Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

March 23, 2009, 7:30 p.m.

 

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

 

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

 

2. Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Announcements: McNemar announced Stream Team met on March 11th to set up stream sampling for April 25th. Township will meet with PennDOT representatives in April to discuss Township projects. McNemar reported that the Board met with Riverside residents on March 3rd for the purpose of providing an update on the wastewater treatment facility. Brutscher reported her attendance at the Kennett Area Regional Planning Commission meeting on March 17th. March 30th is the initial meeting of the Barnard House Steering Committee with the architect Dennis Melton. Brutscher met with representatives from the Underground Railroad for an additional tour of the Barnard House.

4. Public Comment:  none.

 

5. West Chester Public Library Presentation: Victoria Dow, Director, West Chester Public Library, reviewed a copy of the 2009 West Chester Library Budget noting a small increase in income due to in kind donations.  Usage of the West Chester Public Library is up overall by 14% which includes a 2% increase in circulation by Pocopson Township residents. Dow believes increase due to the downturn in economy – families are utilizing library services which are free. She reported the West Chester Library will again participate in Founders Day with a “Make It and Take It Craft” table. Brutscher noted that the 2009 Township Budget includes an $11,000.00 annual contribution and suggested that Dow approach the West Chester Regional Planning Commission for financial support. Dow reported that due to funding constraints the bookmobile service was discontinued.

 

6. E. Kneale Dockstader Foundation Grant Application: William Haaf presented an outline for an application on behalf of the Township for the Dockstader Grant awarded annually by the Southeastern Chester County Refuse Authority. Haaf’s grant proposal focuses on helping residents save money on home energy bills through completion of a home energy audit. Additionally, funds from the grant will be designated for completion of home energy improvements. Board discussed the amount of the grant and suggested that Haaf increase the amount in order to cover the mailing costs.

Motion: Brutscher moved to approve the request to submit a Dockstader Foundation Grant Application in the amount of $7,200.00; McNemar seconded; unanimously approved.

 

7. Public Works Report as follows:

(a)    Proposals – proposals were received and reviewed by the Municipal Cooperative of Southern Chester County for fuels, line painting, highway materials, road oils, and blacktop. Motion: Brutscher moved to accept the following low bids for materials and services: Alger Oil for heating oil and diesel fuel; Alpha Space Control for line painting; D.M. Stoltzfus for stone; Highway Materials for asphalt mixes; and Martin Paving for road oil and truck rate; McNemar seconded; unanimously approved.    

(b)    Red Bridge Farms – the Homeowners Association will purchase the pipe and dirt for the stormwater repairs and Public Works will coordinate equipment rental schedule.

(c)    Olmstead Trails - $700.00 needed to repair the trails. Motion: Brutscher moved to allocate $700.00 to Public Works for the repairs to the Olmstead Trails and that the Treasurer is directed to review the amount remaining from the developer contribution for trail repairs; McNemar seconded; unanimously approved.

(d)    Haines Mill Bridge Repair Proposals – Board received two proposals.

 

8. Old Business:

§         Board reviewed Resolution 2009-8 amending Resolution 2009-1 establishing boundaries for emergency service (EMS) providers. Secretary reported that the boundary map set forth as Exhibit A was approved by Longwood Fire Company and Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company. Motion: McNemar moved to adopt Resolution 2009-8 regarding boundaries for EMS providers; Brutscher seconded; unanimously carried.

§         Omnibus Fee Resolution remains in draft form. Park permit, reservations, and application fees as submitted in January by PRT Committee will be incorporated.

§         Brutscher continues conversations with legal counsel representing the homebuyers of the Berlin property regarding the replacement of trees.

 

9. New Business: McNemar will follow-up with Castle Valley Consultants regarding the status of the Act 537 update. Board reviewed the 2008 Chapter 94 Report for the Sheeder Tract Wastewater Treatment Plant submitted by Castle Valley Consultants.

Motion: Brutscher moved to accept and sign the 2008 Chapter 94 Report as submitted and to forward three copies to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection as required; McNemar seconded; unanimously carried. 

Motion: Brutscher moved to approve authorization for appraisals as requested by the Open Space Advisory Committee; McNemar seconded; unanimously approved. 

 

10. Escrow/Bond Release Riverside at Chadds Ford: Board reviewed Escrow Release #6 – Revised for Riverside at Chadds Ford in the amount of $310,091.88 and Sheeder Wastewater Bond Reduction #3.

Motion: Brutscher moved that the Board approve Escrow Release No. 6 - Revised dated March 23, 2009 for $310,091.88 as reviewed and approved by the Township Engineer; seconded by McNemar, unanimously carried.

Motion: Brutscher moved that the Board approve Sheeder Wastewater Bond Reduction #3 in the amount of 308,825.13 as reviewed and approved by Castle Valley Consultants, Inc.; seconded by McNemar; unanimously carried

 

11. Treasurer’s Warrants: Warrants approved as submitted. Board reviewed budgeted income and expenses to date.

 

12. Correspondence: Board discussed a request for an extension for the Bell Subdivision.

Motion: Brutscher moved to grant a 90-day extension for the review of the Bell Subdivision for the period April 2, 2009 to June 30, 2009; McNemar seconded; unanimously approved.

 

Motion: Brutscher moved to accept the revised proposal dated March 11, 2009, submitted by Dennis Melton, AIA, Melton Architects, for adaptive re-use of the Barnard House, at a cost not to exceed $25,000.00 and to direct the Treasurer to issue a retainer accordingly; McNemar seconded; unanimously approved. 

 

Board reviewed a request from the Parks, Recreation and Trails Committee for approval to pursue funding for the Overlook Circle bridge to connect the following trail networks: Red Bridge Farm, Overlook Circle, and Bittersweet. Hubbard recommended a review of the developer escrow in order to identify trail installation funds. The funds could be used toward the Township’s 50% match for County funding. Board agreed that funding for the trail connections including an additional bridge for the connection at Bittersweet should be budgeted for 2010. Board edited the text of a letter submitted by Trail Feasibility Committee regarding proposed connection of Creek Road Trail and the County trail complex. Board declined to authorize the County Tax Claim Bureau to waive interest or late fees accrued for unpaid property taxes by a Township resident.

 

13. Review of Minutes: Motion: McNemar moved to approve the Minutes of March 9, 2009 as revised; Brutscher seconded; approved unanimously.

 

14. Adjournment: At 9:00 p.m., Brutscher moved to adjourn the meeting; McNemar seconded.

 

 

___________________________________            _____________________________

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