April 10, 2007 The meeting of the Supervisors of Franklin Township, held in the Township office, was called to order by Chairman John Sachar at 1900 hours with the Pledge of Allegiance. Present were Sachar, Gary Truitt, David Henderson and Reporter Audrey Scruton. VISITORS/PUBLIC COMMENT No visitors were present. MINUTES Truitt moved to approve the minutes of 3/26/07 as presented. Henderson seconded. Carried. REPORTS Roadmaster – Dave reported that the 25.7 inches of snow over the weekend complicated plowing efforts. With the roads in soft spring-like conditions, they were plowed with the 1-ton. Silverthorn south of Crane is closed. It is hoped that the other roads with soft spots will stay open. Washington and Elk Creek townships did not plow their back roads at all. The crew has also been working on repairs and taking off snow equipment. Henderson – we need to address the fire police procedures when there is an accident. Their standard operating procedure is to direct traffic to the nearest road. In the case of the accident on Monday, they directed traffic onto Silverthorn south of Crane. That road is already closed and the road closed signs were up. They sent 15/20 cars, a log truck and another big truck north on that section. We need to send a letter to the surrounding departments telling them to use major routes only, not township roads. It is a problem even in the summer. These roads are not designed for heavy traffic. All intersections would have to be blocked off. Discussion. A letter will be sent to the surrounding fire departments. Agility – no word from PennDOT. Anti-Graffiti Paint, Francis Road Grant, Fire Ponds Grant – nothing. Gravel Bids or Quotes – Henderson moved to authorize advertising for gravel bids if necessary. Truitt seconded. Carried. Tanker Repairs – it is being readied for inspection. Dirt and Gravel Roads – some updates were sent to vendors. Merritt Overweight Permit – Mr. Merritt refused the certified letter sent to him. The secretary was instructed to call him and let him know what was in the letter. Distance Measuring Unit – Dave suggested purchasing a unit to be used on the 1-ton. It would measure road lengths for gravel applications. Sachar – I’d rent a box spreader or paver. You’d know just what you were putting down. Henderson – I figured it would be too expensive but I’ll get prices. FINANCIAL AND TAXES Bills – discussion on various bills. Henderson moved to pay the bills as listed totaling $2,478.79 general fund; $6,967.37 state fund; $983.63 equipment fund and $2,517.63 permanent improvement fund. Truitt seconded. Carried. Payroll – Henderson moved to approve payroll #7-07 as presented. Truitt seconded. Carried. Procurement Cards – some on-line training will be taken prior to card use. PLANNING, ZONING, RECREATION, SAFETY, SANITATION/RECYCLING, HEALTH AND THE COMMON GOOD Planning Commission Minutes – discussion on the Nelson sketch plan. The Washington Township zoning changes will be referred to the Planning Commission for comments. Their hearing on the changes is May 19th. The Supervisors saw no problems with the changes and had no comments to make. Joint Comprehensive Plan, Industrial Park/KOZ, Stormwater Management, Storage Trailers, History Grant, Soil Conservation District/Wetlands – nothing. Ordinance Compliance – tabled until fall. Recycling – will decide on senior citizen pick up by June. Shooting Range – the summer shooting schedule from the City of Erie Police Dept. was received and forwarded to the residents. No word from Mercyhurst College on scheduling notification. Henderson – notice is only part of the problem. The extra shooting days with no notification is another part of the problem. Sachar – send another letter to Mercyhurst. Edinboro Lake Watershed, Flu Pandemic – nothing. Dry Hydrants – Dave said that the hydrant on Old State is not the only problem. Most every hydrant was not maintained by the resident of the property where it is located. It is in their own best interest to keep them cleared. A letter will be sent. Elizabeth Davis Child-Care Facility – no response to our letters. Henderson – she needs a conditional use even if she has only two kids if she holds it out as an organized business. Discussion. Girard Gravel Pit – the DEP mine inspector questioned whether the pit is being used. If not, he wants it closed. He was told that Mr. Summerville has indicated that he will open it this summer. The inspector, Arnie Belz, wants to be kept notified of what is happening with it. 5 Cable TV Franchise – the Coaxial Cable manager and the company’s attorney will attend our May 8th meeting. SOLICITOR Vittorio, UCC Ruling – nothing. Nuisance Ordinance Rewrite – John asked if an exemption was added for a snowplow truck to be allowed. Dave answered that the exemption was added but the draft needs to be reread to make sure there are no other changes that need to be made before it is sent to our Attorney. Brown/Carver Property – the revised agreement draft was sent to our Attorney. We are waiting for a response or signed agreement from Attorney Rhodes. OLD BUSINESS Internet Broadband, Elk Creek Boundary Road Agreement – nothing. Verizon FIOS – Dave reported that the FCC may change everything on franchises and this is all the more reason to not sign a long-term agreement. NEW BUSINESS Resolution #3-2007, Supervisor Compensation (In part)…….Whereas, it is the desire of the Board of Supervisors of Franklin Township to authorize compensation for the purpose of reimbursement of lost wages when Supervisors are attending Township related meetings, other than the Board of Supervisor meetings, attending County Township Officials Association meetings or State Supervisors Association meetings; and to allow individual Supervisors to receive the compensation on a voluntary basis;……(see ordinance book for complete resolution) Henderson – this Resolution is more detailed than the last. Henderson moved to adopt Resolution #3-2007. Truitt seconded. Discussion. Carried. CORRESPONDENCE Upcoming training sessions were reviewed. ECATO Yearbook Dinner – will be held May 17th at the Lakeview Country Club. Henderson will attend. ADJOURN Sachar called the meeting adjourned at 1953 hours. Bonnie J. Bernhardt, Secretary