Two guests were Kristin Pepper, Dirt & Gravel Roads Specialist with the Bradford County Conservation District and Chris Insinger of Insinger Quarry in Sullivan County.
The minutes of the August meeting were accepted with two corrections. The resignation of Auditor John Brenchley was accepted. He has moved out of the township. The elections bureau has stated that Mr. Brenchley's name will appear on the November ballot for the new term as auditor, so he will have to decline the office if he wins the position.
The Treasurer's Report was approved with these balances: Jumbo CD, $201,651.13; Impact Fee, $272,524.11; State Fund, $40,472.50; General Fund Checking, $83,537.82; General Fund Debit, $1,099.01; Lilley Hill Account, $53,687.50.
The township received $14,997.84 from the Game Commission in lieu of taxes.
Under old business, the township had leased a Dynapac roller for the Lilley Hill project. Mr. May said it works very well. The lease has an option to purchase but because this is not under the Co-Stars program, the township will have to advertise specifications and seek bids for a roller. A motion was approved to advertise the specifications.
The Lilley Hill Dirt & Gravel Roads project was reviewed. Mr. May said the sluices have been installed, the drop boxes installed, 2,200 feet of mulch pad installed, and about 60% of the ditches dug. and the fill and base material is all done. Ms. Pepper said that in three or four weeks the work should be completed. Some rip-rap is needed and the road will have to be closed for a couple of days when the DSA (driving surface aggregate) is applied. Ms. Pepper told the Supervisors that Mr. May and roadman Ron Chaapel are "two pretty good workers. They are working hard."
Under new business, bids for DSA and Ditchliner for the Lilley Hill project were opened. There were five bids for DSA. The Supervisors voted to accept the low bid, $13.55 per ton ($33,875) from Insinger Quarry. The other bids ranged from $49,225 to $75,884.
There were three bids for Ditchliner. The Supervisors voted to accept the low bid, $30,304.50 from Motz Enterprises of Cincinnati, Ohio. ($2.25 per square foot). The other bids were $3.75 and $3.90 per square foot.
The East VanFleet Bridge has been closed under orders from PennDOT, but a PennDOT contractor used the bridge to convey large machinery. In order to do so, the barriers were removed. The Supervisors informed PennDOT and noted that the bridge is closed to private cars. PennDOT District Engineer Sandra Tosca replied with a letter apologizing for the incident. "Action by the contractor is not acceptable and I offer my apology." She has directed to discontinue the use of E. Van Fleet bridge to transport construction equipment. She offered to do an inspection at a cost to the township of $1,200. Mr. Krise said he was adamantly opposed, saying the state should pay for the inspection as the township already has paid for one. "It was the state that closed the bridge, and moved the material that was blocking the road. Why should they think they are above anybody else to go across the bridge? That bridge was closed as demanded by PennDOT." The Supervisors voted to have Mr. Krise draft a letter for review by the other Supervisors, and then send it to PennDOT.
PennDOT also will be replacing a bridge on Windfall Road.
Mr. Tomlinson met with Ed Osgood to discuss the township audits, which are being done for years that were unaudited because the township had no auditors. He provided tips to make sure things were credited properly.
The supplier of cinders that the township used last year has said the cost will be $120 more load delivered. This is more than the township wants to pay, so they have contacted a different contractor, Matthews Trucking, who is working on obtaining a supply of state-approved material.
Under the Fire Report, Mr. Miosi said that Parker Machine was able to fix (at a cost of $70) the Hurst jaws of life tool. The tool is back in service. To buy a new one would have cost at least $40,000.
Mr. Miosi reported on the COG dinner. Robyn Chamberlain, executive director of the Bradford County Tourism Agency, was guest speaker.
Under the road report, Mr. May said most of the time had been occupied with work on Lilley Hill. Some trees on Cider Mill Road were cut, and Jennings Road was rolled. Mr. May said that Mr. Chaapel is willing to work full-time for the township if he can be guaranteed 20 hours per week. Mr. May added, "If you want someone dependable to be here when you want him, you have to pay for it." There was discussion of this matter, and the Supervisors will "kick some numbers around" to see if Mr. Chaapel can average 20 hours per week. "We will hash it out and see what we can come up with," Mr. Miosi said.
Mr. May said that gravel was needed for Leroy Mountain Road. "There is not enough [material] there to grade," he said. A water truck may be needed as well. After some discussion, the Supervisors voted to acquire material and put it on the road this fall. DeCristo Quarry is now state certified for 2RC and DSA. Mr. Tomlinson will do some tonnage calculations to see how much material is needed. Ms. Pepper pointed out that the township has applied for three future Dirt & Gravel Road projects on LeRoy Mountain Road. Because the road needs attention before winter, the township will get the gravel and do the work now.
Ms. Pepper noted that two Dirt & Gravel Roads projects on Rockwell Road ranked 7 and 18 on the scale. She said they may be combined if the "7" project is approved.
The Bradford County Townships Association will meet at Ulster. The township can attend free of cost. Mr. Krise said "It is worth attending," as much useful information is presented.
The Supervisors had no adverse comment on a subdivision request from Bryan and Michelle Shedden.