Supervisors Sign Treaty With Lenape
Supervisors Sign Treaty With Lenape
By Wayne Witkowski
At the July 18 regular meeting, Delaware Township supervisors signed a treaty with the Lenape Native American tribe recognizing the tribe. Chief Adam Waterbear DePaul presented a large, traditionally styled treaty to the supervisors and they signed a similar one on one standard page drafted by the township. Township Solicitor Tom Farley noted some differences in the township treaty, particularly in terms of tribal observances in schools.
The original Lenape tribe, indigenous to this area, migrated to Oklahoma as part of the Walking Purchase treaty with William Penn back in the 1732 that moved tribes westward and eventually was disputed by historians. Some Lenape tribe members remained in this area and their descendants are the ones establishing a treaty with the township, although that tribe supposedly is not recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Tim Singleton, president of the Dingmans Ferry-Delaware Township Historical Society, said the Pennsylvania Lenapes "are not recognized by the tribe in Oklahoma as a true Lenape tribe." Singleton investigated the matter and reached out to the Oklahoma tribe, which finally responded to Singleton 15 minutes before the start of the Delaware Township supervisors meeting and said they can speak the next day. Singleton recommended the township move forward with the signing. "I don't believe that to be accurate," said Singleton of the Oklahoma tribe's refusal to recognize the Pennsylvania tribe. "I recommend the treaty to be signed without hesitation," he said, regarding them as "true Native Americans to this area."
The treaty, which is in effect for four years until July 12, 2027, recognizes the Lenape as original inhabitants of eastern Pennsylvania" and "acknowledge(s) the Lenape people as the indigenous stewards of their homelands and also as the spiritual keepers of the Lena'pe Sippu or Delaware River."
"We do hereby commit to actively supporting our Lenape sisters and brothers in whatever way we are able to."
That includes hosting cultural/educational programs, partnering as caretakers of the Lenape homeland and Delaware River, assisting in Lenape language revival projects and in displays/exhibits of Lenape culture by attending functions and providing volunteer services and support, according to the treaty.
Chief Waterbear DePaul, who resides in Brodheadsville in neighboring Monroe County, said afterward that there is an annual Lenape pow-wow that takes place in Jim Thorpe in September.
Supervisors and the Lenape tribe also share opposition to the National Park Service's pursuit of turning the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DEWA), into a national park. Board o Supervisors Chairman John Henderson has said that shared commitment to resist the changeover further encouraged establishing the treaty.
During the meeting, it was learned that drivers of tractor trailers and other large trucks pounding Delaware Township side roads, which is contrary to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation detours of the Milford Road/Route 2001 bridge reconstruction, will face tougher travel restrictions.
Township supervisors at their next board meeting on July 26 are expected to pass a series of ordinances limiting vehicle weight limits to 10 tons during bridge repairs by PennDOT that it projects to be completed sometime in November. Signs have been posted in the past for that weight limit, but are stipulated only for peak winter months when roads are most vulnerable to damage from heavy vehicles.
Another ordinance would limit the length of trucks to 24 feet.
The posted roads would include three township roads: Johnny Bee/Mary Stuart Road, Chestnuthill Road and Myck Road. Myck Road will undergo serious rehabilitation in the upcoming months, including a straightening of the rod's dangerous curves. Delineators recently were installed on the curved stretch of Myck Road.
Truckers will be allowed a half-ton over the posted weight limit. Supervisors agreed that most tractor trailers would have to be empty to perhaps meet that weight limit.
"Once those ordinances are passed, the signs can go up the next day," said Delaware Township Roadmaster Rick Bailo.
Jason A. Snyder, P.E., an engineer employed by the Commonwealth, gave a report to the supervisors during their recent regular meeting on Wednesday last week to discuss the problem of large trucks taking short cuts on township roads around the detour.
All parties said the Pennsylvania State Police agreed to get more involved in patrolling the area to enforce the limits once signage is posted. Snyder said summonses can run to $250. Trucks would receive a $155 ticket for "failure to heed."
