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, Julie Powell, Skyler Herb, Atty. Ed Greco, Paula Ross Greco
AGENDA AMENDMENT
Atty. Greco stated that at a meeting he attended the comment was made that the funds for
the Government Grant income account must be spent by 2024. He suggested we spend them. An
amendment was made to the agenda to include the subject. Julie stated that it is only interest left
and her understanding from the County is that those funds are not included and can be kept. He
stated that differed from what he most recently learned. Paula stated that Julie has not had a new
computer in her office for many years. She said the crew is always getting what they want and
the office needs to be brought up to date. Colin said that Julie has been told she can get one but
has not wanted to. Skyler made a motion to spend the remainder of the money on office
equipment. Colin seconded the motion. Motion passed without opposition.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Skyler made a motion to approve the minutes. Colin seconded the motion. Motion passed
without opposition.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Skyler made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report and file for audit. Colin seconded
the motion.
CORRESPONDENCE
Nothing
PUBLIC COMMENTS (Agenda Items)
Nothing
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT – The meeting for the Planning Commission was
cancelled as they had no business. The Board discussed when we could meet again to continue
working on the zoning and it was decided we would start again in February.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Road Status Report – The crew blew leaves out of the ditches and into the woods form several
township road that needed it. They rented a flail mower and mowed banks and areas around the
township preparing for winter storms. They removed downed trees, maintained the township
equipment and plowed and cindered during last week’s snowfall.
Zoning Investigations -Maggie Ross complaint – Julie received a test message from Ms. Ross
and then it was followed by a formal complaint note to the township and another email to Julie.
Julie made copies of the complaint and letter and gave them to the other two board members and
Atty. Greco. Julie stated in her one reply that the township has done a lot of things to try to
assist in this matter, but the resolution Ms. Ross wants has not happened. Julie asked if she
should write the property owner a letter reminding them, they need a permit if they put anything
on their property as they recently installed a small carport. The Board told her to send the letter.
There was also a question from Ms. Ross about them excavating for it without any E&S
practices in place. Ed Wenger was also CC’d on this information. Colin stated that he, Julie and
Ed Wenger, went by the property many times over the summer and kept track of the noise as that
was Ms. Ross’ first complaint. The Board never found them to be a problem. Julie stated she had
kept a log and the varying times of day and night she drove by she never heard the music; that is
not to say that it wasn’t happening. The Board also stated that no one else in the vicinity of that
property has complained. In her most recent note, she suggested the Board consider writing a
Rental Ordinance to make sure they know who is renting in the township and inspect the
properties. The Board discussed this, and Atty. Greco stated that many townships already have
this ordinance and practice in place. A discussion continued with the township attorney; Atty.
Greco stated he would start working on such an ordinance.
Government Funds -This was discussed earlier in the meeting.
Tyler Karycki/Bill Yost – Property Issue – Atty. Greco stated he contacted Atty. Bathgate but
has had no reply from him. He is going to write again.
Hazen Road Turn around – Mark Hassinger – Julie stated that the company, On the Fly Aerial
did another fly over of the property and found that the area in question had been cleaned up. She
asked the board how they wanted to move forward with it. It was decided that they wanted the
guys to go in and clear the area of trees and put down shale and then stone for a turn around.
Julie was told to contact Mark Hassinger to ask if he wanted any of the trees or topsoil. There
was also a conversation about if the township should have a resolution or ordinance for an
unmanned air craft. Atty. Greco is going to investigate it.
Solar Farm – Nothing more at this time..
Jarrett Road – Nothing further.
Clemens Road Bridge – Julie wrote to Jeff Cole and asked about grants. He told her that the
only grant he knew about was the one discussed with Colin when he met with the grant
representative from the State. Julie has been in touch with Barry Garvarick and is going to apply
to be put on the bridge replace list with PennDOT called the TIP Program. She needs to get and
fill out all the necessary paperwork.
Resolution 2024-03 – The Board discussed this with Atty. Greco and decided they only wanted
it to deal with Variance’s. There was discussion about having a fee schedule with a sliding scale
because of some of the larger projects that might be forthcoming. The Board and Atty. Greco are
going to look into such a scale.
Emergency Management Coordinator – Julie stated she still has not heard back from the State.
Skyler suggested she log back into the site and see if they have the information there and just had
not sent it to her.
