Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

7:30 p.m., July 28, 2008

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: Brutscher and McNemar accepted an invitation to take the Kennett Area Underground Railroad Heritage Tour. Brutscher announced that the Tour provided insight in potentially identifying historical significance of the County transfer property in the Underground Railroad Station network. McNemar announced that the Supervisors completed individual meetings with Public Works and Office Administrative Staff. She noted the completion of a Personnel Handbook to be adopted by the Board. She and Harwood inspected trails at Olmsted to determine the level of maintenance required, and they inspected trees at the schoolhouse that need to be dropped. McNemar and Harwood also met with James Mareno regarding a stormwater issue and suggested changes Mareno could make to alleviate the problem. Conary reported that the Supervisors continue to discuss with the Township Engineer the scope of services provided and to identify the Board’s expectations.

4. Public Comment: none.

5. Draft Ordinances: Conary noted that Draft Ordinances for Waste Management and Recycling, Burning, and Signs were previously reviewed by the Planning Commission. The Sign Draft will require additional minor edits particularly with respect to signs for non-profit organizations and schools and special events. McNemar noted the importance of the Waste Management and Recycling Ordinance in light of Township population growth and eligibility for performance grants and funding. The revisions to the Burning Ordinance complement the Waste Management Ordinance and bring the Township into compliance with statewide measures. Discussion ensued regarding salient points of the overall Drafts including identification of recreational fires, post-storm debris fires, trash hauler list, and leaf removal.

Motion: McNemar moved to submit the Draft Ordinances for Waste Management and Recycling and Burning, Open, to the Township Solicitor for review; Brutscher seconded; unanimously carried.

6. Project Manager Update:

a) Revised lateral for Riverside Lot 42 – Board received a letter from Toll Brothers requesting authorization for the Township Engineer to review the plans to modify placement of the lateral due to insufficient slope from the house to the main. Board asked the Secretary to clarify and confirm Castle Valley or VanDemark & Lynch as appropriate engineering firm for the review.

b) McNemar noted that Jim Fritsch met with PennDOT on July 16^th regarding the Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP) to allow trails installed on the County property to cross state roads. Revisions to the plan will be required and submitted to the Board for approval.

7. Public Works Report: Harwood reported that he scheduled an appointment with an arborist to look at the rotted trees adjacent to and posing a threat to the schoolhouse. He has asked for quotes from four tree companies to drop these trees as well as remove four (4) junk or common species trees obstructing sight distances to the entranceway of the Public Works facility. Cost of removal can be paid out of the liquid fuel account. Public Works Team will remove trees and vendor will grind stumps to ground level as needed. Work is underway to paint the exterior of the schoolhouse. Harwood was advised by the Secretary that the Office received a complaint that large sticks and wood chippings are apparent on the playground surface under the swings in Pocopson Park. Harwood noted that the surface received maintenance earlier in the day. Harwood reported that work on the trails on the County property will resume following completion of the HOP. Harwood met with the railroad rep regarding replacement of a retaining wall on Creek Road. Harwood spoke informally to two (2) residents who are seemingly unaffected by the closure of Haines Mill Road due to structural deficiency of the bridge. Conary noted that the Board will be taking the necessary steps to confirm in writing the comments of residents who reside on the affected section of Haines Mill Road. Additionally, McNemar will research cost to replace the bridge for either vehicular or pedestrian traffic as well as repairs to the infrastructure that includes the stone wall and stormwater management features.

8. Old Business: Secretary advised that the Chester County Geographic Information System (GIS) confirmed assignment of 477 Locust Grove Road for Pocopson Township Park and 520 South Wawaset Road for Pocopson Township Park East. Secretary also confirmed that state and county emergency responders support the efforts of GIS to remedy even-odd numbering by side of the road. Secretary also advised that Township Solicitor is waiting to receive a copy of the Cousins Power of Attorney in order to proceed with second Ordinance Hearing in the matter of closure of Larkin Baily Road.

9. Resolution No. 2008-11: Conary noted the Board’s work in creating the Township Personnel Handbook to be adopted this evening. Harwood was previously presented a draft copy and provided no comment at this time. Conary also acknowledged the efforts of the Board to address employee compensation as it relates to changes in personnel policy and overall Township operations.

Resolution #11 of 2008: McNemar moved, Brutscher seconded to approve Resolution #11 of 2008 adopting the Pocopson Township Personnel Handbook; Motion carried unanimously.

Motion: McNemar moved to approve a 2.4% pay increase for Township employees employed as of January 1, 2008 with a retroactive pay adjustment for the period January 1, 2008 to August 1, 2008; Brutscher seconded; unanimously carried.

10. New Business: none.

11. Escrow/Bond Releases: White Farm: Release #5 for $73,273.00 with a construction review sum of $2,781.50 to Township for engineering review.
Motion: Brutscher moved to approve Escrow Release #5 once construction review sum is received by the Township; McNemar seconded; motion approved unanimously.

12. Treasurer’s Warrants: Warrant sheets approved as submitted.

13. Correspondence: Conary reviewed notices from Brandywine Conservancy for a two-hour lecture on the energy industry on July 31^st and Chester County Department of Aging Services request to develop a local severe heat emergency notice program for seniors. McNemar also reviewed the Discharge Monitoring Report and Operator Log Sheets for the Riverside Wastewater facility and asked that the Secretary confirm receipt of the documents with Castle Valley Consultants. Board requested the Secretary to get a written proposal from Birmingham Township Police for scope of services to be reviewed by the Board.

14. Review of Minutes: Meeting of July 14, 2008.

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

15. Adjournment: At 8:45 p.m., Conary moved to adjourn the meeting; Brutscher seconded.

___________________________ _____________________________

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