DTVAC Gets Funding, Plans on 24/7 Service
DTVAC Gets Funding, Plans on 24/7 Service
The Pike County Dispatch
By Wayne Witkowski
DINGMANS FERRY -- Delaware Township supervisors, at their bi-monthly board meeting, unanimously approved the second quarter 2023 funding request from Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corp for $107,500 for continued EMS coverage of 18 hours per day.
The stipend is in accordance with the Pike County EMS grant program with a $53,750 split between the township and the county.
In a letter sent to the supervisors dated April 3 requesting the subsidy, DTVAC President Carl Will said the money would pay for staffing for the second quarter.
The letter reads, "With this subsidy, we will be able to provide (at a minimum) ambulance coverage with one staffed ambulance, 18 hours per day, seven days a week during the quarter. However, please note, we are planning on continuing to provide 24/7 ambulance service."
In prior meetings this year, Board of Supervisors Chairman John Henderson expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the ambulance service.
Also at the meeting, the first quarter 2023 Fire Tax Distribution to the Delaware Township Volunteer Fire Company for $8,409.84 was approved.
Wayco estimates for adjustments for Akenac Park Hall ADA parking for $8,400.00 and Akenac Park Historical Society ADA parking for $9,950.00 were approved.
Supervisors agreed to advertise for the Deputy Emergency Management vacancy with a May 8 deadline for receiving letters of interest via email at
It reads that the deputy EMC will assist the EMC "in all phases of the township's emergency management plan -- mitigation, preparation, response and recovery." Although no experience is required, it says, "Both administrative and operational field work are required as well as completing a state-mandated online training curriculum to become certified."
Supervisors also approved a series of appointments to township committees. They include Richard Bailo to the township Planning Commission and Christopher Camal to the township Zoning Hearing Board as well as Eleanore Pesce and Laura Harris to the township Recreation Committee. Rick Koehler's resignation from the Delaware Township Recreation Committee was approved.
At a special meeting held on March 31, Steve Demo also was appointed to the township Zoning Hearing Board.
In the Announcements segment at the end of the meeting, Henderson said the township is accepting letters of interest to fill one final vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board.
Also approved was a Signal Service, Inc. traffic signal maintenance contract for both preventative maintenance and response maintenance for a two-year agreement at an annual cost of $850 to service two traffic lights at the Weis Markets intersection on Route 739 and the Route 739/State Route 2001 (Milford Road) intersection. The contract covers an annual check and labor costs but does not cover parts or overtime work, if needed.
Supervisors also agreed to purchase a second pocket colorimeter in the amount of $628 from Hach. The colorimeter runs tests at three different stages of chlorine at the township ballfields and at Akenac Park. Roadmaster Richard Bailo said purchasing the second device saves the trouble of moving the equipment from one site to the other.
The purchase of a prefab pedestrian walking bridge for Akenac Park was tabled to the next meeting as Bailo said he needs two weeks to gather more information and price quotes. He felt one price quote he had received was expensive.
Supervisors passed a retroactive motion to approve Dingman Delaware Little League free use of the Township bulk disposal for two truckloads of old baseball materials. During the workshop prior to the regular meeting, they also refused a request from the Little League to waive the $800 yearly fee they pay to the township from concession stand sales for using township fields. The league wanted the waiver after it pulled the infield sod with plans to revitalize the infield and sought funding for the work, but supervisors said they were never contacted about the matter beforehand.
Township Volunteer Insurance was renewed for the policy term July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2024 for $720.80
Supervisors approved a series of motions for Akenac Park use request by the Dingmans Ferry Theatre. They include May 27 from noon to 10 p.m. and on May 7 and Sept. 17, both from noon to 5 p.m. Also included are May 8, 15, 22, and 29 and June 5, 12, and 19, all from 5-8 p.m.
Supervisors discussed during the workshop the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Winter Maintenance Agreement with the township and Bailo pointed out that there is a formula determining the allocation based on the population of the township, a criterion that resident Steve McBride criticized.
Delaware Twp. On Record Opposing Power Line Route
Delaware Twp. On Record Opposing Power Line Route
By Wayne Witkowski - The Pike County Dispatch
DINGMANS FERRY -- Delaware Township became the second municipality to oppose, on record, the Shawnee-Walker Transmission Line Project when the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution during the regular meeting on Wednesday last week.
The proposed 69-kilovolt, 30-mile power line would run along many homeowners' rights-of-way through parts of Shohola Township, Milford Township, Dingmns Township (which also approved a resolution opposing the project), Delaware Township and Monroe County municipalities Middle Smithfield Township and East Stroudsburg Borough. It also runs through Lehman Township but its supervisors do not oppose the project because they said the route will not encroach on residential areas of that township.
