MAHONING TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR’S ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
Minutes
January 7, 2013
CALL TO ORDER:
John Wieczorek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at the MahoningTownshipBuilding, 2685 Mahoning Drive East, Lehighton, PA 18235.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
John Wieczorekled the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT
John Wieczorek, Supervisor; Franklin Ruch, Supervisor; Linda Benner, Supervisor; Bruce Steigerwalt, Supervisor; Todd Weaver, Supervisor; Thomas Nanovic, Solicitor (arrived late 6:7 PM) and Natalie Haggerty, Secretary-Treasurer
RECOGNITION OF SUPERVISORS FOR 2013
John Wieczorek,Bruce Steigerwalt, Franklin Ruch,Linda Benner and Todd Weaver.
APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY SECRETARY
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to appointNatalie D. Haggertyas temporary secretary. Seconded by Franklin Ruch. Linda Benner, yes; Franklin Ruch, yes;John Wieczorek, yes; Todd Weaver, yes and Bruce Steigerwalt, yes.5-0 vote. Motion carried.
APPOINTMENT OF A TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN TO RECEIVE NOMINATIONS FOR THE PERMANENT POSITION OF CHAIRMAN:
MOTION
Linda Bennermade a motion to appointJohn Wieczorekas temporary chairman to receive nominations for the position of chairman. Seconded by Todd Weaver. Linda Benner, yes; Franklin Ruch, yes; John Wieczorek, yes;Todd Weaver, yes and Bruce Steigerwalt, yes.5-0 vote. Motion carried.
NOMINATIONS FOR CHAIRMAN:
MOTION
Linda Bennermade a motion to nominate John Wieczorek to serve as chairman for 2013. Seconded by Todd Weaver.Linda Benner, yes; Franklin Ruch, yes; John Wieczorek, abstain; Todd Weaver, yes and Bruce Steigerwalt, yes. 4-0 vote. Motion carried.
APPOINTMENT OF A SECRETARY/TREASURER:
MOTION
Franklin Ruchmade a motion to appoint Natalie D. Haggerty as Secretary/Treasurer for 2013. Seconded by John Wieczorek. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes, Bruce Steigerwalt, yesand John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
SETTING THE PAY RATEAND BENEFITS FOR SECRETARY/TREASURER:
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to set rate of pay at a 3% increase from 2012 rate of $18.83/hrwith terms and conditions to remain the same as set forth in 2009 for Secretary Treasurer Natalie D. Haggerty. John Wieczorek amended motion to a 3.5% increase ($19.49/hr) as per road department increase. Seconded by Linda Benner. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried.
APPOINTMENT OF PART TIME CLERK AND SETTING RATE OF PAY
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to appoint Kerry Verrastro as part time clerk for 2013 and a rate of pay increase of 3.5% increase. Motion amended to .50¢/hr more or $14.50/hr. Seconded by Todd Weaver. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried.
NOMINATIONS FOR VICE CHAIRMAN:
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to nominate Franklin Ruch as vice chairman for 2013. Seconded by Linda Benner. Franklin Ruch, abstain; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 4-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE MAHONINGTOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to reappoint Thomas Nanovicas legal counsel for the Mahoning Township Board of Supervisors for 2013. Seconded by Franklin Ruch. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF TOWNSHIP ENGINEER:
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to reappoint T & M Associates, Tim Edinger as the township engineer for 2013. Seconded by Todd Weaver. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; John Wieczorek, yes and Bruce Steigerwalt, abstain. 4-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF PART-TIME POLICE OFFICERS AND SETTING RATE OF PAY:
Joseph David, Christopher Ritter, Richton Penn, Michael Morresi (letter of resignation received), Gabriel Szozdaand Daniel Long (current rate of pay $15.97/hr.)