Administrator’s Position – The ad was place in the Daily Item and put on the Township
Facebook page. Applicants were interviewed tonight, and the board will decide very near in the
future. Colin stated that of the resume’s received two individuals were chosen to be interviewed.
Resident Wayne Yoder – property damage – Julie spoke at length again with EMC insurance.
She received a phone call from the head of the claims department on Friday afternoon. She
explained the situation and the woman, Debbie Conrad went over the law. She said that the
individual that told Julie the law was new as of December 2023 was incorrect. The Law is much
older than that but there was an addition made to it last year. The township roadmaster involved
in the incident paid for the damage from his personal account because he felt responsible but
stated that he will not pay for anything in the future. The Board made it very clear to the
employee that he was not responsible for paying it after finding out he paid Mr. Yoder in full for
the damage. Ms. Conrad told Julie to keep her number and call her anytime in the future if the
Board has a question. As the law states, the township insurance company will not pay for any
damage if the other persona has a way to cover it (their own insurance). They will, however,
reimburse for the deductible or any other amounts their insurance will not pay. Julie asked if the
other company pays, will they then be able to subrogate against our insurance carrier and she
was told that they are not allowed to do that by law.
NEW BUSINESS
Review of and authorization to pay all bills- Skyler made a motion to pay all the bills. Colin
seconded the motion. Motion passed without opposition.
Resolution for April 2025 – 811 Safe Digging Month – Colin stated that the sample provided by
the 811 (PA One Call) is too vague and that it needs to be rewritten before the Board should
consider it. Julie was asked to rewrite it to include Rockefeller Township in the Resolution.
Discussion on Ordinance for Supervisor Compensation change – PSATS stated that effective
January 2025, any new Supervisor brought on to the Board can make up to $3,145. Instead of
$1,875 a year. The Board discussed this. Skyler suggested that we consider having the ordinance
written but not change the $75.00 per meeting rate until all three Supervisors sitting on that
Board are able to accept the new cap. Julie was told to contact Atty. Ed Greco and see what his
thoughts are about this idea.
Other New Business – Julie stated that Angela Buch wrote to her many times recently on FB
claiming that the township put a stop sign on her property and damaged her mother’s water line
which carried Spring water to their home. Ms. Buch stated because of this they had to drill a
new well. Julie asked for details, went out with Larry to check on the situation and contacted Ms.
Buch to tell her that the stop sign she referred to has been there at least 25 years and is on the
township right of way. Ms. Buch became difficult and continued to write stating that she is suing
the township. She also claims that we put excess road materials on her property (Property Sonny
Comfort claims to own and who gave permission to have road materials put there.). Julie spoke
with the crew, and they assured her that this too was many years ago and was done per the
property owner (Mr. Comfort). The latest letter from Ms. Buch stated that we allowed someone
to build on a piece of property that previously failed to perk, (had been owned by her
grandfather) and she claims that in this change the land was stolen from her family and she wants
full compensation. Julie responded that the perk tests are directly administered by DEP and not
the township. Julie requested Ms. Buch call the township and set up a meeting time and date for
the Board and road crew to meet with her to make sure they are looking at the same area. (Stop
sign). There has been no recent digging of any water line so this may have taken place years
ago. She did not provide a timeline. Ms. Buch never contacted the township to set up a meeting
date. The Board discussed this and stated that Julie should not interact with her again and if she
wants to sue the township then she has that right. Julie had asked if the Board felt our attorney
should draft a letter to her but after the discussion, they decided to just not engage with her. Julie
stated that until this most recent onslaught of comments by Ms. Buch she had never heard of any
water line issues. Ms. Buch claims we damage it and because of this she wants full restitution.
Residents Comments – Paula Greco stated that when she was at the most recent TCC meeting
there was discussion among several people that their municipalities use their Conditional Use as
a way to deal with Solar farms instead of an ordinance. There was some discussion about the
issue.
Motion to Adjourn- Skyler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:38 p.m. Julie seconded
the motion. Motion passed without opposition.
FIRST NATIONAL -General $ 287,618.40*
FIRST NATIONAL Gen. Savings $ 20,415.37*
FIRST NATIONAL- State $ 11,554.38 *
FIRST NATIONAL-State Savings $ 66,126.99*
EQUIPMENT FUND $ 76,405.60*
Grant Income Account $ 1,177.80*
Land Development Escrow Account $ 4,583.58*