Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

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

In attendance: Stephen R. Conary, Georgia F. Brutscher, Lauressa J. McNemar, P.E.; Committee Chairpersons – Sarah Mims, Historical; Ezekiel Hubbard, Parks, Recreation and Trails.

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

2. Announcements: Brutscher reported that the Agricultural Security Area Committee will be meeting this month to identify outreach strategies for contacting landowners.

3. Public Comment: Resident Terry Gumpper expressed concern that the County of Chester is housing high-risk criminal offenders in the Pocopson Township facility. Brutscher responded that during the request for expansion of the correctional facilities the County assured the Board that juveniles would not be serving terms in the detention center and that offenders requiring maximum security would not be housed in the prison. Conary indicated that the Township will contact the County for clarification.

4. Historical Committee: Mims reported that after a thorough search process, the Historical Committee unanimously recommends Frens and Frens, L.L.C. as the architect for the restoration of the Locust Grove Schoolhouse. Mims distributed a copy of the proposal dated June 17, 2010 noting that Frens and Frens have specific experience in restoration of one-room schoolhouses. Mims briefly reviewed Committee recommendations for renovations to meet requirements with Americans with Disabilities Act, intersection modifications, parking facilities, sewer and water connections, and an update regarding federal grant allocation. Brutscher reiterated the desire to connect the Schoolhouse via the Township trail system, ideally in time for Founders Day in September. Secretary was asked to check Schoolhouse purchase file for trail easement documents.

Motion: Brutscher moved, McNemar seconded, to approve the recommendation of the Historical Committee to accept the proposal dated June 17, 2010 submitted by Frens and Frens, L.L.C., Architects, for renovation of the Locust Grove Schoolhouse contingent upon contract approval by the Township Solicitor; motion unanimously approved.

5. Ordinance 3 of 2010 new Chapter 129, Nuisances: Motion: Conary moved, Brutscher seconded to close the regular meeting at 7:45 p.m. and open the Ordinance Hearing for Ordinance 3 of 2010 to adopt a new Chapter 129, Nuisances, for the Pocopson Township Code.

Conary reiterated the intent of the Ordinance to provide for remediation of unkempt property, vegetative overgrowth, and hazardous conditions including but not limited to dilapidated structures. Proposed Ordinance includes revisions to notification aspects as commented upon by the public during the June 28, 2010 Board meeting. The revised Proposed Ordinance has been available for public review since June 30, 2010. Conary acknowledged receipt of two additional written comments received July 12^th.

Motion: Conary moved, Brutscher seconded, to approve the enactment of Ordinance 3 of 2010 for a new Chapter 129, Nuisances, to the Pocopson Township Code; motion unanimously approved.

Motion: Brutscher moved, Conary seconded, to close the Ordinance Hearing and re-open the regular meeting at 8:10 p.m.

6. Public Works Report: Knightly submitted and the Board accepted as written a public works report dated July 12, 2010. The Report was supplemented with the following:

Motion: Brutscher moved, McNemar seconded, for the Public Works Department to proceed with a bid package to replace the 2002 GMC Truck with a 1-ton dump truck with a plow; motion unanimously approved.

Motion: Brutscher moved to approve issuing payment to Lechmanik Inc. in the amount of $12,651.00 for the West Creek Road Retaining Wall Repair Project with balance to be released pending patching and proposal for additional paving; McNemar seconded; motion unanimously approved.

Discussion ensued regarding supplement to the PennDOT Winter Traffic Services 5-Year Agreement by amending Exhibit “A” to remove Savory Mill (Parkerville) Road and Pocopson Road in Pennsbury Township. Knightly expressed concern that those roads are not in Pocopson Township and they are difficult to plow. In order to support the amendment, the Board asked Knightly to perform a cost/benefit analysis that includes cost of labor, vehicle maintenance, and supplies versus the reduction in linear miles and payments from the Commonwealth. Board endorsed the Proposal and Contract for Long’s Asphalt, Inc., previously approved by motion on June 14, 2010. Brutscher requested that the Township contact Toll Brothers regarding restoring the disturbed area at the Barnard House used for material and equipment storage for The Preserve.

Motion: Conary moved, Brutscher seconded, to amend the Minutes of June 14, 2010, to accept the bid of Asphalt Industries as representative of the lowest bid received by the Municipal Cooperative of Southern Chester County to provide surface treatment; motion unanimously approved.

Motion: Conary moved, Brutscher seconded, to approve the following bids received by the Municipal Cooperative of Southern Chester County: D.M. Stoltzfus for stone (anticipated $40,526 for stone, rip rap, anti-skid, etc., on an as-needed basis); Alpha Space Control for line striping (anticipated $150.00 for striping at Waterglen after oil and chipping is completed); motion unanimously approved.

7. New Business: Brutscher acknowledged receipt of Proposal for the Addition of an Agricultural Security Area submitted by Andrew Murphy. Jewell Hatton of 418 Trolley Way requested an update on the dedication process for Riverside. She commented that residents are concerned that open space and stormwater facilities not yet converted to their final state will be included in the offer of dedication. Board responded that the Township Engineer continues to work through the dedication punchlist with Toll personnel. Board discussed the request submitted by the Brandywine Battlefield Task Force to support the resolution for the Path concept. Secretary is directed to schedule Chester County Planning Commission representative Jake Michael to appear before the Board on this matter. Board discussed a request from Toll Brothers for exceptions to the sign ordinance and agreed that all developers must follow the Ordinance.

8. Escrow Releases: Board modified Escrow Release #7 for Overlook Circle to release funds held for a Paved Bike Path since that path is not feasible as it would be in the PennDOT right-of-way and is no longer part of the Township trail plan.

Motion: Brutscher moved, McNemar seconded, that the Board approve Escrow Release No. 7 dated July 12, 2010 for $12,827.19 as reviewed and approved the Township Engineer; motion unanimously approved.

9. Old Business: Board discussed recent request for update on deer feeding stations. Secretary will contact neighboring municipalities for information regarding their programs. Hubbard noted that the Parks, Recreation and Trails (PRT) subcommittee continues to work on the Elser Trail easement and signage. Board endorsed Service Agreement submitted by Gilmore & Associates, Inc., dated July 6, 2010, Agreement 10-03046k, as previously approved by the Board. Hubbard indicated PRT will revisit the heritage tree proposal for Pocopson Park. Board asked that PRT continue to work on establishing a consistent policy for the opening and closing of park facilities. Board is not inclined to leave the facilities unlocked 24/7 even on a trial basis. Board reviewed Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) request of June 28, 2010. Secretary directed to contact OSAC to appear before the Board to discuss the features of the properties before proceeding.

10. Treasurer’s Warrants: Conary reported that the Treasurer is reviewing current accounting practices and procedures with Board representatives.

Motion: Conary moved, Brutscher seconded, to approve the Bill Payment Lists for June 29 – July 12, 2010 recommended for payment by the Treasurer. General Fund: 16 bills due for payment totaling $22,254.86; 5 debit card purchases totaling $1,454.53. Highway Aid: 3 bills due for payment totaling $12,785.72.

11. Correspondence: none.

12. Approval of Minutes of June 28, 2010: Conary moved, McNemar seconded, to approve the June 28, 2010 minutes as corrected.

13. Adjournment: At 9:20 p.m., Conary moved, McNemar seconded to adjourn the meeting.

_________________________________________________ _____________________________

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