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The regular meeting of the Doylestown Township Board of
Supervisors was held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15, 2006,
in 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: Jeffrey Garton,
Township Solicitor, Chief Stephen J. 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.
Visitors/Public Comments: Beth Taylor requested that the Board
of Supervisors decline accepting the additional remuneration
allowed for their work as members of the Board of Supervisors
during the day. She said that Middletown Township recently
passed an Ordinance wherein the Board of Supervisors declined
the additional remuneration now allowed by law.
On motion of Ms. Lyons, seconded by Mr. Scarborough, the Board
of Supervisors unanimously agreed that they would not accept any
additional remuneration for any meetings and/or work performed
during the day.
Ernie Gash asked for clarification on behalf of a neighbor with
respect to the procedure which would allow the neighbor to
remove additional trees on his property in order to construct a
pool etc. Mr. Canales explained that the neighbor would be
required to submit a revised grading plan showing the total
number of trees that would be removed.
Mr. Eugene Ott, a resident of the Estates of Doylestown,
addressed the Board with concerns in the change of the width of
the creek behind his property as well as neighboring
properties. He explained that in 1992 when he purchased his
home the width of the creek was approximately 2’ wide and now it
is approximately 11’ wide. He said that after any heavy rain
storm there has been normal debris, i.e., tires, branches, beer
bottles and the like whereas recently there has been substantial
rock washed onto his property measuring 6’ deep and an area of
40’ x 60’. He said that he removed 60 wheel barrows full of
rock after the last storm. He requested that the Township dredge
the creek. Mr. Ott presented photos of his property to the
Board.
Lisa Wiler explained that she too has this problem and presented
photos to the Board.
Mr. Canales explained that that this area is part of a 700 acre
water shed. He confirmed that he visited the site and the rock
is not coming from the Stone Manor development but quite
possibly from the Warrington Quarry.
Ms. Mason explained that the Township requested input from Bucks
County Conservation District concerning ways that the creek bed
can be stabilized and also to find out the source of the rock
deposits.
Mr. Dan Rickers explained that he has owned two homes in the
Estates and that the stream is twice as wide as it was in 1996.
Additionally he commented that no new bridges have been build
that would obstruct the flow of water.
Mr. Jim Hurdman told the Board that the culvert on Nicholas
Drive is blocked which is contributing to the water flow
problem.
After further discussion, the consensus of the Board was to have
the Township Engineer look into this, consult with Bucks County
Conservation District and report back to the Board.
Presentation: None.
Announcements: Doylestown
Township 2007 Budget Work Session meeting will be held on
Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 9:00 a.m.
After discussion, on motion of Ms. Eisenhardt, seconded by Mr.
Scarborough, the Board of Supervisors cancelled the regularly
scheduled meeting of September 5, 2006.
The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
Tuesday, September 19, 2006.
Minutes Approval - Board of Supervisors Meeting– July 18, 2005.
On motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Ms. Lyons, the Board
of Supervisors unanimously approved the minutes of the Board of
Supervisors meeting of July 18, 2006, as submitted.
Resolutions and Commendations: None.
Correspondence: PEDA Small Scale Community Wind Project Grant.
Ms. Mason explained that the Township was not successful in
securing the PEDA Small Scale Community Wind Project grant.
Doylestown Municipal Authority Board Resignation: Ms. Mason
referred the Board to a letter received from Ross Boucher
resigning from the Doylestown Municipal Authority Board as he
has moved out of the Township.
On motion of Mr. Berry, seconded by Mr. Scarborough, the Board
of Supervisors accepted Mr. Boucher’s resignation from the
Doylestown Municipal Authority Board with regret and requested
that Ms. Mason send a letter of appreciation to Mr. Boucher for
his service to the Township.
WORK SESSION:
Solicitor: Texas Eastern Pipe Line: Mr. Garton told the Board
that several documents have been received in connection with
this matter. He also explained that a new toll free number has
been established for residents to contact Texas Eastern with
questions – 1-800-831-0043.
On August 21, 2006 an Open House will be held at the Central
Bucks Community Senior Center, 700 Shady Retreat Road from 7:00
to 9:00 PM when personnel will be available to answer questions.
