|
The regular meeting of the Doylestown Township
Board of Supervisors was held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday December
5, 2006, at the Doylestown Township Municipal Building, 425
Wells Road, Doylestown, PA. Members of the Board of Supervisors
in attendance included Walter C. Berry, Chairman, E. Thomas
Scarborough, Jr., Vice Chairman, Barbara Eisenhardt, Barbara
Lyons and Cynthia Philo. Others in attendance included Jeffrey
Garton, Township Solicitor, Chief Stephen White, Chief of
Police, Mario L. Canales, Township Engineer and Stephanie Mason,
Township Manager.
Pledge to the Flag: The meeting opened with a
pledge to the flag.
Audio Taping of Meeting: Mr. Berry announced
that Ms. Eisenhardt would be audio taping the meeting.
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS:
2007 Doylestown Preliminary Budget – Continued from
11/21/06 meeting: Mr. Berry explained that the Board of
Supervisors and Township staff reworked the 2007 budget and in
the process discovered an error.
Mr. Bill Wightman explained
that the Board requested that he look for any possible errors in
the proposed budget and together with the auditors an error was
found that in fact there was $1.4 million dollar error in the
reserves detailed in the budget. In fact, the correct total in
the reserves portion of the budget is $4 million instead of the
$2.6 million previously reported.
Additionally a change has
been made in the projected real estate transfer tax which has
now been increased by $100,000 in the 2007 budget a 14%
reduction from the 2006 budget due to the projected decline in
the real estate market.
The earned income tax has
been increased in the 2007 budget by $46,000 or 1.5%.
Mr. Wightman then discussed
the purchase of the multi purpose tractor which he explained
would be used for a variety of projects in the Township
including, but not limited to, mowing, aerating, snow removal
and certain roadway projects. He explained that the proposal is
to lease the tractor over a four year period and then purchase
it for $1.00. This tractor will replace two older tractors
owned by the Township which will be auctioned off and the
proceeds transferred to offset the lease costs.
Mr. Wightman explained that
the prior proposed budget had included additional personnel; one
part time non licensed code employee and one full time parks
maintenance employee both of which positions have now been
eliminated from the budget.
Mr. Wightman explained that there is a line item for a one time
capital contribution in the budget in the amount of $20,000 for
the Central Bucks Ambulance Corps which is still under
consideration.
Mr. Scarborough thanked the Township staff and
Board for the support and work on the budget that has resulted
in no tax increase for 2007.
Mr. Joe Paternoski thanked the Board and staff
for their work on the budget and commented that it is hard to
admit an error but they did. He also expressed gratitude that
the Board had decided to lease the tractor rather than purchase
it outright.
Mr. Price asked for clarification concerning the
reserves account and the Board confirmed that the proposed
budget is using $2.1 million of the reserves in order to avoid a
tax increase.
Ms. Godown addressed the Board concerning the
contribution to the Central Bucks Ambulance explaining that they
are not the only ambulance serving the Township and suggested
dividing the $20,000 contribution between the various ambulance
companies.
Ms. Eisenhardt explained that other
municipalities have taxes that are allocated to the other
ambulances.
Mr. Berry explained that Central Bucks Ambulance
is the only ambulance service that has requested a contribution
from Doylestown Borough and Doylestown Township.
Mr. Scarborough said that 12 municipalities are
served by Central Bucks Ambulance and a meeting is anticipated
to be held with the other municipalities to discuss the
ambulance service and funding situation.
Mr. Conrad Dion asked about the way the budget
outlined not just the funding but the expenditures. Ms. Lyons
explained that this budget contains “no fluff” and substantial
cuts have been made. She said that some expenditures have been
reduced and some increased and the budget has actually been
increased by $2 million in 2007. Additionally, Ms. Lyons
explained that the entire budget process is going to be revamped
in 2007 so that the public can better understand the budget.
She said that the Board is very concerned about cutting into the
reserves and would not like to see the reserves be reduced any
further.
Mr. Cook asked if the Township was planning to
continue to asphalt the roads given the new budget. Mr. Berry
explained that some of the older roadways will be asphalted and
the funds allocated for this purpose will remain in the budget.
A discussion followed concerning various roadways in the
Township that should or should not be asphalted.
Mr. Stuart Kinsberry said that he applauded the
Township’s efforts with regard to the budget and commented that
he believes there will be more funds collected with respect to
the real estate transfer taxes because he understands that the
projections for the real estate market for the Doylestown area
of Bucks County will be slightly ahead in 2007.