The resolution was available for residents to read in printed out copies. It contends that, rather than run through residential areas, where homeowners have expressed concerns about health risks and lowered property values, "there are alternate routes that are more advantageous to the township as a whole."
It states that the township "encourages the upgrade to the power grid in the township but opposes the proposed location."
During the workshop prior to the regular meeting when the resolution was discussed, resident Steve McBride objected to the wording in the resolution that the township "encourages" the project without complete information about it. Township Solicitor Tom Farley explained that the language in the resolution resembles the Dingman Township resolution that Delaware Township officials examined beforehand and felt it would send a clearer message to the Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission LLC (MAIT) overseeing the project if the resolutions are worded similarly.
Supervisors were asked if they knew of any other municipality that has passed or is planning to pass a resolution opposed to the project. "Not yet," said board Chairman John Henderson and felow supervisor Rick Koehler with smiles.
It was mentioned after the meeting that Shohola Township had inquired about examining a copy of Delaware Township's resolution.
An informational meeting for residents was held on Tuesday night this week regarding the Shawnee-Walker Transmission Line Project at the Delaware Township Municipal Building. Supervisors approved a motion allowing the Tuesday meeting requested by Met-Ed/First Energy Service Company during last Wednesday's regular meeting.
One other meeting was held in January and drew a large gathering.
The previous meeting drew comments and questions, but few were answered by a representative of First Energy, who preferred bringing the notes he took back to his offices for answers.
The resolution, in closing, said the supervisors "recognize that there are economic and lifestyle benefits to the township from the proposed power upgrade but also recognized the negative impact that is current location places upon the township, especially the directly affected residents."
Supervisor Joe Dunne recommended residents wait until after the upcoming meeting to form their conclusions.
A regional manager from First Energy Corp. fielded feedback and questions but had few answers while taking notes, saying he would return with answers to their concerns of risks living near electromagnetic lines.
"This is all in the very early stages," said Henderson during the workshop, pointing out that no permits have been issued. Construction would begin in 2024 and be completed by the end of 2025. according to the energy companies.
Also at the regular meeting, supervisors unanimously passed a motion to remove Dillon Miller as the Delaware Township Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator.
A motion to advertise bid specifications for Mary Stuart Road on PennBid through the township's engineer was approved by the supervisors.
Also, a motion passed to approve the Hartman Family to adopt Mary Stuart Road under the Delaware Township Adopt-a-Road Program.
Supervisors authorized the township to go on a list to pay $10,050 to rent through COSTARS a machine to seal the cracks on township roadways. It would cover 24 miles in each direction and take two weeks, according to Roadmaster Richard Bailo in a discussion during the workshop.
Bailo said during the workshop that potholes are being filled every day and he also is looking into the possibility of installing a prefabricated walking bridge at the Akenac Park lake.
"We've got a lot going on right now," said said.
A proposal from Advanced Recycling in the amount of $1,800 for an electronic recycling day was approved. It will take place on June 10 at Dingman Township, which is partnering on the recycling event.
Kirk, Summa & Co, LLP was approved $8,000 for the 2022 audit of records.
Septic Medic's $1,000 estimate to pump and remove trash from township ball parks was approved.
Supervisors passed motions to advertise for part-time seasonal lifeguards, a part-time seasonal park supervisor and part-time seasonal maintenance staffing.
A request for a Wild Acres Lakes Property Owners Association meeting at the municipal hall on May 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a board of directors meet the candidates was approved, along with a municipal hall use request by the Delaware Cemetery Association Board of Managers on April 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. for a meeting.
The Matthew Oehlmann Memorial Softball League was approved a request for use of township fields on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., beginning April 16 and going through Aug. 27.
Under Announcements at the end of the regular meeting, Henderson said that Delaware Township was awarded the statewide Loan Share Account LSA grant (from casino gaming revenue) for the Akenac Park Road Culvert Replacement Project in the amount of $176,755.
Also, the township is accepting letters of interest for vacancies on the Zoning Hearing Board and the Planning Commission.
Henderson also announced that the Working Pike Job Fair will be held Tuesday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Best Western Inn at Hunt’s Landing..
He said the Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps annual Easter Plant & Bake Sale will take place Friday, April 7 from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ambulance Station, 135 Park Road.
Ding-Del Historical Seeks Digital Signage On 739
Ding-Del Historical Seeks Digital Signage on 739
By Wayne Witkowski - The Pike County Dispatch
DINGMANS FERRY -- The Dingmans Ferry-Delaware Township Historical Society may be well recognized by those "in the know" around Pike County who appreciate its displays and well-attended monthly programs, but it seeks better exposure among more local residents who may not even know it exists.
