Select meeting date for 2024:
Jan 2 Reorganization Jan 2 Regular Feb 20 Mar 19 Apr 9 May 21
May 21, 2024
The regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was called to order in the township office by Chairman Dustin Walker at 7:00 PM. Supervisors Payne and Rex were present along with Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Jennings. Visitors present were Ted Brewster, Stan & Linda Gurecki, Oleh & Margie Posnachiwsky, Joe Cowan, Donna Schulze, Doug Phelps, Christopher Ward, Bob Zupanovich, Bryce Norman, Allan & Deb Sloat, Cody Scott, Brad Millard, and Rick Moser.
The minutes of April 9th were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes. The bill list for May 21st was approved as printed on a motion by Walker, second by Rex. Motion carried by three yes votes. The treasurer's report was filed for audit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
ROAD REPORT:
Supervisor Payne reported that the road crew has been grading for a couple weeks and our truck is now ready to spray dust control. Bids were opened for paving township road intersections.
Wayco Inc. gave prices of $24,195.32 for Pennay Hill, $26,879.34 for Lower Podunk, and $168,532.82 for the other eight roads for a total of $219,607.48.
Fehlinger Construction gave prices of $23,245.41 for Pennay Hill, $23,377.00 for Lower Podunk, and $227,990.50 for the other eight roads for a total of $274,612.91. A motion was made by Payne, second by Walker to award the paving bid to Wayco Inc. Motion carried by three yes votes.
Bids were opened for installing a pipe and box culverts on Tyler Lake Road. Estabrook Excavating gave prices of $12,000 with an additional $150/hr. if a rock hammer is needed and Herbert Excavating gave a price of $11,912.79. A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to award this project to Herbert Excavating. Motion carried by three yes votes.
There was additional ditchwork and drain tile needed for Tyler Lake Road. Estabrook Excavating gave a price of $4,400.75 and Herbert Excavating gave a price of $6,500. A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to award this project to Estabrook Excavating.
A quote was received from Snyder Equipment for a BriteSpan building addition to our material storage building in the amount of $187,329.41. This price is on a Sourcewell contract so no formal bidding process is required. After some discussion, a motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to accept this quote and proceed with the addition. Motion carried by three yes votes.
OLD BUSINESS:
Chairman Dustin Walker led a ceremony for the newly appointed Fire Police to take the oath of office. Those sworn in were Doug Phelps, Bryce Norman, Chris Ward, Allan Sloat, and Bob Zupanovich. Bob also shared that the Fire Company plans to downsize some of their equipment and are looking to purchase a utility truck that can be outfitted as response vehicle. A Ford F450 chassis would cost around $100,000 through the Costars program and the outfitting may also be around $100,000. They are looking to obtain a grant if possible or may need assistance from the township. There will be further discussion on this issue at the July meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
The supervisors approved an assessment permit for Robbie Fisher on Tyler Road and a driveway permit for Gardners on Stearns Road. A motion was made by Walker, second by Payne to adopt Resolution #3-24 – Updated License Agreement with Adams Cable Service. Motion carried by three yes votes. A motion was made by Walker, second by Payne to adopt Resolution #4-24 - Susquehanna County Emergency Operations Plan. Motion carried by three yes votes.
Brad Millard, Chairman of the Harford Municipal Authority, gave an update on the park project. They recently opened bids for Phase One to do most of the site work, but all the bids were well over the estimates. They are still waiting to hear if their LSA grant application was awarded funding. Another grant opportunity is available and the previously awarded DCNR grant money can be used as matching funds. A motion was made by Walker, second by Payne to adopt Resolution #5-24 – Apply for GTRP grant in the amount of $250,000. Motion carried by three yes votes.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Margie Posnachiwsky asked about the costs of the park project and how much it would be used by the residents. Linda Gurecki mentioned a problem with water running into Stearns Road from a neighbor’s driveway where there is no pipe. Stan Gurecki pointed out that there has been a lot of road erosion by the culvert near Tingley Lake. Ted Brewster asked about the upgrade project at the sewer plant and about getting a plaque made for the Nine Partners monument. Allan Sloat mentioned a problem with large rocks filling his driveway pipe and the ditches on Bartholomew Road. Joe Cowan asked for dust control on Tyler Lake Road and Donna Schulze asked for work to be done on the potholes.