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to reappoint Mahoning Township Part Time Police Officers Joseph David, Christopher Ritter, Richton Penn, Gabriel Szozda, Corey Frey and Daniel Long at a rate of pay of $15.97/hour for 2013. Seconded by Linda Benner. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF SUPERVISORS TO OVERSEE THE POLICE DEPARTMENT:
MOTION
Franklin Ruch made a motion to appointJohn Wieczorek and Linda Bennerto oversee the Mahoning Township Police Department for 2013. Seconded by Bruce Steigerwalt. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF A ZONING OFFICER AND SETTING RATE OF PAY:
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to reappoint Leroy Leibenguth as Mahoning Township Zoning Officer for year 2013 at a rate of pay of $500.00/month. Seconded by Franklin Ruch. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yesand John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF SUPERVISORS TO OVERSEE THE ROAD DEPARTMENT:
MOTION
Linda Benner made a motion to appointBruce Steigerwalt and Franklin Ruchas supervisors to oversee the roaddepartment. Seconded by John Wieczorek. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF PART TIME ROAD DEPARTMENT WORKERSANDSETTING RATE OF PAY FOR PART TIME ROAD DEPARTMENT:
(Part time road department workers are Barry Fisher and Joseph McGinley)
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to appoint Barry Fisher and Joseph McGinley as part time road department workers and set rate of pay for part time road department workers at $13.00/hour. Seconded by Franklin Ruch. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
AFFIRMATION OF SUPERVISORS WHO ARE AUTHORIZED TO WORK WHEN NEEDED:
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion that all supervisors are authorized to work when needed in 2013. Seconded by Bruce Steigerwalt. Franklin Ruch, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Todd Weaver, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF AUDITORS THE RATE OF PAY FOR WORKING SUPERVISORS:
MOTION
Franklin Ruchmade a motion to recommend to the Board of Auditors a rate of pay for working supervisors at $13.00/hour. Seconded by John Wieczorek. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF ENCROACHMENT OFFICER:
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to appoint Ronald Reeseras Encroachment Officersfor MahoningTownship for 2013. Seconded by Franklin Ruch. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yesand John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF A SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER:
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to reappoint Scott Bieber, Lehigh Soils and Wetlands as Mahoning Township Sewage Enforcement Officer for 2013. Seconded byTodd Weaver. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; John Wieczorek, yes and Bruce Steigerwalt, abstain. 4-0 vote. Motion carried.
APPOINTMENT OF AN ALTERNATE SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER:
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to reappoint William Brior as Mahoning Township Alternate Sewage Enforcement Officer for 2013. Seconded by Franklin Ruch. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes John Wieczorek, yes and Bruce Steigerwalt, abstain. 4-0 vote. Motion carried
AFFIRMATION EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR AND ASSISTANT:
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to approve the affirmation of Debra Binder as the Emergency Management Coordinatorfor 2013. Seconded byBruce Steigerwalt. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; John Wieczorek, yes and Bruce Steigerwalt, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF A CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER:
MOTION
Franklin Ruch made a motion to appoint John Wieczorek as the Chief Administrative Officer for 2013. Seconded by Bruce Steigerwalt. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes and John Wieczorek, abstain. 4-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF A CHAIRMAN ON THE VACANCY BOARD (1-YEAR TERM)
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to appoint Eugene Durigan as Chairman of the Vacancy Board (one year term). Seconded by Franklin Ruch. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY (4-YEAR TERM)
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to reappoint Brad Christman to the Mahoning Township Planning Commission. Seconded by Linda Benner. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER TO THE ZONING HEARING BOARD (3-YEAR TERM)
Table
APPOINTMENT OF BUILDING CODE OFFICIAL
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to appoint Blue Mountain Inspection Service, Carl Faust as Mahoning Township Building Code Official for 2013. Seconded by Bruce Steigerwalt. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF A SOLICITOR FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION:
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to retain Nanovic Law Office as Solicitor for the Planning Commission for year 2013. Seconded by Franklin Ruch. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried.
APPOINTMENT OF A SOLICITOR FOR THE ZONING HEARING BOARD
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to appoint Strubinger and Gazo Law Offices as Solicitor for the Zoning Hearing Board for 2013. Seconded by Bruce Steigerwalt. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
SETTING OF RATE OF PAY FOR THE ZONING HEARING BOARD SECRETARY:
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to establish the rate of pay for the Zoning Hearing Board Secretary for 2013 at $85.00/month. Seconded by Franklin Ruch. Franklin Ruch, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
SETTING OF RATE OF PAY FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECORDING SECRETARY:
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to establish the rate of pay for the Planning Commission Recording Secretary for 2013 at $95.00/month. Seconded by Bruce Steigerwalt. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE LEHIGHCANAL RECREATION COMMISSION:
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to appoint Bruce Steigerwalt as representative to the Lehigh Canal Recreation Commission. Seconded by Franklin Ruch. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF A REPRESENTATIVE AND AN ALTERNATE TO THE CARBONCOUNTY TAX COMMITTEE
MOTION
Bruce Steigerwalt made a motion to appoint John Wieczorek and Natalie D. Haggerty as the alternate to the Carbon County Tax Committee. Seconded by Linda Benner. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, abstain. 4-0 vote. Motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE CARBON COUNTY HOME HEALTH CARE ADVISORY BOARD:
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to appoint Linda Bennerto the Carbon County Home Health Care Advisory Board, Seconded by Franklin Ruch. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, abstain; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 4-0 vote. Motion carried
CERTIFICATION OF A VOTING DELEGATE TO THE PSATS STATE CONVENTION (April 21-24, 2013)
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to appoint Franklin Ruchas a voting delegate to PSATS State Convention for 2013. Seconded by Bruce Steigerwalt. John Wieczorek amended motion to approve sending Bruce Steigerwalt. Seconded by Linda Benner. Franklin Ruch, abstain; Travis Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 4-0 vote. Motion carried
ESTABLISHING A TREASURER’S BOND LIMIT AND SELECTION OF A BONDING COMPANY:
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to retain Travelers Casualty and Surety of America Insurance Co. and set Treasurer’s Bond in the amount of $400,000.00. Seconded by Bruce Steigerwalt. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
SELECTION OF DEPOSITORIES FOR THE TOWNSHIP FUNDS AND NUMBER OF SIGNATURES NEEDED:
MOTION
Franklin Ruchmade a motion to retain PNC Bank, Carbon Plaza Mall, Lehighton, PA, 3 of 5 signatures needed one being the secretary/treasurer to deposit township funds. Seconded by Todd Weaver. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF AUDITORS MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT:
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to recommend to the Board of Auditors mileage reimbursement of .56.5¢/mile. Seconded by Bruce Steigerwalt.Franklin Ruch, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
RENTAL OF EQUIPMENT:
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to set equipment and operator at $125.00/hour at a minimum of two-hours to other municipalities. Seconded by Franklin Ruch. Franklin Ruch, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MONTHLY MEETINGS, TIMES AND DATES FOR THE YEAR 2013:
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to establish the Board of Supervisors monthly meetings, times and dates for the year 2013 as advertised, second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 PM with exception of Tuesday May 28, 2013. Seconded by Linda Benner. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried.
