TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HUNTINGDON, BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPORTS COMPLEX MEETING, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2024, 7:00 P.M. Norwin Middle School, North Huntingdon, PA 15642 Presiding Officer -. Jason Atwood, President, Board of Commissioners  CALL' TOORDER  Commissioner Atwood called the meeting to order at 7:001 P.M.  ROLL CALL  Commissioner Hempel - Present Commissioner Haigis - Tele-conference Commissioner Gray - Present Commissioner Zona Present Commissioner Bevan - Present Commissioner Gass - Present Commissioner Atwood - Present PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CITIZENS INPUT  Also Present: Manager Faulk Assistant Manager Ryan Fonzi Solicitor Chelsea Dice NHT Sports Complex: Josh Zugai -1 NHT Sports Complex David Ponsonby GEKGE Attorney John Altman  D Commissioner Atwood states tonight we are here to discuss the NHT Sports Complex Lease and will begin with questions from thel Board regarding the lease. He starts by asking NHT Sports Investors what lead to the formation ofthis concept. Josh Zugai states he and Mr. Ponsonby are both actively involved in youth sports and also high school sports. He states one evening they were sending approximately one hundred kids to Monroeville to participate in a football winter session and thought wouldn'tit be great to have something tol keep them here. After further discussion and conversations, realized they had the ability to pull the right people and resources together to do this. They feel the Township has needed this for a long time and that is the feedback he received from the community. 2) Commissioner Atwood asks why one dollar per year for the lease and would they be open to further discussion on that. Mr. Zugai states they are willing to hear feedback, ideas or suggestions and states the dollar per year lease comes from the 2010 to 2013 feasibility study that was conducted in which four sites were identified, two of which are completed housing plans. He states the Public Works facility site was one of the remaining two and ini the study wasi recommended a one dollar per year lease because ofhow much work will need to be done and is not realistic to expect a large return on investment for the property based on topographical issues and amount of ground work to make it useable. He states for them to commit to that type of capital investment of thirty million dollars, they felt it  was: fair and aligns with the feasibility study.    October 2. 2024  3) Commissioner Atwood asks why they are seeking a lease with the Township rather than purchasing land on their own. Mr. Zugai states this potential lease allows the Township to continue to control the property long term and keep the assets underroof. He states ifthe sale went for bid process may not afford the opportunity for something like this to be built and would go to the highest bidder. He states this is a way to put something onsite that benefits the community and Township and allows to meet thei need in a manner that would 4) Commissioner Atwood asks with the Route 30 project scheduled to come in the next few years, do they have aj plan for alternate access to Route 30 East. Mr. Zugai states they have tentative plans and is early in the discussion and will require a PADot study that would evaluate the proposal and design plan. He states they do not plan to add new lights and that is a private negotiation with a private landowner that will require an easement which willi invest more money into a secondary road that will make it safer for users ofthe facility, residents and will keep triaxles from cutting across four lanes of traffic to head east and also divert traffic from having to go on Skellytown orl Maple Lane. Attorney Altman adds that it is important to note that the ground lease has a three hundred sixty five day contingency period and the purpose is to get deep into the feasibility of the project, the make up oft the project, ingress, egress and traffic flow. Throughout the process of getting the traffic study done and getting permits issued by the' Township, they will work with the Township to get the permits. He states it is far too early to have an entire site plan with 5) Commissioner Atwood asks if there will be any vehicle access or parking anywhere that abuts the adjacent neighborhood or roads. Mr. Zugai states there is no plan for access to the facility from any oft the adjacent neighborhoods and also no parking. Commissioner Atwood asks ift there will be public access to the facility. Mr. Zugai states itv will be fully open to the public and the fields will be able to be used ift they're not under 7) Commissioner Atwood asks if any of the facilities are going to be for reserve only. Mr. Zugai states there is nothing proposed or to bel built that would bei unavailable tot the public. Field space and time will bei rented. Commissioner. Atwood asksifthere would be anything in the indoor facility or fields that would be exclusively reserved for a tenant and not have access. Mr. Zugai states when the Riverhounds occupy their facility, they only use ten to fifteen percent of the utilization of their facility, and iti is available for use beyond that. If there are healthcare providers or certain sub-tenants that have private areas would not be 8) Commissioner Gray asks Mr. Zugai that when he stated he drives to Monroeville, would the facility being here be a cost-savings to him or is it more of a self-serving idea. Mr. Zugai states driving here verses to Monroeville would be a cost-saving. Commissioner Gray asks how would it be self-serving to bring it here when the Township gets no portion ofita and what portion would we get, as he has asked at every meeting toj point out al benefit  be acceptable to Township rules.  