NewtonPA.com

At last nights meeting, Ronald Koldjeski officially became a Newton Township Supervisor.  I had a list of six questions, Mr. Kodljeski answered four and the last two were rephrased and answered by Supervisor Lee Jamison.  The questions and answers are below.  As you can see, they are not difficult questions and they should have all been answered in five minutes or less but it took around a half hour to get the answers.  In all fairness to Mr. Koldjeski, he was cooperative and willing to answer the questions.  However, I had difficulty asking the questions and Mr. Koldjeski was consistently interrupted before he could answer.  With almost every question, Joseph Sileo, the township lawyer had to jump in, give us his legal opinion and make a speech.  Attorney Sileo went out of his way several times to convince everyone that the supervisors did not do anything that is illegal.  In addition, the rest of the supervisors had to give their opinions and comments before Mr. Koldjeski could answer.  By the time we got to question number five; I was told that I was taking up too much time.  I told them that if they would stop being evasive and let the man answer the questions we would have been done a long time ago.

Questions and answers

1. Mr. Koldjeski, did you complete and submit a financial disclosure statement?
Answer:  Yes

2. Mr. Koldjeski, Do you intend to resign from the planning commission and any other position that serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of supervisors?
Note: I explained to Mr. Koldjeski that we had problems in the past with supervisors being on the planning commission and then making recommendations to themselves as supervisors.  Mr. Koldjeski said that he didn’t know that and that he would take it under advisement.  

3. Mr. Koldjeski, are you a democrat or republican?
Answer: Democrat

4. Mr. Koldjeski, how long have you known supervisor Lee Jamison?
Answer: Ten years

5. Mr. Jamison, did you make the motion to appoint Mr. Koldjeski to the supervisor position?
Answer: Yes

6. Mr. Jamison are you a democrat or republican?
Answer: Republican

Just before the meeting closed, Mr. Koldjeski resigned from the planning commission.
 
Ken Lowe was in the audience and Scott Haan being a good ol' cowboy quickly roped him up.  Then, Scott asked the supervisors to consider Ken for the planning commission seat because Ken attends meetings, and he would be helpful.  The supervisors quickly appointed him and while Ken was hog-tied, he accepted.  

Ken will make a fine addition to the Newton Township Planning Commission and we wish him the best of luck.

Sal's questions and the addition of Ken Lowe to the Planning Commission were the only interesting portions of last nights meeting.
The rest was essentially quick reports from various officials, and even they were short as Road Master Shaffer and CEO Stanco were not in attendance.
There were representatives from the new Cherry Ridge Estates to present plans and ask for several variances.
CRE is a development of approximately 35 homes (don't quote me on that figure) covering approximately 140 acres off Newton Road. They are of 1 800 the land fame.
The reps were looking for variances on the shade tree requirements and the length of cul de sacs. The current limit is 600 feet and they want to make some up to 800 feet.
They were advised to talk to the fire company as the ordinance is based on safety issues concerning emergency equipment. This is how similar situations have been handled in the past. Pending the advice of the fire company the supervisors will make a decision.
There was also some dicussion about drainage and storm drains but it was difficult to impossible to hear as the reps were in the front of the room talking directly to the supervisors.
Essentially the plan is now going back to the planning commission.

The new police contract with SA will take effect as soon as the SA supervisors sign it. There will be an announcement in the paper when they do.
Ransom has also taken an interest in the deal and is essentially taking our contract and using it to set up their own deal with SA.