Maidencreek Township Board of Supervisor Meeting
January 11, 2006 7:00 PM
Present: Roy Timpe, Robert Kopfer, Claude Beaver, Gene Orlando and Stephanie Dake – Roland & Schlegel,
Tom Unger– Systems Design Engineering, Inc., Keith Shuman – Public Works Director, Diane Hollenbach -
Secretary, Johanna Lella – Recording Secretary
Guests: Dan Katoka from Berksmont News, Fay Isamoyer, Stanley Deeds, Paul Martin, Harold Burgert, Terry
Manmiller, Randi Peter, Vicki Kipp, Kris Kipp, Rick Kline, David A. Tranquillo, Carl Weston, Donna Fuerst, Peter
Pike, Nate Corrick from The Reading Eagle.
Roy Timpe called the January 11, 2007 meeting of the Maidencreek Township Board of Supervisors to order at
7:00 PM in the Maidencreek Township Municipal Building and asked everyone to rise for the Pledge to the Flag.
POLICE REPORT
Officer Dillman reported that Northern Berks Regional Police responded to 273 assignments in Maidencreek
Township in the month of December. This resulted in 93 citations. Total patrol hours were 867.14 hours. Total
mileage was 6450.75. Total fines were $3,229.38.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
A motion was made by Robert Kopfer, seconded by Claude Beaver, to approve the December 14, 2006 regular
meeting minutes of the Maidencreek Township Board of Supervisors. All members voted, “Aye”. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Claude Beaver, seconded by Robert Kopfer, to approve the January 2, 2007
reorganization minutes of the Maidencreek Township Board of Supervisors as corrected. All members voted,
“Aye”. Motion carried.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Subdivision Status Checklist
Villages at Maidencreek Resubdivision Plan
A motion was made by Robert Kopfer, seconded by Claude Beaver to reject the Final Plan based on the
reasons stated in the letter dated January 5, 2007 from SDE unless a written time extension is received by the
Township before February 8, 2007 meeting. All members voted, “Aye”. Motion carried.
Subdivision Improvements Agreements and Letter of Credit Reductions
A motion was made by Claude Beaver, seconded by Robert Kopfer, releasing the Medlar Electric Lot 4 Escrow
Maintenance Fund moneys. All members voted, “Aye”. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Claude Beaver, seconded by Robert Kopfer, releasing the Weavers Bike Shop Letter of
Credit. All members voted, “Aye”. Motion carried.
Subdivisions/Zoning
Maidencreek Crossing (Corrado) Subdivision. Final Plan - No action required at this time.
Larken (Maidencreek Shopping Center) letter from Penn DOT – No action required at this time.
Traffic Signal to be placed at Excelsior Drive and Park Road - Tabled.
Projects
Hoch Road Culvert Replacement – No action required at this time from Board.
Municipal Building Connection – No action required at this time from Board.
Park and Recreation – The paving has been completed.
A motion was made by Claude Beaver, seconded by Robert Kopfer, to approve the payment of $43,113.00 to
EJB Paving for the paving of the park parking lot. All members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
Traffic Calming - SDE is recommending to the Board that a Traffic Calming Committee be established. SDE
recommends that the committee be comprised of the following: Supervisor, Planning Commission member,
Engineer, Chief of Police and Solicitor. At the end of the investigations the committee would make their
recommendation to the Board.
Route 222 Drainage – No action required at this time from Board.
339/343 Cassidy Stormwater - No action required at this time from Board.
Water Well Ordinance – Tabled.
Bingo Hall Inspection – SDE inspected the property. The Bingo Hall is not in compliance with the meeting
minutes. SDE will be sending a out a compliance letter.
Subdivision Improvement Agreement LOC/Escrow Release Letters -
A motion was made by Claude Beaver, seconded by Robert Kopfer, to authorize the Chairman to sign the
Subdivision Improvements Agreements LOC/Escrow release letters in the amount of $55,259.81 for the month of
December 2006. All members voted, "Aye." Motion carried.