every detail.  a sub-lease or rented out.  available to the public.    October 2.2024  for the residents other than convenience oft the location. He states they would welcome them with open arms ifit was on private property. Mr. Zugai states there would be economic growth, new businesses/ /jobs, taxable income revenue, increased access on aj public health perspective, increased açcess to sports, fitness and wellness would be some ofthe benefits to the Township. Also improved infrastructure, investing in the roads to the facility, a new venue for cultural events and will attract new residents and housing. Attorney Altman states when someone wants to come and spend thirty million dollars on new development, that creates new improvements upon which property taxes are paid to the school district and Township, correct? Commissioner Gray states on private property, yes. Attorney. Altman states on a ground lease, the improvements on a ground lease are taxable and will generate tax revenue. Commissioner Gray asks Mr. Zugai when he said about access toi the fields or facilities that would be available and the public would have access but hasn't said how' much that would cost and would it be the same as anybody going toi rent field/space. Mr. Zugai states that is correct. Commissioner Gray still asks what is ini it for the residents and the taxes mentioned are a fairly low source of income. He asks about the indirect costs associated with the Township participating in this lease. For example, the fifty percent oft the transfer tax the Township would have to pay. Mr. Zugai states this is a lease and should not be transfer taxes. Mr. Altman states there would only be transfer taxes if the lease was for an access of thirty years on a fixed term. Commissioner Gray states in speaking with a real estate attorney this lease would be considered a transfer and could have to pay the portion. Solicitor Chelsea Dice states under Pennsylvania law, if you have a lease that is thirty years or greater, there is a transfer tax associated with it, sO with a renewal of a twenty nine year lease, there will more likely than not be a transfer tax applied. Attorney Altman states if you think the real estate taxes that would be generated by tens of millions of dollars of new development are not significant, the transfer taxes on computed value for this assessed property value are going tol be miniscule sO he suggests offering toj pay it. Commissioner Gray asks about the ongoing indirect costs with the facility such as having to hire somebody on staffjust to monitor the leases and sub-leases and to make sure the developers are upholding their end oft the bargain. Also, the extra police that will bei needed long term to handle calls there, provide serviçes and thel liability insurance that is required. He states there is no language that could be put in the lease that would be satisfactory to him and has been against it for six months. Mr. Zugai asks who reports the property today if there is an event and the police are called. Commissioner Gray states our police would be called but there has only been one event at this location other than the employees that work there. Mr. Zugai states he has not read a single study that increases the crime rate when ai multi-sports facility goes in. Commissioner Gray states it is the liability of exposure with more people. Mr. Zugai states they carry private insurance to cover those matters. Attorney Altman asks what Commissioner Gray would like to see done at this property because any development requires police. Commissioner Gray states he was part of the Board when the property was bought and was bought with the intent ofi moving the Public Works there, in which they did, and for future growth if we need to expand public works or possibly build a new Townhouse rather than remodel the current building. Attorney Altman asks when the property was bought. Commissioner Gray states some of the property was bought in 2003 and the rest in 2012. Attorney Altman asks what has been built in the past twenty years. Commissioner Gray states it has been reserved for ai reason. Attorney Altman states ifhel has concern ofi not having room to grow where is the proofofintention to grow on that land. Commissioner Gray states they do not have toj prove theiri intention. Commissioner    October 2. 2024  Atwood asks Solicitor Dice if the Township currently has to carry liability insurance on the property. Solicitor Dice states that is correct and have to carry liability insurance. 