The Pike County Dispatch 
By Wayne Witkowski

DINGMANS FERY -- Delaware Township supervisors are planning to set aside $215,000 -- the equivalent of two mills from property taxes -- pulled from unallocated existing taxpayer revenue in the 2022 budget for emergency medical services.

In the past, the township had set aside about $53,000 -- the equivalent of about a half mill -- for EMS services as needed.
The decision to raise the amount to $215,000, which came durirng a special meeting held in late September, was discussed during last Wednesday's budget workshop. The budget workshop followed the bi-monthly regular meeting.
That decision at the special meeting and a subsequent letter sent to the Pike County commissioners confirmed the new allocation by the Oct. 1 deadline to request a matched amount from the the Pike County Commissioners Emergency Medical Services Funding. Townships can apply for a match up to two mills.
Delaware Township has its own basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support ambulance services under the Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
"We would do this to spend money to help our EMS service be as good as it possibly can," said Supervisor Jane Neufeld, who also serves as township treasurer. "We have taken a big step toward that. ... This is a business that (typically) operates in the red."
The county has agreed to match up to two mills of municipal funding EMS, according to the plan announced by the county commissioners on July 27. In the case of Delaware Township, that two mills would equal about $215,000.

Neufeld explained that township money allocated for EMS does not have to come from a dedicated tax levy to be eligible for the county match. "It can come from many different sources (in the budget)," she said.
The county commissioners document reads that "municipalities are encouraged to fund their portion from the general fund, an EMS tax, grants, or a combination." It says "municipalities are encouraged to work with existing providers or contract service to continue or expand coverage."
That means that the funds set aside for EMS will not impact residents' tax rates. Property owners currently pay an 8.68 real estate tax allocation, 1.5 mills for the township's volunteer fire company services and 1.5 for its Recreation Committee's programs, which is about $160,000 available annually to each of the latter two categories.
In the county's proposal it says its matching allocation will:
• Be used to fund the primary municipal EMS provider, as shown on 911 call list. If a municipality has more than one primary provider, then the funds will be adjusted by percentage of coverage area.
• Be specifically used to provide services rather than infrastructure, i.e. paid staff, contracted service, expanded service.
The county will make payments on a quarterly basis.
American Rescue Plan (ARP) allocations from federal COVID-19 relief to the county also have helped the county commissioners offer their Emergency Medical Services Funding.
Resident Eleanore Speert at the workshop asked if the township will put up a referendum for residents' vote in the future to dedicate a tax levy for EMS. "Not yet," responded Supervisor Rick Koehler.
Neufeld said that a dedicated tax can be enacted without referendum up to .5 mills. Beyond that requires a voter referendum.
"We might look at doing a half-mill tax out of the 2022 budget," said Neufeld. That would replace the $53,000 that has been made available in the annual budget for at least the past four years. Or it can be a higher millage rate if approved by voter referendum.
There also has been about $8,000 set aside separately each year for ambulance fuel and workmen's compensation costs. "Residents are learning how important the ambulance business is," said Neufeld.
Neufeld said spending will hinge on DTVAC's record of response to 9-1-1 emergency calls and how well the organization is run. When ambulance corps President Carl Will reported an update at a meeting last month, supervisors asked for financial data. Neufeld said they have received the 2019 990 form tax records but still have not received 2020 data. Neufeld said they were told they will have 2020 data by the end of the year.
Speert asked if the county's Emergency Medical Services Funding will continue beyond this year.
"There has been discussion with the commissions and they feel very strongly that this (plan) will continue beyond a year," Neufeld said.
The budget workshop discussed the township Volunteer Fire Company and its Emergency Management and Neufeld said neither submitted any requests for additional funding.
The Dingmans Ferry Theatre and the Dingmans Ferry-Delaware Township Historical Society also were on the budget workshop agenda. Township historian and historical society President Tim Singleton discussed some of the society's needs, including requests to paint the outside of its building located inside Akenac Park and to fix the deteriorating outside deck as well as improving handicap accessibility. Singleton also requested $2,5000 for monthly lectures by acknowledged experts on historical aspects of the area as well as programs that would include a children's program. Those programs would take place from March through October before the building closes during winter months. Programs had been suspended for a while because of the pandemic.
During the regular workshop that precedes the regular meeting, supervisors discussed and later approved the Nov. 19 through Nov. 21 dates for the Dingmans Ferry Theatre's Beatles tribute show. Dennis Lee, head of the theatre, said he could arrange for a company to install heaters in the theatre cabin, located in Akenac Park, for the colder weather expected at that time, but asked for and received approval for the township to supply the propane.
Supervisors also approved a $94,447 payment to Sherwood Trucks for a 2022 Western Star truck, which includes a trade-in of a used township truck. They also approved a $64,700 payment to Watson Diesel Inc. for upfitting the Western Star truck and to pay Watson $10,150 for the purchase and installation of a plow on the new truck.
Supervisors also discussed a $1,0000 stipend for Matthew Light for his services as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator . It was pointed out that George Beodeker receives a $2,000 stipend for serving as Emergency Management Coordinator. Supervisors during the regular meeting approved for Beodeker and Light to attend the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors' Fall Emergency Management Forum on Nov. 9 for $220, plus coverage of mileage to drive there and hotel costs.
Supervisor Koehler was appointed to fill, on a temporary basis, one of the three vacancies on the Recreation Committee after three committee members resigned recently. Two other candidates submitted letters of interest.
Township volunteer fire police were granted funding, not to exceed $1,100 to purchase six stream light flashlights ($661.44), six battery operated flares ($317.94), two 24 packs of C batters and two 24 packs of AA batteries.
Supervisors also approved distributing the $3,235.94 Highmark Blue Care rebate to township employees who paid into the plan during 2020.
They also moved to advertise for township grass mowing contracts for all facilities to a private company as has been done in the past. They said, in response to resident Speeert's question, that outsourcing the work instead of relegating it to township Department of Public Works employees has saved the township $13,000.
The township also is purchasing 20 tons of cold patch from Hanson Aggregates for $2,593.
Supervisors also approved a request by R. Hull to use the municipal building on Nov. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a Thanksgiving Community Dinner for the needy.
Because of a lengthy executive session regarding Blue Ridge Cable and personnel matters, supervisors are holding another special meeting starting 6 p.m. on Oct. 20 on agenda items that they did not have time to cover, including the Recreation Committee. The next regular meeting on Oct. 27 will include a public hearing starting at 7:15 p.m. on a proposed Dilapidated Structure Ordinance. That meeting will be followed by the third and final budget workshop. After that time, the proposed budget will have a 30-day public review period before going to a ratification vote in December.

