Sheffield Township

Supervisors Meeting

The regularly-scheduled Jan. 16 meeting of the Sheffield Township supervisors was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Tom Bulicz with the pledge of allegiance at the Sheffield Food Pantry. There were no guests present so the supervisors went right into business with the passing of the Re-Organizational Meeting on January 2 minutes and the bills were approved for payment in the amount of 19,833.67. It was suggested that the township split the contribution of $2,000 that use to go to the Medical Center for the use of its facility for our meetings and give $1,000 to each organization, Food Pantry and Medical Center. The supervisors all agreed since we are utilizing the food pantry building our total contribution should go to the food pantry. If the food pantry would like to donate to the Medical Center then they could do that themselves.

Warren County-Forest Central Labor Council is wishing to place a small library at the playground. They are asking for permission. First week of May is the start time. They will construct it and maintain it, but they feel the playground would be a great place to have this. Give one/take one is the concept. They are putting four up all around Forest-Warren counties. With a motion by Supervisor Fitch, seconded by Supervisor Paris and duly carried, this was approved as long as the township is not liable for any of the books or the container in which they will be stored.

Guy Medved’s bid of $2,000 with the Tax Claim Bureau on 203 Crary Avenue was approved by the supervisors. They need approval from supervisors of Sheffield Township which represent the taxing district of this bid. Elkhorn Gas Processing of the Roystone Plant is applying to DEP for their State Only Operating Permit. The Roystone Gas Plant has operated since 1998 and must undergo an Operating Permit renewal process every five years. A positive letter thanking them for their operations in the township will be sent to Elkhorn.

Several complaints were received about the way in which the assistant roadmaster plows the roads. He only goes straight up the roads, doesn’t plow the sides. The roadmaster takes three plows on each street and this needs to be done if possible on all roads. Residents on Mill Street as well as residents on the west side of town are where the complaints are coming from. Supervisor Paris stated that Scott takes first path straight down the middle, then comes back up the sides to clean the roads off. Supervisor Fitch will speak with him, but he stated that both guys are doing a great job in keeping the roads open.

Copies of the letters that were sent to Donald Salter of 1690 Austin Hill Road and to Paul and Carol Korchok for their property at 95 Heavenly Hill Lane from the sewage enforcement officer were on hand for review. Mr. Salter owns the camp that he was living in all summer and has quite an accumulation of garbage and rubbish around it and the Korchok own a camp that has raw sewage coming from it.

Redevelopment Authority Minutes were reviewed in regards to the properties that in our Township:

Steven R. & Luann Young property at 61 Second Mill St., Sheffield Twp No one has heard from Mr. John Hilyer since last month. He was working on cleaning the property up, paying the taxes, and working with his attorney to complete the sale. Dan Glotz will contact Mr. Hilyer before next month’s meeting to see what the status is.

Property at 4582 Route 6, Sheffield Township, owned by Harbour Portfolio VIII LP, Parcel No. SH-365-8913 Attorney Stapleford stated that the Conservatorship Petition was filed and she is waiting for a court date

Ken Win, LLC property located at 114 & 116 West Main St., Sheffield, Parcel #SH-355-9556, Sheffield TownshipThe hearing had to be rescheduled because they couldn’t get Ken Win, LLC served. The new hearing date is January 22 and everything has been sent to the Erie County Sherriff for service. The property has been posted.

On the agenda for the meeting that was held Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 8 a.m. was 15-1/2 Tan Street, owned by John Whipple and Jessica Camp.

Ryan Lemay has expressed interest in coming back to the playground this summer as one of the directors. His sister, Rachel, is also interested if Julia Vile isn’t able to return. This information will be given to the Parks & Recreation Committee for its meeting in March. Supervisor Paris asked how much this pays per hour. The treasurer stated $8 per hour.

