Residents Who Care

Taking a break

2008-02-17T17:28:00.011-05:00

When we started Residents Who Care in 2006, we had some lofty goals. Chief among them was trying to raise public awareness of issues happening within the township that had a direct impact on the lives of the citizens. This ran the gamut from basic issues to much more serious matters.

We were the first, and so far the only civic organization to formally challenge the Board of Supervisors on a wrong, and tremendously unpopular zoning decision that still sits in the hands of the court, and will have a very severe and detrimental impact on our community if we ultimately lose the battle.

While we are extremely proud of this, very frankly, we failed to inspire 99.9% of the population of Forks Township to get involved, except on very specific issues and for a very short period of time.

Sadly, the same fiscal irresponsibility, cronyism and bad management that occurred before our formation still exists today, and in some cases, it is even worse.

Perhaps we should have known better. Some of us were former founders of the Forks Township Concerned Citizens (FTCC) as well as the Forks Action Committee (FAC). For all intense purposes, FAC has become an adjunct to the Board of Supervisors.

We saw the same apathy at FTCC and FAC and we thought that we could reverse this trend with a new group and a much simpler mission.

We had hopes that the newest Board of Supervisor members (Egolf and Chuss) would be different and better than Hoff and Ackerman. We were wrong. Frankly, it is just more of the same.

Where do we go from here? We will-

Continue to see our challenge to zoning ordinance 298 through the court system and take it as far as our attorney recommends.
Keep this blog active as a reference source and in case some how, some way the citizens of Forks Township decide to regularly engage in the decisions and actions that have a direct correlation to their own welfare as well as of them their families, friends and neighbors.

Where do you now go to get the other side of the story? Regrettably, nowhere. The Express-Times, Morning Call and WFMZ (Channel 69) will continue to devote limited resources to Forks Township. The Forks Action Committee (FAC) will most likely persist in offering a sanitized and non-controversial recap of township meetings and decisions. Unless the Board of Supervisors decides to broadcast their meetings, you will only be given the “feel-good” minimal information that they choose to share with you.

Many will relish us going on hiatus, some will even celebrate. In the end however, we remain very proud of what we did manage to accomplish and recognize that our respite is not a defeat to us personally, but a loss to every man, woman and child who resides in Forks Township Pennsylvania.

Breathe, if you can....

2008-01-30T20:15:00.000-05:00

Sad to report that once again we ranked as one of the worst places in America for asthma patients, and those with allergies.

According to the report just released by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, we came in at number 6. Please do not be confused by the "Allentown" reference on the chart. As the in-depth report shows, this covers the metropolitan area. In other words, places like Bethlehem, Easton and yes, Forks Township are included.

Mismanaging your money...again

2008-01-14T09:49:00.000-05:00

At the January 7th Board of Supervisors meeting an expenditure of $39,000 was brought up for vote. No explanation was offered, why? Supervisor Bonnie Nicholas was the only member of the board of who voted against it, why?

Karl Kline, who in private practice, according to his website, specializes in Estate Planning, Estate Settlement and other Real Estate matters, was reappointed as Township Solicitor, as was Keystone Engineering and France, Anderson, Basile & Company, P.C. as the Auditors. This was done without seeking competitive bids (i.e. RFP's or RFQ's) from other firms, why? Though this action may indeed be the right of Board of Supervisors, why not seek bids from other qualified firms to make certain that we, the taxpayers, are getting the best deal for our money?

Another Howell FUBAR

2008-01-13T11:28:00.000-05:00

Great letter to the editor by Officer James Rowden in response to a story that appeared in the Express-Times on January 11th.

Though Mr. Howell just "assumed" the position of Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, he has been on the Board long enough to know better in making irresponsible comments, which may cost us, the taxpayers, significant money towards a setttlement for Officer Fimiano.

The remarks made by C. David Howell have made it crystal clear that he is no fan of the Forks Township Police Department.

No $$ for Supervisor 60%

2008-01-08T22:29:00.000-05:00

In a 2-1 vote, the Forks Township Board of Auditors said NO to granting Supervisor 60%, a.k.a. Donald "Don" Miller a pay increase this year.

The elected Board of Auditors only meets once a year and their only purpose is to set the rate of pay for members of the Board of Supervisors who also hold Township jobs.

We'll defer to them for explanation, but, considering that the Forks Community Center has yet to yield a profit, and unlike other community centers such as Bethlehem Township (click on "programs" and check out adult and senior), the Forks Community Center (click on community center and then programs) mainly caters to those under the age 0f 15 years old.

Kudos to Gretchen Gerstel for taking a stand and doing her part to make certain that the travesty committed by last years Auditors to irrationally and wrongfully reward Mr. Miller was not reenacted this year.