A large barricade sign is posted at the corner of Bushkill Rod and State Route 201/Milford Road, warning drivers of the bridge detour 10 miles ahead. Drivers of large trucks heading northbound toward Milford who fail to heed that sign and continue on Milford Road to the closed bridge, must eventually follow PennDOT detour signage. That signage would turn them 10 miles back, then make a right turn onto Bushkill Falls Road and continue on that looping detour to Silver Lake Road.
"Our point is to get the message across," said Snyder.
There will be an allowance only for trucks making a local delivery, fire trucks on emergency calls, forestry vehicles, utility vehicles, school buses and large military vehicles. Bailo said UPS trucks and propane trucks involving local delivery are exempt. "My goal is to make this as simple for the township as possible," said Snyder.
Snyder conducted a study of township roads and said on that day that there were three large flatbed trucks carrying modular homes on township roads.
Bailo pointed out there already is signage posted on Park Road banning trucks to travel past the quarry unless they are making local deliveries. He said the truck traffic on local roads, particularly the three aforementioned roads, has accelerated their deterioration.
Also at the meeting, supervisors accepted the semi-annual report by Delaware Township Volunteer Fire Company Chief Michael Cairns, who reported a somewhat high number of calls -- 96 -- since Jan. 1. He said "daytime still is very difficult" and there are fewer available firefighters during the daytime because many volunteers commute to their regular jobs outside the area. Despite the decline of volunteerism among fire companies throughout the state, he said three new members have been added to Delaware Township's company and membership is "continually growing," although more members are needed. Members have had 1,300 total hours of training and that they are "asked to be a jack of all trades" for various firefighting duties.
But he said Delaware Township's company "is not set for heavy rescue" like some companies in neighboring townships.
Supervisors, during the meeting, also agreed to pay the second-quarter tax distribution to the fire company for $129,573.92.
Supervisors also approved a third quarter 2023 funding request from Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corp. in accordance with the Pike County EMS grant program in the amount of $107,500 -- a $53,750 split between the township and the Pike County Commissioners Emergency Medical Services Funding. The funding annually matches the equivalent of two mills on property taxes to go toward emergency services.
Supervisors discussed options of either continuing to take the subsidy out of the township's General Fund or to create a separate EMS tax. If the EMS tax exceeds .5 mills, it must go to voter referendum in the November General Election.
Supervisors approved a donation from the Delaware Township Recreation Fund to the Wounded Warrior Project in the amount of $1,037 raised at the first annual Car Show on July 1. Henderson said the event was a "phenomenal success" with a strong turnout.
Supervisors approved paying Theurkauf Design & Planning's invoice of $13,521.82 for work on the Delaware Township Comprehensive Plan update. The township projects the plan to be completed by the end of the year.
Also approved was a $5,000 upgrade of the Delaware Township website to Joomla 4 by Niki Jones Agency.
A quote #Q1715671 from Barcodes in the amount of $1,690.00 for Akenac Park resident stickers was approved.
A municipal hall use request by Wild Acres Lake Property Owners Association was approved for July 14, 21 and 28 from 6-9:30 p.m. for committee meetings.
Henderson said during the workshop that new rules established by the state Liquor Control Board "help us" in terms of loud noise from establishments serving liquor. The amended Section 3 limits the sound of music or other entertainment from an establishment "not (to) exceed 75 decibels beyond the licensee's property line." It applies for 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on days except Fridays and Saturdays when the timeframe is from 10 a.m. to midnight. Henderson said he was involved with an incident beyond those late hours in his neighborhood and when he called State Police, an officer was dispatched and the loudness stopped.
The township considered a noise ordinance last year that was shelves over details.
Also during the workshop, supervisors discussed an electronic gate that would go up and down at the entrance to Akenac Park to reduce problems of traffic entering the park. It would cost $2,630.
Under Announcements, the township is accepting letters of interest for a vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board.
Bridge Repair Creates Long Detour
Bridge Repair Creates Long Detour
The Pike County Dispatch
By Wayne Witkowski
DINGMANS FERRY -- As if Delaware Township residents and other motorists traversing the township did not have enough inconvenience with the lengthy closure of Wilson Hill Road by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for repairs through late last year, they now have a new hurdle.