It has been brought to the supervisors’ attention by a citizen that perhaps they should talk with the state reps and senators about getting the fire departments exempt from paying utilities or just paying the minimum on their bills. He feels that a bill should be passed that allows fire departments’ and ambulance services’ utilities be charged only the minimum or nothing at all, if possible. Supervisor Bulicz stated that they are dealing with keeping volunteers in the fire department now.

Township had a hearing scheduled with Axel Johnson and Arthur Johnson for the nuisance violation on their property. The hearing date was January 30. The solicitor is requesting if the obstructions are movedto let her know so that this can be cancelled.

The township has a right of way agreement from the Municipal Authority for 203 Crary Avenue for the construction and maintenance of a sewer line. The dupervisors needed clarification for their signatures on this document. The secretary is to contact David Bauer, Municipal Authority solicitor.

A resident who lives on Barnes Street and has had considerable damage done to her house during the recent floods is asking if there is anything the township can do to help her. She contacted State Representative Rapp’s office and they told her to contact the supervisors. The supervisors stated that there is nothing the township can do to help her, except extend sympathy to her for what has happened.

Supervisor Paris asked if there is any updates with the trailer placed on Keystone Avenue with a recreational cabin affadavit. The road crew is to check this out when plowing.

Supervisor Fitch updated all on the situation at the Shaw House parking lot. He stated that he and Ian spoke with the individual who dug the ditch in the back of the Shaw House parking lot, informing him of what he has done now to the properties beside the parking lot. It was discussed that the problem lies with the old, abandoned spring at top of Mead Street. He stated that when you plug off a spring it’s going to come up somewhere and he feels that this is where the water is coming from. The volume of water has caused a lot of problems. Ian contacted the railroad and met with them. They informed him that they have a 50 foot right of way, 25 foot on each side of the tracks. Ditches need cleaned out and they will help the township get equipment across the tracks, but they can’t do the digging.

Supervisor Fitch reported that the road crew anti-skidded the parking lot. Supervisor Paris suggested that the township, the authority and the railroad should sit down for a meeting. Supervisor Fitch stated that nothing can be done until spring. Plan B will be to put a catch basin in the middle of the parking lot if ditch doesn’t get dug out, but this may be a problem as well because of what’s buried in the parking lot from the old White Lunch. Supervisor Paris stated that plowed a car in and wondered if it would be possible for “our guys” to take the ice and snow from the parking lot.

Other matters discussed:

— Received notification that Pennhills Resources is drilling in Wetmore Township and also from Cameron Energy which is drilling in Sheffield Township in the Cherry Run area.

— Tree City USA’s re-certification paperwork has been filed and Arbor Day is April 27.

— Library minutes are on hand for review from the January 9 meeting.

— City of Warren has forwarded the permits for December. One is Larry Heeter’s demolition permit for 275 Saybrook Road and he has one year to use this permit, unless the BCO has approved an extension.

— John Lasher from the Warren County Community Foundation will be present to speak about the Sheffield Community Fund on Tuesday, February 20, supervisors’ meeting.

— Minutes of the Municipal Authority, December 7, meeting and the December treasurer’s report were handed out to supervisors.

The next meeting of the supervisors will be Tuesday, Feb. 20 — due to the President’s Day holiday — at 7:30 p.m. at the Sheffield Food Pantry.

Sheffield UMC

Fat Tuesday Dinner

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the Sheffield Methodist Church will be cooking a Fat Tuesday dinner of pancakes, scrambled eggs, homefries and sausage, all served hot and fresh for $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. They will be serving from 5-7 p.m.

Open Doors Dinner

The Large Parish of Sheffield & Barnes UMC will be offering another free meal on Monday, Feb. 26, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. This month’s meal will be soup and more details will be available soon. Remember, takeouts are available but not recommended; we like you to stay for fellowship. Donations aren’t expected but always accepted.

Chuck Demko Soup and Pie Luncheon

Saturday, Feb. 10, is the annual Chuck Demko Soup and Pie Dinner at the Barnes United Methodist Church from 5 to 7 p.m.