PALMYRA TOWNSHIP – WAYNE COUNTY June 3, 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. 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.

 

Bill List number #6 was presented. Chairman Steffen made a motion to pay the bill list with a second by Supervisor Kmetz and all supervisors voting yes.

 

Resolution 2024-1 was presented for Fees for Short Term Rentals. The Short-Term Rental Fee resolution states there will be a $600 application fee for Preferred Management, a $150 township fee paid one time per property owner, and $150 Sewer Enforcement fee per visit if necessary. Chairman Steffen made a motion to accept Resolution 2024-1, with a second from Supervisor Bartleson and all supervisors voting yes.

Resolution 2024-2 was presented for a Joint effort (Paupack, Palmyra, and Hawley) within PPH to apply for an ALS grant of $196,000 for the purchase of a new ambulance that will be owned by PPH but will be used by Penn Ambulance during there time of service to the PPH. Chairman Steffen made a motion approve Resolution 2024-2, with a second from Supervisor Kmetz and all Supervisors voting yes.

 

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

 

Fire Report was given by Scott Mead and is on file.

 

PPH Ambulance Report was provided by Chairman Steffen. Application for the Grant for a new ambulance has started. The letter PPH was to generate to the neighboring townships about possible contribution to the PPH services has been put on hold until after the 6-month evaluation of the PPH to see what the reports have to say about service to neighboring counties. A letter is not needed to put Tafton on the list of nearest ambulances. Chairman Steffen stated that once the AVL unit is installed in the ambulance rig they are automatically added to the call list at the Comm Center. Shayla asked Chairman Steffen if there was discussion of an increase in monies to be paid out to PPH for the year. Chairman Steffen stated that with the Ambulance Bank Account holding over $110,000, he would like to distribute $60,000 to the PPH Ambulance now and at the 6-month review see how many hours White Mills Ambulance has assisted and possibly send some of the Ambulance funds to them as well. Chairman Steffen made a motion to send $60,000 of the Ambulance Tax monies to PPH, with a second from Supervisor Kmetz and all Supervisors voting yes.

 

Road Report was given by Roadmaster Kmetz and is on file. Joe stated that he and John (Flanagan) attended a training and all the attendees had township shirts. The road crew would like to know if they too can order township shirts. Supervisors agree that shirts would be acceptable to purchase at this time. 2 trees currently need to come down. One on North Street and Palm Ave

 

Public Comment none currently.

 

Correspondence The Township received its normal newsletters, pamphlets, brochures, and magazines. Dime bank sent a letter to confirm Harmony in the Woods has permission to use their parking lot as parking for their concert season. Aqua PA sent a letter that rates will be increasing in the area. State Police Fines have been distributed. We received $435.33. After researching the timing changed on the light at Route6 and 590 intersections, it has come to fruition that this light is connected to the light at IGA and the light in Palmyra Pike County at the Wallenpaupack High School. If we wish to proceed with the changing of the timing, we will need to hire a Traffic Light Engineer and seek permission from Pike County to include that light. Supervisors have asked Shayla to research the cost of a Traffic Light Engineer in the area. PA1 has issued a lawful start date as of June 5, 2024.

 

Public Comment Gary VanOrden asked who would own the ambulance. PPH would be the owner of the ambulance purchased with the grant.

 

Mike Kuzmiack presented maps to the BOS to test the waters on using his property on Gravity Road to put up multifamily housing. Mikes questions concerned what type of construction the BOS would rather see or be more likely to approve. One of the presented housing ideas could be built with no problems. The second presented housing idea would need to be approved via conditional use hearing. Paul stated it may be a conditional use or special exception either way.

 

Shayla read a letter from Andrea Whyte concerning the light at 590 and Owego. Chairman Steffen asked again why this light was declined. Solicitor Treat stated that Paupack does not want to participate and that the light would be on a shared area. PennDot wants to install the light but not foot any bills associated with the light. Chairman Steffen suggested we contact PennDot again to see what the plan is for that intersection, and to contact the quarries and ask if they would be willing to take on any of the costs and help the township pay the bills.

 

Zoning Report was given by Paul Natale for the month.

 

The Planning Commission has nothing to report. Potential meeting in July.

 

Report of Digitizing Records has nothing to report.

 

Emergency Management has nothing to report.

 

The Solicitor’s Report Mr. Treat has nothing to report.

 

Final Call for Public Comment

 

Motion to adjourn at 7:01 pm by Chairman Steffen with a second by Supervisor Kmetz and all supervisors voting yes.

 

Next scheduled meeting is Monday July 1, 2024, at 6:30 PM.