The bridge on Milford Road/State Route 2001 spanning a low area of the roadway located between Myck and Silver Lake roads has been closed recently for repairs. Instead, an orange mesh fencing blocks Milford Road with a road closure sign, forcing drivers to take a detour.
A greater concern for the township is truck traffic, particularly heavy trucks. Instead of following the detour marked by signs that sends trucks traveling north on Milford Road all the way back through Lehman Township and up to Route 402 for a long, looping rout. Trucks traveling southward from Milford have to take Silver Spring Road to Route 402, or Route 739 to Interstate 84. They cannot use Route 209 because the National Park Service bans rucks on that road through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Truckers taking a shorter detour of their own are putting punishing wear and tear on township roads.
"They're not taking PennDOT's 30-mile route but they're taking a 10-mile detour on our roads," said township Roadmaster Rick Bailo during a workshop that preceded the township's Board of Supervisors' regular meeting.
Township Administrator Krista Predmore said PennDOT estimated the bridge project "is expected to last six months" until the start of the holiday season sometime in November.
Bailo talked about posting 10-ton weight limit signs to be enforced around the township. Supervisors talked about issuing a bond to Dingmans Ferry Stone to allow their trucks to detour on local roads.
"Can we get the state to help us by fixing the roads," asked resident Steve Tarquini.
"That's the idea behind this," said Bailo.
"This is a work in progress," concluded board Chairman John Henderson.
Added to that inconvenience, drivers heading through neighboring Monroe County to Interstate 80 cannot take Hollow Road as a bypass to busy Route 209 because PennDOT has likewise closed that road at the midpoint for a bridge reconstruction. That bypass from Hollow Road onto River Road to Interstate 80 is regarded as a less time-consuming drive.
Also at the meeting, bids were scheduled to be opened for refurbishing Mary Stuart Road. Only one was received from Kobalt Construction for $388,132. The bid was tabled to the next supervisors meeting on June 28, pending further examination of it.
Supervisors approved a request by Dingman Delaware Little League to use township fields on July 25 for the 8-10-year-old regional championships.
They also approved the Delaware Township Volunteer Fire Police providing traffic control at the Car Show scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 1 at the township municipal parking area on Wilson Hill Road. Proceeds from the show will go to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Also approved was Triversity's request to use Akenac Park on Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., for its annual picnic and for the Dingmans Ferry-Delaware Township
Historical Society to use the municipal hall from noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 17.
During the workshop, Predmore talked about replacing three automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and installing four other new ones at key locations around the township that would cost about $6,000. It will be on the next agenda for an approval vote.
Dingmans Ferry Theatre Director Dennis Lee talked about the Internet service that began a week earlier for the theatre cabin in Akenac Park that he said "will help what we're doing."
A treaty with the Native American Lenape tribe proposed to the township also will be on the agenda for the next meeting. A one-page copy of the treaty was received by the township when supervisors attended a meeting with the Native American tribe. The treaty establishes the Lenape's legacy as an indigenous tribe in the area. "There are eight to 10 elements we agree with," said Henderson favorable. The treaty includes objection to efforts to establish the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation area as a national park.
Delaware Plaza Clinic Wins Approval
Delaware Plaza Clinic Wins Approval
The Pike County Dispatch
By Wayne Witkowski
DINGMANS FERRY -- Southern Pike County residents will have quicker, direct access for their basic medical needs sometime this year.
The Delaware Township Board of Supervisors, after a half-hour public hearing during their regular meeting last week, unanimously approved a conditional use for a medical clinic to open at Delaware Plaza, anchored by Weis Market, on Route 739. The approval allows Route 739 LLC to convert contiguous, empty storefronts at the plaza into a medical facility that will provide services such as general urgent care, blood testing and imaging that includes X-rays, CAT scans and sonograms.
Some urgent care centers in the region provide help for broken bones. The influx of patients dramatically increased at the neighboring Middle Smithfield Township Urgent Care in Monroe County during the COVID-19 outbreak where it provided testing and results for many visitors before mass produced test kits were made available to the public.