Short Term Rental Ordinance Talks Continue 
Pike County Dispatch
By Wayne Witkowski

DINGMANS FERRY -- Delaware Township supervisors at their bi-monthly meeting last week discussed the township Planning Commission's recommendations regarding a Short-Term Rental Ordinance and the Dangerous or Dilapidated Structure Ordinance.
They agreed to schedule a public hearing at 7:15 p.m. during a bi-monthly meeting on the Dangerous or Dilapidated Structure Ordinance
Supervisor Jane Neufeld stressed during discussion at the workshop prior to the regular meeting that the ordinance does not address discarded debris but "damages from fire, wind or water" on structures or about generally decayed structures. All could pose safety hazards. "It all comes down to that the township has to receive a complaint," said Neufeld and the property owner has 30 days upon notification from the township to remedy the problem. If proper action is not taken in 30 days, the township will secure the property and charge the owner for that service and a 10 percent penalty.
As for the short-term rental ordinance, it has come under discussion at prior meetings and it was decided after lengthy discussion to return it to the planning commission for further examination regarding zoning and subsequent revisions.

The short-term rental ordinance establishes a maximum occupancy of two persons per bedroom plus four additional guests for overnight stays. Disorderly conduct that is loud or indecent is banned (The township Planning Commission is working on a Noise Ordinance). So is parking at the property of recreation vehicles, campers and trailers as well as setting up tents.
A contact phone number of the homeowner or a phone number of a contact person within 30 miles of the property must be filed with the township in case of emergency.The ordinance establishes placement of smoke detectors around the house and a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Trash must not be left or stored on the property unless it is for trash pickup.
The ordinance allows homeowner associations to enact additional requirements of short-term rental homeowners living in a private community.
Short-term rental permits are for one year and must be renewed annually. A homeowner loses his short-term rental permit for six months if there is a third violation of the ordinance within a year, pending inspection by the township zoning officer and/or building code official. Suspension of the permit can extend to a year for repeat violations. Fines range from $100 to $1,000, depending on the offense.

