Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes 

7:30 p.m., Monday, April 12, 2010

 

In attendance: Supervisors – Stephen R. Conary, Georgia F. Brutscher, Lauressa J. McNemar, P.E.; James Hatfield, P.E., Township Solicitor; Sarah Mims, Chair, Historical Committee; Ezekiel Hubbard, Chair, Park, Recreation & Trails Committee.

 

1. Call to Order: Conary called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

2. Announcements: Board of Supervisors met with members of the Barnard House Steering Committee and the President of the Longwood Foundation to discuss funding for the adaptive reuse of the Barnard House as a municipal facility. McNemar and Conary met with Ezekiel Hubbard and Tom Bierl to review the draft Trails Master Plan Report as part of the feasibility study to be submitted to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. McNemar reported that 1,000 trees were planted along nearly one mile of Pocopson Creek as part of the federally funded riparian buffer tree-planting project administered by Chester County Soil Conservation District.

 

3. Public Comment: Jerry Kreider of 503 Corinne Road requested information regarding proposed modifications to the intersection of Corinne and Locust Grove Roads given the impact of the new Toll Brothers community. Hatfield responded that road construction plans do not include installation of 3-way stop signs. Locust Grove Road going North to Corrine will be moved to form a right angle intersection. Corinne Road will be widened four to five feet with a sewer line installed to accommodate third party users. While the roadways will be closed to through traffic during construction, residents will have access to their driveways. Relocation of mailboxes will be required. Gary Summers, Chair of the Planning Commission, continues to work with Toll and the Township to identify and resolve issues such as lawn disturbance, traffic, noise and excessive dust. Board confirmed for Kreider that he will no longer be able to utilize area across from his residence to park vehicles.

 

4. Bayard Taylor Memorial Library: Donna Murray, Library Director, and Susan A. MacDonnell, President of the Board of Directors, reviewed library activities including: (1) an update of current Library programs; (2) current work of the Library Advisory Team tasked with locating a viable site for the new library and to outline a building fund plan; and (3) introduction of the new newsletter and updated web page. The Board was provided a detailed budget report and a report citing library usage. Conary said that the increased the level of transparency by the Library Board regarding their programs and finances is noteworthy. Murray and MacDonnell reported that the Library continues to attempt to reach a broader group and they invite comments and criticisms about the Library be directed to Murray at dmurray@ccls.org.

5. Becker Property/Pocopson Road – Tax Parcels 63-4-148 and 63-4-148.1: Barry Stingel, RLA, Vice President, Hillcrest Associates, Inc., and Applicant Jack Becker appeared before the Board to request final preliminary approval of the Plan by Hillcrest Associates dated April 30, 2009 and last revised February 16, 2010. Applicant continues to seek a permit from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and acknowledges that he must obtain a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Applicant believes that all technical issues noted by the Township Engineer have been addressed. Applicant appeared before the Planning Commission on March 17, 2010 and received their recommendation that the Board approve the Plan as submitted with contingencies. A draft Operation and Maintenance Agreement for stormwater management was submitted to the Township Solicitor. Applicant reviewed the Township Engineer Summary Review Letter dated March 11, 2010, as follows:

A. Parking Spaces – Board accepts installation of four (4) 8' X 22' parallel parking spaces.

B. Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission/Natural Diversity Section – Applicant awaits PNDI clearance. Discussion ensued regarding the heritage trees located on the site and a general review of the landscape plan. Calculations for tree replacement are approved; however, Board requests that the Township Landscape Architect review the plan to confirm replacement species of plant material and heritage trees. Secretary is directed to submit the landscape plan to the Township Landscape Architect.