Who needs TV?

2008-01-07T21:40:00.000-05:00

For those who bemoan the seemingly never ending television writers strike, they should have attended tonight's Board of Supervisors meeting! Never before has a new chairman given the audience so much fodder to laugh at.

Was their anyone in the audience who didn't giggle and make fun of this guy?

If this is the way he will be running all the meetings, we urge all those who attend to bring a video camera as this is award winning material for America's Funniest Home Video TV show!

Happy Holidays, suckers.....

2007-12-26T09:19:00.000-05:00

As we read this article in the Morning Call, we would not be surprised if this is what the Board of Supervisors was thinking when they passed a tax increase.

Granted, the housing market in Forks Township has slowed considerably, though we warned of this years ago, and contractual expenses do go up, but why are salaries of non contract employees being raised right now and what capital expenditures have been cut or reduced?

Seems to us that the Board continues to spend OUR money (residents) and incur debt with reckless abandon.

While the actual increase to the average homeowner is relatively small, we believe that the worst is yet to come.

In the meantime, preliminary congratulations to Forks Township Supervisor 60% (a.k.a. Donald "Don" Miller) who is slated to get another increase just one year after getting a 60% pay raise. All this and the Community Center still is not profitable. Will he refuse the increase if offered? Don't hold your breath!

Forks EMS, decide

2007-12-23T11:29:00.000-05:00

When most of us see an injured or sick animal we do everything in our power to see that it is healed. When this is not possible, we painfully agree to make certain that the creature is destroyed humanely.

If we do this for animals, why aren't we doing this for the Forks Township EMS? The Township has put their $20,000.00 budget money on hold. This move is debilitating to this troubled organization.

While we are not saying that the Board of Supervisors actions are not justified, it seems to us that it is time for the Board to either fully, and unquestionably support Forks EMS, or, discontinue their association with Forks Township completely.

When Stockertown Fire Department got in trouble, we rushed in. We are their fire department and even though they pay us a stipend, we taxpayers are bearing the brunt of the expense associated with this. The Board of Supervisors has a fiduciary responsibility to us, the citizens of Forks Township to make sure that we have a well trained and financially secure emergency medical service.

Forks EMS has gone through some tough times. Whether they can fully recover or not is still up for debate. What should not be up for discussion however is the health and welfare of those who live, work and travel through our town.

A new day

2007-12-21T16:39:00.000-05:00

Last night marked the end of an era. THANK GOD!

In the last twelve years, this, and the previous Board of Supervisors have managed to dramatically reduce the quality of life for the residents of Forks Township.

Some of their deeds included-

Weakening our infrastructure
Ushering in uncontrolled and poorly planned residential growth
Saddling us with substantial debt during high development years
Failing to put in place long term adequate plans for storm water and sinkhole management
Lack of foresight as it related to economic development
A failure to install meaningful spending controls and fiscal responsibility
Promoting divisive relationships with the public and each other

As for the future, will Erik Chuss and Robert Egolf really bring fresh and new ideas to the office? Will they rise above, and work with all of the other board members? Will they be independent and thoughtful of resident feedback when they vote on issues?

All we can do is hope, and pray that they do. Their first 100 days are critical and will set the tone, pro or con, for the next 6 years.

May God Bless them as the mountain that they have chose to climb is both steep and treacherous.

Another one bites the dust

2007-12-15T17:38:00.000-05:00

Garlic Jims' doors are closed. According to their phone message as of this date; effectively immediately, December 6th, we are temporarily closed due to poor store performance and management. We look forward to reopening in the Spring......

Will they re-open in the Spring? We hope so as we hate to see any legal and legitimate business fail, and we certainly do not need any more empty storefronts in Forks Township!

Once again we are reminded that the Hoff lead Board of Supervisors has done NOTHING MEANINGFUL to retain and maintain current businesses. While many of the candidates spoke about filling the old Giant/Laneco building, what about the other empty retail establishments in our community? And by the way, since to our knowledge Giant does not own the former building, does ANYONE know when those deed restrictions expire on that building?

An economic development commission, sans the usual suspects, is desperately needed. Before the latest township manager was hired we urged the Board of Supervisors to make economic development a key part of his job responsibilities. This was not done. One wonders why? This sure isn't progress for our future!

More accolades for Lower Macungie!

2007-12-09T15:32:00.000-05:00

Must read article in today's Morning Call about the form of government changes brought to Lower Macungie by The Lower Macungie Township Citizens for Change!

We have already been in contact with the leaders of The Lower Macungie Township Citizens for Change and look forward to meeting with them soon.

