Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

7:30 p.m., May 27, 2008

 

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

 

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 hosted a second meeting with Riverside homeowners on May 13, 2008 regarding the community sewer system. There was a reasonably positive outcome to the meeting. Conary, McNemar, Sellers, Harwood, and a representative from the West Chester Post Office met on site at the Denton Hollow Road intersection to discuss relocating the mailboxes on Lenape Road (Route 52) to alleviate a sight distance issue. Postal Officials will coordinate the installation of a cluster mailbox with the owner of the Shops at Lenape to serve those businesses. Additionally, Postal Officials will approve relocating mailboxes for residents on the southbound side of Lenape Road.

 

McNemar announced that she attended an Act 140 and Sustainability meeting at the County offices on May 21, 2008. The meeting was hosted by administrators from Harrisburg and Nancy Fromnick, Chester County Recycling Coordinator. There were twenty (20) municipalities in attendance, eight (8) of whom are similar to Pocopson in that they are beginning implementation of a recycling and waste management program. McNemar obtained free PennDOT approved signage for the Township drop-off center. She is also working on getting free materials for a display table at Founders Day on September 13th. McNemar reported that steps have been taken with the County Health Department to enforce the provision of the Township Ordinance requiring pumping of residential septic systems. Hauler pumping information is part of a County database that can be made available to the Township. McNemar also met with the Township Engineer on May 27, 2008, to review the final Year 5 (March 2007-2008) Annual Report required under the MS4 Permit. The annual report is complete for submission by the June 1st deadline.

 

4. Public Comment: Joe Watson, Chief, Longwood Fire Company, asked the Board to consider a recommendation for installation of four (4) fire hydrants along Lenape Road (Route 52) and one (1) in the Simon Pearce parking lot. Watson notes that the fire hydrants could be installed in conjunction with the water main work currently underway by Aqua Pennsylvania. Following discussion, the Board expressed regret that Aqua had not contacted the Township in advance regarding installation of the fire hydrants. The Board agreed to installation of three (3) hydrants by Aqua along Lenape Road. The Board did not approve installation of a hydrant at the Simon Pearce parking lot because the lot is private property. The Board asked Harwood to coordinate the installation through Aqua’s project manager. Communications will follow regarding hydrant fees.

 

5. Bayard Taylor Memorial Library: Donna Murray, Library Director, and Susie MacDonnell, President of the Board of Directors, appeared before the Board. Their presentation included the following points: (1) an update of current Library literacy and youth programs; (2) current efforts and building fund plans regarding a viable site for a new library; and (3) strengthening relationships with adjacent Townships. MacDonnell noted that the site committee will be as transparent as possible in their efforts to identify a site for the new library and will consider going green in the construction process when the time comes. McNemar asked if the Library works with the prison and home for the aged as well as the detention center and the school. Murray responded that the Chester County Library System Outreach Librarian coordinates efforts to supply materials with County institutions. The Bayard Taylor Memorial Library does provide programs for the schools. Conary acknowledged an awareness that the Library’s previous dialogue with the Kennett Area Planning Commission on the subject of a new library has not been positive. Conary also commented that the “fair share” calculation can not include the residents in the County facilities as Bayard does not service them. Murray and MacDonnell are attempting to reach a broader group and invite comments and criticisms about the Library be directed to Murray at dmurray@ccls.org.

 

6. Planning Commission (PC): Gary Summers, Chairman of the Planning Commission, reported that the Township Planning Commission has initiated a Comprehensive Plan Update beginning with a review of the existing Plan. The PC will coordinate with the County for assistance. Conary noted participation in the County Vision Partnership Program can qualify the Township for assistance with funding opportunities. Summers also reported that the PC is reviewing a number of existing Ordinances including home occupation permitting, keeping of animals, recycling, burning, and signs, for the purpose of evaluation and recommendation to the Board. He noted that the PC is unclear as to the level of enforcement for current Ordinances. McNemar suggested a work session with Keystone Municipal Services to clarify enforcement and to seek an opinion regarding enforceability of proposed Ordinance revisions. Summers reported that the Planning Commission supported mandatory waste management and recycling in the Township.

 

7. Resolutions: McNemar read Resolution No. 2008-5 providing for modification to the sewer rental/user fees required by Pocopson Township. The modification is necessitated following a review of cost models utilized to set the previous sewer rental/user fees.

 

Resolution #2008-5: McNemar moved, Conary seconded to accept Resolution No. 2008-5 pursuant to the Second Class Township Code and Sections 170-35 and 170-28 of the Pocopson Township Code, to provide for sewer rental/user fees required by Pocopson Township; Motion carried unanimously.

 

Conary read Resolution No. 2008-6 providing for mandatory waste management and recycling by Pocopson Township. He noted the projected increase in Township population in accordance with U.S. Census figures, thereby necessitating mandatory recycling.

