Maidencreek Township Board of Supervisor Meeting
March 13, 2008 7:00 PM
Present: Claude Beaver, Roy Timpe, Joseph E Rudderow III, Eugene Orlando and Stephanie Dake – Roland &
Schlegel, Tom Unger and John Loeper – Systems Design Engineering, Inc., Keith Shuman – Public Works
Director, Diane Hollenbach – Manager,
and Johanna Lella, Recording Secretary
Guests: Larry Sivanni, JJ Riolo, Richard Wick, Cindy Stump, Fay Isamoyer, Tina Stewart, Randi Peters, Carl
Weston, Dave Zwicky, David Tranquillo, Rick Kline.
Claude Beaver called the March 13, 2008 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 Drazenovich reported that Northern Berks Regional Police responded to 263 assignments in
Maidencreek Township in the month of February. This resulted in 42 citations. The traffic fines for Maidencreek
for the month of February were $1,467.67 and non-traffic fines were $526.45, totaling $1,994.12. The total
number of patrol hours was 846.91 for the month.
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, authorizing the Chairman to sign the County
Wide Policing Study. Hearing no further questions on the motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
GUEST – County Commissioner Leinbach
The Chairman thanked County Commissioner Leinbach on behalf of the Township and the Board for the
$4,500.00 for Liberty Environmental Incorporated to study the Lehigh Cement proposal to burn dried biosolids
for fuel, and air quality differences between DBS and coal and tires. County Commissioner Leinbach gave a brief
history of his relationship with Blandon. County Commissioner Leinbach discussed the following areas with the
audience and the Board: Lehigh Cement, Schaffer Bridge, and Route 222.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, to approve the February 12, 2008 Regular
Meeting minutes. Mr. Rudderow explained that he voted “Nay” on appointing Mr. Joel High because he did not
have enough information. Hearing no further questions on the motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
Melrose Commercial Lots 4/5 Revised Plan of Record – Mr. Unger reviewed SDE's review letter dated 3/10/08
with the Board.
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, to grant final plan approval for the Melrose
Commercial Lots 4/5 Revised Plan of Record contingent upon SDE’s letter dated 3/10/08 and the Maidencreek
Planning Commission letter dated 3/5/08. Hearing no questions on the motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion
carried.
Projects
Hoch Road Culvert Replacement – SDE requested authorization from the Board to advertise the project for bids.
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, authorizing SDE to prepare and advertise bids
for the Hoch Road Culvert Replacement. Chairman Beaver asked if there were any comments/questions? A
resident asked how long will the project take and if signs would be posted. Mr. Unger stated that if all goes well,
the project should take about 3 weeks. Also, it will be stated in the contract that signs will be posted advising of
the road closure. Hearing no other comments/questions on the motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
The Board advised that an announcement be placed in the upcoming newsletter regarding the closing of Hoch
Road in the summer of 2008 for repairs to the culvert.
Act 167 Model Stormwater Ordinance – Mr. Unger reviewed Sections 309 and 402, and Appendix D with the
Board. The Solicitor requested a copy of the black line copy of the Ordinance so a comparison may be made
with the current Stormwater Ordinance. Act 167 Model Stormwater Ordinance is a mandate by the State. Mr.
Unger said the Act is a result of the Schuylkill River Watershed study being completed. This ordinance needs to
be approved for advertising at the next meeting.
Sewage Enforcement Officer Activity Report - Mr. Unger stated that the SEO Report is in the Supervisors'
books for their review.
Code Enforcement Officer Activity Report - Mr. Unger stated that the Code Enforcement Officer Activity Report
is in the Supervisors' books for their review.
OPERATION’S REPORTS - Mr. Shuman stated that the Operations Report is in the Supervisors' books for their
review.
Spring Street Sweeping-
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, authorizing the Public Works Director to
contract Industrial Grounds Maintenance to provide spring sweeping for 21 road miles for $3,000.00. Hearing
no questions on the motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, authorizing the Public Works Director to
rent the ride on broom for rural road sweeping at a cost of $625.00 for one week. Hearing no questions on the
motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
Crack Seal
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, authorizing the Public Works Director to
purchase 3 skids of crack seal at $3,365.60. Hearing no questions on the motion, all members voted “Aye”.
