1/05 reorganization/regular meeting highlights

[davidk]

Tonight as per statute the township held it's annual reorganization meeting followed by the regular monthly meeting. There will not be another meeting until 2/14.
During the reorganization meeting there were a few changes made as follows.


The solicitor has an increase in hourly rate. It has gone from $85 per hour to $105. While this is a hefty increase it needs to be noted that this is the first increase since the firm took the position in 1998. With the increase it is still well below what many other munis pay.

The auditors were appointed and currently are; Keith Eckel, Ray Keller, and Doug Pallman. This is basically a limited position since the books are handled by a professional firm. The auditors repsonsibilities are to set certain fees such as roadmaster pay, etc. that cannot be handled by the professional firm.

Scot Haan was reappointed to planning and Tom Sartori is being added as a new member.

Keith Eckel and Paul Wendolawski have been appointed to the Zoning Hearing Board. They replace Mike Vacendak (who requested he not be renominated) and myself.

Ken Lowe was appointed to the Recreation Committee.

As for the supervisors, they maintain the same positions they held last year. Pardue is Chairman, Shaffer is Roadmaster, and Martenson is Police Liason.


The regular meeting was very quick since there were limited committee reports as Planning did not meet in December and the Roadmaster had little to report due to favorable weather.

The enforcement of the zoning decison against the Milwaukee Cycle Shop is to be pursued.

The police contract with South Abington is back in SA's hands pending wording of the contract.

There was discussion of entering into a joint zoning agreement with SA which would benefit both townships.
Currently Newton is zoned primarily agricultural and residential with very limited manufacturing and commercial. SA on the other hand is heavy in both those and light on agricultural. Legally a muni cannot unduly restrict any type of legal business or activity.
By joining in an agreement the two townships can prevent any legal challenges that may come up.
This is permissable via a relatively new state law meant to protect townships.

There will be a new policy where phone calls from the township offices wil be logged. There have been some questions concerning toll calls being billed to the township. The amount is not much but it felt that it best to keep track of such activity.

The police contract was approved pending the unions lawyer signing off on a question concerning the Heart/Lung workmans comp wording.

Essentially the wording protects the township financially should the Chief have a disability claim. The township would be reimbursed any money paid for claims via the insurance carrier.

[davidk]

I forgot to add the fact that there are new office hours. 8 to 4 m-f.

[Sal]

Thanks for update Dave

Now that you are no longer on the zoning board, I think you should go for the supervisor position.  Just think, we could have Internet meetings and everyone can ask you questions and drive you nuts.  :wow:

But really, you should run for supervisor.

[davidk]

I would run for supervisor again if I had the time and energy. At this time I don't and I do not see the situation getting any better.
Being an effective supervisor requires at least several hours per day seven days a week.
For now I will keep the position of township gadfly and still deal with as many questions as possible from residents.
In the long run I am having much more fun and accomplishing much more.