Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

January 12, 2009, 7:30 p.m.

Present: Stephen R. Conary, Georgia F. Brutscher, Lauressa J. McNemar, P.E.

1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Conary.

2. Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Announcements: Conary announced a meeting with Toll on January 19^th and with Castle Valley Consultants on January 20^th. McNemar announced the new Open Records Law was discussed at the staff meeting on January 8^th. McNemar completed a drive-through inspection of the Township on January 8^th.

4. Public Comment:

(a) Haines Mill Road bridge repair – The following residents appeared to comment on the closure of Haines Mill Road due to bridge repairs:

(1) Barrie Hazzard noted the current closure allows residents who dwell on Haines Mill Road safe access and enjoyment of the road. He expressed his desire that the road remain closed with limited access for those residents.

(2) Sally Flynn noted the perilous nature of the road and provided written statements from surrounding residents who urge the Board to keep the road closed to vehicular traffic for safety reasons.

(3) Steve Benner noted that when the road was open, drivers were often confused by the one-way configuration of the road. Drivers do not respect the one-way signage at Red Lion Road and use Haines Mill Road as a cut-through. The current road closure has eliminated the safety hazard.

(4) Josephine Delaney agreed that the one-way traffic design is hazardous. If the Board is going to repair the bridge the Board should address the one-way configuration.

McNemar commented that Haines Mill is a public road and as such the Township budget supports the cost for road maintenance including snow removal and access for emergency providers. Consideration would have to be given to maintenance costs and construction of turn-around areas if the sections of the road adjacent to the bridge are vacated or converted to private roads. Additionally, without public access to Haines Mill Road, modifications to the Red Lion Road intersection would have to be considered to improve the turning radius. She also mentioned that the Township must consider avoiding potential opportunities for roadside dumping. The Board will take all the public comments into consideration as they continue to evaluate engineering proposals.

(b) Pocopson Park Playground and Stormwater from Folly Hill – Barrie Hazzard asked that the Board direct the Parks, Recreation, and Trails Committee to consider avoiding installation of any future recreation equipment in close proximity to the County facilities. He also requested that the Township address an issue with washout from Folly Hill Road that goes over the stormwater pipe. Harwood will photograph following the next heavy rain and propose a repair.

(c) Regional Police Study – Josephine Delaney asked about the status of a regional police force. Conary stated that the Kennett Area Regional Planning Commission continues to research and evaluate the logistics for a regional force. In the meantime, the Board has contacted Birmingham Township regarding providing part-time coverage, particularly aimed at controlling increased traffic and speed restrictions.

(d) 1413 Lenape Road Repairs – David Miller reported that the repairs Toll made to his driveway require additional attention. The repairs did not include installation of a stone base or blacktop in the loop area the letter carrier uses to access the mailboxes. Miller and Harwood will take photographs of the area and submit to the Board to be taken up with Toll.

5. Corinne Village Update: Fronefield Crawford, Esquire and James Brandolini (Applicant), appeared before the Board to submit Resolution 2009-5 in accordance with Section 509(b) of the Municipalities Planning Code, confirming the final approval and cataloging of remaining conditions of final approval that remain to be fulfilled by the Applicant for Corinne Village.

Discussion: Conary noted potential risks regarding buyer awareness and compliance with deed restrictions if the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and the Open Space Management Plan are recorded no later than prior issuance of the first building permit. Potential exists for modifications to the documents based on market conditions or contingencies at point of field sale. Crawford explained that potential amendments are subject to review process with Township Solicitor and Board. Board raised concern that buyers of lots sold independently will not be aware of governing documents. Applicant and Board agreed to amend Section IA. of the Resolution to include recordation no later than prior to issuance of first building permit or transfer of any lot.

Resolution No. 2009-5 Regarding Final Subdivision and Land Development Plan Approval for Corinne Village (Baily Tract) With Remaining Conditions Fully Set Forth in Exhibit “B” – Board reviewed the Resolution. Motion: McNemar moved to adopt Resolution No. 2009-5 as revised to include recordation of Declaration and Open Space Management Plan at issuance of first building permit or transfer of any lot in Section I.A. and 3.a. and 3.b of Exhibit “B”; seconded by Conary, motion passed unanimously.