Motion carried.
Lawn Mower – The Public Works Director requested to purchase a new lawn mower. The Supervisors requested
3 quotes for the next Supervisors' meeting.
Summer Help – Ms. Hollenbach advised the Board that the summer help from last year had been contacted and
the four boys would like to work again this summer.
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, to rehire the four summer help personnel,
Sean Connors, Ryan Dunkel, Ty Garl and Daniel Shuman, that were employed last summer, as needed and as
their schedules permit. Hearing no questions on the motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT
Corrado Open Space Purchase- petition Court of Common Pleas – The Board advised Mr. Orlando to have the
petition for the sale of the open space advertised as sealed bids.
Municipal Solid Waste Ordinance
The Board and Solicitor discussed the State Mandated Solid Waste Ordinance. The Board advised the
Township Manager to contact Mr. Lundsted of DEP and ask if the use of garbage bags poses a problem
regarding the mandate. Several residents voiced their opinions regarding the use of bags in lieu of garbage
cans.
TREASURER’S REPORT/MANAGER'S REPORT
Treasurer’s Report and Bill List
Mr. Rudderow asked several questions regarding the bill list and Ms. Hollenbach responded.
A motion was made by Joe Rudderow, seconded by Roy Timpe, to approve the February 2008 Treasurer’s
Report. Hearing no questions on the motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, to approve the February 2008 Bill List.
Hearing no questions on the motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
School Crossing Lights at Andrew Maier - Ms. Hollenbach brought to the Board's attention that one of the
school crossing lights on Rt. 73 is broken. Ms. Hollenbach stated that she will have quotes for the next meeting.
PARK & RECREATION
Blandon Fire Co. Ballfield Poles and Timer Installation - Ms. Hollenbach updated the Board regarding the
Ballfield poles and lights. Ms. Hollenbach informed the Board that Mr. Shuman had found 2 more poles that
need to be replaced. The Fleetwood Area School District is taking down 4 poles along with the lights at the Ray
Buss field. They would like to donate them to the Township. Ms. Hollenbach asked if the Township would like
the poles and if we would like to make a monetary donation to Fleetwood Area School District if the poles can be
used. The Board agreed that a donation will be made with the amount to be determined.
Transfer Switch
The Park and Recreation Board recommended that the Township repair the transfer switch at the Blandon Fire
Co. Ballfield. Ms. Hollenbach stated that she received a quote in the amount of $3,460.60 from County Plumbing
and Electric to make the repair.
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded Joe Rudderow, to have County Plumbing and Electric repair
and install the transfer switch at the Blandon Fire Co. Ballfield in the amount of $3,460.60. Hearing no questions
on the motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
The Pavilion at the Blandon Fire Co.
Ms. Hollenbach informed the Board that it was brought to her attention today that the pavilion sustained
damages due to high winds. Mr. Shuman had put up yellow caution tape around the pavilion. Park and
Recreation will bring their recommendations to Board for the area at another time.
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, to have the road crew demolish the pavilion
at the Blandon Fire Co. The Chairman asked if there were any questions. Mr. Zwicky stated that he will donate
a rolloff. Hearing no further questions on the motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Ms. Hollenbach reported that Chris Kline went to Total Visibility training and she will be attending in late March.
PUBLIC COMMENT
A resident from the audience thanked Mr. Timpe for the good job done on the first page of the last newsletter.
Mr. David Tranquillo asked if the Township was aware that Lehigh Cement is requesting an increase in pumping
additional groundwater from DEP. Ms. Hollenbach stated that the Maidencreek Township Water Authority is
looking into this matter. Mr. Tranquillo asked if Reading Water Authority is aware.
Mr. Beaver wanted to thank the Fire Department for their efforts on Saturday, March 8, 2008.
RESOLUTIONS
East Brunswick Township Resolution – This is a Resolution supporting local governments' rights to enact laws
and ordinances for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of its residents.
