News

Minutes of the meeting of the Rush Township of Supervisors – July 17, 2014

Rush Township Building

Hometown PA 18252

Minutes of the meeting of the Rush Township of Supervisors

A meeting was held at the RushTownship Municipal Building on July 17, 2014 at 7:00 o’clock pm. In attendance were Chairman Shawn Gilbert, Vice Chairman Robert Leibensperger, Supervisor Jeaninne Motroni, Secretary/Treasurer Denise Hope, Administrative Assistant Caitlin Whildin, Attorney Chris Riedlinger, Bill McMullen, 2 reporters, and 10 residents.

Chairman Gilbert called the meeting to order.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

PUBLIC COMMENT

1. Mr. Tracy- asked for an update on the sewer project on Lincoln Drive; questioned who and what was sprayed near his property because the grass/trees were damaged

2. Dave Clewell- questioned what is going to be done about the traffic on a Wednesday from the Farmers Market and cars sitting on Rt. 54; asked who is monitoring the Farmers Market parking lot because they are dumping dirt, garbage, and wood chips

3. Charlie Shamonsky- questioned why the sidewalks haven’t been started yet; asked how things were going with the Dunn contract, when it will be finished and if the prices can be altered; asked if the zoning board received his letter regarding
why he needed a permit to replace an existing shed; stated he saw another explosives truck traveling on Meadow Avenue; questioned what happened to the sign behind the Physical Therapy building stating not to block the intersection; questioned what is going to be done with the police car sitting behind the building

4. Mr. Boyer- questioned where the money came from to buy new equipment and give
raises after laying off a police officer and cutting another employees hours

5. Joseph Shamonsky- questioned why the alley behind Mr. Boyers was closed and why it isn’t being repaired; asked why Charlie has to pay for a permit while others do not such as Supervisor Motroni building a bigger shed with no permits; asked to
see the plans and permits for Motroni’s shed

6. Cathey Schimpf- asked if Bill McMullen checked the road and train tracks on Bernhard Road

Police Report– Sergeant Duane Frederick read his report for the Month of June 2014. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Leibensperger to approve Sergeant Frederick’s reports. Supervisor Motroni seconded the motion. Mrs. Hope polled the board.
All members voted in favor of the motion, carried.

Minutes of Previous Meeting-A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Leibensperger to approve the previous meeting minutes of June 19, 2014. Supervisor Motroni seconded the motion. Mrs. Hope polled the board. All members voted in favor of
the motion, carried.

Treasurer’s Reports-A motion was made by Vice Chairman Leibensperger to approve the treasurer’s report as of June 30, 2014. Supervisor Motroni seconded the motion. Mrs. Hope polled the board, all members voted in favor of the motion, carried.

Approval of Current Township and Sewer Bills thru June 30,2014

A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Leibensperger to approve all current township and sewer bills for June 2014. Supervisor Motroni seconded the motion. Mrs. Hope polled the board. All members voted in favor of the motion, carried.

Approval of municipal reports (sewer, road, Arro, Prodesign)

A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Leibensperger to approve the municipal reports for June 2014. Supervisor Motroni seconded the motion. Mrs. Hope polled the Board. All members voted in favor of the motion, carried.

CORRESPONDENCE- Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce, ARRO, NEPA(Northeastern Pennsylvania
Alliance), PSATS, The American Hose Company.Vice Chairman Leibensperger approved, Supervisor Motroni seconded the motion. Mrs. Hope polled the board, all members voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.

Attorney’s Business– The lawsuit filed by Robert Heckman against Rush Township and former supervisor William Sanchez Jr. has been dismissed by the Court of Common Pleas. It was thrown out for having violated the statute of limitations.

NEW BUSINESS

A motion to approve the Final Subdivision Plan owned by Eugene R. & Victoria F. Sobolewski Plan #PC060514-01A. Vice Chairman Leibensperger approved, Supervisor Motroni seconded the motion. Mrs. Hope polled the board, all members voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.

A motion to amend the Rush Township Police Department Policy and Procedures Manual adopted February 16, 2012 to add
subparts in Article 5 for traffic stops and threatening language, and to add a subpart in Article 12 for citizen complaints. Vice Chairman Leibensperger approved, Supervisor Motroni seconded the motion. Mrs. Hope polled the board,all members voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.

A motion to appoint Robert Ritsick, Eastern Schuylkill Planning Representative for Rush Township, retroactive to the reorganization. Vice Chairman Leibensperger approved, Supervisor Motroni seconded the motion. Mrs. Hope polled the board, all members voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.

A motion to approve the purchase of a 2014 Case 580 Super N Wide Track Loader Backhoe through the Co-Stars program
for $64,820.80, with trading in the current backhoe. Vice Chairman Leibensperger approved, Supervisor Motroni seconded the motion. Mrs. Hope polled the board; Chairman Gilbert and Vice Chairman Leibensperger voted in favor, Supervisor Motroni opposed, motion carried.

A motion to approve Cpl. Sinton to attend the Operation Nighthawk class sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Police. Vice Chairman Leibensperger approved, Supervisor Motroni seconded the motion. Mrs. Hope polled the board, all members voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.

A motion to approve Attorney Chris Riedlinger to begin proceedings for Sheriff Sales on delinquent Hometown & Lake Hauto Sewer accounts, as well as Garbage accounts. Vice Chairman Leibensperger approved, Supervisor Motroni seconded the motion. Mrs. Hope polled the board, all members voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.

SUPERVISORS COMMENT

Properties with delinquent sewer accounts are continuing water shut offs or Sheriff Sales. Delinquent garbage accounts are receiving letters and then Sheriff Sales.

Chairman Gilbert adjourned the meeting at 8:01 o’clock pm.

Transcribed and attested:

Caitlin Whildin

Administrative Assistant

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