Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

7:30 p.m., July 13, 2009

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

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

2. Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Announcements: The Board held one Executive Session regarding a personnel matter. Conary and Brutscher met with Architect Dennis Melton regarding the scope of work for the Barnard House. The first of two stormwater information sessions presented by James W. Hatfield, P.E., Township Engineer, was held on June 30^th with the second session scheduled for July 23^rd. McNemar attended the Park, Recreation and Trails (PRT) Committee meeting on July 9^th to discuss park maintenance issues and the installation of trail directional signs. She asked the PRT Committee to work on developing an 8.5 x 11 map of existing trails that could be distributed on Founders Day.

4. Public Comment: Deborah Kiernan commented that there is significant honeysuckle overgrowth in the island bulb on Holmes Drive off Locust Grove Road. Board asked Public Works to remove the honeysuckle and the overgrown yews on Thursday July 16^th weather permitting. General public comment ensued regarding the Township’s plans for the Barnard House. The Board noted that the Barnard House Steering Committee will soon rollout official plans including space allocated for the Kennett Underground Railroad Museum.

5. Public Works Report:

a) Deer bait stations (“feeders”) – Harwood reported that he is researching requirements for purchasing, installing, and maintaining the deer treatment bait stations or “feeders.” He asked for assistance from East Goshen Township because they have been running a successful deer feeder program for the past year and a half. The Board recognized that in 2006 a number of residents requested installation of feeders. Costs to be considered include the feeding stations, corn, tickicide chemical, and maintaining the feeders. Residents previously expressed interest in volunteering to contribute toward the cost in some capacity, i.e., purchase of feeder or maintaining the feed. It is unclear if certification is required to handle the tickicide. Harwood will research availability of State and County Health Department funding for the program. Harwood will contact Nancy Ercolani regarding the status of Township feeder program.

b) Infrastructure repairs – repairs are nearly complete at Red Bridge Farms development entranceway/apron. When complete, a letter will be sent to the Red Bridge Farms Homeowners Association confirming the work. Clarks Lane is complete as far as digging out sides. Paving is scheduled in 3 to 4 weeks. Haines Mill Road Bridge work scheduled for completion in August. Tar and chipping of Creek Road and portions of Waterglen will begin next week. Sides are scraped on Creek Road and inlet is repaired. Harwood received two proposals for trimming roadside trees in Brandywine Hills, Lenni Drive and Williamsburg Drive. Residents affected will be notified by flier prior to start of the project. Township resident requested and Board authorized Secretary to contact PennDOT regarding a traffic study for the intersection of Lenape-Unionville and Locust Grove Road. Board reviewed three proposals for Creek Road Retaining Wall Project as follows: J. & W. Excavating, Inc. $6,250 for excavation and installation and $950 for removal of existing wall; Trio Excavating Inc. $6,950 for installation and removal; TSG Services $6,850 for installation.

Motion: Conary moved to accept the low bid for repairs to Creek Road Retaining Wall submitted by TSG Services in the amount of $6,850 in accordance with the proposal dated July 10, 2009 as representative of the lowest of the responsive bidders under the condition that a Certificate of Insurance is submitted to the Township Secretary and confirmation that the proposed cost includes removal of the existing guardrail; McNemar seconded; motion unanimously approved.

c) Barnard House downspouts – Board noted that two quotes were received for installation of downspouts. Awaiting response from Meadowbrook.

d) Review of major expenses – Board reviewed major projects expense list submitted by Harwood. Board agreed that Harwood should obtain an updated quote for construction of a salt shed. Harwood noted that the financing for the salt shed may be available via a low-cost loan through liquid fuels financed over a 5 to 10 year period. Treasurer asked to research availability of loan through local government financing.

e) Public Works Crew Member Job Description – Harwood confirmed no changes or corrections to current version of job description. Board did not grant Harwood’s request to hire a part-time person to assist with mowing. In the alternative, Board agreed to proceed with a candidate search for the public works crewmember full-time position. Harwood asked that the ad include candidates possessing a CDLB license with requirement of obtaining CDLA within six months of employment. Certification as pesticide applicator is not a requirement for the position. Board noted that Harwood and Don Lane should obtain pesticide applicator certification.

6. Appointment of Delegate and Alternate Delegates for Act 32, Countywide Earned Income Tax: Board reviewed details for Act 32 and the requirement to appoint a delegate and two alternate delegates to the County Tax Collection Committee. Treasurer clarified that because Township does not have an Earned Income Tax the delegates will be nonvoting delegates. Board agreed that Treasurer should be appointed as an alternate. Following discussion, Board asked that Bruce Yelton and Hal Hoffman be contacted regarding their interest in being appointed.

7. Landscaping Escrow Release #4 – Taylors Run at Red Bridge: Board reviewed Escrow Release #4 dated July 13, 2009 as reviewed and submitted by James W. Hatfield, P.E., Township Engineer. Board tabled the decision on Escrow #4 pending confirmation of Township’s receipt of all recorded governing documents for the final subdivision.

8. New Business:

Update Zoning Concerns: Board reviewed recent zoning enforcement notices from Yerkes Associates regarding 1372 Bridge Road and 75 South Wawaset Road. Secretary was asked to follow up regarding unstable fill and dirt in floodplain at 1372 Bridge Road. A reading of current ordinances indicates no action required regarding 75 South Wawaset Road at this time.

9. Old Business:

a) Ebling/Bowie Brooks Road 63-3-139 and 63-3-135.1 – Draft Shared Driveway Agreement mailed to Sheila Bowie and Edward Ebling on June 25, 2009. No response as of this date.

b) Berlin Subdivision Corinne Road 63-3-89.1, -89.1A, -89.1B – Secretary submitted the Cash Escrow Agreement for Installation of Landscape Improvements for Lot 2 signed by Charles and Donna Maston and an escrow check in the amount of $37,500. Board reviewed and approved the Cash Escrow Agreement as endorsed by the Mastons. Board reviewed and endorsed the Stormwater Best Management Practices Operation and Maintenance Agreement for Lot 2 prepared by Regester Associates, Inc.

Elizabeth and Garth Borel, owners of Lot 1, attended the meeting to discuss the status of their Lot in the Subdivision. They recently became aware of the stormwater management (SWM) requirements and tree replacement issues. The Borels believe that during construction of their dwelling they stayed within the percentage of trees required under the Natural Resources Ordinance. They were not aware that pervious asphalt was used in the installation of the driveway, and they were not aware of the maintenance requirements for that asphalt. Board briefly explained the SWM requirements as well as the requirement to protect the woodlands adjacent to the portion of the shared driveway. Board noted that five years passed between Subdivision approval in 2002 and issuance of the first permit for construction on April 30, 2008. Board noted that it is in the best interest of the Borels to seek guidance regarding tree replacement particularly if their agreement with the developer identifies specific responsibilities for development of the Lot.

c) IT and Copier Proposals – Conary and Township Personnel continue to attend demonstrations for document management software.

10. Treasurers Warrants – Board reviewed invoices submitted. Warrants were approved as submitted.

11. Correspondence – Board received a request for a review extension for the Becker Property Preliminary Plan (Pocopson Road). Motion: Conary moved to grant Applicant’s request for a 90-day extension for review of the Becker Preliminary Plan with an expiration date for the extension of October 30, 2009; McNemar seconded; motion unanimously approved.

12. Approval of Minutes June 22, 2009: A majority vote could not be taken to approve the minutes of June 22, 2009 due to McNemar’s absence from the June 22^nd meeting.

13. Adjournment: At 9:45 P.M., McNemar moved to adjourn the meeting; Conary seconded.

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