Headquartered in a building in Akenac Park,. it will host an Irish program in honor of St. Patrick's Day performed by acclaimed, professional storyteller Jonathan Kruk at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Delaware Township Municipal Building. Those who regularly attend the historical society's programs may have seen him at a previous one telling stories such as the one of the Headless Horseman as well as historical stories.
Historical society President Tim Singleton has explored ways of reaching out to the casual observers and at the Delaware Township Board of Supervisors workshop prior to its regular meeting on Wednesday last week, Singleton asked that an ordinance prohibiting electronic signage in rural residential ares, which includes the Akenac Park location, be amended to allow him to put up a permanent electronic sign that may be purchased by the society to go below the Akenac Park sign on busy Route 729.
Singleton said he found one California company that would make that type of sign that is 5 1/2 to 6 feet by 2 feet and would illuminate both ways for motorists driving either direction. He said it costs $3,000 to $3,500. He said it is the only sign size the historical society can afford in its budget.
Discussion took up much of the 45-minute workshop.
"We're not looking for a gaudy sign but to get out a message when something is happening that can be seen in both directions," said Singleton. He said the society, which launched in 1994, "has built quite a reputation around the area, including Milford and Shohola, and I'm asking to allow for a sign."
Singleton said the sign would announce the monthly shows hosted by the historical society and can be used at other times by the Dingmans Ferry Theatre for its shows at the park as well.
"I see signage like that for other municipalities and it's beautiful," said Supervisor Joe Dunne, who expressed support for the idea.
"You realize you can't see the sign coming (on Route 739) and I don't think it fits where you want it," said Supervisor Rick Koehler.
Singleton said that brush would have to be cut back. He said afterward that he hoped the historical society might get additional funding from the theatre and/or the township toward buying a bigger sign.
Resident Steve Tarquini later cautioned that "I would not want a driver looking off the road (at the sign) with me going the opposite direction." Tarquini. said it would be more problematic for those drivers trying to read the sign while travelling in the eastbound lane farther away from the park and the sign.
Board of Supervisors Chairman John Henderson said the two-way sign idea "is opening up a Pandra's box."
Roadmaster Rich Bailo said he was aware of Singleton's idea. He said the sign could get an electric feed from Akenac Park.
"I was looking into the sign like the one the (township) fire department has and what we need to do for it as an in-house project," said Bailo. "I've been doing a lot of research on it."
Henderson suggested the proposal go to the township's Planning Commission.
During the regular meeting, supervisors approved a municipal hall use request by Met-Ed/First Energy Service Company on March 28 from 5-9 p.m. for a Public Informational Session regarding the Shawnee-Walker 69-kilovolt Transmission Line Reliability Project. It will be the second public meeting on the proposed 30-mile power line after the first one drew a large turnout in late January.
A regional manager from First Energy Corp., fielded feedback and questions but had few answers while taking notes, saying he would return with answers. Concerns centered around lowered property values and medical problems reported by many people who reside in other areas near electromagnetic lines.
The line would run along many homeowners' rights-of-way through parts of Shohola Township, Milford Township, Dingmns Township, Delaware Township, Lehman Township and Monroe County municipalities Middle Smithfield Township and East Stroudsburg Borough and is designed to reduce power outages for 13,000 customers in the two counties. Construction would begin in 2024 and be completed by the end of 2025.
PUBLIC NOTICE 3/8/23
Public Notice
Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission, LLC., a FirstEnergy Company (MAIT), will hold an Open House public informational meeting to discuss its Shawnee-Walker 69 kV Transmission Line Project. MAIT has completed an evaluation of the existing electrical transmission system in Monroe and Pike counties and identified a need to construct the new Shawnee-Walker 69 kV Transmission Line. The approximately 30-mile line will provide a new transmission source extending from the existing Shawnee Substation in East Stroudsburg to the existing Walker Substation in Dingman Township. The new transmission line will enhance system capacity, reduce overloading conditions and mitigate reliability concerns on the existing distribution systems. After the events of Winter Storm Riley and Winter Storm Quinn in 2018, which left tens of thousands of Met-Ed customers without power in Pike and Monroe counties for an extended period, FirstEnergy identified a need for enhanced transmission service in the area, among other commitments, which is aligned with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s 2019 recommendations following the storms.
The project will enhance operational flexibility and will be able to provide electric service from both the north and south, which will aid restoration efforts if a portion of the transmission line becomes damaged or requires maintenance. The project will also provide additional capacity to accommodate future load growth.
MAIT will host this public informational meeting on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Delaware Township Office Building 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328. The purpose of this public informational meeting is to provide members of the community with information and answer questions concerning the Project.
Attendees to the Open House will have the opportunity to learn more about the project and have the opportunity to speak to company representatives. The Open House will not include a formal presentation. Interested parties are invited to visit the event any time between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., as convenient.