Mr. Norman Melling commented that he believes the
park system is a financial liability and encouraged the Board to
look at other fund raising possibilities to have the park system
become an asset rather than a liability.
The Board suggested that this will be a topic to
be looked at with the Ways and Means/Financial Committee that
will be formed.
On motion of Ms. Philo, seconded by Ms. Lyons the
Board voted 4-1 to approve the Preliminary Budget with Mr.
Scarborough voting “no”.
Visitors/Public Comment: Ms. Madeline Rawley
addressed the Board and explained there is a need for voter
verified paper ballots in connection with the voting machines
which currently do not produce such verification. She said that
she appreciated the Board passing a resolution to this effect
but that the County Commissioners have not made the same
recommendation. She explained that with the current voting
machines there is no accurate way to verify the voting record.
She encouraged the residents and the Board to request that their
representatives at both the state and federal level address this
issue.
Deborah Harrison commented about a situation
raised by Peter Tripodi at the November 21, 2006 meeting
concerning what he believed was Ms. Eisenhardt’s harassment of
him with regard to calling the Zoning Code Officer on numerous
occasions. She suggested that the Township develop a policy
wherein each complainant, whether resident or supervisor,
complete a complaint form. Ms. Mason explained that there is
such a form which is used by the Township for complaints and
explained further that all the complaints associated with Mr.
Tripoldi were legitimate and he resolved each and every one to
the satisfaction of the Township.
Mr. Kenneth Davis, President of the Doylestown
Station Condominium Association, explained that the community
includes 211 units and they were not notified of an item on the
agenda that concerned their community.
Mr. Berry explained that the agenda for all
meetings is posted on the Township’s website.
Mr. Davis commented that not everyone in the
community has access to the internet and would appreciate a
letter being sent to the management company, Continental
Management, to alert the community to any items appearing on the
agenda that impacts the community.
Ms. Philo said that the Board will look at ways
in which it can communicate more effectively with the residents
of the Township.
Mr. Jordon Yeager expressed concern with an
expletive that Mr. Scarborough made to another Supervisor while
discussing the budget at the November 21, 2006 meeting and
requested that he apologize. Ms. Harrison explained that a
heated budget discussion took place.
Mr. Scarborough commented that he was the lone
Supervisor who suggested that a tax increase for 2007 was
unnecessary.
Ms. Philo commented that she heard Mr.
Scarborough’s inappropriate comment and believes that all the
Supervisors should behave properly.
At this point in the meeting, Mr. Berry suggested
that the meeting move on.
Ms. Philo said she disagreed with that
suggestion.
Announcements:
The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors meeting will be
held on Tuesday, December 19, 2006.
Minutes Approval:
Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting– November 21, 2006. Ms.
Harrison requested that the minutes reflect a more detailed
summary of Mr. Price’s written comments presented to the Board
concerning the fact that the entire basis of the proposed 7 mil
real estate tax increase was predicated on the belief that the
Township has not kept up with inflation. Mr. Price refuted this
information in this presentation comparing the tax increases and
the consumer price index as well as the fact that the earned
income tax has increased, all of which was not mentioned in the
budget discussion. She requested that Mr. Price’s presentation
be attached to the minutes as an Exhibit.
The Board explained that they do not allow
additions to the minutes, in that the minutes are not a word for
word account, with the exception of actual omissions in
motions. Minutes report general discussion topics and any
actions taken by the Board of Supervisors.
Mr. Berry commented that this meeting is being recorded and
therefore any comments concerning the November 21, 2006 meeting
will be included in the recording.
Ms. Harrison asked that the 2nd paragraph on page
6 be changed to reflect that another resident made the comments
that were attributed to her.
Ms. Eisenhardt asked that the following
paragraphs be stricken from the minutes in that they were
unnecessary:
Paragraph 4 under Supervisors comments: “Mr.
Scarborough wished everyone a healthy, happy and safe
Thanksgiving holiday” and the 2nd full paragraph on page 5 “A
resident commented that Mr. Scarborough should run for President
and straighten out the Social Security mess”.
On motion of Ms. Lyons, seconded by Mr.
Scarborough, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the
minutes of the Board of Supervisors regular meeting held
November 21, 2006 with the following changes:
Ms. Harrison asked that the 2nd paragraph on page
6 be changed to reflect that another resident made the comments
that were attributed to her.
