The Silver Lake Township Supervisors held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at the Silver Lake Township building. Francis Fruehan called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm and everyone saluted the Flag. The minutes from the June meeting were read and approved on a motion made by Evan Everitt and seconded by Francis Fruehan.  The Treasurer report was read and held for audit on a motion made by Evan Everitt and seconded by Francis Fruehan.

Public Comment:  Tom Jurista asked that a special meeting be scheduled regarding the collective bargaining request received from the police department.  Angel Kublo had a number of questions which Francis Fruehan explained that at this point in time the supervisors could not answer.  Mrs. Kublo directed her questions to Chief Burgh who had no comment.  She asked when the list of demands would be available. Ken Schomp expressed concerns over costs resulting from collective bargaining and questioned the affordability of the police department.  Peg Miller spoke and said Bill Whittaker had worked on a report that showed the police budget to be in good shape for the future.  Francis Fruehan explained that the collective bargaining requested had been turned over to a labor attorney, the local solicitor would not handle it; therefore, the township labor attorney and the police department attorney are in discussions but bargaining has not begun.  Francis Fruehan explained that if bargaining does start, you get 30 days and if no agreement can be reached, either party may request arbitration.  Each side gets to pick their arbitrator and the third get picked from a pool.  A resident pointed out that we are not required to have a police force and perhaps it should be eliminated.  It was asked what money the police department generates.  Fine money is received but the majority of it goes to the county/state.  Kevin Smith asked why the Supervisors did not just sit down with the police department to discuss what they were asking for in the collective bargaining request and that he fully supports the police department.  Francis Fruehan explained that when the police department submitted the bargaining unit request it would have been irresponsible to try to handle it without the aid of a labor attorney.  Francis Fruehan explained that we are not working to eliminate the police force but are trying to keep it affordable for the township.  Art Trecoske spoke and said he has had a number of occasions when the township police did not show up and he had to wait for the state police to handle his call.  It was asked if there were any police expenses in the General Budget.  Employer portion of FICA is paid out of the general fund.  The police reimburse the General Fund for their share of workers comp and insurance. Franklin Township’s contract will expire on September 1 and they will be deciding if they want to renew their contract for police service. 

Francis Fruehan read the following statement, prepared by the township’s labor attorney on the police Act 111 issue: “There have been no negotiations yet.  The police requested that the township recognize and bargain with a police bargaining unit.  The police requested that the position of chief be included in the bargaining unit. We feel the position of Chief is a management position and should not be in a bargaining unit.  That issue has to be resolved before we can recognize a bargaining unit and begin to bargain.”

It was asked if the state paid for the township mowing along the state roads.  Evan Everitt explained that mowing the state roads is part of the agility agreement and in exchange the state will tar/chip certain township roads. 

On June 21 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm the supervisors met in executive session to discuss the Silver Lake Township Police Department Act 111 issue.  Resolution No. 2010-105 was read that would amend the police budget to include a line item of Legal Expense.  All legal expenses related to Act 111 will go through the police budget.  Evan Everitt made a motion to accept the resolution as read, Francis Fruehan seconded, approved.

Chief Tim Burgh gave the police report with 18 reportable incidents for the month of June. 

Evan Everitt gave the road report.  The study for the posting/bonding of township roads is moving ahead.  By November PennDOT will have a 10-ton weight limit on all state roads in our township – except 167.  After the township study is done, if the time comes to post/bond township roads we will be ready.  PennDOT will be handing the enforcement of the weight limit.  The township has received a grant for Dirt/Gravel Roads for work to be done on Brown Road.  The lack of rain has made dust a big problem on the dirt roads.

One Assessment permit was issued in June – Christopher Prentice for garage on Kane Road. 

State Representative Sandra Major will be having a truck safety meeting in Montrose on July 14 at the Montrose High School.   

 Fireworks permits were signed for Curt Johnson and Joe Brady

Francis Fruehan made a motion to pay the bills as submitted, Evan Everitt seconded, approved. 

As there was no further business presented, the meeting was adjourned.