Feb 05 township meeting highlights

[davidk]

The monthly meeting was a bit busier than ususal this time.

Mr. Finch from Valley View Drive was in to ask about the status of the joint police contract with SA.
It seems Mr. Finch and his family have been the victims of several costly acts of vandalism and theft in recent months. His car has been broken into as well as having damage such as keying and the rear window blown out.
He stated he was told that the proposed contact was no longer being considered and wanted to know why and was also was asking for more police coverage, even if it involves hiring part time officers.
Mr. Finch was told that the contract was still viable and in fact the solicitor had a final copy that night for the boards review and approval.

Sal Pileggi asked about the the cost comparison study that was allegedly done years ago concerning hiring more police. He was told that his request needed to be put in writing and submitted.
The question of whether there actually is such a study was not answered that night.

The board did indeed sign the contract pending similar action by SA at thier meeting that same night. The solicitor assured everyone that he and his SA counterpart were in agreement to reccomend each board sign.
At tis point I have no word as to whether they did in SA or not.
As soon as the contracts are signed they take effect, with only the initial scheduling to be determined.

A group of residents from Hidden Valley Estates was also in attendance regarding the status of the only road in their development. It seems that the homes are all completed but the road is still dirt and in disrepair.
They were asking what could be done by the township as well as they themselves to get the matter settled.
The agreement between the township and the developer was that the road should have been paved after the first several homes were completed. Unfortunatley it was not, despite the developer having a bond in place to pay for the work.
Because the development has taken so long to complete and the agreement not fulfilled the current bond is now insufficient to cover the work.
The township solictitor is now working to get a court order to have the bond increased and the work completed.

The same group of residents also alleged that there is illegal dumping occurring just across the road from the development. It includes trash being hauled in and burned as well as substances being dumped on the ground.
They were told by the supervisors that the matter will be looked into and that they should also contact DEP and file complaints.

The supervisors reported having an executive session with an equitable partner in the Woodhaven Crest Development.
The session was allowed as the township is involved in litigation with the developers. The equitable partners are interested in ending the litigation and seeking to find a solution towards finishng the development.

Landview Estates were in also to discuss their Cherry Ridge development, off Newton Road.
There was some confusion as to the status of their plans which are being reviewed by the Planning Commssion as well as the township engineer.
The plans were not complete as they lacked a highway occupancy permit and other information.

The Rec Comm. announced they are looking into starting an honor sytem library and are seeking book donations. They are also moving ahead with plans to plant trees and other landscaping.


The solictitor announced that the Milwaukee Cycle Shop is appealing the decision by the Zoning Hearing Board in December concerning the trailors and storage issues.

Due to the untimely passing of Joe Stanco last month the township is currently without a Code Enforcement Officer.
Several individuals have shown an interest in the position and anyone else who is also interested needs to contact the office or a supervisor.
The board will be scheduling a meeting to interview potential candidates.

[Sal]

Once again, I want to thank you Dave for keeping us informed about township meetings.  Without your help, there would be a lot less information for the people of this town.

I think that it is important that the people of Newton know that Dave’s help in this township has had consequence.  Dave has been attacked and Lee Jamison had Dave removed as Chairman of the Township’s zoning hearing board and he slipped one of his friends into the position.  Dave has done a great job on the zoning board.  He attended all meeting, he is very knowledgeable and he always does whatever he can to help people.  Jamison hates this website because he can no longer get away with anything and so he takes cheep shots at Dave.  However, Jamison will have many things coming his way and come January 1, he and his chummy lawyer will walk out that door permanently.