Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

7:30 p.m., February 9, 2009

 

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 and Brutscher met with two architects and Brutscher with one architect regarding Barnard House renovations. One written architectural proposal received to date. Conary and McNemar met with the principals for Corinne Village to discuss engineering fees. Conary announced that the Supervisors are making progress during meetings with Toll Brothers on Riverside dedication issues. McNemar announced she recently walked part of the Township trail system. People using the trail have indicated to her that they would like to have a map. She noted sections of the trail may offer potential opportunities for scout projects, for instance maintenance or creating central signage at the head of a trail. She observed a need for installation of additional trash cans at the trailhead although careful consideration of placement of the cans is important to avoid a catch-all for general trash disposal. Brutscher announced that George Zacharkiw has been asked to serve as a Township representative for the Scenic Byways.

4. Public Comment: none.

 

5. Burnett Minor Subdivision: Supervisors await the submission by the Burnetts’ Engineer of the Final Final Minor Subdivision Plan in order to proceed with review and endorsement.

6. Public Works Report: Harwood reported that he completed installation of the trail signs in compliance with the County grant. He is waiting for bids for the downspouts for the Barnard House and for repairs to Haines Mill Road bridge. McNemar suggested Harwood speak with one of the architects about the downspout/gutter style.

Harwood reported he would like to construct a new salt shed next to the garage. The shed construction project has been on hold for some time. Conary confirmed the new shed is in the budget; however, construction should not proceed until the Board receives confirmation of the repair costs for infrastructure projects such as the bridges on Haines Mill Road and Red Bridge Lane and the section of Creek Road. The Board agreed that Harwood should proceed to get a written quote for the shed.

 

Harwood reported that Public Works provided snow/ice control for State and Township Roads about eighteen times this season. County is expected to reimburse the Township about $2,000 for salt. Harwood noted that two damage reports were received as a result of snow/ice control: (1) two mailboxes damaged by force of snow thrown during plowing operations – not hit by the plow; (2) damage to a yard area adjacent to roadway. Township will not replace the mailboxes but will inspect the yard area for repair in the spring.

 

McNemar asked when stormwater repairs will begin at Red Bridge. She noted that in accordance with the signed agreement, the Red Bridge Homeowners Association will purchase all materials.

 

Board reminded Harwood that keys to Public Works Garage and his office should be on file in the administration building. This is important in the event the Secretary must access files under the current Pennsylvania Open Records Act.

 

Brutscher noted that she is available next week to meet Harwood for the monthly Township drive-around inspections.

 

7. Founders Day: Zeke Hubbard reported that the Founders Day Committee is planning the event for Sunday, September 20th, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., with a repeat of the country/community theme. Committee believes that a Sunday schedule will provide greater opportunity for families to participate with fewer conflicts with youth sporting events generally held on Saturday. Hubbard must confirm if costs will increase to schedule fire police on Sunday, particularly if the Committee plans to include a house tour. The Board agreed that the Sunday schedule is appropriate with the condition that the Committee stay within the budget allocation.

 

8. Old Business:

·        Board reviewed and approved the Remediation Agreement for the stormwater management systems in Red Bridge Farms as endorsed by the Red Bridge Farms Homeowners Association Board of Directors.

·        Secretary reviewed Police Service Proposal for coverage by Birmingham Township Police that includes ten hours per week coverage for speed control, ordinance enforcement, and patrol services. Board was asked by a resident to reconsider the proposal due to potential liability issues. Discussion ensued during which the suggestion was made that the Pennsylvania State Police may not prioritize calls from Pocopson Township when a neighboring police department is on call. Such a scenario might also be applied in the event that Pocopson is part of a regional police force. The Secretary was directed to correspond with the Pennsylvania State Police and local legislators for clarification regarding calls to State Police when services are provided by local police departments. Conary remarked that the Township must do a better job documenting complaints in order to gather data that supports the need for patrol services, including data provided by a speed-monitoring device for Routes 52 and 842 and Pocopson Road.

·        Conary noted that he contacted the County regarding the replacement of trees at the Juvenile Detention Center adjacent to the Hartman property at 620 Wawaset Road. An on-site inspection with County representatives will be scheduled in early Spring.

·        Board acknowledged that Yerkes Associates assumed Zoning Code Enforcement responsibilities as of February 5, 2009.

 

9. New Business:

·        Secretary continues to research action for tree replacement for the Berlin Minor Subdivision including contacting Township landscape architect. McNemar will speak to Zoning Officer regarding excessive lighting at the Berlin site.

·        Brutscher will attend the Chester County Association of Township Officials Convention in March.

·        Secretary will draft text for a resolution for Open Records reproduction rates including electronic version of record and conversion of electronic record in accordance with the fees set forth in the Open Records Law.

·        Motion: Brutscher moved to advertise the bid for a farmland lease for the property located at the intersection of Wawaset Road and Lenape-Unionville Road; McNemar seconded; motion approved unanimously. Secretary is directed to notify area farmers of the opportunity to bid.

·        Resolution 2009-7 Comprehensive Revision to Personnel Handbook. Motion: Brutscher moved to adopt Resolution 2009-7 regarding revisions to Holiday and Overtime Pay sections; McNemar seconded; motion approved unanimously.

 

10. Treasurer’s Warrants: Treasurer’s proposal to institute payroll direct deposit was approved. Secretary should be initiator for Treasurer’s pay. Warrants approved as submitted.

 

11. Correspondence: Secretary presented HVAC Maintenance Agreement for service for the Administration Building and the Barnard House. Board directed that she obtain two (2) additional proposals.

 

12. Review of Minutes: Meeting of January 26, 2009.

Motion: Brutscher moved to approve minutes as submitted; Conary seconded; motion approved unanimously.

 

13. Adjournment: At 9:10 p.m., Conary moved to adjourn the meeting; Brutscher seconded.

 

 

  ____________________________________            _____________________________

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