Township of Juniata

The board discussed several key topics including the Point Road Project, for which the engineer requested permission to amend the LSA grant application due to increased project costs. The solicitor provided updates on the development of a weight limit ordinance for roads, a holding tank ordinance, and progress on property cleanup compliance. New business items included planning for upcoming road projects, the development of an inspection schedule for short-term rentals and campgrounds, and a review of campground expansion timelines. Various administrative and operational reports were presented, covering permits issued, maintenance tasks such as road tile replacement, and the status of grant applications.

The meeting included reports from the engineer regarding the Point Road project and potential alternative methods for piling, as well as solicitor reports on various agreements, ordinances, and property violation enforcement. The board approved the bidding process for road projects, including work on Crestwood Estates and lining Henderson Hollow Road. Enforcement updates were provided regarding Short Term Rental permits, amusement taxes, sewage enforcement, and construction code compliance, with specific action taken to inspect a property for unauthorized construction. Additionally, the roadmaster discussed potential machinery for maintenance on River Road.

Key discussions included the Point Road Project, where alternatives to a retaining wall, such as steel sheet piling, were researched due to cost-effectiveness concerns with the initial recommendation. The Ferguson Campground Right to Know Request remains without new developments, and the case involving Gail Galloway vs. Duane Dysard, Juniata Township, has been closed following the execution of a general release. In new business, the Supervisors proposed amending the Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance to include penalties for violations. The public forum addressed water run-off complaints at Riverview Heights and updated box alarms for the Smithfield Fire Company. Enforcement reports detailed STR permit activities, amusement tax collection, and several sewage enforcement actions, including a permitted home design, an observed unpermitted camper/toilet, and permitting issues related to septic systems for Honeybear Campground and a property on Nikki Lane. The board also approved amending the holding tank ordinance to permit a restroom facility at the township shed.

The meeting included the presentation and acceptance of the financial report. The Engineer Report covered the Point Road Project, noting that Requisition #1 for the LSA grant was filed, and indicated that a report on retaining wall design alternatives would be ready for the next meeting. The Solicitor Report addressed a split decision regarding a Right to Know Request from Ferguson Campground, leading to the Board of Supervisors' decision to file an appeal. During the Public Forum, a resident inquired about township ordinances regarding the burning of a structure. New Business focused on a procedural change to ensure that items discussed in reports are tracked through Old Business until resolution. Reports detailed STR renewal mailings and follow-up concerning compliance for properties previously reported as non-rentals. The Roadmaster reported on new equipment and material purchases, including salt and anti-skid, and discussed ongoing issues with the backhoe's fuel pump solenoid.

The November meeting covered several key items, including the approval of the financial report. The Engineer Report addressed the Point Road Project, detailing landslide concerns and exploring cost-effective retaining wall solutions like hard armoring technology, requiring grant funding adjustments. The Solicitor Report involved filing a response to an RTK appeal concerning Ferguson Campground and approving a resolution granting an extension for the Stoner/Ridgeview Campground expansion project. During the public forum, concerns were raised regarding the signing of DEP paperwork for Ferguson Campground. New business included the approval of a standard DEP planning module resolution for Brian Fisher and authorization for the secretary to execute related planning module documents. Reports detailed STR enforcement activities, including permit issuance and follow-up on renewals. Sewage Enforcement discussed compliance efforts for Dr. Anderson, design updates for Dysard Campground, and jurisdictional clarification for Corbin Road lots. The board also approved the purchase of a spreader for the service truck for $7,900.00 installed. Old business involved updates on the status of House Bill #1424 regarding Amusement Tax Impacts.