The ordinance explains an appeal process for the homeowner that would be heard by the board of supervisors.
Township Administrator Krista Predmore questioned what township zones prohibit short-term rentals. Township Solicitor Tom Farley said short-term rentals are permitted in all zones. Supervisors John Henderson and Rick Koehler expressed their objection to short-term rentals.
Predmore, who said she lives near a short-term rental home, said, "Negatives outweigh the positives. I have a lot of concern about them being in a residential zone."
She also raised the issue of short-term rentals in rural residential zones.
"Those properties are larger," Predmore said. "They have a lot more flexibility in a rural residential zone and I'm also concerned about them in residential zones."
That discussion led to the supervisors recommending that the township Planning Commission re-examine the ordinance.
Also during the meeting, supervisors decided to table the Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps funding pending a presentation given by DTVAC Board of Directors President Carl Will during the workshop.
Will pointed out to Neufeld's query during the workshop that the corps will have a 2022 budget "hopefully soon." Supervisors hope that can be ready in time for the next Board of Supervisors' budget workshop following the Oct. 13 meeting that will focus on emergency service figures and other township organization needs, such as DTVAC, the township's volunteer fire company, Emergency Management, the Recreation Committee and the Dingmans Ferry-Delaware Township Historical Society.
In Will's presentation, Henderson asked about the number of volunteers and Will said there are six EMTs and even more ambulance drivers, sometimes more than 10. "We're pretty well covered," Will said. But he later said there are "some vehicle issues" with the operation of ambulances.
When Koehler asked about staffing, Will said there is Advance Life Support (ALS) services two days a week, 12 hours per day. He said Basic Life Support services are 24/7, 365 days a year with two EMTs available at all times. He said BLS service costs $50,000 a year on the budget.
During the meeting, the board approved a motion to pay Wayco $298,405.02 for the three box culverts project at Long Meadow, Spencer and Log & Twig roads. It withdrew a lower price bid from Rutledge Excavating because of itemized errors on its bid.
Also during the meeting, the board accepted the resignations of Terasa Tarquini, Mandy Librizzi and Steve Wollman from the Delaware Township Recreation Committee. The trio had objected to the township delaying approval to release funding for pumpkins for the Harvest Festival held last Saturday until it received an updated financial report from the Rec Committee.Funding was approved at the last meeting after financials were submitted to the supervisors.
The board also approved $2,500 to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry for its annual Day of Giving.
The board agreed to renew the township's annual $13,439.50 to Municipal Risk Management for the 2021-2022 Worker's Compensation policy.
The supervisors held their first budget workshop after last week's meeting to discuss General Fund, Recreation, Liquid Fuels and the fire company. It was pointed out that the American Recovery Plan for COVID-19 relief allocation of $371,314.03 will cover some expenses, including the cost for installing the new box culverts. Neufeld said the four parts of allowable expenditures covered under ARP that can be spent by the township includes replacing culverts, which falls under "high priority."
Neufeld pointed out that the township can not draft a resolution for the ARP funding until it specifies how the money is going to be spent.
Supervisors at the regular meeting had also approved the consultants Zelenkofske & Axelrod LLC for technical assistance and advice to the township regarding its spending of its ARP funding in the four-year time period. The company, an expert in that area of funding, will receive $18,500 for its services during that four-year period when ARP money is allowed to be spent.
In other budget meeting highlights after the regular meeting, the fire tax allocation to the volunteer department was listed at $145,000. Neufeld said the real estate transfer tax had a "very big year" in 2021 at $212,541 and will still be strong for 2022 at an estimated $175,000.
Roadmaster Vince Flatt said 350 tons of road treatment will be ordered next month for inclement winter weather.

NPS Commended for Bridge Quick Reopening
By Wayne Witkowski
Pike County Dispatch - Thursday, September 16, 2021

DINGMANS FERRY -- Sula Jacobs vowed when she was appointed Delaware Water Gap National Recreation superintendent, and told the Delaware Township Board of Supervisors when she introduced herself at a meeting shortly after her appointment, that she would be attuned to the community as a native of the Northeast Pennsylvania region.
She proved that commitment in resolving a recent road dilemma involving the closure of the weather-damaged road to Dingmans Bridge.
In fact, Delaware Township Board of Supervisors Chairman John Henderson commended the National Park Service for doing a "wonderful job" on its response to "frustrated" residents' complaints and comments that Henderson said were numerous on Facebook when he spoke during the comment period at last week's bi-monthly meeting.

