By SARIT LASCHINSKY

Special to The Press

At the start of the Weisenberg Township Aug. 10 virtual board meeting, supervisors received an update on a request made by Shawn O’Malley and Melinda Manuel during the July meeting.

The issues were related to the nearby Morgan Hills subdivision which affected the homeowner’s property along Wertman Road.

Township Administrator Brian Carl said developer Joe Konsko had agreed to redo the right side of the property’s driveway, extending pipes and adding an apron, which would be undertaken when the developer resumes paving in the area.

Konsko said the work would be completed this year.

Carl noted the developer cut weeds and grass to the required 12-inch height in the roadside swale and surrounding area.

Manuel asked about maintenance of the swale area once the development is completed, adding that as homeowners, they are unable to maintain the area because of severely uneven terrain and the depth of the swale, which makes mowing and maintenance difficult.

Konsko said the area would be taken care of - including mowing and clearing inlets of debris by the developer - until the subdivision is completed, at which point responsibility and maintenance would be taken over by the homeowners’ association.

Supervisors’ Chairwoman Linda Gorgas asked Carl and Konsko whether it was reasonable to ask the HOA or homeowners to maintain the area, noting the remarks about uneven land around the swale.

Carl said from his observations the area could be mowed, adding a final inspection would be done before the area is officially accepted.

In addition, the board heard a request from Morgan Hills to take two underground basins and make them above-ground retention pools instead.

Township engineer Stan Wojciechowski reported Konsko Construction revised the basin locations to meet ordinance requirements, and the plan required a revised final approval as some easements needed to be revised.

He noted, however, there were concerns the easement and basin changes would result in one lot not having a usable backyard of only 25 of feet and would be unable to install sheds or above-ground pools.

Matthew Mack, who submitted the developer’s plans, said the lot’s house could be moved up by around 10 feet by modifying the septic system connections to free up additional backyard space.

He also noted the aboveground basins are wider than the underground ones as they are designed to a 5:1 slope rather than the more common 3:1 and are less steep.

Mack added the basins are also planned to only impound around 12 inches and 15 inches of water, respectively, and the area has quick drainage due to being primarily shale.

Regarding future basin maintenance, he said the developer was willing to include them as part of the HOA, which would also need to approve any permits for the construction of features such as backyard sheds or pools.

Ultimately, the board voted unanimously to approve the revised final plan for the basins.

Under new business, supervisors approved the Interim Act 537 plan as required by all municipalities discharging into the Kline’s Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Solicitor Peter Lehr said he reviewed the plan and had no objections to the resolution.

Additionally, the board approved a request from Morgan Hills to release $6,957.25 in an escrow reduction.

Wojciechowski said his office reviewed the release request and concurred the necessary work had been completed.

Lastly, Carl noted the property at 8826 Claussville Road was in violation of the township’s weed ordinance and said notices had been sent and the property was posted.

He reported Made in the Shade was hired to mow the property, and Tax Collector Jeffrey Strauss said a letter had been sent to the property owner to reimburse the township in the amount of $325.

In the fire report, Fire Chief Matt Krapf reported volunteer firefighters responded to 15 calls in July, bringing the year-to-date total to 137 for 2020.

Krapf also noted the final specification sheet for Engine 5121 tanker is out to receive final bids, from which the truck committee will select a manufacturer.

He said the goal is to have the new truck by the end of 2021, given a typical 12-14 month build time.

Krapf reported he department’s brush truck received some rear damage in a recent fire and quotes were being received for repairs.

Additionally, Krapf said during Tropical Storm Isaias, firefighters responded to 22 calls including structure fires, collapses, downed wires and trees, and a water rescue.

He added all 30 rostered fire team members have responded to at least one call in 2020, with 21 different members responding to emergencies in July. He said call volumes are returning to normal.

Supervisors thanked the fire company for its work and efforts, particularly during the storm.

For the Environmental Advisory Committee report, Chairman Martin Rakaczewski said committee members completed its “No Dumping” stenciling project to identify Weisenberg’s storm drains.

He said the group is working on its next project to plant flowers in the township.

Supervisors also voted to approve the membership of Becky Hunsberger to the EAC.

For the road report, Supervisor Tony Werley reported road line painting was completed and mowing continues.

He said due to the storm, several township roads were damaged and required repair including pipe replacement on Helffrich Road and Edelweiss roads, and fixing cave-ins on Tannery Road.

In the engineer’s report, Wojciechowski reported the necessary pipe structure and documents needed to bid the project had been procured through the CoStars program for the Valley Road culvert replacement.

He also said the project was awarded funding by the Dirt Gravel and Low Volume Roads Program.

The board authorized Wojciechowski to bid the project and expect to award a bid at the September meeting.

Wojciechowski said construction would start Oct. 1 as required by U.S. Fish and Wildlife.

Lastly, Carl noted the engineer’s office was preparing for the next phase of trail grant funding to obtain money for the township’s trail project.

He asked for a resolution to apply for grants.

The board approved a grant application in the amount of $130,397 to complete the next phase.

Carl added the township’s sports fields are being booked and reported the township’s storm damage estimates were sent to the county for possible reimbursement funding from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

The next board of supervisors meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 14.