 

Resolution #2008-6: Conary moved, McNemar seconded to accept Resolution No. 2008-6 pursuant to Act 101 of 1988, the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling, and Waste Reduction Act, that Pocopson Township may adopt Ordinances to require municipal waste storage, collection and disposal services and source separation of recyclables by every residential household, commercial, municipal, and institution establishment, and community events and education, and to prohibit the burning of municipal waste and recyclables including leaves; Motion carried unanimously.

 

The Board agreed to adopt the following Resolution as an endorsement to the state initiatives researched, reviewed, and discussed during previous meetings of the Board of Supervisors.

 

Resolution #2008-7: Conary moved, McNemar seconded to accept Resolution No. 2008-7 proposing clean energy commitment and promotion of conservation and study of the use of renewable energy sources; Motion unanimously carried.

 

8. Public Works: Harwood responded to a letter presented by the Secretary from PA Department of Labor and Industry requesting the Township’s membership in the PA One Call as a facility owner. Harwood pointed out that the Township supports PA One Call but that the Township is not a facility owner. The Secretary is directed to clarify the status with the Department. Harwood requested and the Board approved installation of a six foot (6') fence between the Township Garage and adjacent greenhouse property to alleviate trespassing. Harwood reported that the cost to fix the tractor is $2,000.00. He also reported that he met with Fenn, Gorman, and Rogers regarding a retention basin at Red Bridge that is meeting volume calculations. McNemar recognized Harwood for recently volunteering to assist with staking trees. Harwood requested and the Board approved a $200.00 expenditure for soccer nets. Harwood also reported the pavilion will be completed by June 1st. He is searching for tongue-and-groove barn board siding for the pavilion as an alternative to vinyl siding in order to maintain an aesthetic appeal. Harwood and the Board asked the Township Secretary to implement a process to improve the distribution of incoming mail. Finally, he reported that he set up a speed sign, borrowed from Birmingham Township, in front of the Township Garage as a means to calm traffic speed. Board suggested that Harwood contact East Marlborough and Birmingham Township Police Departments regarding the possibility of monitoring speeds on Lenape-Unionville Road.

 

9. Project Manager Update: Sellers was not present. Conary noted that the Safety Review submission for the Roundabout was submitted on May 23, 2008. Regarding the trails, Harwood noted that the old drywells are shown on the NPDES Permit. In addition, he requested permission to move a section of the trail and reviewed the proposed section as it appears on the Permit Plan. The Board agreed with the proposed relocation of the section of the trail and asked Harwood to confirm with the Chester County Conservation District the requirements to supplement the permit. 

 

10. Old Business:

a) MS4 – Annual Permit Review: McNemar reported that on May 13, 2008, she met with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PaDEP) representatives Richard Breitenstein and Désirée Henning Dudley, the Township Engineer, other attendees from VanDemark and Lynch, and Harwood. In all aspects of the MS4 program, the Township is in compliance with the general permit and the MS4 protocol. Subjects reviewed during the meeting included implementation of the Stormwater Management Ordinance, plans for homeowner education via informational meetings, review of extensive inventory and tabulation of discharge points in the Township, and discussion to clarify the distinction between screening of outfalls for illicit discharges versus responsibility for maintenance of stormwater structures and facilities on private property.

 

b) Vacation of Bragg Hill Road: Secretary reported that the documents have been received from the Township Solicitor to proceed with the road vacation.

 

11. New Business: Becker Property: Jack Becker asked the Board to consider a lot line change for the Hallelyn Minor Subdivision to remove an awkward land piece that keeps the trail from traveling into a more pleasant travel path. Becker proposes a swap of square footage for square footage out of the right-of-way. The Board favored the minor lot change but suggested Becker bring the matter to the Park, Trails and Recreation Committee for consideration and review to address concerns how the square footage swap will be treated.

 

Becker also requested the Board’s opinion regarding development of his property on Pocopson Road. He shared sketch plans and a schematic of an idea for a mixed-use application of the property. The material generated a positive response from Board members who cautioned that Becker must adhere to floodplain and stormwater restrictions.

 

12. Escrow/Bond Releases: White Farm: Release #4 for $49,313.00 with a construction review sum of $516.00 to Township for engineering review.
Motion: Conary moved to approve Escrow Release #4 once construction review sum is received by the Township; McNemar seconded; motion approved unanimously.

 

13. Treasurer’s Warrants: Conary reported that the April monthly bank statements have been reconciled and approved. McNemar reported that VanDemark and Lynch will itemize their work on the MS4 permit report with their next bill. Warrant sheets were approved as submitted.

 

14. Correspondence: Board members directed the Secretary to send a thank you note to Giant Foods for the park bench. Board also received a letter of appreciation from the Southern Chester County Soccer Association. Acknowledgment of receipt of a grant from the Dockstader Foundation for the Stream Team stream analytical instrument was also reviewed.

 

11. Review of Minutes: Meeting of May 12, 2008.

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

 

12. Adjournment: At 10:30 p.m., Conary moved to adjourn the meeting; McNemar seconded.

 

___________________________                          _____________________________

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