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MONTHLY MEETINGS, TIMES AND DATES FOR THE YEAR 2013:
(3rdTuesday of each month, 7:00PM)
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to approve the Planning Commission monthly meetings, times and dates for year 2013 as advertised, third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM with the exception of Wednesday, May 22, 2013. Seconded by Franklin Ruch. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried.
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ZONING HEARING BOARD MONTHLY MEETINGS, TIMES AND DATES FOR THE YEAR 2013:
(1st Tuesday of each month, 7:00PM)
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to approve the Zoning Hearing Board monthly meetings, times and dates for the year 2013 as advertised.(1st Tuesday of each month, 7:00 PM, exception of January 2, 2013 and Wednesday, November 6, 2013) Seconded by Bruce Steigerwalt. Franklin Ruch, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried.
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE TAX COLLECTOR TO COLLECT REAL PROPERTY TAX STREET LIGHT ANDFIRE HYDRANT ASSESSMENTS AND LOCAL ENABLING TAXES FOR 2012:
MOTION
Franklin Ruch made a motion to authorize Richard Swarcheck, Tax Collector to collect real property tax, street light and fire hydrant assessments and local enabling taxes for 2013. Seconded by John Wieczorek. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION #2013-1 THE FEE SCHEDULE PERTAINING TO THE BUILDING PERMITS:
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to adopt Resolution 2013-1
“BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THIS 7th day of January, 2013; that we the Mahoning Township Supervisors, hereby accept the fee schedule pertaining to the Building Permits”.Seconded by Linda Benner. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION #2013-2 THE FEE SCHEDULE PERTAINING TO THE ZONING HEARING BOARD ACTIVITIES:
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to adopt Resolution 2013-2. Seconded by Linda Benner. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION #2013-3 THE FEE SCHEDULE PERTAINING TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION:
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to adopt Resolution 2013-3
“BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THIS 7th day of January, 2013; that we the Mahoning Township Supervisors, hereby accept the fee schedule pertaining to the Planning Commission Activities.” Seconded by Linda Benner.Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION #2013-4 THE FEE SCHEDULE FOR SUITABILITY TESTING AND ISSUANCE OF SEWAGE PERMITS:
MOTION
John Wieczorek made a motion to adopt Resolution 2013-4
“BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THIS 7thday of January, 2013; that we the Mahoning Township Supervisors, hereby accept the fee schedule pertaining to suitability testing and issuance of sewage permits.” Seconded by Linda Benner. Franklin Ruch, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION #2013-5 THE FEE SCHEDULE PERTAINING TO ZONING PERMITS:
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to adopt Resolution 2013-5
“BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THIS 7th day of January, 2013; that we the Mahoning Township Supervisors, hereby accept the fee schedule pertaining to zoning permits.” Seconded by Linda Benner. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Linda Benner, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION #2013-6 APPOINTMENT OF KIRK, SUMMA AND CO., LLP
(Perform 2012 Audit)
MOTION
John Wieczorekmade a motion to adopt Resolution 2013-6
“BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THIS 7thday of January, 2013; that we the Mahoning Township Supervisors hereby appoint Kirk, Summa and Co., LLP to perform 2012 audit.”Seconded by Linda Benner. Franklin Ruch, yes; Todd Weaver, yes; Bruce Steigerwalt, yes Linda Benner, yes and John Wieczorek, yes. 5-0 vote. Motion carried.