"There is a small PennDOT bridge between the light on (Route) 209 and the Dingmans Ferry bridge across the Delaware that sustained significant damage due to the storm (Tropical Depression Ida)," explained Henderson. "This caused that short portion between 209 and the Dingmans toll bridge to be impassable. There is a bypass road used occasionally by the Park Service, formerly an extension of Johnny Bee road, normally not used for traffic."
Henderson told the gathering at the meeting that he was contacted by township Emergency Management Coordinator George Beodeker to see if the National Park Service would allow that Johnny Bee extension that runs through the National Park to be used.
"I, in turn, called the Park Service. Park Superintendent Sula Jacobs returned my call within a few minutes. After a brief discussion about the situation and our concerns and suggestion, she set the wheels in motion. In addition she assured me she would call with an update.
"Within two hours the bypass was open for traffic and Krista (Predmore, township administrator) was contacted with an update, info was posted on various sites, and I received the promised call from Ms Jacobs. To her credit, when I thanked her, she responded that many were involved in the process -- PennDOT, many in the Park Service, etc. That's leadership. Other than expediting traffic flow on a busy holiday weekend, the ambulance (services when called) had a much shorter route to New Jersey hospitals."
Henderson expressed dismay that new complaints from commuters surfaced on Facebook even after the matter was resolved.
The Dingmans Bridge was reopened a few days later.
Also during the meeting, supervisors received the resignations of Terasa Tarquini, Mandy Librizzi and Steve Wollman from the township's Recreation Commission that they said in their joint letter is "effective immediately."
"Due to the new law pertaining to agendas, no Board of Supervisors action was taken regarding the Rec resignations so, legally, nothing happened," said Henderson in an email. "I am sure we will accept such at the next meeting."
Tarquini said that, although the Rec Commission successfully ran four events this year, tension has been building from January for the three Rec Commission members who resigned. It came to a head recently regarding the purchase of pumpkins for Harvest Fest scheduled for Akenac Park on Sept. 25..
Supervisors at two prior bi-monthly meetings had tabled the motion to purchase 350 pumpkins from True Value at a total cost of $700 for the festival. The motion came up for a third time at the latest meeting. Neufeld suggested to the supervisors to pass the motion, which they did unanimously.
"The BOS tabled the request for funding for pumpkins on two occasions awaiting the required post-event accounting from the Rec Commission regarding recent events," Henderson explained in an email after the meeting. "We recently received the accounting and the BOS (at its meeting) approved the expenditure. The BOS has an obligation to account to the taxpayers for all expenditures. End of that story."
"It's too late to get them now," said Tarquini of the pumpkins after the meeting.
The resignation letter read, "We were excited to plan our first Harvest Festival, which we know to be a beloved event for the community, but it is clear that all of the hard work was done in vain since we were not given permission to purchase the pumpkins that are expected by the public each year.
"Though we have enjoyed bringing these events (four this year) to the community and wish we could continue to do so, the stress that we have been put under has been too great of a burden to bare any longer."
The letter thanks the township's Public Works Department and the fire police as well as the Lions Club, supervisors, township office staff and the public for their support.
Supervisors approved $20,358.98 to Wayco Inc. for the Sproul Road leveling paving project, more than the original awarded bid cost of $19,647.40, because of six additional tons of material needed.
Eight bids were opened for culvert replacement at Long Meadow, Log & Twig and Spencer roads. Bids were tabled until the next meeting on Sept. 22, pending examination of the bids by the township engineer.
Supervisors approved a free Shred-It event, sponsored by Belle Reve, at Akenac Park from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m.on Oct. 2.
Supervisors also approved a Sept. 24 fundraiser at the Dingmans Ferry Theatre. Dennis Lee, head of the theatre, pointed out that reservations are needed for limited seating of about 50 people. Sponsors can put their name on the back of a theatre chair for $100 per chair. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.
Supervisor Jane Neufeld brought up during the workshop prior to the regular meeting the American Rescue Plan allocation to the township of $700,000. There was a detailed 70-age report that even township Administrator Krista Predmore regarded as "really complicated." Neufeld, who handles the township budget with Predmore, explained there are four categories for how to spend the allocation but said she knew of two companies "with experience working with government structure." The supervisors agreed to contact one of the companies for advice and direction on the funding.
At the Sept. 9 Planning Commission meeting, members passed a recommended draft of a short-term rental ordinance after solicitor Tom Farley confirmed the draft with corrections. The commission advanced to the supervisors a draft of a noise ordinance, using Shohola Township's ordinance as a guideline.
Under announcements at the end of the supervisors regular meeting, Henderson pointed out that vendors are needed for the Harvest Fest. ... Supervisors thanked Beodeker, Public Works and the township's volunteer fire company for their efforts when Tropical Depression Ida hit recently. ... The township continues to attempt to fill a Zoning Hearing Board vacancy. Submit letters of interest to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Monroe County Conservation District Environmental Educator Roger Spotts will lead a guided nature hike at the Rock Hill Property off Route 739, 1 p.m. on Sunday. It is sponsored by the Pike County Scenic Rural Character Preservation Program. Rock Hill has an oak forest with a wide variety of animals and plants, including some unusual ones at a unique pond there. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water. Sun block and bug spray are encouraged but not required. RSVP at (570) 296-3500.
Carbon Monroe Pike Drug and Alcohol will hold a recovery event celebration at Akenc Park Saturday. ... Pike County Elections needs a Judge of Elections in Delaware No. 1 (Holy Trinity Church). Anyone interested can contact Elections Office Director Nadeen Manzoni at (570) 296-3427.