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, to adopt Resolution No. 11-2008 supporting
East Brunswick Township local government rights. Hearing no questions on the motion, all members voted
“Aye”. Motion carried.
BUSINESS
Approval of letter of PA DEP regarding Lehigh Cement burning Biofuels in kiln - Discussion if the letter should
also be mailed to the Reading Water Authority and the municipalities they service.
Mr. Timpe read aloud the drafted letter dated March 13, 2008 to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection, Mr. Roger Fitterling, that is being sent by the Board regarding the burning of biofuels in a kiln by
Lehigh Cement. The audience stated they were pleased with the letter.
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, to have the Board sign the draft letter dated
March 13, 2008 to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and cc the following: Governor
Rendell, Representative David Argall, State Senator Jim Rhoades, Katherine McKinny Department Head DEP,
Mayor of Reading, the Supervisors of the following Townships and Boroughs: Tilden, Perry, Center, Bern,
Ontelaunee, Muhlenberg, Cumru, Exeter, Amity, Robeson, Laureldale, St. Lawrence, Mohnton, Kenhorst,
Shillington, New Morgan, Richmond, Maxatawney, Hamburg, Leesport, Berks County Environmental Advisory
Council, and the County Commissioners. Mr. Timpe amended the motion to add Lehigh Cement. Hearing no
questions on the motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, to send a copy of the letter that was sent to
the Reading Water Authority regarding sewage sludge to the following: Governor Rendell, Representative David
Argall, State Senator Jim Rhoades, Mayor of Reading, the Supervisors of the following Townships and
Boroughs: Tilden, Perry, Center, Bern, Ontelaunee, Muhlenberg, Cumru, Exeter, Amity, Robeson, Laureldale,
St. Lawrence, Mohnton, Kenhorst, Shillington, New Morgan, Richmond, Maxatawney, Hamburg, Leesport, Berks
County Environmental Advisory Council, and the County Commissioners. Hearing no questions on the motion,
all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, to send a copy of the Resolution 11-2008 East
Brunswick to the following: East Brunswick Township Supervisors, Representative David Argall, State Senator
Jim Rhoades, PA Attorney General, Berks County Commissioners, Schuylkill County Commissioners, Maxatawny
Township and Kutztown Borough and the Berks County Conservation District. The Chair asked if there were any
questions. Mr. Kline thanked the Supervisors for passing Resolution 11-2008 East Brunswick. Mr. Kline
informed the Supervisors that the Enviornmental Quality Board of DEP has opened all of the sludge regulations
for review. The public can make comments by going through DEP’s website. Mr. Timpe asked, “How long is the
comment open for?” Mr. Kline stated that he did not know. Hearing no further questions on the motion, all
members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
Discussion on establishing an Environmental Advisory Council – Mr. Rudderow wanted to know if the Board
would consider having some type of environmental advisory committee or board added. There was a lengthy
discussion between the audience and the Board regarding this issue. At this time it was determined not to move
forward.
Recycling Drop Off Site Cost Proposal
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, authorizing the Chairman to sign the
recycling drop off site proposal from W.D. Zwicky which is part of the Berks County Yard Waste Contract.
Hearing no questions on the motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
State Association Conference is May 11-14, 2008 – Ms. Hollenbach advised the Supervisors that they need to
contact her if they are interested in going to the conference by March 31, 2008 to receive the discount.
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, authorizing the expenditure for either Keith
Shuman or Diane Hollenbach to go to the State Association Conference for May 11-14, 2008. Hearing no
questions on the motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
Comments from the Board
A motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, to send a letter of thanks to the Berks
County Commissioners for the $4,500.00 to Liberty Enviornmental Inc. to study the impact of burning sewage
sludge. Hearing no questions on the motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried.
Since there was no further business, a motion was made by Roy Timpe, seconded by Joe Rudderow, to adjourn
the March 13, 2008 meeting of the Maidencreek Township Board of Supervisors. Hearing no questions on the
motion, all members voted “Aye”. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 10:47 P.M.