Milford attorney John Stieh, who represented Route 739 LLP's developer of the plaza opened two years ago, said Northwell Health, based in Long Island, N.Y., would be the provider. Stieh was unable to give an official name for what he called a "medical clinic" that likely will include the Northwell logo.
"We looked at the project for several years and felt it was a viable one for there," said Stieh during the hearing.
Stieh clarified that it "is not going to be a major medical facility of an extreme nature, like an emergency room of a hospital."
"We hope to have it open in 2023, in the foreseeable future," said Stieh when asked after the meeting. "There's a lot to do with some of the equipment they're bringing in."
Township Solicitor Tom Farley said in a previous meeting that some conditions might be stipulated determine an approval, but no conditions were attached to this approval by him or township supervisors.
Farley was upbeat about the approval process leading up to the public hearing, saying that a facility like that has been needed by the community.
The urgent care center would provide what Stieh called "ancillary use" to support and relieve the strain on ambulance service or admission to Wayne Memorial and other hospitals in the region for basic medical needs.
In conducting the meeting, Farley said that the township Planning Board "recommended" the proposal and that roads and infrastructure, including parking, are already in place from the original plan for the plaza that was approved five years ago.
Stieh presented project engineer Joseph Hudak of Kiley Associates LLC for testimony and Hudak affirmed, when asked, that the proposal is in compliance with the township comprehensive plan, is suitable for the property and is "sorely needed for this area." Hudak said no variances or waivers are needed and that it would not impact on local road traffic or safety for motorists. He said suitable parking already is in place.
During a public questioning segment at the hearing, resident Liz Forrest asked if the facility would operate 24 hours a day and Stieh said he "can't answer" that. She asked if a traffic study was done and Stieh said not by the developer but that one was conducted by the Pennsylvania Department or Transportation.
Stieh said, when asked, that ambulances will not be dropping off patients for care there but that it is a "walk-in" facility for the public.
Resident Dennis Lee asked, in a hypothetical situation, if someone at the plaza had a heart attack and went to the urgent care facility in need of immediate help, would medical care be administered.
"I can't answer that," said Stieh, but he said an ambulance likely would be dispatched to the facility for care and transport to a hospital.
The facility is expected to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) to provide temporary help until the ambulance would arrive.
Also at the meeting, supervisors approved advertising and public comment on the Official Sewage Facilities Plan for Delaware Township regarding the acquisition of Delaware Sewer Company for Wild Acres private community subdivision by Pennsylvania-American Water Company.
They also approved the Pennsylvania-American Water Letter of Water and Sewer Serviceability for Marcel Lake Estates private community. With the private community lifting its building moratorium, supervisors need proof of water and sewerage service for those properties in order to issue building permits. "You tell us you can hook up and give water and we'll give you your building permits," said Farley.
Also approved was bidding out the Akenac Park culvert replacement project on PennBid by the township engineer in compliance with the Monroe Loan Share Account statewide grant contract.
Also for Akenac Park, supervisors approved purchasing 170 yards of certified playground mulch at a cost of $6,120 from D&S Hauling, 22 tons of white beach sand at a cost of $1,254 from D&S Hauling and a steel coal ash receptacle for $545.00. Also approved was replacing an 8-burner event grill for $499.00. They said the existing one was too rusted to be able to be put up for sale.
Supervisors approved amending a previously approved municipal hall use request for Pocono Mountain Lake Estates sections 5,6 & 7 from May 27 to June 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a PMLE board meeting.
In the Announcements section ending the meeting, Board of Supervisors Chairman John Henderson said the township is continue to accept letters of interest for a vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board.
Residents are encouraged to take the Imagine Pike County 2035 Comprehensive Plan Community Survey. Visit Pikepa.org. Community input will help determine priorities for the county as part of its comprehensive plan over the next 10 years. Feedback will help identify how the county will plan roads, utilities, housing, economic development, community facilities and natural resources.