Should Forks Township work to become a First Class Township? We'll give you our thoughts after our committee meets with this fine citizens Group.

Stay tuned......

Way to go Bethlehem

2007-12-03T18:07:00.000-05:00

With all of the active and retired FBI, Secret Service, DEA as well as other Federal Law Enforcement agents living in Forks Township, combined with all of the active and retired NYC & NJ EMS and Fire personnel living here, quite some time ago, we suggested a very similar plan as to what Bethlehem is installing.

In addition to emergency resources, why aren't we surveying our residents to see what skills (doctors, cfo's, auditors, cpa's, lawyers, engineers, etc.) they have which may benefit the township in both emergency and non-emergency situations?

Our township must set ego aside, especially during our financially tough times, and call to action the vast amount of talent living within our borders.

Traffic?

2007-11-30T12:13:00.000-05:00

Listen, like nearly everyone in this township, we too are opposed to the Kings Mill project.

That said, it seems a little disingenuous for the town to be carping about potential traffic nightmares if Kings Mill moves forward when they totally ignored the concerns of our nationally recognized traffic expert when he testified that if a grocery store is built at the Corner of Sullivan Trail and Uhler Road there will be a 10,000% increase in traffic.

If the township really wanted low traffic producing new tax revenues, they would have solicited a hotel, a bakery, an upscale restaurant, a Barnes and Noble, etc., etc. All of these examples are desperately needed, would have provided jobs, and great tax revenues.

If we're gonna worry about traffic, please, lets be consistent.

Forks Quarterly

2007-11-30T11:54:00.000-05:00

If you read the latest issue of the Forks Quarterly, here is what you didn't see.

Any mention of a possible, or actual tax increase
An update on the Kings Mill litigation
Postings for opening on various boards including Planning, Zoning and Recreation
Plans to scale back on spending to minimize tax increases to the citizens due to the slow down in new home revenues paid to the township
A copy of the budget, even in summary form
Proposed large capital expenditures for 2008
An update regarding broadcasting township meetings on the internet
Mentioning activities for adults that will supposedly be installed shortly
What the township is doing to attract occupants to empty commercial properties within the township
Any discussion of grant money applications for projects like Reverse 911, open-space preservation and storm water run-off control

If the goal of the Board of Supervisors is to sincerely make an effort to keep the citizenry informed via this publication, why are such important items left out?

Check before you eat

2007-11-26T10:44:00.001-05:00

Considering dining out today in Forks Township? Before you do, we strongly urge you to check out the The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Inspection Report.

There are certain restaurants in our town that have double-digit violations and/or are "out of compliance".

You may recall that we were not exactly the strongest supporters of Big Woody's when it was proposed. Check out their inspection report.

By the way, our own Forks Township Recreation Department had eight (8) violations and was found "out of compliance".

Taxes and our future

2007-11-15T10:07:00.001-05:00

For many years we have sounded the warning bell that taxes would be going up dramatically. While the housing "bust" sped up the inevitable, there was no way that we could spend money at the rate that this township did over the last 12 years without there being severe consequences.

With regard to this article in today's Morning Call, this quote from outgoing Easton Mayor Phil Mitman says it all: ''I do not like raising taxes, but there is nothing we can do. With nothing left to sell, or nothing left to do, we had to raise the rates,''

The bottom line for Forks Township is very simple. Even if somehow, some way, miraculously, the housing market rebounded overnight, eventually, like Easton, soon enough we too will have nothing left to sell.

We believe that even if the Board of Supervisors does not pass a tax increase for 2008, or even if they pass a minimal increase, the worst is yet to come.

The challenge facing returning Supervisors Nicholas, Howell and Miller, as well as new Supervisors Chuss and Egolf, will be to find creative and sensible ways to minimize the pain to the taxpayers. While we stand ready to contribute our ideas if called upon, at the very least, we urge the Board to reach out to the many qualified township residents who work in finance, as well as utilizing the resources of the economics departments of our local colleges and universities for their advice.

Though our future is glum, there is much that can be done to right the course that we are currently on.

Congrats Lower Macungie!

2007-11-07T12:11:00.000-05:00

It is official. Lower Macungie Township will be a "first class" township. Like anything in life, there are potential pitfalls, but the upside of greater accountability and installing mechanisms to curb corruption are huge advantages.

Will we in Forks Township be as courageous and forward-thinking to make this move? We challenge the current Board of Supervisors, as well as the two newest incoming members to let the voters decide and make this a ballot question in 2008.

Assuming that our elected public servants really care about the township, and not their own personal agendas, their answer ought be yes immediately. Otherwise, they will continue to operate under a dark cloud of mistrust and suspicion.

