PALMYRA TOWNSHIP – WAYNE COUNTY August 2, 2021

Chairman Steffen called the regular township meeting to order at 6:30 PM.

Roll call of the Supervisors showed that Chairman Steffen , Supervisor Kmetz and Supervisor Hanf were present . Supervisor Kmetz made a motion to accept the previous month’s minutes as written with a second by Supervisor Hanf and all Supervisors voting yes.

Treasurer’s Report is on file as well as posted on the back wall.  Chairman Steffen made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report with a second by Supervisor Hanf and all Supervisors voting yes.

The bills are on file as well as posted on the back wall. Chairman Steffen made a motion to pay the bills with a second by Supervisor Kmetz and all Supervisors voting yes.

Chairman Steffen explained that the American Rescue Plan Act is difficult to understand as to what the money can be spent on and Wayne County has asked all municipalities to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which will give the municipalities services throughout the entire grant period and with that being said Chairman Steffen made a motion to accept the Memorandum of Understanding with a second by Supervisor Hanf and all Supervisors voting yes.

Police Report was given by Officer Paquette and is on file.

Chairman Steffen made a motion to donate $250.00 to National Night Out with a second by Supervisor Hanf and all Supervisors voting yes.

Supervisor Kmetz informed Officer Paquette that he had received complaints about speeding on Rocky View and asked that the police look into it . Officer Paquette said that the department will definitely take care of the matter. Amy Gibbs a resident who lives on Rocky View as well as Bill Deaton expressed their concerns about the speeding. It was decided that 25 miles an hour speed limit signs would also be posted.

Fire Report was given by Eugene Krause and is on file.

Ambulance Report was given by Jeff Phy and is on file. He stated that their company is actively hiring paramedics.

Ms. Powderly explained the procedure for adopting an ambulance tax. She stated that a resolution would need to be drawn up instituting a ½ mil tax for the ambulance and after it is adopted it will need to be sent to DCED as well as the tax assessors at the Wayne County Court House and the procedure should be completed before the end of the year.

Chairman Steffen stated he had attended the meeting for the formation of the regional ambulance and the focus of the meeting centered on the inter-municipal agreement . He stated that a final draft would be drawn up and it would be adopted by resolution by each municipality. He went to say that each municipality was asked to bring to the next meeting the amount of money that each municipality could contribute.

Road Report was given by Road Master Kmetz and is on file.

Chairman Steffen made a motion to adopt Resolution 2021-03 to enter into a joint grant agreement with Paupack Township to purchase a tar buggy with Palmyra Township ’s share being $ 10,000.00 with a second by Supervisor Kmetz and all Supervisors voting yes.

Correspondence The Township received its normal newsletters, pamphlets, brochures and magazines that are posted on the back wall. Received a letter from the Wayne County Commissioners inviting the township to a meeting to discuss the Federal CARES Act being held on August 17th at 7:00PM at the Park Street Complex.

The Wayne County Tax Services stated that as of June 30 th all prospective bidders will have to pre-register for all public tax sales and the county will provide a list of the completed applications to all municipalities at least 5 days prior to sale and the municipality may within 15 days before or after any sale held prohibit the transfer of any deed for any property exposed at any public tax sale located with in the municipality.

Hawley Borough invited the township to participate in the 9-11 Memorial Service on 9/11/21 at 10:00AM in Bingham Park .

Zoning Report was given by Mr. Natale and is on file .

Planning Commission - Mr. Natale stated that there was nothing to report.

Emergency Management - Supervisor Hanf stated there was nothing to report.

Crime Report - Supervisor Kmetz stated there was nothing to report.

Solicitor’s Report - Mr. Treat stated that he sent the letter to Attorney Bujag addressing the below concerns and Attorney Bujag responded . The paragraphs of concern are listed below along with Attorney Bujag’ s responses : Paragraph 1, page 2, how was the three (3) year period arrived at, and can it be reduced to a minimum of one (1) year? The idea being that a future Board of Supervisors would not be bound by long term commitment. Each of the 4 municipalities will be committing fin a nces and personnel to project. However, to answer your question, the term could 1, 2, or 3 years. Section C, page 3, should the additional member to the commission have a medical background so as to assist the municipality members of the commission? The additional member having a medical background certainly would be helpful, as would an attorney or someone with a financial background. I think that decision should come from the governing commission members to determine, Section A, page 4, in addition to complying with the Open Meeting Law, the commission must comply with the Open Records Law. Thank you for your comment on this section. It is the position of all members and attorneys that as much transparency as can be had should be given to the public. Paragraph 5, page 5, the Board believes that apportioning on an equitable basis needs to be elaborated, and standards or criteria formulated. In our discussions at our meetings, some of the municipalities have more money than others, while some municipalities may be able to contribute personnel or office space. Section A, subparagraph (g), the Board believes that perhaps a limit should be placed on borrowing, which can be increased with approval of the majority of the municipalities approving on a as needed basis. Any bank that is going to lend any money to our commission will want approval and signatures of the respective municipalities binding the obligations under the loan.

Public Comment - Mr . Deaton asked about the repair of the culvert covers on Rocky View Drive and Road Master Kmetz stated he was aware of the problem and the repairs would be done.

Mr. Dougherty explained that there still is problem with someone burning raw garbage. He was informed that Hawley Fire Department would respond the next time it happened.

Chairman Steffen made a motion to adjourn at 7:06PM with a second by Supervisor Hanf and all Supervisors voting yes.

The next scheduled meeting is September 7, 2021 at 6:30 PM.