Park Service Seeks to Close Vestigial Road 
By Wayne Witkowski 

DINGMANS FERRY -- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Superintendent Sula Jacobs visited with the Delaware Township Board of Supervisors during their bi-monthly workshop prior to the regular meeting meeting to discuss the National Park Service's wish to close Doodle Hollow Road.
The road, which is paved only a short distance at its beginning off Route 739 at a time when a shuttered post office operated there, is largely a dirt road that runs through National Park Service land on either side. The few homes that at one time were there were bought out by the NPS and abandoned.
Resident Steve McBride pointed out that, although the roadside is empty, many outdoorsmen travel it for hunting and fishing.
Supervisors were not opposed to the idea saying, "Close it and let it grown in," referring to grass and shrubbery that would grow on the road. They pointed out that other roads have been closed by the park in the area. Roads to the Zimmerman Farm recently have been closed to the public.
"People still walk down and observe nature," said Jacobs.
One idea was to put up a gate. Old Mine Road has a gate at the entrance on the New Jersey side of the National Park. "If you put up a gate, that's not the answer. It prohibits people from using it," said McBride, referring to the hunters and fishermen.
But they pointed out that there are four Jersey barriers near the road that can be positioned at the head of the road. Jacobs approved of the idea as Board of Supervisors Chairman John Henderson commented, "Problem solved."
At the workshop, Supervisor Jane Neufeld gave an overview of the American Rescue Plan funding from the federal government to municipalities in response to expenses incurred by COVID-19. "We have a one-time windfall and hopefully use it wisely," said Neufeld.
Supervisors during their brief regular meeting approved $200 funding support for the Dingmans Ferry-Delaware Township Historical Society's program, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" at the township building on Oct. 21. Jonathan Kruk, a professional storyteller regarded as the best storyteller in the Hudson Valley who has appeared on national television programs, will narrate.
Mike Moffa was appointed as assistant roadmaster at a rate of $21 per hour, effective immediately.
The board approved the request from Carbon, Monroe Pike Drug and Alcohol to use the Akenac Park recreation hall and kitchen as well as the grill, public address system and 15 tables and 30 chairs for a Sept. 18 event.
They approved the Milford Valley Quilters Club's use of the municipal hall for a program on Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Also approved was the use of Akenac Park by Long Meadow Chapel on Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon for its annual baptism and picnic.
Supervisors announced that Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's planned work on Wilson Hill Road originally scheduled for July through October has been moved to the spring. Pike County Elections is looking for a judge of elections in Delaware No. 1 (Holy Trinity Church). Anyone interested can contact Nadeen Manzo, director of Pike County Elections Office at (570) 296-3427.
Supervisors will hold its first budget meeting on Sept. 22, to be followed by meetings on Oct. 13 and 27 (the latter for fire and EMS). It will advertise the budget for public scrutiny on Nov. 17 and take an approval vote on Dec. 15. The schedule was approved at the previous board meeting.
After the meeting, Dennis Lee, head of the Dingmans Ferry Theatre, said he was "absolutely encouraged" by the "Live from the Lounge" Frank Sintra tribute show held recently near the Akenac Park Maintenance Building that drew about 400 people -- nearly double the first time it was held the previous summer --and will plan future evening outdoor shows there by his group of 15 volunteers.