Ms. Eisenhardt asked that the following
paragraphs be stricken from the minutes in that they were
unnecessary:
Paragraph 4 under Supervisors comments “Mr.
Scarborough wished everyone a healthy, happy and safe
Thanksgiving holiday” and the 2nd full paragraph on page 5 “A
resident commented that Mr. Scarborough should run for President
and straighten out the Social Security mess”.
Resolutions and Commendations: None.
Correspondence: None.
REPORTS:
Solicitor: No report.
Township Engineer: No report.
Police Report: No report.
Township Manager: No report.
Supervisors: Ms. Eisenhardt explained that the Public Water
and Sewer Advisory Board (“PW&SAB”) was formed in early 2006 at
the request of the Board of Supervisors and she is the Board’s
liaison to this committee. The PW&SAB has met and discussed the
public water and sewer needs of the Township with the primary
concern being the public health and welfare of all residents of
the Township with special concern surrounding the environmental
impact of failing on lot disposal systems. On the basis of the
input received the PW&SAB is recommending to the Board of
Supervisors that they immediately move to implement the “10-year
plan” as identified in the Act 537 Plan and provide public
sewers to all areas of the Township where they do not currently
exist. Three specific areas have been identified and are
referred to as the Pebble Ridge, Pebble Hill/Tabor Tower
Hill/Pheasant Run/Sugar Bottom/Furlong and Dell Haven areas.
Ms. Eisenhardt explained that a feasibility study
has been completed by BCW&SA.
Mr. Neil Samuels requested that the homeowners
who will be affected be notified.
Mr. Berry explained that the momentum for this
project is coming from residents in the Township who are and
will be affected by this. Additionally, no resident will be
required to connect to pubic sewers but will be required to pay
their proportionate share of the line in the street.
After further discussion, on motion of Ms.
Eisenhardt, seconded by Ms. Lyons, the Board unanimously
authorized the Public Water and Sewer Advisory Board to move
forward to sewer the Pebble Ridge, Pebble Hill/Tabor Tower
Hill/Pheasant Run/Sugar Bottom/Furlong and Dell Haven areas of
Doylestown Township.
Mr. Scarborough suggested that the Board
authorize the formation of a Ways and Means/Finance Committee
and requested that he be appointed the liaison from the Board of
Supervisors.
After discussion, on motion of Mr. Scarborough,
seconded by Ms. Lyons, the Board of Supervisors unanimously
approved forming a Ways and Means/Finance Committee and
deferring appointment of a liaison until the reorganization
meeting of the Board held in January, 2007.
Ms. Philo commented that during the holiday
season residents need to be especially vigilant about identify
theft and suggested looking at the website
www.identifytheftactionplan.com which is also posted on the
Township’s website.
Ms. Philo also thanked the residents for their
input into the budget process.
PUBLIC HEARING:
D.R.O.P. Program for Police – Proposed Ordinance: After
discussion, on motion of Ms. Philo, seconded by Ms. Lyons, the
Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance No. 334 amending the
provisions of the Doylestown Township Uniformed Pension Plan by
establishing a deferred retirement option program.
Postponed Retirement – Police Pension Plan –
Proposed Ordinance: A discussion was held concerning where the
funds for this incentive pay and the Board confirmed that no tax
dollars would be used but that the funds would come from pension
fund investments. After discussion, on motion of Ms. Philo,
seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors adopted
Ordinance No. 335 amending the provisions of the Doylestown
Township Uniformed Employees’ Pension Plan by increasing the
service increment $100 per month for each year in excess of 25
years of service with a maximum of $500 per month after the
completion of 5 additional years of service.
Postponed Retirement – Non-Uniform Pension Plan-
Proposed Ordinance: After discussion, on motion of Mr.
Scarborough, seconded by Ms. Philo, the Board of Supervisors
adopted Ordinance No. 336 amending the provisions of the
Doylestown Township Non-Uniformed Employees’ Pension Plan by
increasing the Postponed Retirement Incentive.
Doylestown Township - Chalfont-New Britain
Conditional Use Application: A conditional use hearing was
held concerning waiving certain requirements in conjunction with
the submitted land development plans. A court reporter was
present to record these proceedings and, at the conclusion of
the hearing, the Board passed the following motion:
The Conditional Use was approved subject to the
following conditions:
1. Compliance with the Doylestown
Township Zoning Hearing Board Decision dated 11/21/06; and
2. Mitigation to be provided in
accordance with §175-103.9.A (2) of the Zoning Ordinance, which
said mitigation shall be approved prior to its implementation by
the Township Engineer.
