Ex-board chairman remembered; Polk budget passes with no hike

Dramatic change and status quo came together at the final Polk Township Supervisors meeting for 2009. Dramatic change was in the empty chair of the late H. Lee Everett, who for years served as chairman of the board. A moment of silence in his memory recognized his passing last week as did Supervisor Nancy C. May's reading of a piece Everett reportedly often gave to others, entitled the "Obituary for Mr. Common Sense."

Components of that piece were Everett's philosophy of serving as supervisor including "Don't spend more than you earn."

That philosophy continues as part of the Polk Township 2010 budget which includes no increase in taxes and keeps the millage at 3.3 mils and the transfer station fee at $80 per year with a discount $10 if purchased from March 1 through April 15.

The total township budget as approved by Supervisor May and Vice Chairman Glenn S. Green is $$2,592,880.

Other township fees, including sewage and zoning, are scheduled to increase to help cover township costs. Those increases are being reviewed until the next regular meeting, set for 7:30 p.m., Jan. 11, 2010.

The township's reorganization meeting is set for 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 4, at which time Brian Ahner will be seated on the board of supervisors. It is he and May who may name a replacement for Everett. If they can not agree, as of 30 days of Everett's death, explained township Solicitor James Fareri, a member of the township Vacancy Board will join the decision-making process and the three will have 15 additional days to appoint someone. Should that fail, the situation will go before the Court of Common Pleas.

Those interested in serving the township in the supervisor's position may submit a letter of interest to township, but the municipality is not required to advertise for the seat.

Although it has been tradition in the township for some time that supervisors work for the township, that is not a requirement explained Supervisor May.

The appointed supervisor would serve until a supervisor is elected in 2011municipal elections and the elected supervisor begins serving the township in 2012.

A public hearing in regard to making a proposed zoning amendment concerning a dwelling unit for care of a family member who is elderly or disabled will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, Jan.25. During the regularly scheduled meeting at 7:30 a proposed ordinance concerning no parking on township roads and a $50 fine for those so doing will be considered.

Under "Plans," the Board heard that the solicitor agrees with the attorney for Louis and Carol Herfurth that "in light of the previous plan approval, the Township should not require the 50 foot buffer from the 'Top-of-Bank' isolation distances," in regard to their proposed minor subdivision.

They also heard that there is only one good driveway location for the Paul Geer subdivision along Lower Middle Creek Road and they approved the reduction of a letter of credit for Hillside Acres, Section 4, from $252,000 down to $92,919 since the work involved in that project has been accomplished as far and as well as it has.

Supervisor May reported that an energy grant for efficient traffic lights has bee applied for, but that the township has learned that the new lights can not melt the snow. That may be a glitch, but the township is hopeful of receiving a grant anyway. She also announced that the Census Bureau is still looking for employees. For more information, one can contact the township or get additional information from the Census Bureau itself.

The construction of the municipal complex' pre-engineered wood frame building is underway and a problem with a storm drain that was encountered has been solved by relocating said pipe, with some work to be done later.

"Later" is also the word in regard to a detention basin as it now has a machine stuck in it and that cannot be removed until weather and soil are in more favorable conditions.