C. Scale Requirement for Location Map – Board agreed to the waiver of Section 190-21.B(6).

D. Certification of water quality – Applicant indicated that water wells for the structures have not been dug and acknowledges that the Longwood Fire Department recommended installation of a hydrant for the purpose of emergency response. Applicant has not been successful in confirming details with either Chester Water Authority or Aqua to install the hydrant. Township Engineer notes all Plans have been revised to show well locations as meeting all Code requirements and approval may be granted subject to receipt of certification of water quality and quantity prior to Final Plan approval. Township will support Applicant’s efforts to install the fire hydrant and a note should be added to the Plan to reference this requirement.

E. Permits – Township Engineer review indicates Plan revisions complete and review resolved pending Applicant’s submission of highway occupancy permits to Vandemark & Lynch  prior to submission to PennDOT.

F. Pedestrian Path – Board confirmed recommendation of Planning Commission (PC) that a pedestrian path along the site’s Pocopson Road frontage is not warranted.

G. Waiver of Sections 190-35.A(2), 190-35.C(5)(a), and 190-35.C(8)(f)[1] – Board confirmed recommendation of PC relative to perimeter buffers.

H. Waiver of Section 190-35.C(8)(f)[4] – Board approves waiver to allow Applicant to construct parking spaces without the two-foot width of permeable paving.

I. Stormwater Operations and Maintenance Agreement – submitted to Township Solicitor for comment and review.

J. Fee-in-lieu for Recreational Facilities – discussion ensued regarding a juxtaposition of the proposed residential and commercial components of the project with the existing components. Board agreed that the fee-in-lieu for recreational facilities shall apply to the net addition of three (3) residential units. A note should be added to the Plan to confirm this requirement.

K. Sanitary Sewer Lateral and Trench Restoration – Discussion ensued regarding Township Engineer comment that construction plans for the public sewer extension must be completed prior to Final Plan approval. Applicant acknowledged that it is a concurrent process to obtain all required permits and easements for sewer installation with overall project plan revisions. Applicant notes that continued financing for the project requires a preliminary plan approval from the Board, which in turn will provide to a path forward for submission of the sewer construction plans.

 

Board agreed to table further discussion and issuance of any approval until the next regular meeting on April 26, 2010 at which time the Board will review unresolved and open issues of the Plan components.  

 

6. Creek Road Retaining Wall and Paving Bids: Board opened thirteen (13) bid packages received in accordance with the legal advertisement. No bid awarded pending Township Engineer’s review of the submitted bid packages.

 

7. 100 Hickory Hill Road – Tax Parcel 63-1-53: John and Teresa Garofalo appeared before the Board to discuss the Township Engineer Report dated February 8, 2010 regarding stormwater drainage across their property. Hatfield spoke at length regarding the findings including reference to land development in the area, recent high levels of rainfall in the region, and crop rotation in the adjacent fields. Garofalo requested assurance that the Township will take the steps necessary to assure that their property is not negatively impacted by the construction of new structures in close proximity to their property. Board agreed to advise the Garofalos and Township Engineer accordingly as building permit applications are received that might affect their property.

 

8. Cannon Hill Property Complaints: Joseph Stumpo, William Brown, and James White (Cannon Hill Landowners) appeared before the Board to discuss issues regarding standing water, altered waterways, and back fill on the property known as “Hipkins Property” now owned by a development firm CloCal. Hatfield remarked that he received a query from a potential buyer seeking an opinion as to the viability of the property for the construction of a residential dwelling. Cannon Hill Landowners cited what they believe to be a number of land disturbance violations on the property including the construction of a pond and significant changes to the topography. In addition, they note that there is  a gate on the emergency access road for Cannon Hill Drive. Board directed the Secretary and the Township Engineer to review the Township file on the property and develop recommended next steps. 

 

9. Committee Updates: Historical Committee tabled to April 26, 2010 meeting. Park, Recreation, and Trails Committee (PRT) – Hubbard introduced Eagle Scout Andrew Simonson. Simonson presented a proposal for the construction of enclosed bulletin boards to be installed in Pocopson Park. Hubbard confirmed cost of materials as a PRT budget allocation.

