Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

7:30 p.m., August 31, 2009

Present: Stephen R. Conary, Georgia F. Brutscher. Absent: 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: Conary and McNemar met with Township Solicitor and Castle Valley Consultants regarding proposed terms and conditions for sale of Riverside Wastewater Treatment facility (WWT) to Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority (DELCORA). Board continues to work on details for the sewer line connections. A meeting is scheduled for September 17^th to continue discussion of terms and conditions for the sale of the WWT facility. Brutscher reported the Barnard House Steering Committee met on August 27^th to discuss including a presentation table during Founders Day. Kennett Underground Railroad Center continues to review draft agreement for museum space in the Barnard House. Steering Committee continues to plan a stakeholder/fundraising meeting for October. Brutscher suggested development of a logo for the repurpose construction project.

4. Public Comment: none

5. Public Hearing for Modification to Pocopson Township Agricultural Security Area:

Motion: At 7:40 p.m., Brutscher moved and Conary seconded to close the public meeting and open the hearing on adopting and approving proposals for modification and addition to the Pocopson Township Agricultural Security Area (ASA).

Conary noted the hearing is held in accordance with Act of June 30, 1981, P.L. 128, No. 43, §2. The ASA promotes farming operations in the Township and strengthens the farming community’s sense of security in the land. Brutscher noted that the proposals for modification were submitted by landowners interested in including their parcels in the ASA. Proposed additional acreage is 530.06 acres bringing total acreage to 1485.01 acres. The following exhibits were presented: ASA-1 Pocopson Township Board of Supervisors Minutes of June 8, 2009 and June 22, 2009 regarding landowners’ requests; ASA-2 correspondence with landowners; ASA-3 proposals endorsed by landowners; ASA-4 approval of parcels by Chester County Planning Commission; ASA-5 hearing notice to landowners; ASA-6 public notice; ASA-7 proof of publication; ASA-8 map prepared by Chester County Land Records System depicting current ASA parcels and proposed ASA parcels. The Board called for discussion. No further discussion and no concerns were presented.

Resolution 2009-16: Brutscher moved, Conary seconded, to accept Resolution No. 2009-16 adopting and approving proposals for modification and addition to Pocopson Township Agricultural Security Area and that the Resolution and Proposals of the subject ASA parcels be filed in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Chester County.

Motion: Brutscher moved, Conary seconded, to close the ASA hearing at 7:55 p.m. and reopen the public meeting.

6. Founders Day – Event Update: Board reviewed and endorsed agreements for Emergency Service Management to be provided by Longwood Fire Company for Founders Day Event. Ezekiel Hubbard reported on behalf of the Founders Day Committee that details are final for recreational equipment for the children, and the Committee continues to work out logistics for other activities. Not all invoices have been submitted. Dr. Chad Laurence of Corrective Chiropractic requests permission to participate in Founders Day to educate the community on the proper use of backpacks. He presented similar programs at Pocopson and Unionville Elementary Schools. In a letter to the Board, he states that at no time will he adjust or provide medical services. Board has no objection to Dr. Laurence participating in Founders Day in accordance with the letter dated August 26, 2009.

7. Public Works: Harwood reported that mowing tasks continue as well as other landscape activity at the Schoolhouse. He noted two dead trees behind the Schoolhouse that should come down as they represent a danger to the structure and to people using the trail. Board agreed that Boot Road Tree Service should take down the trees when they are in the Township in September. Harwood will notify residents in Brandywine Hills and Lenni Drive that roadside tree work will occur the second week of September. He started painting the park benches. Conary noted that Kennett Township will hold a deer control forum September 10^th. The Board will continue to coordinate an effort to organize a deer hunt on Township land along with the County and the Brandywine Valley Association. Board noted that interviews are scheduled for September 3^rd for the Public Works Crew position. Board requested an update to the project schedule. Harwood requested and Board approved use of meeting room chairs for Safety Seminar at the Public Works Building on September 15^th.

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

9. New Business:

a) Planning Commission Vacancy – Brutscher moved, Conary seconded to appoint Christopher Sperber to the Township Planning Commission to replace Lauressa J. McNemar, P.E. for the remainder of her term which ends December 31, 2010.

b) Professional Services Authorization for Brandy Ridge Trail Section – Board reviewed Township Engineer Professional Services Authorization for rehabilitation of the Brandyridge Trail. Basically, the work includes construction of steps down to Creek Road. Construction cost estimate outlined by Engineer is approximately $9,500.00. Board asked Harwood if construction work can be completed by public works department. Harwood responded that work could be completed in a month if public works department is fully staffed. Brandyridge Homeowners Association agreed to the trail construction by the Township in exchange for granting of a left turn lane easement along Route 52.

Motion: Brutscher moved, Conary seconded, to approve Vandemark & Lynch Professional Services Authorization in the amount of $1,500.00 for engineering services for rehabilitation of the Brandyridge Trail provided trail construction is completed by Township Public Works Department.

c) Southeastern Chester County Refuse Authority – new signs installed this week at Recycling Drop-Off Center indicating all dumpsters are single stream recycling. However, Secretary reported the signage will be changed because of error indicating shredded paper prohibited. Shredded paper is not prohibited. Board asks that single stream recycling notice be included in next Township newsletter.

10. Old Business: Riverside at Chadds Ford Homeowners Association Board will review sewer easement agreement with their solicitor. Board discussed a painting, “Hunt Gathering at Barnard House” by Eileen Doran that was done exclusively for a Chester County nonprofit.

11. Treasurers Warrant: Motion: Conary moved, Brutscher seconded, to approve the Bill Payment Lists for August 18 – August 31, 2009 recommended for payment by the Treasurer. General Fund: 11 bills due for payment totaling $4,326.51; 4 debit card purchases totaling $129.65. Highway Aid: 2 bills due for payment totaling $604.16.

Motion: Conary moved, Brutscher seconded, to accept the July 2009 Financial Report prepared by the Township Treasurer.

Motion: Conary moved, Brutscher seconded, to direct the Treasurer to issue refunds totaling $3,276.18 to nineteen taxpayers who are due refunds from tax years 2007 or 2008 because of previously unrecorded assessment changes.

Motion: Conary moved, Brutscher seconded, to approve expenses related to a Township-wide postcard mailing regarding the Barnard House fundraiser.

12. Correspondence: Board continues to review reports from Open Space Advisory Committee regarding land preservation projects. Board discussed request submitted by attorney for landowner of 584 Corinne Road for permission to remove two large cherry trees.

Motion: Brutscher moved, Conary seconded, to approve the August 31, 2009 request submitted by Edward Foley, Esquire, on behalf of the Mastons, for the removal of two (2) large diseased cherry trees adjacent to their home; the removal is required for safety reasons.

13. Approval of Minutes of July 27, 2009 and August 17, 2009: Board tabled approval of Minutes to the August 17, 2009 meeting. Conary moved, Brutscher seconded, to approve the Minutes of July 27, 2009 as revised.

14. Adjournment: At 8:30 p.m., Conary moved, Brutscher seconded, to adjourn the meeting.

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