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The Regular Meeting of the Doylestown Township Board of
Supervisors was held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2009
at the Doylestown Township Municipal Building, 425 Wells Road,
Doylestown, PA. Members of the Board of Supervisors in
attendance included Chairman; Barbara N. Lyons, Vice Chairman;
E. Thomas Scarborough, Jr., Supervisor; Cynthia Philo. Others
in attendance included Chief of Police; Stephen J. White,
Township Solicitor; Jeffery P. Garton; Director of Operations;
Richard E. John; Township Manager; Stephanie J. Mason
Absent: Supervisors; Barbara Eisenhardt and Jeffrey Bennett;
Township Engineer: Mario Canales
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ANNOUCEMENTS:
The next Board of the Supervisors meeting is scheduled for
Monday, January 4, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. in the Doylestown Township
Municipal Building.
The Doylestown Township Municipal Offices will be closed Friday,
December 25, 2009 for the Christmas holiday and Friday, January
1, 2010 for the New Year’s Day holiday.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Resident; Mr. Bigler questioned if an ultimate right of way for
road widening was taken from the Temple Judea construction
project. Mr. Garton stated currently the right of way is secure
and no decision will be made until construction is to begin.
Mr. Bigler then questioned how the Township will prevent a
property developer from building on approximately 60% imperious
surfaces in the Temple Judea property. As per an expert witness
statement from the previous Board of Supervisor’s meeting, there
is approximately 50,000 square feet of woodlands area and Temple
Judea’s final construction plans states 166,834 square feet.
Mr. Garton suggested Mr. Bigler direct his question to the
Township Manager, Stephanie Mason, so she may direct the
question to Temple Judea or engineer.
MINUTES APPROVAL:
Minutes of the December 1, 2009 will be approved at the next
Board of Supervisor’s meeting of January 4, 2010.
POLICE CHIEF:
Recognition of Sergeant Michael Johnson –
Retirement
Chief White requested the Board’s approval of a proclamation in
honor of Sgt. Michael Johnson’s 29 years of service and
congratulate him on his retirement from the Doylestown Police
Force.
Ms. Philo made a MOTION to accept a proclamation in honor of
Sgt. Michael Johnson’s years of service on the Doylestown Police
Force and wish him a successful retirement, seconded by Mr.
Scarborough.
MOTION was ADOPTED 3 to 0.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Ms. Stephanie Mason indicated, Bucks County Community
Development Advisory Board approved $34,550.00 for a handicap
signal improvements at Barn Plaza, but denied 2010 funding for
the Aldie Mansion patio wall restoration.
REPORTS:
SOLICITOR:
No Report
TOWNSHIP MANAGER:
No Report
SUPERVISORS:
Ms. Philo:
Due to recent developments regarding Supervisor, Mr. Jeffrey
Bennett’s law firm, Ms. Philo asked the Board request Mr.
Bennett’s resignation from the Board of Supervisors. Ms. Philo
stated that Mr. Bennett’s law firm was a part of a 15 count
indictment and yet he has not approached the Board with an
explanation of his future plans. She feels her request is
reasonable and can’t see how Mr. Bennett can realistically
continue his role as a Supervisor, while defending himself in
federal court. Ms. Philo further indicated that Mr. Bennett
failed to list three companies as a source of income in his
financial statement, required by the State. She believes this
creates serious questions as to why Mr. Bennett hides his
activities from the law.
Ms. Philo made a MOTION to request the Board’s support that Mr.
Bennett step down as a member of the Board of Supervisors and
have the Board appoint a replacement who can devote their
attention to the business of governing the Township and whether
Mr. Bennett’s presents creates a possible current or future
liability for the Township.
MOTION FAILED for lack of a second
Disappointed and surprised, Ms. Philo doesn’t understand what it
will take for the Supervisors to be responsible to the residents
and added that her motion is not personal, but feels it’s
necessary to function as a Board. Ms. Philo feels Mr.
Bennett’s unwillingness to discuss the case will be detrimental
to the Board and each resident of the Township.
Ms. Philo renewed her MOTION to have the Board seriously
consider the request of Mr. Jeffrey Bennett’s resignation from
the Board of Supervisors and search for a replacement to assist
the Board in functioning fully.
MOTION FAILED for a lack of a second.
