Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

7:30 p.m., May 12, 2008

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

1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Conary.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Announcements: Conary announced the Board is hosting a second meeting with Riverside homeowners on May 13, 2008, to discuss the operation and fees for their community sewer system. Conary, McNemar, Sellers, and Scott Towler from Artesian met to review materials for the meeting. Conary and Sellers also met with Scott Towler and Craig Kologie of Castle Valley Consultants regarding the community sewer system. Conary attended a half-day session on the Pennsylvania New Open Records Law that was passed in February. Finally, a meeting with a Chester County PennDOT representative was attended by Conary, McNemar, Harwood, and Sellers to review pending road improvement plans.

McNemar announced that she and Harwood met with County representatives regarding the particulars for the recycling grant application due June 20^th. A draft of a Waste Management Ordinance will be reviewed by the Planning Commission during their May 21^st meeting. McNemar noted that the Township received an NPDES permit and a set of plans signed by the County Conservation District for installation of the trails.

Brutscher announced that she and Breiseth completed a draft to amend the Sign Ordinance. The draft will be reviewed by the Planning Commission on the 21^st. Brutscher and McNemar suggested the Board consider adoption of a resolution regarding fines for Sign Ordinance violations rather than incorporate fines in the Township Code.

4. Public Comment: none.

5. Public Works: Harwood reported that he responded to and resolved recent resident inquiries: (1) regarding an exterior lighting issue; and (2) the intersection of Lenape Road and Riverside entranceway. Harwood also noted that a ruling that would subject certain types of road maintenance to the Prevailing Wage Act is pending. The ruling could potentially affect the Township’s road budget. He reported that tar and chipping work continues. Harwood reported that Gorman wants to complete the basin work at Red Bridge Farms in accordance with the approved plan. Conary noted that a determination should be made regarding the amount in Gorman’s escrow. Two (2) trees, pin oak variety, will be installed to finish the Denton Hollow Road intersection work. However, the approved landscape plan shows installation of a tree over top of the sewer line. The Board agreed with Harwood using his discretion in planting the tree in an appropriate location. Harwood noted that the contractor for Aqua Pennsylvania may complete water main installations by the end of the month. As such, the contractor will restore Lenape Road surface to PennDOT specifications. Harwood suggested that the Township coordinate road projects with Aqua, particularly the Route 52 left-turn lane. Finally, he reported that the park pavilion will be completed before June 1, 2008.

6. Project Manager Update: Sellers reported updates as follows:

a) Road Projects: Sellers, Conary, McNemar, and Harwood met with the Chester County PennDOT representative who can provide minimal assistance with the three (3) road projects. PennDOT manager may be able to supply materials such as drop boxes, stone, asphalt, signal arms, etc. Sellers urged the Board to continue to seek legislative help with funding for the projects. The Board asked Sellers to contact Pileggi and Barrar to coordinate a meeting to discuss the highway projects.

b) County Trails Construction: Sellers suggested the Board make a formal request to Toll to dedicate undeveloped floodplain to Township and pay the $120,000 recreation funding to the Township. Conary noted that the Solicitor’s office has contacted Toll regarding status of dedication for a number of improvements. Harwood noted that given receipt of the signed NPDES permit, he could start trail installation and would require approximately $25,000.00 to do so. The Board agreed and asked Harwood to go ahead and get started.

c) County Transfer Land: Sellers reported that the County will replace the downspouts and broken windows on the house. Brutscher asked Sellers to follow-up on the tree screen to be planted between the neighboring Lenni Drive residents and the County’s new spray irrigation fields. If the County bid task is complete, Sellers will request that the trees be planted and watered during the spring season.

d) Denton Hollow Intersection: final assessment not yet known for the work to complete the project.

e) Riverside Wastewater: Sellers reported that a second meeting with the residents will be held on May 13th.

f) Trails Feasibility Study: the Trails Feasibility Study Committee will meet on May 14th.

7. Old Business: Brutscher reported that all property owners have signed off on the vacation of Larkin Baily Road. The Board is required to adopt an ordinance vacating Larkin Baily. The Solicitor’s Office is preparing a package that will include the ordinance as well as a hearing notice and legal advertising. The paperwork should be ready for the June 9, 2008 Board meeting.

8. New Business:

a) Parks Rate Schedule: Conary reported that the Parks, Recreation, and Trails Committee are working on development of a rate schedule for use of Township recreational facilities. The rate schedule will reflect a consistent fee structure for all users.

b) PA Clean Energy Community Program: McNemar reported on efforts to make a twenty percent (20%) clean energy commitment at the Township level by registering the Township buildings with PECO’s Smart Power initiative. The cost to the Township to go green and participate in the coalition would be about $135.00 more per year. Board members are currently participating in the program on a personal level.

Motion: Conary moved that Pocopson Township make a commitment to convert twenty percent (20%) of energy usage from clean energy sources by 2010 in accordance with the PA Clean Energy Community Program; seconded by McNemar, motion unanimously carried. A Resolution regarding participation in the PA Clean Energy Community Program will be presented at the May 27, 2008 Board meeting.

c) Riverside Sewage Treatment Facility User Fees: Conary reported on the recent review of cost model data for different sewage facilities. As a result of the cost data review, the Board and the consultants propose a reduction in the monthly user fee for the residents of Riverside.

Motion: Conary moved to propose that the Board draft a Resolution modifying the current user fees for the Riverside Sewage Treatment Facility by reducing the monthly rate to $85.00; seconded by Brutscher; motion unanimously approved.

9. Correspondence: The Board signed letters of invitation to elected officials regarding Founders Day. James E. Fritsch, P.E., requested a 90-day extension for the review process for The Benzel Family Trust subdivision.

Motion: Brutscher moved that the Board approve the 90-day extension with an expiration date of August 25, 2008; seconded by McNemar; motion was approved unanimously.

The Board reviewed data regarding services to the Township by the West Chester Public Library submitted as a follow-up to the Library’s presentation to the Board on February 11, 2008.

Motion: Brutscher moved that the Board send a donation to the West Chester Public Library in accordance with the 2008 Township budget; seconded by McNemar; motion unanimously approved.

10. Treasurer’s Warrants: Conary reported that the March monthly bank statements have been reconciled and approved. Warrant sheets were approved as submitted.

11. Review of Minutes: Meeting of April 28, 2008.

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

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

___________________________ _____________________________

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