OPERATION’S REPORTS
A motion was made by Claude Beaver, seconded by Robert Kopfer, authorizing the Public Works Director to
purchase 3 skids of crack seal from Crafco, Inc. and any additional crack seal not to exceed $10,000. All
members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
David Tranquillo, Buena Vista Road, Fleetwood - Mr. Tranquillo expressed his continuous concerns regarding
Lehigh Cement’s activity in Maidencreek Township and the soon increased activity in Richmond Township. Mr.
Tranquillo told the Board that he appreciated the Townships' efforts regarding the situation that was issued to
Lehigh Cement. Mr. Timpe told Mr. Tranquillo that the Township has no control over developments and
improvements that are governed by Richmond Township. Mr. Tranquillo stated that he has attended meetings in
Richmond Township regarding the increased activity from Lehigh Cement Quarry. With this increase, he is
concerned that there will be increased truck activity from the quarry to Lehigh Cement. Mr. Orlando suggested
to the Board that a letter be sent to Richmond Township Board of Supervisors voicing the Township’s concerns.
A motion was made by Claude Beaver, seconded Robert Kopfer, authorizing the Township Secretary to send a
letter to Richmond Township’s Board of Supervisors voicing concerns over the increase in traffic from Lehigh
Cement Quarry, and asking what roads Lehigh Cement will be using in Maidencreek Township. Also, the letter
should ask the Richmond Township Board of Supervisors or the Planning Commission to provide us with some
additional information. All members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
Mr. Timpe encouraged interested residents to attend Richmond Township meetings. They are also open to the
public.
Carl Weston, Elected Auditor - Mr. Weston asked that his public comment from the a previous meeting be
added. Mr. Weston had asked if the Board of Auditors could meet with the external auditing firm maybe once or
twice so that they file all reports on time. Mr. Weston was of the understanding that the external auditing firm
would not charge any additional fees for the meetings. However, this is incorrect, the auditing firm said that
there would be additional charges for each meeting.
Mr. Weston asked how the repayment of the overcompensation to the Board of Supervisors is to be handled.
There was a motion passed in November, 2006 stating that whoever received the $150 monthly payment
reimburse the Township the extra $50 per month as soon as possible. However, Mr. Weston is also looking for
interest to be charged which then would effect prior years' W-2s and financials. Mr. Orlando suggested that the
Board consult with the Township’s accounting firm regarding the situation.
A motion was made by Robert Kopfer, seconded by Roy Timpe, authorizing Diane Hollenbach to communicate
with the Township Accounting Firm regarding Mr. Weston’s request and to follow their advice. All members
voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
Mr. Timpe stated that he wrote a check to the Township at the November, 2006 meeting. Mr. Beaver is paying
back his portion by returning his paycheck. And Mr. Kopfer was not affected.
Kris Kipp, Faith Drive, Blandon – Mr. Kipp gave Mr. Unger an article from an Allentown Newspaper regarding
Traffic Calming.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT
Create draft ordinance on exemptions to mandatory water connection – Tabled.
Prepare traffic ordinance – Tabled.
Cable franchise renewal for Comcast – Tabled.
Noise Ordinances - No action required by the Board at this time. Ms. Hollenbach is to research the minutes as
to why the ordinance was revised and give this information to Ms. Dake.
Ingot Drive deed of dedication – SDE has just completed the legal description of the property since the old
developer’s engineer had not completed the description. No action is required at this time.
Sludge Ordinance – Ms. Dake reviewed the proposed draft of the Sludge Ordinance with the comments that Mr.
Timpe and Mr. Beaver had made. Mr. Kline brought the storage issue to the Township's attention. Mr. Price
from Synagro attended the meeting to answer any questions that the Supervisors may have. Mr. Orlando asked
Mr. Price what is covered versus uncovered, how large is a pit and when you do cover it, what do you cover it
with? Mr. Price said that when we do cover a pit, we use a black poly plastic. Mr. Price said that generally they
try to avoid covering the pits for safety reasons. Mr. Orlando asked why. Mr. Price said due to the size of the
pits which are roughly 50ft wide and 100ft deep, the covering of the pits, in itself, is a safety issue.