9) Commissioner Zona clarifies that the developer will pay taxes on the new development and that there are no plans to enter or exit any traffic onto Charles Drive or any roads in the neighborhood. Mr. Zugai states that is correct including Skellytown Road too. All traffic will: ingress and egress via Route 30. Commissioner Zona states the Township owns approximately ninety four acres and verifies that forty three acres will be used for the: sports 10)Commissioner Gass asks how the residents benefit and will there be a specific multi- purpose field for the residents only and also an indoor/outdoort track. Mr. Zugai states the first field that is going in will be a community multi-use field. Commissioner Gass asks how many buildings int total will there be. Mr. Ponsonby states there willl be four buildings with one building being a ninety four thousand square foot multi-sport field, two accessory buildings that would host baseball and basketball and a concession stand with bathrooms. Commissioner Gass asks ifi it includes a senior center. Mr. Ponsonby states it does not include a senior center but could be aj potential add on. Commissioner Gass asks ift there will be an indoor track and outdoor track. Mr. Ponsonby states the indoor track will be an aerial four lane track and the outdoor track willl be ai running trail. Commissioner Gass asks ifthei residents will be able to access the outdoor trail free ofcost. Mr. Ponsonby states the outdoor track will be free of cost. Commissioner Gass states there will be residents' properties directly against this property and how are they going to address lighti mitigation, noise mitigation regarding hours and the safety and privacy of their backyards. Mr. Ponsonby states they will have to do a light pollution study that would go through zoning for approval and will have to meet the requirements. Mr. Zugai states there are many commercial products available that fiti into place with LED! lighting systems. Mr. Ponsonby states most sports complexes close at 9PM and lights would likely be off by 915PM. Commissioner Gass states he does not want to see inconvenience to the families whose properties back up to the facility. Mr. Ponsonby states that is why the most recent drawing was released to clarify the lease lines. Commissioner Gass asks what is the height oft the fence going to be in order to protect the residents up against the property. Mr. Ponsonby states whatever requirements Planning & Zoning allow is what they would put in place. Attorney Altman states ift this ground lease is executed isj just the beginning oft the process and still has to go through the Zoning Hearing Board and] Planning Commission before any 11) Commissioner Bevan states the process in the Township is to go through the Planning & Zoning Department first before it is presented to the Commissioners and why was it presented to the Board at a meeting without going through the Planning and Zoning Department. The Planning and Zoning Department would have given the Board more of an idea of what the developers wanted and were surprised at this idea. Attorney Altman states if Planning & Zoning owned the property, they would have started with them and  complex.  building permits will be issued and will have very specific plans.    October 2. 2024  will not start spending hundreds of thousands of dollars of soft costs to go through the process unless there is a signed lease in place. Solicitor Dice states generally developers will either owni the parcel or have al lease in place prior to going to Planning & Zoning. 12)Commissioner Hempel states he made himself clear at the September 12th meeting where he announced publicly that he is definitely against this. He states he is against it because iti is our taxpayers property and believes that no one has the authority to give the property away for a dollar per year lease: for business profit. He states different drawings have been given and in the latest drawing shows a splash park right up against the Public Works building where dump trucks and bulldozers would be coming in and out of. He states what parent in their right mind would have kids at a splash pad with all the vehicles right next toit. He asks for an explanation. Mr. Ponsonby states this is a design rendering, and the splash pad was something the residents wanted and showed options for it to come. He states thisi is still very early ini the process and concerns will be addressed. Commissioner Hemple asks what the developers are expecting at the Regular Meeting on October 16th. Mr. Zugai states they anticipate a public vote on October 16th for a ground lease. Commissioner Hemple feels not enough time has been spent on this. He also states the Board received an email after the September 12th meeting from President Atwood stating that the developers were going elsewhere. Mr. Zugai states they are evaluating other projects and have been in contact with other municipalities and other private landowners, but he wants this here for the community to see the long-term benefits. Commissioner Hempel asks Solicitor Dice that al lot ofresidents have asked ifit could be on ai referendum for the November vote. Solicitor Dice states the procedure for ai referendum in November wouldn't! be enough time and would be too soon being ai month away. Commissioner Gray states there was a referendum on a recreation center years ago and were told at that time that you could not put a referendum like this on the ballot, only if it involved the municipality borrowing money and goingi into debt. Solicitor Dice states she can do some research on it, but knows for sure would not be able to get it on the November election. Commissioner Hempel asks the developers how many sports complexes they developed. Mr. Ponsonby states this will be the fourth. Commissioner Hempel asks if they are comparable to this one. Mr. Ponsonby states this will be the second comparable one. Commissioner Hempel asks where the first one is. Mr. Ponsonby states it is in Montour. 