In the meantime, congratulations to the Lower Macungie Township Citizens for Change. Your dedication, hard-work and commitment to this cause is both enviable and gives us reason for hope.

Race Results

2007-11-06T23:28:00.001-05:00

With only 93 votes separating Candidate Billings from Candidate Egolf, will Mr. Billings call for a recount and a counting of the absentee ballots?

Given this tight of a race, we wouldn't blame him, or be surprised. Seems like the news of a potential tax increase inspired more voters to turn out in this off election year.

On initial view it appears as though the voters in Lower Macungie have decided to covert to a "first class" township. Given that Lower Macungie is the fastest growing municipality in the State of Pennsylvania and we are number two, perhaps we should follow their lead and add a ballot question in 2008 on whether we should become a "first class" township as the benefits are very convincing.

Taxes going up

2007-11-02T08:59:00.000-05:00

For the last several years we have warned the residents of Forks Township that their township taxes would be increasing. After all, the real estate market is cyclical, wherever you live, and eventually the market has downturns. Besides, even Forks Township would someday run out of space to develop. Aside from these basic principles though, irresponsible spending only worsens our problems.

You can not erect a Taj Mahal like municipal building without financial consequences. You can't spend $6,000 on simple tables that can be purchased for 60% less without there being fiscal ramifications. You can not pay outside contractors (i.e. solicitor, engineer, etc.) hourly uncontrolled rates versus salaried employees without someday paying the piper. You can not amass huge debt without it coming back to haunt you at some point. Sadly, this is only a partial list of what has occurred in Forks Township over the last 12 years.

The plain and simple truth is that budgets were predicated on new housing revenues. We said this years ago and most of the elected officials denied it, until now.

The chickens are coming home to roost, and sadly, this is going to get much, much worse.

No way Fred Hay!

2007-11-02T08:50:00.000-05:00

Fred Hay, the township engineer, was strongly rebuked last night when Supervisors Miller, Ackerman and Nicholas said; we, the elected officials of Forks Township will decide where bike paths go Mr. Hay, and not you!

As information, Mr. Hay is not an employee of the township and is not a resident of Forks Township. Will he face dismissal or disciplinary action? Sadly, probably not.

Congratulations to Sue Kocsis for standing up and doing the right thing!

Forks EMS

2007-10-22T20:13:00.000-05:00

With respect to Board of Supervisors Candidate David Billings letter to the editor in today's Express-Times, though we do not necessarily disagree with his position regarding financial disclosure, the issue is how this was done.

Supervisor C. David Howell chose to make the "for internal use only" information public before seeking legal advice from the Township Solicitor and/or consensus opinion from his fellow Board members.

While he may have ultimately done the right thing, it is this kind of random lone wolf action that leads to a fractured Board.

We agree wholeheartedly with Candidate Billings that greater transparency in *ALL* sectors of township government is greatly needed and long overdue, but, it should be done in an orderly and unified way.

Who runs this township?

2007-10-21T08:12:00.000-05:00

This seems like a fair question after you read this article.

It certainly seems that as it relates to development, township engineer (not a township employee by the way) Fred Hay, and zoning officer Tim Weiss are calling the shots and not the publicly elected Board of Supervisors.

This doesn't come as a surprise by the way, but you don't often see this brought to light by our local media.

Is there a doctor in the house?

2007-10-20T08:06:00.000-05:00

Wow, based on this article and his actions, we sure hope that C. David Howell, Esquire, and Forks Township Supervisor doesn't need the services of the Forks Township EMS any time soon. Yikes!

298 Update

2007-10-19T11:07:00.000-05:00

With respect to our substantive challenge, the court ruled in favor of the township.
As for the land use appeal, the court has remanded the case back to the township for explanation.

While we were disappointed with the outcome of the substantive challenge, we are very encouraged with the court's questioning of the land use decision.

Will we appeal the substantive challenge ruling? What happens next with the land use case?

Stay tuned ;-)

Where is the truth?

2007-10-08T08:34:00.000-05:00

C. David Howell, Esquire, and Forks Township Supervisor, admitted that he and his wife Reta constructed and placed “RIP” signs on Route 611 for the trees cut down by Strausser.

Township Zoning Officer Tim Weiss was quoted in the newspaper saying that there was NO permit issued for these signs.

At last Thursday's (10/4) Board of Supervisors meeting Supervisor Howell stated that he did have a permit.

The signs were placed on township property. In order to secure a permit to place signs on Township property, it is our understanding that approval must come from the Board of Supervisors. Our initial investigation indicates that there was no such approval given.

So what’s the story here, and where is the truth Mr. Howell?