Exeter Planning Commission legitimacy questioned

Exeter Borough Council met this past week and resident Mary Pat Coleman pointedly questioned the legitimacy of the Exeter Borough Planning Commission.

According to Coleman, she has researched the pending Kizis lawsuit. Councilman John Kizis, co-owner of J&K Construction is suing Exeter Borough for not acting in a timely manner on his company’s proposed housing development. Kizis’ plans include constructing a 24-home development in the borough, but council has imposed building moratorium due to flooding which does not allow any new development. Coleman states that when the planning commission did review the Kizis matter last summer giving it conditional approval it was an illegal vote.

The Exeter Planning Commission consists of three members and an alternate. Colman’s research indicates that alternates are not allowed. When the commission reviewed the Kizis matter only two members and the alternate were present, she said.

The attorney for Kizis contends that since the borough council has not acted on this matter in a timely manner since the review, the development should be deemed approved. Larry Dellegrotto questioned the commission members training, suggesting that the members should have formal training and the borough should have an open application for positions for commission members.

Len Coleman asked council if there was any update on the $75,000 police lawsuit settlement. Attorney Moses explained that the insurance carrier reached a settlement and the council has not been formally asked to vote on it at this time.

When asked, Chairman Murawski stated that the borough’s deductible in this matter was $10,000, if there is a subsequent lawsuit the deductible would increase to $50,000. Coleman asked Murawski if any disciplinary action was taken against the officer and Murawski stated an internal review of the matter was being conducted.

Bids for the borough refuse contract were opened from three vendors. Solid Waste Services, 1-yr, $271,080; 2 yr-$549,240; 3 yrs, $835,164; Waste Management, 1yr $256,128; 2yrs $519,936, 3yrs $791,640 and United Sanitation 1yr $253,800, 2yrs $516,200, 3 yrs $790,400. The bids were tabled until they could be reviewed.

PD News

Place Quick Ads