During the workshop prior to the regular meting, Henderson said that the supervisors recently attended a two-hour presentation by the Lenapes, a Native American tribe indigenous to the area. He said the Leanpes are seeking a treaty with the township to recognize that their tribe has been a predecessor to the people occupying the area today.
Henderson said the tribe numbers about 600 people left behind from a larger group of the tribe that resettled in Oklahoma.
"They're opposed to the park," said Henderson, referring to the National Park System changing the classification of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to a national park. "They're all environmentalists from day 1. They want to help the township establish a treaty recognizing their indigenous people. This can (also) help us fight turning the recreation area to a national park."
"They look for partners for support because the state of Pennsylvania has not recognized them," added Supervisor Joseph Dunne.
The treaty is one page and Henderson said the township will continue gathering information toward its decision.
During the work session, Dingmans Ferry Theatre Director Dennis Lee said he'd like easier access to some theatre items kept in the storage building at Akenac Park. Lee suggested a wall separating his items from the township's with a doorway for easier access to bring them to the theatre cabin. "You provide the material, we'll do the labor," said Lee. Roadmaster Rick Bailo said he has "concerns of who is going to do it" from Lee's end of it and perhaps that it might be better for township workers to handle it. Bailo suggested a separate room within the storage area.
Bailo also talked about the winter maintenance agreement of roads with PennDOT, renewed yearly. He said negotiations continue, with a possible solution by the next meeting. PennDOT wants to relinquish any winter weather treatment of Silver Lake Road, which it handles from the Doolan Road intersection down to the Route 739 connect, and Wilson Hil Road, which it treats from Mary Stewart Road down to Route 209.
Bailo said that he does not want the township to take over care of the entire stretch of Wilson Hill Road until PennDOT performs its repair work on the lower end that is scheduled from 2024 to 2025.
Supervisor Candidate Says Myck Road ‘Dangerous’
Supervisor Candidate Says Myck Road ‘Dangerous’
The Pike County Dispatch
By Wayne Witkowski
DINGMANS FERRY -- Myck Road, which has drawn attention for a hazardous 100-foot long curve with a deep dropoff at the edge of the road, again drew discussion at the Delaware Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday last week.
During the Public Comment at the end of the meeting, resident Steve Tarquini, who also was a candidate for township supervisor for Tuesday's Primary Election, questioned when that road would be repaired. Tarquini pointed to a "dangerous" stretch of the lower end of the road near state Route 2001/Milford Road with a dropoff of about nine feet to a flowing stream bed at the roadside. Township Roadmaster Richard Bailo said plastic delineators have been placed along that side of the road, which are seen as white poles with reflectors about 15 feet apart.
Delineators were already in place at a steep dropoff on the other side of Myck Road where it runs in a straight line.
With the end of the winter weather, there is no risk of a car sliding on black ice off the curving road but a speeding driver losing control of his car on the curve risks serious danger from a deadly accident.
Board of Supervisors Chairman John Henderson afterward called the dropoff the " 'grand canyon' that exists on one side of the relatively narrow road with a sharp curve and steep grade."
Henderson said an engineer's report estimates the project would cost $800,000.
Tarquini said Myck Road has been discussed for many years, particularly during meetings the last couple of years, but nothing has been done. Henderson pointed out afterward that Myck Road is a "2023 budget priority item" but Township Administrator Krista Predmore said the startup for the project has been delayed by a lack of funds. "We've tried to get money for it but have not been successful," said Predmore, but she said that the township lately has been "looking at the Pike County Conservation District for certain money to go for it."
"Grant money always helps, but hundreds of small necessities quickly eat up funds available for big projects," said Henderson when asked about it after the meeting.
Tarquini said the project "should not cost anywhere near $1 million" if culvert pipes and culvert boxes would be installed on that part of the roadwork. Tarquini, who said he has been a resident for about 20 years, recalled after the meeting how a patchwork road repair was done about 15 years ago when water running under the road caused the bed to buckle.
"When we do make the decision, we want a good plan, not a quick fix plan," said Henderson of the project that also calls for other roadwork on Myck Road. "We are and have been addressing the safety issue as best we can pending the 'fix.'