13)Commissioner Haigis asks how did the developers even know the property was available and was it from the Nzone group originally reaching out to the Township or did they speak with someone from the municipality. Mr. Zugai states the information came from the Nzone Sports press release and became known to them and gave them the idea. Commissioner Haigis asks Solicitor Dice about having the lease as long as thisi is basically asale of property and could be a conflict without putting out for bid. Solicitor Dice states the courts have determined that the government can not enter into a contract ift the parcel is used for governmental function, however if this project is proprietary meaning that the individuals are seperate and distinct from our functions and independent contractors earning their own money and the Township is acting as al landlord, then you can enter into ac contract. She states you have to be very distinct in what you are doing and making sure they remain proprietary because once you start comingling government functions thel lease could be voidable, SO she does noti recommend doing that. Commissioner. Haigis asks what  happens    October 2. 2024  when we sign a lease and the developers find out there is too much excavation work with no guarantees about a master plan that he requested. He feels the plans the developers proposed have changed five or six times already and there are no guarantees ai master plan would ever be built out or thej property relinquished back tot the Township. Mr. Zugai states the changes have been made to address specific conçerns brought up by Commissioners and residents hence the numerous drafts. He states they want something that fits for as many people as possible and have laid out the phases in the proposed lease that was made public to hold them accountable. He states ift they are unable to meet the obligations and an amendment does not work fori the Township, at that point there is no reason to continue on and the lease would be terminated, and thej property would revert back to the Township. Commissioner Haigis clarifies that there is no authority of the Township to approve any type of sub-lease of fields and the language gives the developer approval to sub-lease the property to other developers which he has major concern about that. Attorney Altman states in section 12,2A state the tenant can freely execute sub-leases sO long as the term doesn't extend past the expiration date of the term and the intended use of the sub-lessee does not violate any provision of applicable laws or deed restriction. Mr. Zugai adds ifany oft the plans deviate from the master plan submitted would have to come back for approval. Commissioner Atwood clarifies that Commissioner. Haigis was getting to the point of why they are not having the Township approve the sub-leases. Mr. Zugai states each rental of ai field is considered a sub-lease and ifevery sub-lease would require review and approval, the fields would never get used and would be a constant process. Commissioner Haigis asks ift the developers have considered any traffic or safety issues that might incur for the Public Works Department and their access in and out ofthe property. Mr. Ponsonby states that will refer back to the PADot study with adding an additional red light and can'tanswer  until the study is back from PADot. CITIZENS INPUT  1) Brian Carlton - 2821 Guffey Road - asks the name oft the developer's attorney. John Altman, council for NHT Sports Complex, with) Metzl Lewis in Pittsburgh. Mr. Carlton states Mr. Altman stated the developers would spend three hundred thousand dollars for a commitment would be unreasonable and he feels it is not unreasonable. At the end, could be a fifty to one hundred million dollar project and ify you can't front that kind ofmoney something is wrong. He asks thel Board ifhei is able tol lease thej property for one dollar per year for the next hundred twenty six years and build a complex 2) Barbara Arendas - 570 Kimlyn Avenue states the developers nor their attorney introduced themselves and would like to know who they are. Josh Zugai, David Ponsonby and John Altman, council. She states she played sports and took buses to other places which was not a problem. She states she is against the complex and will 3) Jane Pogue - 671 Kimlyn Avenue - states she has lived there for over sixty years and has seen all the development in the Kim Plan. Her conçern is there are quite a few people and families involved in the decision making. She is very concerned about the safety ofthe complex and trees are not going to stop the noise especially fall and winter months. Itis very easy to get to the complex with paths and now a short street access.  himself.  be voting no.    October 2. 2024  Shei is also concerned about parking. The disruption is going to affect thei neighborhood with the noise and lights. The 250th Celebration was very loud and people will: not be able to sit on their back porches with the screaming and yelling and loud speakers. She pleads to take more time before making a monumental decision and the repercussions 4) Sue Morgan - 1111 Wren Drive - states North Huntingdon is a bedroom community andi is concerned. about violence with other people from other communities coming into our community. She feels the complex does not help the taxpayers and the school 5) Kristen Bavolek - 11659 Appaloosa Court = urges the Board to approve the proposed sports complex and long term benefits out way the short term resistance. The facility will provide a safe and positive environment and also bring the community together ) Rosemary Hooke - 1941 Ivanhoe Drive - states she is in favor of the sports complex, ap project that represents an investment in the health, unity and the future of our community. She feels to deny the next generation this