Municipal News
- Last Updated on Monday, 01 April 2013 00:55
By Paul Chasko
The zoning and code enforcement officers reported that earth moving at the Union Gardens Site in violation of their excavation permit is continuing and the dumping of illegal materials (old concrete with rebar) has been reported by the Washington County Conservation District.
The zoning and code enforcement officers reported that earth moving at the Union Gardens Site in violation of their excavation permit is continuing and the dumping of illegal materials (old concrete with rebar) has been reported by the Washington County Conservation District.
One officer is of the opinion that they are using the location as a dumping site for their business. Solicitor Makel requested a written report from the Zoning and Code Enforcement officers that will give him the basis to begin legal action.
The Solicitor also stated that he is moving forward with action on the mud slide issue along McChain road. This mud slide has remained an issue for over two years without any resolution. It remains covering and eroding part of McChain road. It was mentioned that water diverted by the mud on the roadway is beginning to erode away the road surface.
In Regular Business:
All board members were present at this meeting as were the Solicitor, Treasurer, Twp. Engineer, Zoning and Code Enforcement Officers and a representative from the SWR Police Department. The following discussions/actions took place.
• Minutes were reviewed and approved for the following meetings and workshops.
o Codification Workshop 1/28/2013
o Board Meeting 1/28/2013
o Board Meeting 2/11/2013
o Codification Workshop 2/23/2013
• The Twp. Engineer was informed of the necessity of performing Twp. bridge and culvert inspections.
• Payrolls #3 ($11,357.25) and #4 ($13,797.39) were approved for payment.
• General fund Bills ($22,053.23) were approved for payment.
• Officer Larry Storch presented the police report and introduced himself as the primary Officer who’d be patrolling Union Twp.
• An incorrect map for the Sunoco pipeline to be crossing Union Twp. was discussed. The correct map will be requested in order to establish the right-of-way. The Twp. is also requesting indemnification of any damages that may result from the use of caustic solvents when under-boring Twp. roadways for pipelines
• The Engineer is looking for a company to perform a GPS survey of Union Twp.
• The Engineer reported on February 15 meeting between the Sanitary Authorities of Jefferson Hills and West Elizabeth. He reported that issues that may impact Union Twp. remain unresolved.
• There is flooding around the Pumping station exhausting effluent from the Elrama sewage system. The pumping station is the responsibility of the West Elizabeth Sanitary Authority.
• Authorization was granted to contact landscape designers for bids to plan the re-landscaping of the Twp. Building grounds.
• Authorization was granted for a fireworks display at the FVFD Carnival on July 26, 2013.
• An ordinance is needed to establish the fee schedule for tax certification. A letter is being sent to the Tax Collector asking for financial records of the fees collected for tax certification.
• Authorization was granted to advertise for bids for the sale of old tractors.
• A prior motion setting the price to purchase new tractors wqs amended to reflect the added cost in not using the old tractors for trade-in value. They will be sold outright instead.
• A Refund ($468.26) of realty transfer tax was approved.
• A complaint of dumping off the Houston Run Rd. turn-around was addressed. The police will investigate.
• Reasons for not having a 24/7 police presence in Union Twp. was discussed. It is strictly a matter of available finances. Board President Linda Evans-Boren commented that we cannot raise taxes more than 2 mils which would not generate enough funds for a 27/7 police force.
• There was a short closed executive session requested by the solicitor. He reported that the Finleyville Airport litigation was discussed.