A motion was made by Walker and seconded by Payne to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 PM. An Executive Session will follow to discuss personnel matters.
Top of page
April 9, 2024
The regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was called to order in the township office by Chairman Dustin Walker at 7:00 PM. Supervisors Payne and Rex were present along with Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Jennings. Visitors present were Ted Brewster, Stan & Linda Gurecki, Margie Posnachiwsky, Peg Smith, and Rick Moser.
The minutes of March 19th were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes. The bill list for April 9th was approved as printed on a motion by Walker, second by Rex. Motion carried by three yes votes. The treasurer's report was filed for audit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
ROAD REPORT:
Bids were opened for propane and heating oil. Lenox Propane quoted a price of $1.81/gallon and Hinds Oil gave a price of $1.99/gallon. A motion was made by Rex, second by Payne to award the propane bid to Lenox Propane. Motion carried by three yes votes. One bid was received for heating oil from Lindsey Oil at a price of $2.971/gallon. A motion was made by Payne, second by Walker to award the heating oil bid to Lindsey Oil. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A list of roads for intersection paving is being worked on. Our local municipal service representative has taken some measurements and drawn up specifications for the project. A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to advertise for bids on Pennay Hill Road with the agreement of Lenox Township to split the cost. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to advertise for bids on Lower Podunk Road contingent on the cooperation of Gibson Township to share the cost. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to advertise for bids on Burns, Sherwood Hill (2), Devil’s Elbow, Goff, Jeffers, Tyler Lake, and Orphan School Roads. Motion carried by three yes votes.
Tyler Lake Road will need some drainage work done before the intersection is paved. A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to advertise for bids on installing two box culverts and one pipe. Motion carried by three yes votes.
Margie Posnachiwsky requested some work be done on Stearns Road by the Gow farm.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was more discussion about having a Nine Partners Day ceremony on May 22. The Municipal Authority, Historical Society, and First Congregational Church will be asked to be involved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Peg Smith read the auditors' report for 2023. They would like to see a clearer breakdown when payments are split between different accounts and a copy of the updated employee paid time off policy.
There are several people interested in becoming Fire Police to assist with traffic control. A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to appoint Doug Phelps, Chris Ward, Allan Sloat, and Bryce Norman to serve. Motion carried by three yes votes.
The supervisors approved a sewer system connection permit for Loren & Linda Robinson’s new house on Tingley Lake.
A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to advertise the township cleanup will be held the week of May 20 at a cost of $70 per load. Motion carried by three yes votes.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
A motion was made by Walker and seconded by Payne to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 PM.
Top of page
March 19, 2024
The regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was called to order in the township office by Chairman Dustin Walker at 7:00 PM. Supervisors Payne and Rex were present along with Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Jennings. Visitors present were Ted Brewster, Joe Cowan, Rick Moser, Chad Batzel, Christina Johnson, and Brad Millard.
The minutes of February 20th were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes. The bill list for March 19th was approved as printed on a motion by Walker, second by Rex. Motion carried by three yes votes. The treasurer’s report was filed for audit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
ROAD REPORT:
Supervisor Payne reported that the road crew has been filling potholes and cleaning ditches. The supervisors discussed another option for the new truck to add a door for spreading material at a price of $900, but they decided to table that for now. When the road crew is grading in the summer, it may be useful to have a water tank to wet down the dirt if it is too dry. A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to purchase a 550 gallon gravity feed tank for $2,000. Motion carried by three yes votes.
Bids were opened for the items advertised last month with the following results:
Road Materials:
Lopke Rock Products
Half Inch Minus $5.50 FOB, $13.00 as directed.
6 - 8 Inch Minus $9.00 FOB, $16.50 as directed.
2A Stone $7.50 FOB, $15.00 as directed.
2B Stone $15.50 FOB, $23.00 as directed.
R3 Rock $13.50 FOB, $21.00 as directed.
R4 Rock $20.00 FOB, $27.50 as directed.
R6 Rock $25.00 FOB, $32.50 as directed.
New Enterprise Stone
Half Inch Minus No bid.
6 - 8 Inch Minus No bid.
2A Stone $10.95 FOB, $17.15 as directed.
2B Stone $15.40 FOB, $21.60 as directed.
R3 Rock $15.65 FOB, $21.85 as directed.
R4 Rock $17.00 FOB, $24.20 as directed.
R6 Rock $22.10 FOB, $31.30 as directed.