opportunity for growth because of superficial inconveniences: is selfish and this will make a stronger, healthier and 7) Heather Atwood -2 2245 George Street - states she is President Atwood's wife but also at tax payer. She states she is in support of the sports complex as she believes it is an invaluable asset to the community. She states her children are involved in sports and activities that allow them to have fun and teach invaluable lessons plus exercise. She feels this facility will improve our reputation, increase property values, boost local 8) Jessica Zugai - 140 Charles Drive - married to Josh Zugai = states for decades the residents have expressed a clear and unwavering desire for more recreational programming. In 2010 a feasibility study was conducted and identified four sites, Public Works, being one of them and proposed a public / private partnership to fund the venture. In 2011, it was put on the referendum and was voted against. Attempts to partner with Excela and YMCA were also unsuccessful. The community still yearns for additional athletic fields, walking tracks, field lighting and splash pads. This proposal can build progress toward a vibrant community equipped to enhance services 9) John Nyberg - 451 Charles Drive - states he is speaking to protect his son and neighbors and: not speaking against the idea ofas sports complex, but wherei it isl located. This will destroy the neighborhood and endanger the citizens with extreme traffic. He states it was said the developers are not going to open any of the streets to get to the complex and ifthat is the case, then needs to bej puti in as al legal clause int the agreement. He urges the Board to not endorse this project and reject it toj protect the neighborhood 10). John Tapocik -571 Janet Drive - states this will increase traffic in their neighborhoods and the neighborhood is full of young children who play in the streets. In addition, there are a lot of elderly that enjoy walks and new parents pushing strollers. Currently there are three access roads tol lead into the proposed complex that would be devasting to their neighborhood. He states that needs to be included in the lease agreement that  ofthe community will be calling with their frustrations.  districts have their own sports facilities.  and create jobs.  more connected community.  economy and continue to grow the community.  for the Township residents as well as local and regional businesses.  and residents.    October 2. 2024  there will be no access from the neighborhood. Mr. Zugai states that will be added to the agreement. He states Route 30 is a mess and by far this location is the most dangerous section oft the Township and why sign al lease before knowing ifPADot will be ok with this. He asks the Board not toi rush into this project because thel lease is way too vague and more traffic studies need tol be done. Hei finished with his wifei is Kristen Tapocic who forwarded a document on one oft the local social media sites that wasi not well received by Mr. Zugai who commented that "you've been SO warned". Mr. Zugai states that comment was made in regard to someone knowingly spreading false 11)Rich Sinianowski- 8064 Pennsylvania Avenue = states he has several concerns about the ninety three thousand square foot sports complex proposed for multiple use, but basketball will not be part ofit. Basketball will be in a sixteen thousand square foot building and how many courts could will be in there. He states this will take many, many years tol build on land tax payers paid for. He states lights and noise at night is a major conçern and what is the guarantee they will stop at 9PM. He states the Express Scripts building is for sale and would be a great facility for the developers instead of using Township property. Commissioner Atwood adds the Township has a noise 12)Barry Limppo - 960 Castleview Drive - states he is in support of the sports complex and seen firsthand the need for more sports facilities and have a very limited number offields. He does not want the residents to miss out on the opportunity. 13)Emily Gindlesperger - 12410 Roth Drive - suggests to sell the property and would not agree to the lease. She states she was involved in the feasibility study and feels the lease should be put out forl bid. She states the taxes need to be clarified as the Township owns the property and ift the lease is given to the Riverhounds who is paying the taxes. The insurance policy is unique and should get an insurance company quote. She states the splash pad that was suddenly added will be the responsibility of parks & reç and 14)Kristen Bezick - 351 Woodall Drive = states she is for a facility, but the location is terribly poor and the ground work and development will be eight to ten years before children will ever be able to use the facility. She feels this will create competition for existing organizations such as PAL and NCAA and soccer. There also has been no traffic assessment yet. There are other properties for sale and should seek elsewhere. She states ifthere is no PADot light approval, this should bei never, ever be considered. 