Motion: Brutscher moved to approve the Eagle Scout Project Proposal for Pocopson Park covered bulletin boards dated April 12, 2010 as presented by Andrew Simonson with the condition that a site location for the bulletin boards within the Park will be confirmed by a member of the Board of Supervisors prior to installation; McNemar seconded; motion approved unanimously.

 

Hubbard reported that he has received two proposals for a survey of the Cannon Hill Trail as discussed during the March 22, 2010 Board meeting. Hubbard confirmed the request of the Cannon Hill Landowners submitted to PRT to remove a fence crossing a trail easement and blocking the emergency access to Cannon Hill Drive. Hubbard presented a PRT proposal establish a memorial area in the park and plant a native tree for deceased Township volunteers. Qualifications include service for five (5) years or outstanding service generally to the Township. The recommended site for the tree plantings would be designated a “memorial loop” walking trail. The cost of the plaque, tree, and installation will be funded by the Township. The idea was well received by the Board and can be implemented following fine-tuning and clarification of the details for qualification. Hubbard will revisit the idea with the PRT at the next regular meeting. Hubbard reported that Pocopson Township Earth Day Clean-Up is scheduled for Saturday, April 24th.

 

10. Public Works Report: Don Lane submitted and the Board accepted as written a public works report dated April 12, 2010. The Board acknowledged receipt of Lane’s notice that he plans to retire. As a result, the Board agreed to begin the process to search for a full time Director of Public Works. Board reviewed and approved the proposal to sell the Ford Tractor Mower and other equipment as recommended by the Director of Public Works.

 

11. Barnard House Update: Brutscher reported that the Barnard House Volunteer Workday will be Sunday, April 18th at 1:00 p.m. Members of the Barnard House Steering Committee will be interviewing grant writers who will be asked to assist in identifying funding sources. Board approved payment to G. Fedale for repairs to the gutters and downspouts. Board will consider a proposal from G. Fedale for additional repairs to exterior of the structure. 

 

12. Resolution 2010-15: Board reviewed Resolution 2010-15 regarding the County-wide hazard mitigation plan as required by the Emergency Management Services Code.

Motion: McNemar moved to adopt Resolution 2010-15 adopting the Chester County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan as the official Hazard Mitigation Plan of Pocopson Township and to direct officials and agencies identified therein to implement recommended activities assigned to them; Brutscher seconded; motion approved unanimously. 

 

13. New Business: Hatfield briefly reviewed the letter of April 12, 2010 regarding the evaluation of the potential construction cost to provide a left-turn lane or a northbound run-around lane at the intersection of Lenape Road and Locust Grove Road. Conary noted that the grading plan for the model home at The Preserve at Chadds Ford indicates a higher elevation than anticipated. Hatfield will review the grading plan with Toll’s Project Manager and provide comments for the Board by April 16th.

 

14. Old Business: Motion: McNemar moved that the 2010 budget allocation for public libraries be divided equally between the West Chester Public Library and the Bayard Taylor Memorial Library; Conary seconded; voice vote: Conary for; McNemar for; Brutscher abstain. Motion carried.    

 

15. Treasurer’s Warrants: Brutscher moved, McNemar seconded, to approve the Bill Payment Lists for March 23 – April 12, 2010, recommended for payment by the Treasurer. General Fund: 23 bills due for payment totaling $55,487.91; 7 debit card purchases totaling $793.29; Loan Payments: Open Space $1,681.84 and Park Loan $151.89.

 

16. Correspondence: Secretary submitted a letter from 2010 Census Bureau regarding rejection of a number of addresses in the Township.

 

17. Approval of Minutes of March 22, 2010: Brutscher moved, McNemar seconded to approve the March 22, 2010 Minutes as revised; motion unanimously approved.

 

18. Adjournment: At 11:15 p.m., Brutscher moved, McNemar seconded to adjourn the meeting.

 

___________________________________            _____________________________

Susan E. Simone, Administrative Secretary                    Stephen R. Conary, Chair