CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the Rockefeller Township Board of Supervisors was called to order at
6:00 p.m. at the Township building by Chairman, Colin Clayberger
PRESENT
Colin Clayberger, Paula Greco, Julie A. Powell, Atty. Edw. Greco, George Herrold, Ron
Bingaman, Michael Stender
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Paula made a motion to approve the minutes. Colin seconded the motion. Motion passed
without opposition.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Paula made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report and file for audit. Colin seconded
the motion. Motion passed without opposition.
CORRESPONDENCE
SPECIAL INTEREST
Michael Stender – Area Representative – Representative Stender had promised to stop by
on occasion and meet with those in his district. He explained that since taking over the office
from Senator Linda Culver, he promoted Melissa Corbin as his office manager. He stated that he
works closely with the Senator’s office. He asked if the township had concerns for him. Colin
stated that he would like to see the state give more of the Liquid Fuels Tax monies to the
township. He stated that things continue to rise and there is no additional funds. Paula stated that
she feels that these Solar Farms that are coming in should have to pay the local governments a
fee just like the Gas Companies had to. She stated that they are taking primes farmland and the
township, people, get nothing in return. Julie asked if he could check to see where the issue lay
regarding the state increasing the hourly fee for elected/appointed Auditor’s. She stated that the
state only pays them $10. An hour and she feels that is a decision each individual Board should
be able to make for their Auditor Board. She said that Rockefeller Township’s team is amazing
and worth so much more than $10. An hour. If the township had to pay a professional Auditor or
Accounting firm the cost would be upwards of $12,000-$15,000, perhaps higher and those funds
would ultimately hurt the amount of work we are able to do to the roads. Rep. Stender stated he
knew there was discussion about it, and he would try to get an update. Julie said she had been
talking to Linda and Jeff Cole about this for years and that last year she wrote a letter
encouraging change and a wage increase. Atty. Greco said that the State of Pennsylvania needs
to fund the Public Defender’s Office. As the Chief Public Defender for Northumberland County,
he stated it is difficult to find anyone that wants to work in the office because the pay rate is so
low. He said it is not just his office, our county but all over. Colin asked the residents if they had
any questions for the Representative, but they did not.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (Agenda Items)
None
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Canceled the meeting for September – no business.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Road Status Report – The crew worked alongside the Tar & Chip sub-contractor to get all the
Seal Coat work completed in the township. They mowed the sides of the roads, borrowing
Shamokin Township’s mower. They helped Upper Augusta township with a project, mowed the
township lawn and continued to maintain the township equipment. Julie stated that she met with
an engineer from the consulting firm that did the Bridge inspections. She said that he told her
and Larry that the bridge on Peace Valley Road is in fantastic condition. He also stated Houser
had a few small issues to be taken care of but our ‘problem child’ is the bridge on Clemens.
Colin asked what was wrong with it. Julie tried to give a quick explanation. She stated that she
requested the engineer send the report for Clemens Road bridge to our engineer Mike Brinkash
for review. Mike has the file and is reviewing it. Julie said she will make an appointment with
Mike to take the crew and look over it, get his suggestions on repair and then put it on the work
list for future repairs. She said they are going to inspect it annually and may lower the posting if
the corrective measures are not taken. Colin showed the Board and Atty. Greco (and the
audience) damage done to Swank Road by a tractor immediately after it was tar and chipped. He
asked Ed what we could do about it. There was some discussion and one thing Atty. Greco
suggested is that we post the roads after and limit the size/weight vehicle that can travel it until it
cures. Colin is concerned that the damage will start to cause the new top to erode.
Zoning Investigations – The issue with the Sinsel property was not resolved. Ed met with the
complainant on Thursday night and sent it to the Magistrate’s office. The entire board received
an update from Ed Wenger on the zoning issues and permits issued.
Comprehensive Plan Update – Julie spoke to Mike Brinkash. He was free on Monday night,
October 16th or Tuesday night, October 17th. Atty. Greco stated he would look at his schedule
and let Julie know if the 16th worked as that was the date the Board decided on. Julie will call
and confirm with the church (for rental) as well as Mike once she hears from Atty. Greco.
Government Funds – The Board paid out $8,400. Of the Government funds for a deposit on a
new furnace for the township. Colin said that they are not finished with it but have done a great
job so far. There is no update on the SEC TV work regarding the internet. Julie will reach out to
Sam Hallman for an update.
Tyler Karycki/Bill Yost – Property Issue – Nothing more.
Stormwater Management Ordinance -Colin is reviewing the information Atty. Greco gave to
him.
Replace the Furnace – Take Off
Hazen Road Turn around – Nothing more at this time.
Solar Farm – Julie has not heard from the individuals representing the Solar Farm. It seems to
be in limbo at the moment. Atty. Greco stated he had received a letter from them but had not
opened it yet as he had been in court all that day.
Atty. Karpowich – Atty. Karpowich sent the Board an email which Colin asked Julie to read
aloud. There was some discussion. The Board agreed that Julie should reach out to the attorney
and set up a meeting with him at the township to further discuss this issue.
Road Bonding – Atty. Greco gave the Board a copy to review from Cascade Township in
Lycoming County; they are reviewing it.
NEW BUSINESS
Review of and authorization to pay the Solicitor’s bill – Julie made a motion to pay the
Solicitor. Colin seconded the motion. Paula abstained. Motion passed without opposition.
Review of and authorization to pay all bills – Paula made a motion to pay all the other bills.
Julie seconded the motion. Motion passed without opposition.
Other New Business – Colin stated that the County Convention for Township Supervisors will
be held on October 26th at Masser’s in Paxinos. He told Julie she may be asked to create a
centerpiece again. Julie said she had not received any information from them regarding this. She
will try to reach out to the secretary this week.
Julie stated that she was nearly finished preparing the budget for the State and General Funds for
2024 and would like to have a budget meeting with the Board. The Board agreed to September
26th at 4:30 to go over it together. (Julie will advertise the meeting in the Daily Item as a work
session).
Residents Comments – Resident Ron Bingaman stated that there is an area on Comfort to
Shipman, to Foye that needs addressed; he stated that the road has a large hole that needs
attention because stone from underneath it is showing through. He also said that this same road
needs mowing. Julie stated that the crew needs to rent a boom mower and that they are on the
list for the rental. She said they were told they should have it by late October. Mr. Bingaman
also asked why the lowboy trailer is parked behind the building with weeds growing around it.
He asked, ‘do you use it anymore?’ Colin said he thought we did but perhaps not as often since
we have one, we jointly own with Upper Augusta and Shamokin Township. Mr. Bingaman
stated that if we are not using it perhaps, we should sell it. Julie said she would talk with the
crew about its uses and let the Board know. George Herrold asked why the Equipment fund
amount has increased? Julie stated that the Board had sold the 2012 F550 and those funds went
back into the State Fund (i.e., Equipment Fund). She explained that the equipment fund is within
the state fund amounts. Colin further explained that the equipment fund is not a separate physical
account, just one on paper. We can use those funds for anything regarding the roads, not only
for equipment.
Motion to Adjourn- Paula made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:33 p.m. Julie seconded the
motion. Motion passed without opposition.
FIRST NATIONAL -General $ 235,771.95*
FIRST NATIONAL Gen. Savings $ 19,821.62*
FIRST NATIONAL- State $ 66,713.55 *
FIRST NATIONAL-State Savings $179,118.08*
EQUIPMENT FUND $ 39,691.62*
Grant Income Account $ 223,566.53*