Regular Meeting                                                                              June 2, 2009

The regular meeting of the Millcreek Township Board of Supervisors was called to order at 9:35 a.m. by Chairman Curtis in the Assembly Room of the Millcreek Township Municipal Building .  Present were Gerald Wolf, Lawrence Curtis , Joseph Kujawa , Evan Adair , Esq., Phyllis Vollbrecht, Richard Morris, P.E., and Chief Thomas Carlotti.  Mr. McGrath was on vacation.  

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. Kujawa and seconded by Mr. Curtis to approve payment of the weekly General Fund bills in the amount of $172,677.22.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

It was moved by Mr. Kujawa, seconded by Mr. Curtis, to adopt Resolution 2009-R-20; a Resolution to amend Millcreek Township’s Fiscal Year 2008 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Action Plan.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

Public hearing on transfer of Restaurant Liquor License R-1962:

Joe Zegarelli, owner/operator of Yorktown Giant Eagle, appeared on behalf of the transfer of a liquor license in Millcreek Township from the City of Erie .  No one appeared in opposition.  It was moved by Mr. Kujawa and seconded by Mr. Curtis to adopt Resolution 2009-R-21; a Resolution of the Township of Millcreek, County of Erie, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, approving transfer of Restaurant Liquor License R-1962 into Millcreek Township (Giant Eagle Yorktown Center) from the City of Erie (Coach & Four).  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

On the recommendation of Engineer Morris, it was moved by Mr. Kujawa and seconded by Mr. Curtis to approve the release of Northwest Savings Bank Check 23829 in the amount of $13,655.00 for Forest Hills Congregation (Asbury Woods Congregation, developer) at 3604 Asbury Road .  All public improvements were completed in accordance with Township specifications.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

On the recommendation of Engineer Morris, it was moved by Mr. Kujawa and seconded by Mr. Curtis to approve the release of Erie Bank Cashier’s Check 110311 in the amount of $16,742.00 for Lot 3 – Carrollwood Development (ETNA Investors, Inc., developer) on Zuck Road.  All public improvements were completed in accordance with Township specifications.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

Engineer Morris reported the following regarding the Eagles Subdivision:

1.        Phase 1 – the Township is withholding $79,419 as financial security by PNC Bank Letter of Credit S254631NWP.  Items remaining to be completed include cul-de-sac at end of Dunford Way , the stormwater detention basin, other areas of drainage, pavement, hillside that needs addressed, walking trails, and removal of silt fence.  The Letter of Credit release request was denied in October, 2008 and tabled last week. 

2.        Phase 2 – the Township is withholding $12,468 as financial security by PNC Bank Letter of Credit 18100211-00-000. 

Dr. Jeffrey Shivers, 6027 Estate Drive , appeared and presented the Board with the following letter signed by members of the Eagles Condominium Association, less three property owners who were out of town:

“The Eagles Condominium Association would like to request that the ‘walking trail’ specified for our Association be eliminated.  We have several concerns that could make such a trail unsustainable in our community.

 

Our insurance carrier has previously expressed concerns about both the insurability and liability issues associated with this trail.  The proposed route meanders through the periphery of our property, and is close to significant drop offs as well as some of the residences.  There are marshy areas and significant amounts of vegetation that would have to be removed and maintained.  We are, as of this writing, unsure as to the effect this trail would have on our insurance premiums/liabilities—if we can get the coverage.

 

Several landscaping firms were contacted and asked to bid on maintaining the trail.  No firm would even give an estimate.  Our community does not have the knowledge, equipment or manpower to maintain this trail.  Already our Association dues have increased 8% for the detention pond maintenance.

 

We are extremely concerned about the security aspects of this trail.  Already there has been a group of boys that had what appeared to be a hand gun.  These juveniles were near the lift station, and then were on the detention pond dam.  Millcreek officers responded and it was discovered that the “gun” was a pellet pistol.  We have also had boys using replica paintball guns in the pond and its surroundings.  These boys came through several yards when leaving.  I need not review the dangers of these replica “guns”.  Millcreek police would find that responding to any problems on the trail would be a daunting task, at best.  The proximity of the trail to the residences raises both privacy and security problems.

 

The trail would be extremely costly to build and maintain.  Should a modified plan be considered, we would like financial consideration from the developer in lieu of the trail so we may meet any future “green space” requirements that Millcreek Township may impose.  We, the homeowners, ask that you consider this request.”

 

Dr. Shivers asked what the standards for construction of this trail are.  On the Glen Eagles plat, it shows specific standards for construction of the trails that are to go from Glen Eagles to their developer.  For several years promises have been made to repair driveways, to remove silt fence, and to fix the detention pond with nothing being done.  Finally, the association wants the trails to disappear.

