PALMYRA TOWNSHIP – WAYNE COUNTY February 5, 2024
Chairman Steffen called the board of supervisors meeting to order at 6:30 PM. Roll call showed all Supervisors were present.
Last month’s minutes for the previous month were reviewed as written. Correction to be made to paragraph 2. It should read “construction” not “constriction”. Supervisor Kmetz made a motion to accept the previous month’s minutes, with a second by Supervisor Bartleson and all supervisors voting yes.
The Treasurer’s Report was given by Shayla Gouger and is on file as well as posted on the back wall. Chairman Steffen made a motion to accept the treasurers report with a second by Supervisor Bartleson and all supervisors voting yes.
Auditors report reorganization meeting was held. Minutes were read and are on file. Working Supervisors will receive a raise to $24.00 an hour. Supervisors’ quarterly health insurance compensation will be raised to $500 each quarter. This is due to the increase of cost of living.
Bill List number #2 was presented. Chairman Steffen made a motion to pay the bill list with a second by Supervisor Kmetz and all supervisors voting yes.
Police Report was given by Officer Bertholf and is on file.
Fire Report was given by Scott Mead and is on file.
PPH Ambulance Report was received prior to the meeting. PPH also had their 6-month review. Response time to calls is rapid. No complaints have been filed. There is a shortcoming of funds for the PPH. There is a $27,000 deficit between the revenue PPH generated and the money they receive from the townships and the cost of services in the last 6 months. PPH plans to reach out to commissioners and other communities to ask them for help to make the project worthwhile for all the communities.
Road Report was given by Road Master Kmetz and is on file. Expansion of the garage is currently on hold due to the weather. We were able to purchase a new truck. It is a 2009 Chevy Silverado. It was purchased with Cares Act Money in the amount of $10,497.00. This truck is currently at Supervisors Bartleson’s house as he is going to look it over, change the oil, and spray undercoat. The possibility of township name to be added to the truck doors.
The Board of Supervisors takes an executive session to discuss an alleged vehicle incident. Mr. Treat stated let the minutes reflect there was an executive discussion to address two topics. One is an alleged vehicle incident from Kevin Waller at Triple W Stables and a damaged utility box. The second was to discuss final conditions to be placed on Mike Kuzmiak Jr and the property at 15 Gravity Road. Chairman Steffen states that after looking over photos provided by Kevin Waller the BOS agrees that the photographic evidence does not prove the damage was done by our truck. There are no tire tracks located anywhere near the pole. And that the boxes he alleged to have to fix are already covered in snow. The driver of the truck provided a diagram of the route he takes to plow this area and does not back anywhere near this utility pole. Also, there was no damage to the truck, front or back. Supervisor Kmetz and Paul went to the spot of the incident to take measurements and pictures of the area. The height of the electrical boxes does not match the height of the trucks box. Currently, the township is refuting the claim by Mr. Kevin Waller. The township will be addressing a letter to Mr. Waller to let him know of the board’s decision.
Public Comment none currently.
Correspondence The Township received its normal newsletters, pamphlets, brochures, and magazines. We also received a thank you note from Hawley Boro Police for our end of the Year donation. We have also been notified by Pocono Forest and Wildlife Service that the Lake Constance Corporation has applied to use the GP-8 permit system to cross a section of the Rocky Run Creek in Palmyra Township.
Zoning Report was given by Paul Natale for the month. Paul stated that after investigating the alleged incident at Triple W Stables, Paul determined there is a dangerous building. He provided a copy of the Zoning ordinance to the BOS to show the definition of what would be considered a dangerous building. The ordinance is not direct as to what to do next. Paul has pictures of the building. It is burned down and falling clearly meeting the definition of dangerous. Chairmans Steffen made a motion to send a letter to Kevin Waller noting dangerous building on site and asking Kevin what his plans with the building are, with a second from Supervisor Kmetz and all supervisors voting yes.
Paul received a second complaint about the Railroad property in White Mills. They have erected what looks to be a pavilion on property. It seems to be “tied down”. Paul provided excerpts from previous court cases concerning Railroad properties. These excerpts state that the townships should have a right to inspect and permit anything that affects the public. Mr. Treat stated that in the past he had advised Paul in the past to not pursue the Railroad. When Paul contacted Mr. Treat about there being electric run to a building or pavilion on the property that has not been inspected by us, that falls under a different perimeter.
Regardless of the entity the inspection of electrical must take place for public safety concerns. The Railroad is not exempt from inspection for public safety. A motion is made by Chaiman Steffen for Mr. Treat to write a letter to the Railroad via attorney of the demand of compliance, with a second from Supervisor Kmetz and all Supervisors voting yes.
Mike Kuzmiak Jr. applied for a Conditional Use last month for the property located at 15 Gravity Road Tax Assessment May 18-0-0002-0106. The following conditions are to be applied to this property: (Below is a summary of the conditions.)
Mr. Mike Kuzmiak Jr. accepted the Conditions as presented. A motion was made by Chairman Steffen to approve these conditions attached to Mr. Mike Kuzmiak’s property with a second from Supervisor Kmetz and all Supervisors voting yes.
Short Term rental discussion will be on March 4, 2024, at 6 pm.
The Planning Commission has nothing currently.
Concerning the ditch on North and Columbus, Joe must rent a machine from Marshalls Machinery, as Bill Carson does not have a machine that will dig deep enough. He hopes to have it done in 2 days.
Report of Digitizing Records was given by Paul Natale.
Emergency Management has nothing to report.
The Solicitor’s Report Mr. Treat stated there is no claim for the township on the opioid pandemic.
Final Call for Public Comment no comments currently.
Motion to adjourn at 7:07pm by Supervisor Kmetz and a second by Supervisor Bartleson and all supervisors voting yes.
Next scheduled meeting is Monday March 4, 2024, at 6:00 PM.