15)Melissa Funyak - 260 Charles Drive - states since Chesterfields was torn down years ago, the noise and light pollution is terrible int their neighborhood and should have been better zoning and ordinances that required Walgreens to put a tree buffer. There is a lot of noise and light that comes from Route 30. She states she is not opposed to this type ofi facility but not at this location. She is one hundred percent concerned about the 16)Jim Feczko - 490 Charles Drive - addresses a commissioner's post on social media regarding Route 30 access and neighborhood access and the PADot Route 30 project. Perl Route 30 project site, there are: no traffic plans inj place with PADot other than from Route 48 to Carpenter Lane starting late 2027. He states there was another statement made by Mr. Zugai on social media that there will only be Route 30 access to the complex. He would like it worded in the lease that the neighborhood roads will not be  information.  ordinance that isi in effect.  the police will have to enforce the ordinances.  increased traffic.  used.    17)Leah McGhee - 149 Skellytown Road - states the feasibility study was not a plan to hand over our land to a private company to do whatever they want but involved community members planning to do a community center and surveyed residents with what they wanted. Also, her concerns are the fees and states North Huntingdon Twp may be permitted to rent the facility for a cost for ten days per year. She states no business plan has been proposed and what are the revenue and jobj projections. 18) Alan Silvorio - 149 Skellytown Road - states he is a supporter of having more opportunities for children and citizens ofthe community, but has tol be donei ini the right way and ifit's going to be done on Township property, we as tax payers. have the right tol heavily scrutinize any ofthese opportunities. He states the Township! has al balanced budget without any debt and should bej proud tol live in a community like this. He asks ifthe developers have spoken to Advance. Auto and Holiday Travel to negotiate access 19)Amy Ghetian - 11575 Dennis Circle - asks when fencing in the property, will it be a Township cost or Riverhounds cost. She states a commissioner stated on social media that in exchange for the dollar per year lease, the developer will invest thirty to fifty million dollars into the community. She states the developers are a for-profit business and are investing in their business and ifthe Board signs the lease will have no say. 20)Greg Rodgers - 501 Janet Drive - states he supports youth activities but is here tos speak about the structure of the lease and the one dollar per year for twenty nine years with three consecutive renewals controlling public property for one hundred sixteen years. North Huntingdon Township does not have a clause rejecting the option oft the renewal and will lose control if the lease is signed. He states there is no business plan and the rendering they put out has already changed three times. He also states there is no penalty clause if they do not meet the goals and no abatement clause for taxes. As a Township citizen, he cannot support thist type ofcontrol over Township public property 21)Lynda Funk - 14481 Winchester Road - states with this proposed sports complex who really benefits as Township land that was purchased with taxpayer money to a profitable company. She: asks why can'tanything be done to enhancei the existing parks for a community facility. She states traffic flow will be coming on and offof Route 30 which is already heavily traveled with safety concerns. She states the Township receives no long term rental income, no tax revenue and carries all the risk including having to pay insurance and legal fees. Ms. Funk states it is worded in the lease that if the tenant shall discover the existence ofany hazardous material on thej premises in the course of construction, the landlord shall be obligated to remove and dispose of the hazardous material at the cost and expense of the Township. She feels the lease only benefits the developers and will be losing multiple opportunities for future revenue. 22)Marty Magill - 10625 Roseway Blvd - states she has been aj proud resident ofl North Huntingdon Township up until now. She is not for or against the complex and understands wanting aj place for kids to play but there are sO many concerns that have not been addressed and too many unknowns. She asks why flyers were not sent to the 23)Jesse. Adkins - 12356 Maple Lane - states he owns five acres adjacent to the Township property and doesn't think anyone is against building a sports complex, but the issue is of fairness and how we run our society. He states when public money buys land and rents it in a completely one-sided commercial deal and gives it to aj private corporation, that is form of socialism. He states any commissioner that votes yes is either allowing  and why is there is no business plan.  and strongly asks the Board for ai no vote.  residents asking if they would be for or against this idea.    socialism into our community ori is corrupt and have financial ties to this development group. He states this thirty million dollars is not going to the Township but to the construction company. The light pollution and parking are not addressed with noj plans for thousands ofp people showing up. Hes states he would bel happy to volunteer his time tol help negotiate this lease to be fair. He feels this should be absolutely bid out. 24)Pamela Peschock - 12480 Adams Drive - states there are a lot of places on Route 30 that left hand turns are notj permitted because ofsafety. She does not want to see anyone get hurt or killed because ofa one dollar per year lease and should be put up: for sale. She tells thel Board they need to listen to the citizens oft the Township and doesn'twant 25)Michael Peshock - 12480 Adams Drive = states he read through the lease and feels it does not favor the Township and