Ms. Philo informed the public the Traffic Committee is moving
forward with discussions regarding traffic calming measures on
Saurman Road and a decision will be made within the New Year.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Proposed Backflow and Cross Connection Ordinance
Mr. Garton indicated the Board authorized the advertisement of
the Proposed Backflow and Cross Connection Ordinance, which is
required by the Pennsylvania Code and enforcement of the Safe
Drinking Water Act. Mr. Garton noted the advertisement was duly
posted in the Intelligencer and a copy placed in the law library
to be ready for public hearing. Mr. Garton then addressed page
6, Item B of the ordinance and suggested the word “Township” be
placed between Doylestown and Municipal. Mr. Garton then
introduced Mr. John to continue with the request.
Mr. John stated the Municipal Authority proposes the ordinance
on back flow prevention, under the Authority’s rules and
regulations and the Pennsylvania Code Title 25, Chapter 109.
Once the ordinance is enacted the Authority can move forward to
insure these devices be installed and proper, annual inspections
be provided to commercial properties and five year inspections
for residential homes. Although the backflow units have been
installed for some time, the ordinance will enable the Authority
to certify the units are working properly and maintain by an
outside firm.
Mr. John requests the Board consider the enactment of the
Backflow and Cross Connection Ordinance.
Mr. Garton suggested Mr. John explain to the public, the meaning
of backflow. Mr. John explained it’s illegal to allow any type
of contamination to enter any water systems. Residential
properties are suspect to these contaminations due to being
openly fitted from public water. With the backflow prevention
device, water will enter the building and not be allowed out.
Mr. John added the backflow systems do have some problems and
will be provided to the public in a newsletter. Any backflow
preventer should be accompanied with a thermal expansion tank to
absorb any additional pressure that may enter the system. This
will prevent pressure in the water tanks that may cause
explosions.
Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION to approve the Backflow and Cross
Connection Ordinance, seconded by Ms. Philo.
MOTION was ADOPTED 3 to 0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Inter-municipal Agreement – Buckingham Township
Cross Keys Water Service District
After many months of negotiations, Mr. John presented the Board
with a signed Inter-municipal Agreement between Doylestown
Township Municipal Authority, Buckingham and Doylestown Township
to obtain grant monies from the Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) in order to move forward with the installment
of public water along the Cross Keys area. Mr. John then
requests the Board’s approval of the Inter-municipal Agreement.
Ms. Philo made a MOTION to approve the Inter-municipal Agreement
between DTMA, Buckingham and Doylestown Townships, seconded by
Mr. Scarborough.
MOTION was ADOPTED 3 to 0.
Furlong Area Groundwater Issues
Mrs. Lyons informed the public due to the inability of
Buckingham Township providing a water connection for the Furlong
area, the Township lost the ability to receive funds from the
DEP from the Vander/Furlong waterline grant. However, DEP
indicated that an application can be submitted in the future
once a water source is in place. The Board reviewed the letter
from DEP and also from the North Wales Wales Water Authority.
NEW BUSINESS:
2010 Final Budget
As a result of hard work between the Township staff, Ways and
Means Committee and the Board of Supervisors, Ms. Mason
presented the 2010 final budget that includes no tax
increase,millage remaining at 7.25 mills, revenues anticipated
at $12,744,410., expenditures at $10,274,216., transfers of
$465,029., and a fund balance of $2,005,165.
Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION to approve the Doylestown Township
2010 Final Budget for the purpose of discussion, seconded by
Mrs. Lyons.
Mr. Scarborough was elated to find no tax increase, a fund
balance and surplus in the budget and added that other
municipalities added horrendous tax increases in their budgets.
Mr. Scarborough concluded by stating he is very proud of
Doylestown Township for their diligent work in keeping the
budget fiscally in good shape for the past years.
Resident; Mr. Frank LaRosa asked if the budget was finalized.
Mrs. Lyons explained the preliminary budget has been hanging for
20 days and the goal is to finalize the budget at tonight’s
meeting.
Ms. Philo announced that she will not provide her vote on the
Township’s 2010 Final Budget, unless a compromise is made to
decrease the budget by an additional 5%, to make sure nothing is
taken away from the fund balance. Mrs. Lyons suggested Ms.
Philo revisit her previous suggested to decrease the budget.