Tarquini broadened his remarks to say "the (township) roads need to be maintained better."
But after the meeting, Henderson provided the latest roadmaster report for April that stated that potholes were repaired on Long Meadow Road and Akenac Park as well as some on other roads and that culverts on roads were being cleaned out. It also listed road sealing would be done in September. Long Meadow Road repairs are "in the planning stage" as well as work on Doolan Road signage.
Bailo also mentioned during the meeting that the handicapped parking spots project for the Dingmans Ferry-Delaware Township Historical Society building in Akenac Park and the Recreation Hall, also in the park, are expected to be completed "in the next two weeks."
Also during Public Comment, state Rep. Tara Probst offered a stack of Public Utility Complaint forms that residents could fill out who are opposed to the Shawnee-Walker transmission line project that would run through the township. "We did something like this at Stroudsburg on a much smaller scale," said Probst, who served as mayor of Stroudsburg before being elected state representative.
Supervisors said,when asked, that they have not heard from First Energy since it conducted a public information center at the municipal building in March.
Probst also said that ample funding is available to the township for financial aid as long as projects are stipulated. She said the township is eligible to apply for a Monroe Loan Share Account (casino gaming funds) grant
During the meeting, Bailo and Dan Bellino were approved by the supervisors to attend LTAP Roadside Vegetation Control training on May 31 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pike County Training Center.
Theurkauf Design & Planning will receive $10,149.29 for the comprehensive plan update.
ABS Solutions, LLC's proposal No. 41227 for Microsoft 365 renewal for $1,632.00 was approved.
Supervisors approved Akenac Park use requests by the Dingmans Ferry Theatre for May 15, June 23-24, July 22 and July 29 as well as for Aug. 5 for an outside stage show. A Beatles show will be held there outdoors on July 29 that was postponed from last year. A Gilbert and Sullivan show held last yer that was well received by the public will be presented there again at the theatre cabin on May 27. The date was approved by supervisors at a previous meeting.
Dennis Lee, head of the Dingmans Ferry Theatre, is conducting acting classes for anyone interested indoors at the theatre on Mondays through June starting at 6 p.m.
Under Announcements, Henderson said the township is accepting letters of interest for a vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board.
A public hearing will be held at the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 24 at 7:15 p.m. regarding a conditional use hearing for a proposed 5,200-square-foot medical clinic at Delaware Plaza anchored by the new Weis Market. "They're not changing the outside but they're changing the use so it is considered a conditional use, not a changed use, because there may be conditions required," said township Solicitor Tom Farley.
Henderson also announced that a Zoning Hearing Board Public Hearing will be held on Thursday this week at 4 p.m. regarding an application for a special exception to operate a medical rehabilitation facility at a rural residential property located at 934 Milford Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328 in the 01-Milford Rd. 2001 subdivision in accordance with Section 110.7.A of the Delaware Township Zoning Ordinance.
Take the Imagine Pike County 2035 Comprehensive Plan Community Survey. Visit Pikepa.org
A Concealed Carry and Castle Doctrine Seminar will take place on Aug. 17 from 6-8 p.m. at the Dingman Township Volunteer Fire Department. RSVP is required as seating is limited. Call (570)
226-5959.
Henderson said, when asked by Lee at a workshop prior to the regular meeting, that pickle ball courts for Akenac Park are being considered. "We have to see if the (existing) courts are adequate and safe" to convert them to pickel ball, said Henderson.
Hearing Slated For Northwell Clinic Site
Hearing Slated For Northwell Clinic Site
The Pike County Dispatch
By Wayne Witkowski
DINGMANS FERRY -- Delaware Township residents and their neighbors in Lehman and Dingman townships may have a shorter, quicker and less costly for the gas tank drive to receive basic medical care in the near future.
A medical clinic has been proposed for Delaware Plaza in Route 739 that would unite four vacant storefronts adjacent to the Weis Market that opened in late 2020. It is part of the 10,000 square feet of retail space adjacent to the supermarket. Charles B. Miller, president of Center Point Properties purchased the site back in 2019.
