Regular Meeting                                                                                                                         January 27, 2009

 

 

The regular meeting of the Millcreek Township Board of Supervisors was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Curtis in the Assembly Room of the Millcreek Township Municipal Building.  Present were Gerald Wolf, Brian McGrath, Lawrence Curtis, Evan Adair, Esq., and Phyllis Vollbrecht.  Absent:  Joseph Kujawa and Richard Morris, P.E.

 

Following the Pledge to the Flag, Chairman Curtis called for public comment on agenda items other than development or rezoning applications.  No comments were received.

 

It was moved by Mr. McGrath and seconded by Mr. Curtis to approve the minutes of the meeting of January 20, 2009.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

 

It was moved by Mr. McGrath and seconded by Mr. Curtis to approve payment of the weekly General Fund bills in the amount of $106,316.59 and the Performance and Surety Bond Account Fund in the amount of $13,742.00.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

 

Attorney Adair reported that the Settlement Agreement regarding Asbury Atlantic, Inc. tax assessment appeal is proposed by the parties involved which began as an assessment value and exemption appeal.  It proposes that it be resolved by a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) where on the value of the improvements on the land developed on Springhill property as carriage homes, taxes would be paid based on a stipulated value.  There would be no tax on the land.  The School District and the County have agreed to it.  On the recommendation of Attorney Adair, it was moved by Mr. McGrath and seconded by Mr. Curtis to approve the Settlement Agreement and to authorize Attorney Adair to sign as counsel for the Township.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

 

It was moved by Mr. McGrath, seconded by Mr. Curtis, to approve Resolution 2009-R-4, a Resolution to approve exoneration of Millcreek Township real property taxes imposed for the 2007 calendar year on the parcel bearing Erie County Assessment No. (33) 181-566-003, including any and all interest, penalties and costs thereon.  Attorney Adair explained that the Sewer Authority acquired a lift station and did not file an application to exempt the property from taxation.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

 

It was moved by Mr. McGrath and seconded by Mr. Curtis, on the recommendation of the Township Engineer, to approve the Stormwater Maintenance Agreement for Cropp Family Dentistry (Perry Highway [S.R. 0505] and Glenwood Park Avenue north of Young Road).  The developer will own and maintain the facility.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

 

On the recommendation of Parks and Recreation Director James Sperry, it was moved by Mr. McGrath and seconded by Mr. Curtis to approve the employment of Jeff Evans as a lifeguard at $7.65 per hour.  Chairman Curtis called for public comment on the matter; none was received.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

 

It was moved by Mr. Curtis that the Supervisors, Robert Mitchell and the four fire department chiefs be permitted to attend the American Red Cross Heroes Dinner at the cost of $500.00.  Mr. McGrath seconded the motion.  Chairman Curtis called for public comment on the matter; none was received.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

 

On motion by Mr. Curtis, seconded by Mr. McGrath, permission was granted for Daniel Ouellet, West Ridge Fire Department Chief and Sewer Department employee, to attend the Fire House World Conference on February 16 to 20, 2009 in San Diego, CA with expenses paid by West Ridge Fire Department.  Mr. Ouellet will be granted 2.5 days paid time off and must use 2.5 days vacation.  Chairman Curtis called for public comment on the matter; none was received.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

 

Gary Wycech, 3103 Oakley Drive, appeared to ask about the Millcreek Township Water Authority situation.  He moved from one section of Millcreek to another about 17 years ago and found out the water rates were about two times more than he thought they would be.  After calling the Water Authority, he was told about the two different water suppliers in the Township, and that eventually the water rates would be the same, if not cheaper, than the city’s.  Several years ago he called again and was told the city did not have the capacity.  Mr. Wycech asked why, since the city now has the capacity and could sell the water cheaper, the Millcreek Township Water Authority still exists.  After 17 years, there is still this huge disparity in rates.  Information was supplied to the Erie Water Works several months ago according to Mr. McGrath and the Board is waiting for an offer regarding a lease.  Mr. Wycech urged the Board to continue their effort on this issue and not let it die.  Mr. Curtis told Mr. Wycech that he and Millcreek Water Authority customers should respectfully let the Water Authority know how displeased they are with the rates.  The Board is very serious and very hopeful that the rates will soon be the same or close to the same as Erie Water Works rates. 

 

The Board recognized two Gannon University nursing students were in the audience to satisfy requirements for one of their classes.

 

There being no citizens to be heard or further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. on motion by Mr. McGrath, seconded by Mr. Curtis.

 

Phyllis Vollbrecht

Assistant Secretary

 

 

APPROVED:    February 3, 2009

 

Lawrence G. Curtis

Brian P. McGrath