Meeting Minutes

The regular monthly meeting of the Dorrance Twp. Board of Supervisors was held on Monday, February 12, 2024. Present were Mr. Zane, Mr. Wengrzynek, Mr. Gallagher and Atty. Logsdon.

Mr. Zane opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and announced the meeting was being recorded.

Mr. Zane asked if there were any public comments on agenda items only to be voted upon by the Supervisors at this meeting. There were none.

Mr. Gallagher made a motion, seconded by Mr. Zane to accept the minutes of last month’s regular meeting and the annual reorganization meeting. All voted aye. Mr. Wengrzynek made a motion to accept the cash report, seconded by Mr. Gallagher. All voted aye. Mr. Zane made a motion to pay all bills as presented, seconded by Mr. Gallagher. All voted aye.

The zoning report was read. The Planning Commission report was read. The Roadmaster report is on file.

Atty. Logsdon said he is continuing to monitor any legislative movement on bills that have been previously discussed. Also, it appears that the Governor’s budget is very much planning on recreational marijuana as a big income item in the budget. We will have a Planning Commission meeting next week.

The Fire Co. and ambulance reports were read. There was no EMA report.

The following announcements were read: The next monthly meeting will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 7 pm.

The Township is still in need of an Emergency Management Coordinator. Contact the Secretary or a Supervisor if interested.

CORRESPONDENCE: A letter was received from the Engineer Architecture and Design Services from PennDot to advise that the I-81 Rest Stop will receive improvements to the water supply system to upgrade outdated facilities. A new water supply system to include upgrades to water, well, treatment, and distribution system are planned under this project.

A letter was received from Service Electric advising that effective March 1, 2024 some internet rates will be reduced in some tiers while increasing speeds for other tiers. These changes are part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the affordability and accessibility of internet services in the community.

There will be an increase in the costs associated with Digital Transport Adaptor (DTA) TV equipment due to rising license fees and equipment maintenance.

A letter was received from Casella Waste Systems. On June 30, 2023 we acquired GFL Environmental waste management operations in your area. Effective February 5, 2024 we will now be directly billing you through our customer portal. Should you have any questions regarding this billing transition we encourage you to reach out to our dedicated customer service team. They can be reached at 1-800-676-6152 or via email at CS-MidAtlantic@casella.com.

A letter was received from Breezeline advising services will increase with the next billing statement effective March 1, 2024. The escalating fees is primarily due to fees charged by cable networks, broadcast stations and the extraordinary costs of live TV sports rights. We do not control these TV costs and the cost hikes are affecting TV customers nationwide not just breezeline customers.

OLD BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Zane made a motion, seconded by Mr. Wengrzynek to enter into a 2024 Polling Place Agreement with the Luzerne County Bureau of Elections. The primary election will be held on April 23, 2024 and the general election will be held on November 5, 2024. All voted aye.

Mr. Gallagher made a motion, seconded by Mr. Zane to approve the Fenstermacher lot consolidation at 30 Morio Dr.,Mountaintop. Two lots consisting of 1.37 and 1.65 acres to be combined. PIN 12N8S3-001-001-000 and PIN 12N8S-001-004-000. Required documents will be reviewed by Atty. Logsdon. All voted aye.

PUBLIC COMMENT: By citizens and taxpayers of Dorrance, on matters not appearing on this agenda, the Supervisors will be available after the meeting to address questions and concerns by citizens and taxpayers. There were none.

Mr. Gallagher made a motion, seconded by Mr. Zane to adjourn at 7:20 pm. All voted aye.