In 2003, the Public and Private Improvements Code provided standards for construction of walking trails, according to Mr. Kujawa.  He is concerned about access to the green space and what type of plan the homeowners have.  Each homeowner was aware of the walkway when then bought their home, and each one would have to sign off if the walkway is eliminated. 
Dr. Shivers said the homeowners would be glad to meet with the Supervisors to come up with an agreement to indemnify the Township for approving an alteration in the accepted plans. 
Mr. Kujawa asked if the money that was supposed to be put into the trails would be put into the Association for maintenance on other things.  Dr. Shivers said they would take money from one access pipe/swale mechanism and apply it to the trails and its maintenance.  If there was a surplus, they would escrow it for maintenance for both the pond and whatever access they put in.

Attorney Adair stated the Supervisors can approve some or all of what the property owners want as asked for in the petition and the Board will take it under advisement.  There are many issues remaining on this development.  Again, Dr. Shivers indicated that he is willing to talk with the Board at any time to discuss the remaining issues.  Mr. Kujawa asked that if all these issues cannot be worked out, could the Township pull the Letter of Credit to put the money into an interest-bearing account giving the developer time to remedy the issues but would be insurance to the taxpayers to get them done.  The Township has exercised its rights to use money against things that need completed, according to Attorney Adair.  If the Township exercises its rights against a developer’s Letter of Credit, it receives the money and it can put it in an interest-bearing account.  The nature of this kind of security is that the bank gives its assurance.  The developer has not paid the money in.  It would have to if the Township exercised its rights.  So, by the telling the developer to renew the letter of credit, it saves money. 

Mr. Kujawa told Engineer Morris to notify the developer that if he does not renew his Letter of Credit in accordance with the Township’s time frame, at next Tuesday’s meeting the Board will approve a resolution to pull the letter of credit.  Mr. Curtis would prefer to table the matter until next week.  It was moved by Mr. Curtis and seconded by Mr. Kujawa to direct the Solicitor to draft a resolution that the Board may or may not act on at next week’s meeting.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

It was recommended by Treasurer Wolf, moved by Mr. Kujawa and seconded by Mr. Curtis to approve an additional depository account for 2009 with Erie Bank (money market savings account).  Chairman Curtis called for public comment on the matter; none was received.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

It was recommended by Parks and Recreation Director James Sperry , moved by Mr. Curtis and seconded by Mr. Kujawa to approve the following for the 2009 summer season staff:

            Corey Pentz                    Asst. Supervisor/WSI – MIHS Pool $9.50/hour
           
Robert Mitchell               WSI – Belle Valley Pool               $8.00/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. Kujawa and seconded by Mr. Curtis to approve a Contractual Consent with J. D. Diversified, Inc., the successful bidder for the purchase of the Springfield property, which allows them to enter the property in order to secure various permits, with a caviat that it cannot be mined until the property is actually in their possession, and that the Chairman be authorized to sign the same.  Chairman Curtis called for public comment on the matter; none was received.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

The following quotations were received by Buildings and Grounds Foreman William Perry for three (3) new aluminum entrance doors for the Erie Golf Course Clubhouse:

            Corporate Glass, Inc.                                                        $5,019.00
           
Schaal Glass Company, Inc.                                               $5,585.00
           
Hedlund Glass Company                                                    $7,025.00

It was moved by Mr. Kujawa and seconded by Mr. Curtis to purchase the doors from Corporate Glass, Inc. for $5,019.00.  Chairman Curtis called for public comment on the matter; none was received.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

It was moved by Mr. Kujawa and seconded by Mr. Curtis that Megan Mitchell be permitted to work in the Streets Department Office to enter complaint data at $8.00 per hour, effective
June 4, 2009.  Chairman Curtis called for public comment on the matter; none was received.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

It was recommended by Chief Carlotti, moved by Mr. Curtis and seconded by Mr. Kujawa that Capt. Randy Faipler be permitted to attend FBI – Law Enforcement Executive Development Association training in Warminster , Pennsylvania from June 9 to 11, 2009 at the total cost of $630.27 and use a Township vehicle for travel.  Chairman Curtis called for public comment on the matter; none was received.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

On the recommendation of Chief Carlotti, it was moved by Mr. Curtis and seconded by Mr. Kujawa to approve the payment of $1,853.05 to the City of Erie for a one-year maintenance agreement on their RS6000 computer which is used by the Millcreek Police Department for our mobile data terminal communications.  Erie agreed to continue managing the computer, which they no longer use, if the Township pays the yearly maintenance fee.  Chairman Curtis called for public comment on the matter; none was received.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

On the recommendation of Chief Carlotti, it was moved by Mr. Curtis and seconded by Mr. Kujawa that Patrolmen Benjamin Bastow, Adam Hardner, and Kyle Caldwell be permitted to attend two days of training in high risk vehicle stops offered by the Northwest Chiefs of Police Association at the Quality Inn on July 13 and 14, 2009, free of charge.  Chairman Curtis called for public comment on the matter; none was received.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