favors the for-profit company. It also allows the company to sub-lease to other people. He feels this lease is very one-sided and in his opinion should sell the property and let the developer own the liabilities and own the 26)Jason Zugai - 140 Taylor Road - states he is the brother of Josh Zugai and feels we desperately need this facility. He states he understands the traffic concerns and states 27)Steve Cleaveland - 12340 Linshan Drive - states he has a lot of experience in land development and works for Cleaveland Price where his dad started the company. He states he was approached by several people asking what he thought of the sports complex. He states he did some research and read the proposed lease agreement. He does not liket thei idea oft the' Township leasing thel land and personally feels the complex should be built on private property. He states he did a Dun & Bradstreet report on the developers which is a well-respected firm that looks at company credit rating and if they pay their bills, etc. He states nothing came up on the report which was a huge red flag. He states there is no business plan and who is funding the thirty million dollars. He feels mathematically it is not even possible to put this large of a facility on this small amount ofl land. He: states an engineering plan is needed along with a stormwater plan. He feels the proposed lease does not protect the Township or tax-payers and is 28)Jon Puskar-5 551 Charles Drive - states his property is going to be directly affected by this facility on a daily basis. He asks if the Montour facility was built by them, the same facility that has been in litigation for noise and light. He states he has been told that there are offersi inl North Versailles: and why can'tthey goi there instead. Mr. Puskar addresses some of the comments on Facebook made by the developers that are very unprofessional, mocking, threatening and bullying when they meet some opposition against the complex. He also addresses Commissioner Atwood'sinyolvement in this and has never seen a commissioner with a vote knocking on peoples' doors trying to 29)Dr. Harvey Bendix-I Norwin Veterinary Hospital - 12411 Route 30 = states his main concern is the traffic pattern on Route 30 as he has seen many accidents in this area. He states this proposed area is known for mine: subsidence and are at risk for hazardous waste materials and radon escaping into the surrounding homes. He asks what happens 30)Matt McKinney - 1379 Samantha Way - states there are a lot of good concerns that the developers are taking into consideration. He feels something like this facility is  this.  responsibility to pay for the property. hei is for the sports complex.  absolutely ridiculous.  persuade the vote.  ifthis corporation goes bankrupt, who is left holding the bill.  great for the kids and is for the project.    31)David Arendas 630 Kimlyn Avenue - states he has read over the contract trying to understand it and feels the buyers are liars. The complex will bring loud music, 32)Max McDowell - 11878 Sundae Drive - states he owns the Baseball Academy and applauds the Board for considering a project like this. He feels this is a great opportunity for the community, home values, kids and school district. 33)LaVonne Shields-371 Charles Drive states in the development, there are three right of ways that lead to the property, that everyone has the right to use. She states the Township bought the property with the intent not to develop it for a sports complex. She states if the Township wants a sports complex the Township should do it, not a business, and put it out on the: referendum for the taxpayers to have a say. 35)Joe Blasko - 1524 Jennifer Court = states one of his concerns is the parking at the facility. He states this company has four complexes and is a for-profit company. He states this same company shut off negative comments on social media. He feels this is 37)Nicholas Kukla - 12250 Carmine Drive - states he expresses his support of the sports complex and feels the developers have good intentions and care about the community. 39)Brandon Benec - 130 Oakmont Street - states all his concerns have been covered and 41)David Martinelli - 14292 Valley View Drive = states while this complex is a nice sounding idea, he would like to see more of a barrier separation other than a ten foot chain linked fence and at some point what is presented is legally sufficient. He asks if the developer has considered at turnpike wall to shield the neighboring community. He also asks if they looked at the property at" Tanglewood Stables and hei is still waiting to seei from the developer a very large map oft the entire ninety plus acres and the drawing of the portion they are seeking to develop. He states has anyone considered a sliding lease payment schedule that as the development grows and begins to generate income, the annual lease payment increases. Finally, he states the challenges have been laid 42)Noah Litsko - 2120 Windgap Drive states he is in favor of the sports complex and understands the concerns ofi residents that live close toit. He feels the complex willl be 43)Jon Lochiatto - 202 Fourth Street Irwin - states he owns NSSA on Hahntown Wendel Road and is in support of the proposed sports complex. He states there is an obvious need for fields and space and not enough turf fields as they have had to share fields. 