6. Public Works Report: Harwood reported chipping complete of tree that split on the County transfer land. Roadside cleanup of tree limbs and trees continues weather permitting. Public Works team continues to resurface traffic signs with reflective coating. Recent truck repairs include fixing a flat tire and fire damage to electrical systems under dashboard. Removal and chipping of Christmas trees continue through January. Conary inquired as to picking up Christmas trees for residents in Pennsbury with close proximity to Pocopson boundary. Harwood will check out possibility of doing so via a task-exchange with Pennsbury. Harwood requested and Board approved the purchase and installation of speed bumps for the Administrative Building parking lot. Harwood continues to investigate repair options for Creek Road. McNemar noted and Harwood acknowledged the need for repairs to an inlet pipe on Nathan Hale Drive in Red Bridge and drainage issue on Corinne near the trail crossing. Harwood will provide trash pickup supplies for residents assisting with roadside clean-up. He also expects to receive two additional bids for rain gutters for the Barnard house.

7. Old Business: Board asked the Secretary to continue to work on the Resolution for the Route 926 bridge replacement particularly regarding completion of the work in a timely manner and consistent with the historic nature of the area. Conary and the Secretary will review proposals for a copier/scanner. Secretary reported the need to update the Emergency Operations Plan in accordance with county and state requirements. The Secretary will contact A & D Electrical regarding amending the proposals for installation of exterior lighting to illuminate the Administrative Building parking lot. Conary confirmed that legal counsel for the Burnett Minor Subdivision approved the plan note regarding Applicant’s payment for the fee in lieu of.

8. New Business:

(a) Committee Reports: The Board agreed to ask the Historic and the Parks, Recreation and Trails Committees to present reports for the second meeting in February; the Open Space Advisory Board and Planning Commission to present reports for the first meeting in March.

(b) Berlin Subdivision: McNemar noted that the Board must decide how to proceed with tree replacement for the Berlin Subdivision. The Secretary is directed to review the conditions for approval so that the Board may contact Berlin regarding the tree planting obligation.

(c) Barnard House Committee: Conary reported the need to establish a planning/construction committee to work with an architect to oversee the renovations for the Barnard House. The Board agreed that a seven- or eight-member, Board appointed committee consisting of representatives from Township Historic Committee, Kennett Underground Railroad, Township Staff, and other interested parties would function to facilitate the review of the building and renovation process.

Motion: Conary moved to establish a Barnard House Steering Committee for the purpose of meeting with planning and design professionals in order to outline specifications for renovation of the Barnard House to be submitted to the Board of Supervisors for any and all subsequent approvals; Brutscher seconded; motion unanimously approved.

(d) Reorganization: Brutscher reported that the Zoning Hearing Board does not choose to elect a Secretary. Conary reminded the Secretary that the Planning Commission must elect a Chair and Vice Chair during regular meeting January 21, 2009.

(e) County Transfer Land – Conary reported that there is interest from a local farmer to farm the County transfer land. Secretary is directed to ask the Township Solicitor if the Board is required to advertise for proposals.

(f) Volunteer Recognition – Conary asked the Board to consider recognizing volunteers for outstanding or long-term service. Board will consider ideas for a recognition party or gift ideas.

9. Treasurers’ Warrants: Warrants were reviewed and approved as submitted.

10. Correspondence: James and Patricia Burnett requested a 90-day extension for the review process for the Burnett subdivision. The Board approved the extension with an expiration date of April 25, 2009.

Motion: Brutscher moved that the Board approve the 90-day extension; seconded by Conary; motion was approved unanimously.

11. Review of Minutes: Board tabled approval of the December 22, 2008 Minutes. Board reviewed January 5, 2009 Minutes.

Motion: Conary moved to approve January 5, 2009 Minutes as revised; Brutscher seconded; motion carried.

12. Adjournment: At 9:45 p.m., Conary moved to adjourn the meeting; Brutscher seconded.

_______________________________ _____________________________

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