On the recommendation of Chief Carlotti, it was moved by Mr. Curtis and seconded by Mr. Kujawa to approve the donation of a uniformed officer on June 14, 2009 between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to assist with traffic at the entrance to the Harley Davidson shop of Route 20 for a dice run to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Chairman Curtis called for public comment on the matter; none was received.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

Mr. Curtis administered the Oath of Office to new Police Officers Daniel Schupp and Tony Brocklehurst whose employment began June 1, 2009

Richard Figaski, 1528 Westwood Drive , informed the Board that he and other members of the Cheaper Cleaner Water Task Force attended the monthly meeting of the Millcreek Township Water Authority.  Mr. Curtis also attended that meeting.  During that meeting, a one million dollar 5% percent interest loan for unspecified capital improvements was approved.  As Millcreek is currently involved in meetings with the Erie Water Works regarding the lease of the Millcreek water system, a process that would significantly reduce the water rates for 7,300 Millcreek households, and a process that Mr. Curtis stated on May 8 should be accomplished in a span of a couple of months, why would the Board allow a million dollar debt to be incurred by the Millcreek Water Authority, Millcreek Township, and ultimately the taxpayers of the Township?  One of the clauses in the lease proposal by Erie Water Works is that they would take over the outstanding debt of the Millcreek Water Authority.  By incurring an addition million dollar debt for unspecified reasons, it would appear that the intention is to complicate, delay, or derail negotiations by inflating the Millcreek Water Authority’s debt to unreasonable levels.  Rather than seeking ways to complicate this lease process, the interest of the taxpayers would be better served by attending scheduled negotiations.  During the last months, three negotiation meetings were scheduled with Erie Water Works.  Millcreek canceled two of those meetings, just hours before they were to occur.  The second issue occurring in last Wednesday’s meeting was the distribution of the minutes for the April 22, 2009 Millcreek Water Authority.  At that meeting, an extended discussion took place regarding the lack of water pressure which plagued firefighters at the Granada Apartment fire.  It was determined in that discussion that the low pressure was the result of a privately installed hydrant system on the Granada property.  This fact was confirmed by Mr. Kujawa and Township Fire Inspection personnel at a Township meeting early in May.  Upon receiving the minutes of the April 22 meeting, it was discovered that all mention of this extended discussion had been edited from the records.  When inquiries about the edited record were made of Mr. Curtis, it necessitated a 10 minute closed door meeting with the Millcreek Water Authority board.  An explanation emerged that the discussion was merely a side bar issue and did not need to be part of the meeting record.  Mr. Figaski disagrees.  The Granada fire was an issue of public concern and public debate.  The answers the public needed were contained in that extended discussion.  The attorney representing the Millcreek Water Authority concurred stating that this discussion should have been part of the meeting record and its exclusion borders on a violation of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Law.  The lack of transparency exhibited by our Township government in these matters serves to only further erode the public trust and credibility in those elected to represent us. 

Mr. Kujawa agreed that the Granada fire discussion should have been part of the Water Authority’s minutes.  To violate the Sunshine Law, decisions would have had to be made behind closed doors, there were no decisions made.  It may appear that way.

Mr. Curtis stated that the loan was going to be put out for bid and he did not have a vote in that.  The loan was for a conservation estimate of capital projects that might be done in the next few years.  A metering program is in progress.  The Water Authority has to conduct business as usual during the negotiation process. 

Mr. Kujawa stated that the Board is not trying to delay negotiations. The Chairman of the Millcreek Township Water Authority is a manager at Penelec.  Penelec employees are on strike now so managers are working 14 hour days.  His participation in negotiations is vital. 

Dennis McWilliams, 1547 High Street , appeared to ask if any of the Board members attended the wind power conference at Behrend Campus.  Mr. Kujawa said the Board looked into a wind mill for the Millfair Recycling Center several years ago and discovered a condition that could not be met.  Also, the Center is in the Airport’s flight path.  A consultant told the Township that the Municipal Building could not meet the requirements to have a wind mill.  Efforts have turned to look at solar power.  Mr. McWilliams told the Board about WQLN’s articles regarding wind power.  He said the Township’s ordinance on wind power is very restrictive.  Mr. McWilliams also commented on the noise ordinance, street lights, and the update of traffic lights with led lights to help conserve energy.

There being no other citizens to be heard or further business to come before the Board, it was moved by Mr. Kujawa and seconded by Mr. Curtis to adjourn the meeting at 10:38 a.m.

                                                                        Phyllis A. Vollbrecht

                                                                        Assistant Secretary

_______________________________________________________________________________

APPROVED:    July 21, 2009

Lawrence G. Curtis
Joseph S. Kujawa