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.
The next Board of Supervisors monthly meeting will be Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 7:00 pm.