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Attendees:
Stephen Phillips called the meeting to order on the above date and time wishing everyone a Happy New Year and proceeded to follow the order of business. Secretary, Palmira Miller read the minutes from the previous meeting held December 13, 2005. The minutes were amended to read the Sewer Authority and the Municipal Authority, also the tape recording the township minutes. Joe Maloney moved that the minutes be approved as amended and placed on file. Faye seconded the motion with all members present voting in the affirmative. Treasurer, Steve Masakowski read and presented the treasurers report. · As of January 10th 2006, the organization has a total of $4,180.53. $3,941.37 in the General Fund, $239.16 in the Printing Reserve. · The organization ended the year over $1,800.00 in the black. · The Fiscal Year 2005 Report will be presented at the next meeting. With a full year of history a budget can now be developed and for future reports a comparison between 2006 and the same time in 2005 will be done. · The organization has 11 active members for 2006. Dues are being accepted. Sia made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report as presented and placed on file. Mary Jo seconded the motion with all members present voting in the affirmative.
Bills & Communications, Steve M. reported: · Two (2) thank you letters were prepared to send to John Sidonas and Paul Roccograndi, owners of the Dollar Store in Glen Lyon, for their donation of $250.00.
The 1st Vice President, Russ Sager reported: · The Citizens Voice published an article on the demolition at 92-94 Coal St that took place before Christmas. Our Organization did not receive recognition on that project.
The 2nd Vice President, Tom Kashatus reported: · At the last commissioners meeting he voted yes to accept Richard Zika’s contract as the Township Manager for another year. He read a portion of this letter as to why he voted yes and then passed it around for members to read. · His intention is to tape record the township meetings and to publish a hard copy of the minutes on the website, along with our organization minutes. He also spoke to the firemen about placing their minutes on the site. · A copy of the budget was passed around and stated he found more reasons to vote no. o The deadline to amend the budget is February 15th. Changes can be made up to 25% on each line item and 10% overall. · Members discussed the vacant commissioner’s seat, the five (5) candidates, and the possibility of commissioners holding public interviews in order to fill that seat. · Members discussed having a full time Code Enforcement Officer and how Mr. Zika, the Township Manager is unable to do both. · Members discussed the following concerns about Mr. Zika: 1. Hiding money in the budget in order to give himself an 8% raise while the cost of living is 3.5%. 2. Placing his salary in escrow until he does his job. 3. Not fulfilling the job description listed under the Township Manager’s Ordinance. 4. When he will be evaluated and by whom. 5. The Lack of Code Enforcement, jeopardizing the health and safety of the residents and how the township is losing money. 6. The importance of keeping the database up to date. 7. Itemizing his administrative costs listed under the refuse and recyclable budget. 8. Residents having input on how their money is being spent in the township. · Tom asked members to be the spearhead for the future planning in the Township. o Stephen P. responded, representing the group, we are willing to do this but we can only propose to the commissioners they have to impose. · Murph spoke on the following issues: o How we can get involved with receiving grant money. o Becoming 501c3 tax exempt. o Having the trash cleaned up at the cemetery on Brown Row by the inmates. o At Christmas time having a horse drawn sleigh ride and a bonfire at the rec park. o Invite all the local churches to have a Potato Pancake Festival.
Publicity Chairman, John Jarecki reported on: 1. Announcements were published twice in the Times Leader and none in the Citizens Voice. 2. Pictures were taken at the dollar store and were sent to the paper. 3. The Winter Newsletter o 800 newsletters were distributed at 36 locations. o The cost of printing was $220.00. It is still under budget. o 5 ads were not paid for to date. o One (1) to two (2) more volunteers are needed to write articles and one (1) for ads.
Unfinished Business · Faye Maloney reported the Christmas Decorations Contest winners will be invited and announced at the next meeting held January 24th. · .Carolyn is accepting recipes for the cookbook.
Trustees, Frances and Bob had nothing to report. Stephen P. asked the trustees to take a look at the books for the next meeting.
No Old Business
New Business · Heidi brought up a fund raiser idea of selling license plate frames. They can be purchased for $1.50 and sold for $3.00. The logo can be “Newport Township on the Move”. · Murph reported he was collecting signatures in Wanamie for the petition on healthcare prices. He knocked on the door of three (3) elderly women and was surprised when they yelled out “come on in”. It was suggested to place an article in the next newsletter educating residents on the importance of locking doors and not letting just anyone into your home. Also asking Arnold Morrucci, tax collector, if he can hand flyers out at his office. · Russ thanked Stephen P and the community organization for submitting a letter to the Township Commissioners for supporting him to be named the next commissioner.
Our next meeting will be January 24, 2006 at 6:30 PM, Knights of Columbus in Glen Lyon. Faye made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Tony seconded the motion with all members voting in the affirmative.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm. Submitted By: Palmira Miller, Secretary |
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