Newton Township Board of Supervisors’ Work Session

February 4, 2004

Board Guests in Attendance:  Francine Miller, Secretary

New Business

Truck Bids:  Sealed bids were received and opened.  Gibbons Ford - $51,278.00  Phillips Ford - $52,203.00  Wasko - $55,389.59.  Supervisors decided to hold up the awarding of the bid until Monday night’s meeting so they can go over the bids more thoroughly.

Rec Center Grant:  Pardue stated that he was in receipt of paperwork from Sue Sherman concerning a grant from Wanszak’s office.  This form was to draw down a promised amount of money.  This form needs to be signed before the monies will be released.  Martenson motioned to sign the grant application from Wanscak’s office, 2^nd by Jamison.  Motion voted, all in favor.  Secretary to explain to Rec Committee that copies of all paperwork are to be submitted to the Township office.

Auditor’s Minutes:  The appointed Newton Township auditors held a reorganization meeting on January 6, 2004 to set the pay rate for working supervisors.  There was no rate change to the recycling coordinator; however, the auditors recommend that the road master’s rate be set at $15.25 per hour.  Motion by Martenson to accept the recommendations of the Newton Township auditors, 2^nd by Jamison.  Motion voted, all in favor, Shaffer abstained.

Police Request for DSL:  Chief Reese sent a request for DSL to be able to do his police reports.  After some discussion, Kerrigan motioned to deny the request for DSL, 2^nd by Shaffer.  Motion voted, all in favor, Jamison abstained.

Fire Company Request:  The fire company is requesting that the Township pass an ordinance allowing the fire company to charge for responding to calls.  After some discussion, the Board decided to allow Sileo to review for Monday night and Miller to bring a list of the costs.

Planning Commission Request:  In the minutes of the Planning Commission’s the PC asks for a meeting with the Supervisors to discuss some ordinance changes.  It was discussed that we may have a special meeting with the Planning Commission.  Jamison stated that he has received a copy of South Abington’s shade tree ordinance and that we should submit it to the Planning Commission and to Sileo for review.

Preschool Rent:  The lease for the preschool states that if there is going to be a rate increase, the preschool needs to be notified by the end of February.  Rec Committee to be asked for recommendation.

Abington COG:  Jamison explained that in the past, the Township has sent $25 per year to the COG to contribute to the costs of mailings and such.  Jamison is requesting that we contribute $100 this year for membership to the Pennsylvania Council of Governments and believes it is well worth it.  Supervisors agreed.

Bills:  Signed and discussed.

Unfinished Business

Police Coverage:  The supervisors have decided that we will hire the South Abington Township Police.  The budget for 2004 set aside enough to cover 14 hours per week for a year.  The supervisors will ask for 10 hours per week and pocket the 4 hours for times when we go over are budgeted amount for the week.  Miller to call South Abington for personnel meeting on Tuesday night at 7:00PM.

Being no further discussion, Jamison motioned to adjourn, 2^nd by Kerrigan.  Motion voted, all in favor.

Respectfully submitted, Francine Miller