A motion was made by Walker, second by Payne to award the bid to both suppliers. Motion carried by three yes votes.
Dust Control:
Suit-Kote Corp
Liquid Calcium $1.29/gallon to twp, $1.39/gallon on roads
Vestal Asphalt
Liquid Calcium $1.194/gallon FOB$1.294/gallon twp$1.394/gallon roads
A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to award the bid to both suppliers. Motion carried by three yes votes.
Fuel:
Mirabito Energy
On Road Diesel $0.20 over base rack per gallon
Winter Additive $0.03 per gallon
A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to award the bid to Mirabito Energy. Motion carried by three yes votes.
Tree Trimming:
Old School Tree Service (Adam Briggs)
$295/hr. w/bucket, chipper, skidsteer
A motion was made by Rex, second by Payne to award the bid to Old School Tree Service. Motion carried by three yes votes.
Trucking:
Tompkins Enterprises
$110/hr. for tri-axle
B&K Equipment and Crane Service
$110/hr. for tri-axle
Barhite Excavating
$125/hr. for tri-axle
$120/hr. for tandem axle
Estabrook Excavating
$110/hr. for tri-axle
Herbert Excavating
$115/hr. for tri-axle
$75/hr. for F450 dump truck
$115/hr. for 20 ton roller
$120/hr. for JD 650k dozer
$100/hr. for Kubota SVL97 track loader
$100/hr. for Kubota mini KX-057 excavator
$135/hr. for Link Belt 160 excavator
A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to accept all the bids to be used as needed. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A motion was made Walker, second by Rex to advertise for bids on propane and heating oil. Motion carried by three yes votes.
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
A motion was made by Walker, second by Payne to adopt Ordinance #58 – Emergency Service Cost Reimbursement. Motion carried by three yes votes.
The supervisors decided to change the April meeting date to April 9, so not to conflict with the PSATS convention.
They also discussed information from NRCS about their study to remove and replace the Alford dam to help with flooding in Brooklyn Township, Kingsley, Hop Bottom, and Nicholson Borough. The township was asked to help support a long-term operations and maintenance plan for the new dam. More specific information will be needed before the supervisors can make a decision.
Brad Millard gave an update on the Municipal Authority. The plans and bid documents have been completed and bids for Phase One of the park project will be coming in shortly. Some fundraising has been done for benches and other park amenities.
Supervisor Walker discussed some ideas for having a Nine Partners Day on May 22. Due to not having much time to plan, there may be a small ceremony this year and then hold a larger celebration next year with vendors, food, and fun.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Joe Cowan asked about the new bathrooms being added at the Harford Fair and if their charge should increase for more sewer usage. The sewer plant operator will be consulted to see if that can be monitored or possibly compared to last year’s levels.
A motion was made by Walker and seconded by Payne to adjourn the meeting at 8:13 PM.
Top of page
February 20, 2024
The regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was called to order in the township office by Chairman Dustin Walker at 7:00 PM. Supervisors Payne and Rex were present along with Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Jennings. Visitors present were Ted Brewster, Stan & Linda Gurecki, Oleh & Margie Posnachiwsky, Peg Smith, and Rick Moser.
The minutes of the January 2nd reorganization meeting were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by two yes votes, Rex abstained as he was not present.
The minutes of the January 2nd regular meeting were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by two yes votes, Rex abstained as he was not present.
The bill list for February 20th was approved as printed on a motion by Walker, second by Rex. Motion carried by three yes votes. The treasurer's report was filed for audit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Ted Brewster asked about the new sewer monitoring requirements mentioned last month. At this time, the township is more comfortable having JHA personnel handle it.
ROAD REPORT:
A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to approve the following list of materials for bidding: 200 tons of half-inch minus, 2000 tons of six to eight-inch minus, 5000 tons of 2A, 4000 tons of 2B, 500 tons of R3, 1500 tons of R4, 300 tons of R6, 80,000 gallons of liquid calcium, 9000 gallons of on-road diesel fuel, tri-axle or tandem axle trucks for general hauling at an hourly rate, and tree trimming services at an hourly rate. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to approve the updated quote from John Bonham to upfit the new truck with the options of a Bibeau body and Pre-wet system for a total cost of $69,774. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A quote was reviewed for a new spreader for the Ford F550 in the amount of $9,340 plus freight, but the supervisors decided to table it. The road crew has been cleaning out ditches and plowing/cindering as needed.