For those that cannot attend in-person, MAIT has prepared a virtual public meeting that provides information on the Project. The virtual platform, which has been available since July 2022, contains the same information that will be available at the in-person meeting, including an interactive map that can be used to locate specific properties and the relationship to the project. This virtual public meeting includes instructions on how to contact MAIT with questions, concerns or to schedule a meeting.
The virtual public meeting can be found at:
https://firstenergy.consultation.ai/shawnee
The virtual public meeting room, interactive map and up-to-date Project information also can be found online at:
https://www.firstenergycorp.com/about/transmission_projects/pennsylvania/shawnee-walker.html.
Please feel free to submit questions or comments you may have to
Retention Ponds Allowed in Business Buffer Areas
Retention Ponds Allowed in Business Buffer Areas
By Wayne Witkowski
The Pike County Dispatch 3/2/23
DINGMANS FERRY -- Business owners in Delaware Township are able to set up a stormwater retention pond on their property, according to amendments to a township zoning ordinance approved after a public hearing during Wednesday night's meeting.
Business property owners also will no longer have material storage on the property permitted under the ordinance.
The motion for the amendment to the Delaware Township Zoning Ordinance 110.8(B) said it includes stormwater maintenance facilities as an exception to the term “structure” and also eliminates material storage areas. It passed unanimously after the public hearing during which a resident pressed supervisors about the need to amend the ordinance.
Township Alternate Solicitor Christian Weed presented and talked about the ordinance amendments during the hearing. After the meeting, Board of Supervisors Chairman John Henderson said, "Zoning (ordinance) 110.8(B) pertains to buffers and screening. Allowing material storage considered unsightly is inconsistent with the purpose of 110.8 (B).
"Water maintenance facilities, on the other hand, would be virtually invisible."
The amendments had been approved by the township Planning Commission before going back to the supervisors for final approval.
"What was the reason for the storage areas, what properties did you have in mind," resident Steve Tarquini asked the supervisors.
"Any properties," responded Board of Supervisors Chairman John Henderson.
"We had nothing specifically in mind," said Supervisor Rick Koehler.
Henderson later said business property owners that have had storage areas would be "grandfathered" and can continue to have them, "We're just trying to help them out," he said.
Although supervisors said they had no specific property owner in mind, the stormwater management issue had come up at an early January meeting involving a proposed 24-hour fitness gym to be built on Route 739. The applicant received conditional approval, with many stipulations, to relocate from a site on Dingmans to a larger facility in the township in response to their growing business.
Much discussion of the conditions focused on stormwater management facilities in the buffer area in which the applicant was told a variance would be obtained while the township ordinance would be amended in 60 days to suit the project, which occurred at last week's meeting.
"Someone bought (property) and their stormwater situation could be better handled if a drainage stormwater retention pond is approved," said Henderson.
Storage area was not part of that discussion.
Also, during the meeting, supervisors approved a letter of support to the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance for their Keystone Communities Grant application to fund a façade improvement program in Wayne and Pike counties.
"The (www.paroute6.com) alliance seeks to 'spruce up' historic Route 6 across Pennsylvania by providing grants to eligible entities," explained Henderson afterward.
Supervisors agreed to purchase Doolan Road signage from Main Stream Industries, Inc. (via Costars) for $1,553.50.
They also approved the purchase of 50 white delineators (white vertical road posts) for $1,350 from Main Stream Industries Inc. (via Costars).
An estimate from JALVO Inc. for $6,300 to install a repeater was tabled. In prior meetings, Roadmaster Richard Bailo has discussed poor reception of radio transmission to township vehicles in certain areas and the need for a second repeater.
Jeff Opitz's resignation from the Delaware Township Planning Commission, effective immediately, was accepted and supervisors approved advertising to fill the vacancy.
Township Administrator Krista Predmore was approved as the Delaware Township representative to the Pike County Council of Government.
The 2022 financial audit of Delaware Township was accepted and a motion was passed to advertise the 2022 concise financial statement for Delaware Township.
An Akenac Park use request by the Pocono Environmental Education Center for Summer Camp on July 3 through Aug. 18 for approximately 22-24 campers was approved by the supervisors. It includes a morning session from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. They'll take place on Wednesdays for seventh to ninth graders (morning) and 3- to 5-year-olds (afternoon), on Thursdays from fifth to sixth graders (morning) and first and second graders (afternoon) and on Fridays for third and fourth graders (morning) and an alternative rain date (afternoon).
Supervisors agreed to adopt the Pennsylvania Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) Trustees Insurance Fund Disclosure Statement for 2022 as required by Chapter 7-A of Act 44 of 2009, the Municipal Pension Plan Funding Standard and Recovery Act.
They agreed to advertise for a full-time job opening for a Public Works employee.
Resolution No. 2023-02 for the destruction of documents was passed.