46)Robin Simmons = 11611 Clifton Drive - states he is in full support of the sports complex and knows the motives ofthose spearheading this effort are pure genuine and best interests of the residents. He states bringing this sports complex will add  complaints day and night, lighting intrusion, etc.  34)Brian Blasko -left.  wrong on sO many levels. 36)Sandra Chalmers - left. 38)Justin Merlin-left. 40)Tina Josselyn - left.  answered and he: supports the complex.  out, now solutions need tol be proposed.  very beneficial with the colder months coming up.  44)Amy Rohal - left. 45)Matt Celia- -1 left.  significant recreational capabilities and resources.  47)Michael Strevig-left.    48)Matt Gordon 400 Christine Drive- - states he is worried about traffic, noise and light pollution and feels the lease needs to be improved. He states he is against the sports  complex until the lease isi improved and have al better plan.  RESPONSE TO CITIZENS INPUT  Commissioner Atwood asks the developers about the access roads to the neighborhoods. Mr. Zugai states there is no plan to access the facility via the adjacent neighborhoods and can spell out in thei revised lease. Attorney Altman states you cannot stop people from driving on certain streets but ini terms ofingress and egress absolutely want to protect the surrounding neighborhood areas. Commissioner Atwood asks the developers to elaborate on the subdivision of parcels. Attorney Altman states the current configuration is one large parçel ofl land and would need to subdivide to isolate the proposed lease premises from the remainder oft the Township property. Commissioner Atwood asks Solicitor Dice and Manager Faulk if we already pay insurance on this land and it would not be any different ifthes sports complex was built or not. Solicitor Dice states all oft the Township properties are currently insured and each occurrence is insured for one million Commissioner Atwood asks ift the developers are willing to look at the other amenities proposed. Mr. Zugai states they would be willing to look ati it and wish they could put everything there, but Commissioner Atwood states the one dollar per year lease seems to be a large hurdle and states the parks department is funded by fee in lieu. He states the average contribution from fee in lieu over the last six years has been approximately twenty five thousand dollars per year and asks if the developers would consider matching that as part of the agreement. Mr. Zugai states they can take it to their lawyers. Attorney Altman states there are seven figures worth ofs site development costs alone just to get this developable and for all those stating for the developers to just buy it, what about all the concerns and are they still present ift they buy the land or are the çoncerns with the proposed development. He states to be very clear, the improvements would be owned by the ground lessee, a for-profit limited liability company as many folks pointed out. As the improvements are owned by the: for-profit entity, thosei improvements are subject toj property taxes. Commissioner. Zona asks Assistant Manager Fonzi ifal business in the Township cannot just create aroad or use ai road without coming before the Township. Mr. Fonzi states a development oft this size would require a full traffic: impact study and the property in question borders an existing right of way and has gone to court in different cases where people say it is aj private right of way and cannot access it. Commissioner Zona asks if the right of ways in the area would be leased to the developers. Mr. Fonzi states he does not believe sO and looks like it is on the outskirts. Commissioner Zona asks would that still give them access and Mr. Fonzi states it could if they Commissioner Gray feels they are asking the developers to answera al lot ofquestions that they can't answer because they don't have the lease, a site plan, stormwater management and all the things being asked. He states tonight's meeting has not moved the needle for him and is still against the sports complex. He states he is not against sports or kids or activities or things they learn from  dollars.  are limited to space and what the ground can hold.  decide to dedicate the right of way and make it aj public road.    participation, but his hangup is not just the financial ofac dollar per year lease and nol business plan or plan to share any of the profits. He states unless it is documented in the lease, all the things asked for tonight, are not guaranteed. Ifthis lease is signed will lose all rights to thej property and all leverage to get what the Board wants fort the residents. He states he found sO many faults with the lease and actually retained a real estate attorney to give an objection opinion and they stated this lease is sO one sided and couldn't believe it was even being considered. Commissioner Gray provides comments from the attorney and there were twenty seven cons and five pros for the Township and no mention of any real benefit in the five pros. He shares all the comments with the Board, developers and their attorney and also any resident who would like it. Commissioner Gass states tonight is a prime example of a democracy in a republic where the citizens can voiçe their opinions to an open society. He thanks the residents who came out tonight  whether for or against the complex.  OLD BUSINESS  FURTHER BOARD COMMENTS  ADJOURNMENT Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Gray  Motion to adjourn.  Motion carried 6-0-0(10:56PM)  Special Meeting minutes of October 2, 2024, were approved by the Board of  Commissioners on October 16, 2024.  4p  Jason Atwood, President  L2a0l  Harry R. Faulk, Township Secretary