OLD BUSINESS:
A motion was made by Walker, second by Payne to certify Robert Rex as the voting delegate to the PSATS convention. Motion carried by two yes votes, Rex abstained.
NEW BUSINESS:
A motion was made by Walker, second by Payne to adopt Resolution #2-24 - Hazard Mitigation Plan. Motion carried by three yes votes. A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to advertise Ordinance #57 – Emergency Service Cost Reimbursement. Motion carried by three yes votes.
CORRESPONDENCE:
A donation request was received from the Susq. County Conservation District for their Envirothon program. A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to donate the amount of $500. Motion carried by three yes votes.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Stan & Linda Gurecki commented on the size of stones spread on Stearns Road and that the ditches are good, but there are some potholes that need to be fixed.
A motion was made by Walker and seconded by Payne to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 PM.
Top of page
January 2, 2024
The regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was called to order in the township office by Chairman Dustin Walker at 7:11 PM. Supervisor Payne and Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Jennings were present, Supervisor Rex was not available. Visitors present were Peg Smith and Rick Moser.
The minutes of December 19th were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by two yes votes. The bill list for December 31st was approved as printed on a motion by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by two yes votes. The bill list for January 2nd was approved as printed on a motion by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by two yes votes. The treasurer's report was filed for audit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
ROAD REPORT:
Supervisor Payne reported that they have been fixing washouts and preparing to plow snow. The supervisors decided to have Rick Moser serve as Assistant Roadmaster. The new truck may be delivered in May or June.
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
A motion was made by Walker, second by Payne to approve Resolution #1-24 - Updated Employee Paid Time Off Policy. Motion carried by two yes votes.
The supervisors reviewed a subdivision for Grant Family Trust on Tingley Lake Road and had no objections.
SEWER:
The renewal of the NPDES permit added new requirements from DEP beginning this year. Certain levels need to be manually recorded every day, including weekends and holidays. JHA staff are covering it for right now, but it would be more cost effective for the township to have someone locally that can be trained to take these readings. The supervisors will try to see who could be available.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
A motion was made by Walker and seconded by Payne to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 PM.
Top of page
January 2, 2024
The Annual Reorganization Meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors began at 7:00 PM in the township office building. Peg Smith, Chair of the Vacancy Board, assisted with the meeting as Supervisor Rex was not available.
A motion to appoint Kyle Payne as Temporary Chairman was made by Walker, second by Smith. Motion carried by two yes votes, Payne abstained.
A motion to appoint Kyle Payne as Temporary Secretary was made by Walker, second by Smith. Motion carried by two yes votes, Payne abstained.
A motion to nominate Dustin Walker as 2024 Chairman of the Board was made by Payne, second by Smith. Motion carried by two yes votes, Walker abstained.
A motion to nominate Rob Rex as 2024 Vice-Chairman was made by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A motion to appoint Kyle Payne as Road Superintendent was made by Walker, second by Smith. Motion carried by two yes votes, Payne abstained. Compensation will be set by the township auditors.
A motion to appoint Carolyn Jennings as Secretary/Treasurer was made by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes. Compensation will be set at an Executive Session.
The supervisors recognized road crew employees currently serving - Rick Moser, Matt Smith, Maurice Jennings, and Rich Tomlinson. Also, Alexis Starbuck will continue to serve as assistant secretary. Compensation will be set at an Executive Session.
A motion to set the Treasurer's Bond for 2024 at $2,000,000 was made by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A motion to reappoint the firm of Kreder Brooks Hailstone as the township's legal counsel with Jaime Hailstone as the lead was made by Walker, second by Smith. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A motion to appoint Peg Smith as the Chair of the Vacancy Board was made by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by two yes votes, Smith abstained.
A motion to appoint Rick Masters to the Harford Municipal Authority for a 5 yr. term was made by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A motion to keep Peoples Security Bank & Trust as the depository for township funds was made by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A motion to hold regular meetings at the township building at 7:00 PM on the third Tuesday of each month was made by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A motion to establish the paid employee holidays as Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day with a floating holiday on Friday or Monday, Christmas Day, and New Years Day was made by Payne, second by Walker. Motion carried by three yes votes.
The appointment of a voting delegate to the State Convention was tabled.
Old Business: None
Public Comments: None
The reorganization meeting closed at 7:10 PM.
Top of page