Delaware Township Solicitor Thomas Farley said he understands that Northwell Health, headquartered in Long Island, has leased the four storefronts.
Supervisors at their regular meeting on Wednesday last week approved a public hearing on the proposal at 7:15 p.m. during their regular May 24 meeting for what was termed in the motion a "conditional use." Supervisor Rick Koehler and Len Glamann, chairman of the township's Planning Commission, said it actually is more of a "change of use" to convert the property from retail to medical use.
Koehler, vice chairman of the board, conducted the meeting in the absence of board Chairman John Henderson, who was home with a medical issue. Henderson is expected back at the next scheduled Board of Supervisors meeting on May 10.
The proposed change to the property would help residents avoid going to an emergency room unit at Wayne Memorial Hospital or one of two hospitals in Monroe County or another in New Jersey or calling for an ambulance service for many basic services.
Pike is the only county in the state without a hospital.
An urgent care medical unit currently is about 15 miles away in on Route 209 in Middle Smithfield Township, with licensed medical staff servicing patients with medical ailments such as viruses, including the COVID-19 virus, the flu and bronchial conditions and serving those who need medical exams.
"It seems like a win-win, something that's been long overdue," said Farley, when residents asked about the hearing.
In a recent meeting Lehman Pike EMS Administrator Sue Duffy had with Lehigh Valley Health Care network representatives regarding that township's ambulance corps. Duffy said she was told Lehigh Valley has been studying southern Pike County for an emergency care hub, but not a hospital, based on the high call volume.
Also during the regular meeting, Akenac Park use requests by the Dingmans Ferry Theatre were approved for Sept. 21 through 30 and Oct. 1 for the theatre cabin in Akenac Park, pending receipt of all required paperwork.
Dennis Lee, head of the Dingmans Ferry Theatre, presented an update during the workshop prior to the regular meeting and also had some questions. Lee asked if the theatre cabin would have a roof replacement as committed by the board last year. "I'd have to check," said Koehler.
Lee also asked if a 20-foot by 40-foot commercial tent could be set up next to the cabin and township Roadmaster Richard Bailo said he'd look into it. Lee said he still was awaiting reimbursement, as promised, for paperwork he submitted for refurbishing the stage area with new lumber. The work cost $180 and supervisors said they would search out that submission.
Supervisors approved Akenac Park septic pumping from Septic Medic at approximately $1,575 for the recreation hall and at approximately $787.50 for the park's bath house.
A motion passed to approve Paolo Insigna to adopt Johnny Bee Road under the Delaware Township Adopt-a-Road program.
Enid Resto was rehired as the seasonal part-time Akenac Park Supervisor at $15.50 per hour and Skyler Bower was rehired as seasonal part-time head lifeguard at Akenac Park at $13.00 per hour.
During the Announcements segment of the meeting, Koehler said the township is accepting letters of interest for a vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board.
Koehler also said a Concealed Carry and Castle Doctrine Seminar will be held 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 17, at the Dingman Township Volunteer Fire Department. RSVP is required as seating is limited. Call (570) 226-5959.
During the workshop, Supervisors Koehler and Joe Dunne and township Administrator Krista Predmore discussed the township's winter maintenance agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for Wilson Hill Road.
"PennDOT wants us to do the entire road," said Koehler. The township has been treating the upper half of the road and PennDOT has taken the lower half off Route 209. Koehler said the condition of the lower half is a risk for damaging the township's trucks. Predmore said PennDOT is trying to force the township to take over the entire road because "they don't have enough drivers."
With the winter season a half-year away, they agreed to spend more time on further discussion at upcoming meetings.
Predmore also left on the front table for residents a three-page handout of the township budget for the first quarter of 2023.
"We're status quo at this point," said Predmore. "We received more tax money this year than last quarter. We always try to keep things on the low side but things are getting more expensive."
Total income for the quarter came in at $213,812 and total expenses at $312,608.65, a shortfall of $98,796.27. Predmore pointed out that there is a carryover of unallocated funds that would be calculated in later.
The final budget for the year shows an income of $1,684,563.67 against expenses of $1,516,710.28, a surplus of just under $168,000.