The aforementioned conditions were approved by
the Applicant
NEW BUSINESS:
Chalfont-New Britain Twp.
Joint Sewage Authority – Preliminary/Final Plan: (Location:
Lower State Road) Mr. Garton explained that the plans propose to
consolidate TMP 9-7-10-1 and 9-7-10-2 to create one large parcel
for a total of 52.73 acres. The plans propose to expand the
existing wastewater treatment plant with the installation of a
new clarifier, the construction of a return sludge pumping
station and expansion of an ultraviolet disinfection system.
Additional improvements include the relocation of existing
fencing and a 24” force main pipe, the installation of a new
outfall pipe and the removal of two existing outfall pipes.
Additionally, it does not appear that any disturbance to the
other facilities that exist on the site in contemplated. After
discussion, on motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Ms. Philo,
the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Chalfont-New
Britain Twp. Joint Sewage Authority – Preliminary/Final Plan
subject to the following conditions:
1. Compliance with the Zoning Hearing
Board Decision rendered on November 21, 2006;
2. Compliance with the conditions imposed
by the Board of Supervisors as part of the conditional use
approval, which said approved occurred on December 5, 2006;
3. A Deed of Consolidation for the two
(2) lots shall be prepared and recorded simultaneously with the
recording of the mylar plans;
4. Compliance with the Pickering, Corts &
Summerson letter dated 8/22/06 with the understanding that the
six (6) waivers requested by the Authority as set forth in the
CKS letter dated September 21, 2006 were granted;
5. Compliance with the Boucher & James
report dated 8/23/06;
6. Receipt of all permits and approvals
from any agencies having jurisdiction over this matter
including, but not limited to, the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection and the Bucks County Conservation
District;
7. Payment of all Township
expenses associated with the Application;
8. The Authority to assist the
Township in developing a bike and hike path along the Neshaminy
Creek in concert with the bike path to be constructed as part of
the Route 202 Parkway project;
9. Compliance
with the Environmental Advisory Council report dated September
13, 2006 as it relates to the requirement that all storm drains
be stenciled with the Township’s standard “Rain Only” stencil;
and
10. The funding and execution of
Development and Financial Security Agreements, if required.
The aforementioned
conditions were approved by the Applicant.
National Incident Management
Systems Resolution: On motion of Ms. Lyons, seconded by Ms.
Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved
Resolution No. 1335 which provides for a consistent nationwide
approach for all branches of government to work together more
effectively and efficiently to prevent, prepare for, respond to
and recover from domestic incidents regardless of the cause,
size or complexity.
Municipal Pension Plan
Appointment of Chief Administrative Officer: After discussion,
on motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the
Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Resolution No. 1336
appointing the Township Manager as the Chief Administrative
Officer of the Municipal Pension Plan.
Summerhill Village (a.k.a
Doylestown Station) – Entry Landscape: A discussion was held
concerning Doylestown Station Condominium Association’s request
to install a landscape entry feature at the intersection of Turk
Road and Rolling Hill Boulevard. Additionally Mr. Davis
discussed a proposed sign as part of the license agreement and
explained that prior to any sign being erected the Board of
Supervisors must give its approval of the sign. After further
discussion, on motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Ms. Philo,
the Board of Supervisors approved executing the License
Agreement with Doylestown Station Condominium Association.
Traffic Signal Installation
Bid – Rt. 611 On Ramp & State Street: After discussion, on
motion of Ms. Eisenhardt, seconded by Ms. Philo, the Board of
Supervisors unanimously approved awarding the Traffic Signal
Installation Bid – Rt. 611 On Ramp & State Street to the low
bidder, Henkels and McCoy, Inc. in the amount of $91,763.66.
Verizon – Easement: After
discussion, on motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Mr. Berry,
the Board of Supervisors approved Resolution No.1336 providing
for a right of way easement for Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc. to
construct facilities on Township property located at Lower State
Road. This motion passed by a vote of 4 to 1 with Ms. Philo
voting against.
Announcements:
The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors meeting will be
held on Tuesday, December 19, 2006.
Adjournment:
There being no further business to come before the regular
meeting, the Board of Supervisors meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Stephanie J. Mason |
Authored by Development Solutions