Ms. Philo refused to include her suggestions previously rejected
by the Board and is willing to work with the Board to approve
the budget if an additional 5% is deducted to serve the Township
better by not dipping into the relief fund. Mrs. Lyons asked
Ms. Philo to clarify that the additional 5% decrease is to be
taken out of the $10 million expenditures used to run the
Township across the board. Ms. Philo stated another work
session is needed to audit each item for a reduction. Mrs.
Lyons informed Ms. Philo that at two previous budget work
sessions, the items in question were discussed in her absence.
Ms. Philo reminded Mrs. Lyons that she did not vote for these
items at the previous work sessions and did not change her
mind.
Mr. LaRosa then asked Ms. Philo to clarify the items in question
for his understanding. Ms. Philo answered by stating the budget
can be reduced by $500.000. Resident; David Rapoport suggested
Mr. LarRosa learn about the budget outside of this meeting by
viewing the minutes posted on the township’s website.
Mrs. Lyons informed the public the proposed budget has no tax
increase, no reduction services, and a surplus carried from 2009
with a projected surplus for 2010. The Board worked very hard
with the Ways and Means Committee to develop a budget. If the
budget is not approved by the end of the year, the Township will
be in violation of the law. Mrs. Lyons then stated since Ms.
Philo refuses to review her discrepancies with the budget, a
special Board of Supervisors meeting will be schedule where all
Board members can be present to review Ms. Philo’s items and
approve the 2010 final budget. Ms. Philo wanted to clarify,
that items of concern were previously rejected by the Board at
several budget work session meetings. Mrs. Lyons concluded by
stating the Board has a responsibility to the residents,
operation of business, staff and township itself to work as a
team and gave Ms. Philo a final chance to address her concerns
regarding the budget.
Resident; Jordan Yeager reminded the Board at a previous budget
meeting; Mr. Scarborough had a discrepancy with the budget and
refused to discuss his concerns the day a budget was to be
approved. At that time, Mr. Yeager recalled Mr. Scarborough was
not pressured to do so, and feels there is a double standard
amongst the Board. Mr. Scarborough took exception to Mr.
Yeager’s comments. Mr. Scarborough agreed in the past, he did
refused to vote on a budget, but his concerns were worked out
several months prior to the approved budget, and included his
suggestions. Mr. Yeager then requested the minutes reflect Mr.
Scarborough’s political attack on his comment, rather than
addressing his question. Mr. Scarborough disagreed his response
was a political attack towards Mr. Yeager.
The Board set December 21, 2009 for a Special Meeting.
Resolution No. 1499
Mr. Garton announced the Resolution No. 1499 to set a tax rate
would need to be tabled and be approved at the Board of
Supervisors Special Meeting.
Resolution No. 1498
Ms. Mason explained due to the retirement of Finance Officer,
Mr. Wightman, a new voting delegate is required to be appointed
to the Tax Collection Committee.
Ms. Philo made a MOTION to appoint herself as the primary
delegate to the Tax Collection Committee and Stephanie Mason as
the alternate, seconded by Mrs. Lyons.
MOTION FAILS 2 to 1, with No Action
Land Development Review Extension – Eves Tract
Minor Subdivision
Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION to accept the request for land
development extension for the Eves Tract, seconded by Ms.
Philo.
MOTION CARRIED 3 to 0
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Ms. Philo made a MOTION to approve the Treasurer’s Report of
December 15, 2009, seconded by Mr. Scarborough.
MOTION was ADOPTED 3 to 0.
BILL’S LIST:
Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION to approve the December 15, 2009
Bill’s List in the amount of $100,548.51, seconded by Mrs.
Lyons.
MOTION FAILED 2 to 1. Bill’s List will be presented at the
Special Meeting of the Board of Supervisor’s meeting of December
21, 2009.
Resident; Mary Lou Parry asked what are the consequences of the
budget if all Board members not present at the December 21, 2009
meeting. Mr. Garton answered by stating meetings will continue
to be scheduled until all members are present or a majority of
the members reach a consensus on the budget. Mrs. Parry then
asked what will happen if the budget is not approved by the end
of the year. Mr. Garton stated state aid, such as for liquid
fuel will be lost, no payroll can be distributed and Township
bills cannot be paid. Mrs. Parry hopes some cooperation on the
Board’s part can be made to move the budget forward.
Resident; Mike McCloskey asked when will the minutes of December
1, 2009 be available, and if they mention the 2010 budget. Mrs.
Lyons answered the minutes will be available for the Monday,
December 21, 2009 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: 7:40
p.m. |
Authored by Development Solutions