Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes 

7:30 p.m., Monday, May 24, 2010

 

In attendance: Georgia F. Brutscher, Lauressa J. McNemar, P.E.; Absent: Stephen R. Conary

 

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

 

2. Announcements: McNemar and Conary met with representatives from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation on May 13th to discuss alternative plans for construction of the roundabout on Route 52. A public meeting was held on May 20th to discuss the Toll Development including modifications to the intersection of Corinne and Locust Grove Roads and utility connections. Brutscher attended the Kennett Area Regional Planning Commission Meeting on the 18th. Brutscher reported that the Agricultural Security Area (ASA) Committee met on the 17th and agreed to seek additional parcels for submission to the ASA. McNemar reported telephone interviews were conducted for the Public Works Director opportunity.

 

3. Public Comment:  none

 

4. Berlin Subdivision Lot 1 /Tax Parcel 63-3-89.1: Lisa Borel appeared before the Board to discuss the review letter dated May 21, 2010 submitted by the Township Landscape Architect Gary L. Burcham regarding the placement of four trees not in compliance with the approved Landscape Plan. Burcham completed a site inspection on May 14th and May 20th following adjustments by the landscape contractor. Borel questioned the rationale of Burcham’s request to relocate four trees due to visibility of the home from Lenape-Unionville Road. She noted that the present installation while a deficiency in the plan does provide appropriate screening of the public trail and affords some protection from dogs roaming onto the property. In addition, the landscape plan was approved prior to issuance of the Use and Occupancy Permit and as such provided limited context to the surrounding landscape features. Brutscher stated that all parties have a responsibility to adhere to the approved plan. Burcham’s report indicates that the planting of an additional four evergreen trees on Township property to the south of Lot 1 will bring the plan into compliance. The Board regrets any misunderstanding between Borel and the landscape contractor. However, it is the responsibility of the Township Landscape Architect to confirm the installation of landscaping in accordance with the approved plan. 

 

5. Review Draft Nuisance Ordinance: Brutscher noted that the draft was reviewed by the Township Solicitor and the Township Planning Commission. Secretary reported that the Planning Commission made no changes or recommendations to the text and recommended passage as written. One resident reviewed the draft as referenced on the posted Board of Supervisors Agenda with no recommended changes or additions. Lane stated that the text provides for remediation of nuisance issues including previous concerns brought to the attention of the Board regarding ponding water and high grasses in lawn areas. Brutscher directed the Secretary to confirm that the Township is not required to submit the draft to the County Planning Commission. McNemar noted that a number of nuisance concerns are cross-referenced in other sections of the Code.  

Motion: Brutscher moved, McNemar seconded, to direct the Secretary to proceed with codification and legal advertising for a public hearing on June 14, 2010, to adopt Ordinance 3 of 2010, Nuisance.

 

6. Public Works Report: Don Lane submitted and the Board accepted as written a public works report dated May 24, 2010. The report was supplemented with the following discussion: Lane flagged the area for location of the fill dirt at the Barnard House property and engaged in discussion with McNemar regarding details for dirt compaction and the structural platform. Secretary is directed to contact Township Engineer regarding permitting requirements for this land disturbance project. Fewer blocks required for the Creek Road Project as a result of field changes approved by the Township Engineer during construction.

 

7. Barnard House Update: On May 20th Brutscher met with a representative from H.A. Thomson to review insurance coverage for the Barnard House property. It appears that coverage is adequate for the house and accessory buildings. Brutscher reported that the Township received a letter from the Trustees of Longwood Foundation declining the request for a grant. Township is disappointed that the response was not favorable; however, we will continue working diligently to identify funding and grant opportunities. Discussion ensued regarding expenditure of current donated money to hire a grant writer on an hourly basis to search and apply for available grants. Fundraising subcommittee interviewed three potential grant writer candidates. Monetary donations to date have not been earmarked for specific aspects of the project. Suggestion was made that given the current economy and competition for grants that the grant search be suspended until fiscal 2011. Board is not inclined to suspend the grant search as doing so may quell current enthusiasm for the project. Board agreed to expenditure of donated funds for the purpose of retaining the services of a grant writer to identify and complete a viable grant application. Lisa Borel offered assistance in evaluating grant opportunities. Secretary was directed to contact local universities for assistance through graduate level grant writer degree programs. The next work day for the Steering and Historical Committees will be June 13th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

 

8. County of Chester Data Services Building/Tax Parcel 63-3-39: Motion: Brutscher moved, McNemar seconded, to approve signing Final Land Development Plan for County of Chester dated March 3, 2010, last revised April 7, 2010, and the Stormwater Management Operation and Maintenance Agreement as prepared by Regester Associates, Inc.

 

9. Planning Commission (PC) Report: Secretary submitted a report of the PC meeting held May 19, 2010. Board noted that the PC will prepare a pre-draft amendment to Township Code Chapter 27, Buildings, Number to clarify the requirement to display a street number for a premise address. 

 

10. New Business: McNemar reported that a resident suggested the Township sponsor a fish rodeo or trout day for children on Township land along Pocopson Creek. The idea will be submitted to the Park, Recreation and Trails (PRT) Committee for their consideration. McNemar noted concern regarding recent vegetation removal along the creek on Township property. She recognizes individual efforts to clear the stream bed of trash and debris however stream bank plants are critical to preventing erosion and managing water resources, and removal of any vegetation should be discussed as a program of the PRT so that volunteer efforts are monitored and directed in an appropriate manner Concerns were mentioned of  Township liability for allowing residents to perform self-initiated landscaping activities on Township owned property, as well as clearing bank areas where it may be the intent to maintain undisturbed riparian buffer zones. She will bring this matter to the attention of the PRT and Stream Team, so that they can discuss how and if the Township should establish a task to maintain this stream corridor.

 

11. Old Business: Hubbard submitted a letter requesting additional funds for the Cannon Hill Trail Survey. Board approved on March 22nd the expenditure of $3,500.00 for the installation of concrete monuments at the locations required to specify the trail easement. The PRT Committee reviewed two proposals during their May 13th meeting and recommend acceptance of the Regester proposal in the amount of $4,000.00 which provides for the following:  (1) phase 1 – trail survey and installation of concrete monuments along trail easement side 1 for $1,600.00; (2) phase 2 – trail survey and installation of concrete monuments along trail easement both sides for $2,400.00.  Board did not approve the additional $500.00 request; Hubbard should obtain a third proposal. Board reviewed PRT letter dated May 19, 2010 regarding park permit posting. Board would like clarification from PRT as to who will post and remove the permits. Board approved Founders Day Committee request to sell oval Pocopson magnets for $3.00 each. 

                                   

12. Treasurer’s Warrants: Brutscher moved, McNemar seconded, to approve the Bill Payment Lists for May 11 – May 24, 2010 recommended for payment by the Treasurer. General Fund: 28 bills due for payment totaling $107,950.32; 1 debit card purchase totaling $39.95. Highway Aid: 4 invoices totaling $1,039.32; Escrow Fund: 2 invoices totaling $54,923.30; Road Improvements/Route 52 Intersections: 2 checks totaling $4,750.00. Treasurer submitted Balance Sheets as of today. New monthly report not available due to coding updates.  

 

13. Correspondence: none.   

 

14. Approval of Minutes of May 10, 2010: approval of May 10, 2010 Minutes tabled to June 14th meeting.

 

15. Adjournment: At 9:30 p.m., Brutscher moved, McNemar seconded to adjourn the meeting.

 

 

 

___________________________________          _____________________________

Susan E. Simone, Administrative Secretary                    Georgia F. Brutscher, Vice Chair