PALMYRA TOWNSHIP – WAYNE COUNTY May 5, 2025

 

Chairman Steffen called the board of supervisor’s meeting to order at 6:30 PM. Roll calls showed all Supervisors were present.

 

Last month’s minutes 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 #5 was presented. Chairman Steffen made a motion to pay the bill list including the outstanding Hawley Police Bill, with a second by Supervisor Kmetz and all supervisors voting yes.

 

Police Report was given and is on file.

 

Fire Report was given and is on file. Scott Mead asks the Supervisors if they agree with lifting the burn ban. After a brief discussion the burn ban will be lifted. Chairman Steffen makes a motion to lift the burn ban currently in effect on Saturday May 10, 2025, with a second from Supervisor Bartleson and all Supervisors voting yes.

 

PPH Ambulance Report has nothing to report currently.

 

Road Report was given by Roadmaster Kmetz and is on file. 2025 Road bids were opened at this time. There are 3 sections of road Supervisor Kmetz would like to have done. Spruce Street, and 2 separate spots on Rocky Run. There were 2 bids received. One from Wayco Inc in the amount of $55,133.00, and the other from Leeward Construction Inc in the amount of $81,120.00. Supervisor Kmetz made a motion to accept the bid from Wayco Inc in the amount of $55,133.00, with a second from Supervisor Bartleson and all supervisors voting yes.

 

Correspondence The Township received its normal newsletters, pamphlets, brochures, and magazines. Shayla has been in contact with Scott Mead and Scott was able to purchase a large letter sign for the township to display messages on. Scott is currently working to restore our sign and replace the legs for it to stand on. This purchase as of now is $50. Scott will be keeping a bill for his repairs.

PennDot has finally approved our Traffic Management Agreement. This has been forwarded to Kuharchik and Tom P who are working on this project with PennDot. Chairman Steffen asked if there was any word as to when this time addition would be completed. Shayla has not heard of any timeline as of now.

 

Planning Commission Thomsen Lot Consolidation is seen by the Supervisors. All County Departments have approved of this lot consolidation. These lots are conjoined and owned by the Thomsen’s. This lot will now be referred to as Lot 2-R roughly about 4 acres in size. Supervisor Kmetz makes a motion to approve the Lot Consolidation for the Thomsen’s, with a second from Supervisor Bartleson and all Supervisors voting yes.

 

Public Comment Solicitor Treat comments on the JHA Survey Proposal that was requested by Paul, to change the Rural Residential Zone behind Dime Bank in Hawley to Industrial Zone. He suggests that the township look for other options as he feels the price is too high. Chairman Steffen feels the estimate of $21,000 for the survey is not an outrageous price. Chairman Steffen makes a motion to accept the estimated Survey Proposal from JHA to survey the property behind Dime Bank on the Top of Wellwood Ave, to update the Zoning from Rural Residential to Industrial, with a second from Supervisor Kmetz and all supervisors voting yes.

Solicitor Treat states that he will be sending a blank Modified Solar Ordinance to Paul for him to look it over and fill out all the numerical information. (Fees, distances, acreages, etc.) Zoning Report Paul gave his monthly report.

Aqua and UGI have been caught digging up Sutter Court with no permits pulled here in the township. Paul has spoken to both companies about digging up the roads without notifying the township. They stated it was an emergency fix, and Paul stated that the roads were marked out at least 10 days before they started digging. Paul understands that emergency work will need to be done and permits pulled after the fact but clearly marking out the road days before means that they had time to notify us of what was happening. Neither company has an up-to-date Bond listed here at the township. Paul has had to track down both companies to explain the permitting process here which he has done on numerous occasions.

Jeff Treat suggested sending a copy of the ordinance about road openings Aqua as a reminder of the proper protocol. Chairman Steffen stated that he will write a strongly worded letter to Aqua about adhering to the township realistic requests for notification.

Scott Mead stated that he is on the 811 Call List and receives notifications any time someone is digging in the area. Shayla will investigate how the township can sign up for this. The Junk and Rubbish Ordinance is reviewed with its corrections by the Board. Paul goes to explain all of the adjustments that will be made.

Paul had been made aware that the Stourbridge Line Railroad would be erecting a building on the property located on Columbus Ave. Pioneer Pole Building explained to Paul that they would not build without a township permit but that the railroad is telling Pioneer that they are exempt from permits because they are the railroad. This is not the first issue we have had with the railroad and their local businesses. Paul told Pioneer that the township would in fact need a permit from Stourbridge to build on Columbus Ave. Paul explained that he has brought this to the attention of the board with the White Mills location and them selling Christmas trees and having electric run to a gazebo that has not been permitted. This location has also been brought to our attention by Mr. Mason in the past concerning parties at this location and clay bird shooting. At that time Paul was told to leave it alone.

Mr. Treat states that Stourbridge would need to file permits for any building that would potentially have power and could be a risk to the public. Regardless of the status of the railroad, Jeff feels this is a necessity and that the railroad will comply. Jeff states he has spoken with Ellis, Stourbridge Line Railroad Attorney, and assures Paul that they will comply with the permitting. Jeff states that no one is exempt from the Building Codes. Paul will wait for the permit to be filed.

 

The report of Digitizing Records has nothing to report.

 

Emergency Management has nothing to report.

 

The Solicitor’s Report

 

Final Call for Public Comment

 

Next scheduled meeting is Monday June 2, 2025, at 6:30 PM. Motion to adjourn at 7:27 pm by Supervisor Kmetz with a second by Chairman Steffen and all supervisors voting yes.