East Rockhill supervisors approve $922,636 in bills, award Hill Road stormwater bid and authorize towing ordinance advertisement

The East Rockhill Township Board of Supervisors on April 22 approved payment of the Bills List dated April 17, 2025 totaling $922,636.37 and took a series of contract, personnel and ordinance actions during its regular meeting at the municipal office in Perkasie.

Supervisor Gary Volovnik, the board chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Supervisors Dave Nyman (vice-chairperson) and Jim Nietupski were present along with Township Manager Marianne Hart Morano, Township Solicitor Will Oetinger, Township Engineer Steve Baluh, and Public Works Director Jeff Scholl.

The board approved the March 25, 2025 meeting minutes on a motion by Supervisor Jim Nietupski, seconded by Supervisor Dave Nyman. On a separate motion by Supervisor Dave Nyman, seconded by Supervisor Nietupski, the board approved payment of the bills dated April 17, 2025 in the amount of $922,636.37; all present voted in favor.

Township Manager Marianne Hart Morano presented the 2024 draft financial report and the representation letter for the appointed auditor. On a motion by Nietupski, seconded by Nyman, the board authorized finalizing the 2024 financial report and authorized the township manager to execute the representation letter.

The board approved Change Order 001 payable to Gordon H. Baver, Inc. for $60,393.22 to cover additional fill dirt, stockpiling and topsoil stabilization. Township Engineer Steve Baluh explained that contractors relocated 24 inches of topsoil from the building footprint rather than the typical 12 inches; he said all soil was certified and building pad compaction testing has been completed. The change order motion (moved by Nyman, seconded by Nietupski) passed unanimously.

Public Works Director Jeff Scholl reported on department activities and the board authorized the township solicitor to prepare documentation and the township manager to execute it so that a stormwater improvement at Three Mile Run Road and Old Bethlehem Road (Sterner Mill Road) can proceed and be completed prior to May 15, 2025. The board also accepted bids to sell surplus equipment: a 2014 John Deere 625 XUV Gator for $7,950; a 2013 John Deere 960R zero-turn mower for $4,100; a golf ball dispenser for $50; and a golf ball washer for $75.

On the recommendation of Township Engineer Steve Baluh, the board awarded the Hill Road stormwater improvements contract to Passerini & Sons, Inc. for $82,944 on a motion by Supervisor Nyman, seconded by Supervisor Nietupski; the motion carried with all present voting in favor.

Township Solicitor Will Oetinger reported on a conditional use adjudication for the Perkasie Regional Authority for a new 8,712-square-foot water treatment building at an existing well site (1100 Branch Road/Blooming Glen Road; tax parcel 12-014-068). The board approved the adjudication as presented.

Oetinger also presented a draft ordinance on the towing and storage of disabled or abandoned vehicles and the board authorized advertisement of the draft ordinance contingent on changes recommended by the chief of police; the authorization was moved by Nyman and seconded by Nietupski and approved by all present. During public comment, resident Ron Schulberger said "trees are not being maintained on Hill Road by PPL." Lou DiTonno asked whether the towing ordinance applied to all towing; the record notes it was intended for no-duty towing only. Larry Wheatley asked what would happen if State Police were on site first.

The board adjourned into executive session at 7:50 p.m. to discuss personnel matters and reconvened at 8:00 p.m. After the executive session the board authorized the township manager to advertise for a part-time administrative position. The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

The board listed its next regular meeting for May 27, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.