After a lengthy discussion regarding storage of the sludge, issuance of the general permit and the odor that is
emitted from the sludge, Mr. Price extended an invitation to the Supervisors to come out and look at the pits on
the Gerhart and Hafer farms.
Mr. Manmiller asked when the pits are under repair, who actually oversees the repair. Mr. Price said that one of
their field operators actually inspects the repair. Mr. Price gave a quick overview of the management plan that is
in place with Synagro that must be followed. Mr. Kopfer asked why can’t they put this in a slurry storage. Mr.
Price said that they can’t do it because the sludge is 70% water, which can’t be pumped into a slurry store. Mr.
Kopfer, Mr. Beaver, the solicitor and engineer tentatively set up a tour of the Gerhart farm for Tuesday, January
16, 2007 at 10:30 am provided the property owner gives permission.
Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance
A motion was made by Robert Kopfer, seconded by Claude Beaver, to authorize a Public Hearing to be
advertised for the readoption on the Zoning Ordinance at 6:45 PM prior to the meeting on Thursday, March 8,
2007. All members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
Bridget Bossler, 185 W. Wesner Road - Mr. Orlando advised Ms. Bossler that she should consult with an
attorney, regarding the abandonment of use of the trailer.
Lehigh Cement Court Hearing - Mr. Orlando advised the Supervisors that the Township Engineer and Code
Enforcement Officer appeared as witnesses, and a number of citizens also provided testimony at the hearing.
Lehigh Cement entered a Plea of No Contest. Judge Gauby accepted the plea and issued a fine of $250.00
plus Township legal fees. Mr. Orlando said that he believes it was due to Mr. Tranquillo’s diligence and that of
the residents of Buena Vista Road, that Lehigh Cement pledge no contest. Mr. Tranquillo thanked the Township
for their efforts.
TREASURER’S REPORT
A motion was made by Robert Kopfer, seconded by Claude Beaver, to approve the December 2006 Treasurer’s
Report and bill list. All members voted, “Aye.” Motion carried.
A motion was made by Claude Beaver, seconded by Robert Kopfer, to approve the mileage reimbursement
payments to Rita Agnetti in the amount of $36.36 and Diane Hollenbach in the amount of $88.57. All members
voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Claude Beaver, seconded by Robert Kopfer, authorizing the Chairman to sign the State
Liquid Fuels Report. All members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
BUSINESS
A motion was made by Robert Kopfer, seconded by Claude Beaver, to approve the purchase of an 800 Amp CT
Cabinet and 800 Amp load center for Blandon Fire Company Ball Field Lights to bring up to code using the
lowest quote from Fromm Electric at $4350.00. All members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
FEMA Trailers - Ms. Hollenbach informed the Supervisors that the Federal Government is opening up to
Townships the opportunity to apply for a trailer or modular home that had been purchased for Hurricane Katrina
relief. There is no obligation if the application is accepted. Ms. Hollenbach stated in the application the
Township would use the trailer for emergency management purposes and the modular for additional office space.
A motion was made Claude Beaver, seconded by Robert Kopfer, authorizing the Chairman of the Board of
Supervisors to sign the FEMA cover letter stating that the Township is making the application. All members
voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
The Supervisors excused the Engineer and the Public Works Director.
Executive Session was held from 8:55 p.m. to 9:55 to discuss litigation and personnel issues.
A motion was made by Robert Kopfer, seconded by Claude Beaver, authorizing the Township Engineer to
determine if the Limestone Village Storm water issue is a result of the design not functioning as intended or poor
maintenance of private facilities or inaccuracies and submit a report. All members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Robert Kopfer, seconded by Claude Beaver, appointing Diane Hollenbach to the
Maidencreek Township Authority Board with a term expiring 12/31/2011. All members voted “Aye”. Motion
carried.
A motion was made by Claude Beaver, seconded by Robert Kopfer, to have the $10,000.00 donation to
Advance Life Support Services (Fleetwood) be made on a quarterly basis. All members voted “Aye”. Motion
carried.
Since there was no further business, a motion was made by Robert Kopfer to adjourn the January 11, 2007
meeting of the Maidencreek Township Board of Supervisors. All members voted, “Aye.” Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
J. Lella
Transcribing Secretary