On August 22, 2006 the Office of Energy Projects staff will
conduct a site visit of Texas Eastern’s proposed Incremental
Marked Expansion II Project in Bucks County. Any person
interested must provide their own transportation and meet at
8:30 a.m. in the Doylestown Shopping Center adjacent to
Friendly’s Restaurant. Representatives of the Township will
attend both of these meetings.
Mr. Garton suggested that the appropriate State and Federal
government representatives should be asked to be present
personally or send a staff member to these two meetings.
Ms. Mason explained that John Granger, Manager of Solebury
Township, has told the Township that their solicitor is familiar
with the type of litigation and he will be spearheading their
municipality’s efforts to protect the interests of the
residents. Mr. Garton filed on behalf of Doylestown Township
but indicated it might be wise to partner at some point.
Mr. Garton explained that the Board of Supervisors met in
Executive Session prior to the regular meeting for approximately
30 minutes to discuss pending litigation with respect to the
Blueberry Hill Inn and that no action would be taken at the
public meeting.
Township Engineer: No report.
Police Chief: No report.
Township Manager: No report.
Supervisors: Ms. Eisenhardt referred the Board to an article
that appeared in The Intelligencer on July 20, 2006 concerning
public access TV. She suggested to the Board that a way to cut
costs would be allowing paid advertising on the public access
channel which would offset the costs to the Township.
Ms. Eisenhardt explained that the Township has requested that
BCW&SA complete a feasibility study with respect to the need for
sewers in the Township.
Ms. Eisenhardt commented that Doylestown Township has an
ordinance requiring recycling throughout the Township. She
noted that approximately 20- 30% of the residents are actually
recycling. She explained that Ches-Mont Disposal provides
recycling bins to residents that contain a computer chip which
monitors the amount of recycling and the customers then are
entitled to a reward for recycling.
Mr. Scarborough told the Board that a tentative contract has
been worked out with Verizon which should be available at the
next meeting for review and authorization to advertise. He
explained further that by the end of 2006 Verizon should be able
to provide service to customers and that under the proposed 12
year contract the Township will still realize the 5% rental fee.
Mr. Scarborough told the Board that he attended a meeting on
August 15, 2006 at the Board of Elections wherein they approved
splitting voting district 1 into two districts. District 1 will
comprise the area east of Wells Road which has a population of
1,470 and District 2 will be to the west of Wells Road with a
population of 1,540 residents. District 1 residents will vote
at the Municipal Building and District 2 residents will vote in
the Red Building which should eliminate the long lines
experienced in the past.
Mr. Scarborough told the Board that PSATS has a youth awareness
program which awards a prize to the winning group and that any
group is eligible to apply and the information is available at
the Township office.
Ms. Philo said that both the Republicans and Democrats should be
thanked for working together on redistricting the Township.
Ms. Philo noted that Ed Wallace of SEPTA responded to her
request to remove graffiti under the Route 611 Bypass on the R5
SEPTA line within 48 hours.
Ms. Lyons suggested that the schedule for the Texas Eastern
meetings be posted on the Township’s TV channel. Ms. Mason
explained that the residents affected have received notification
by letter and the local newspapers have noted the meeting
schedule and that the schedule will be put on the Township’s TV
channel.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Land Development Review Extensions: Pine Run Community
Preliminary Land Development: (Location: Ferry Road) On
motion of Ms. Eisenhardt, seconded by Ms. Lyons, the Board of
Supervisors unanimously granted an extension of land development
review for Pine Run Community Preliminary Land Development until
October 26, 2006.
Doylestown Green (Gross Tract) Final Subdivision: (Location:
Old Dublin Pike) On motion of Ms. Eisenhardt, seconded by Ms.
Lyons, the Board of Supervisors unanimously granted an extension
of land development review for Doylestown Green (Gross Tract)
Final Subdivision until October 28, 2006.
Blueberry Hill – Preliminary Land Development: (Location:
Route 611 and Almshouse Road) On motion of Ms. Eisenhardt,
seconded by Ms. Lyons, the Board of Supervisors unanimously
granted an extension of land development review for Blueberry
Hill Preliminary Land Development until October 31, 2006.
Fillman – Preliminary Major Subdivision: (Location: Pebble
Hill Road) On motion of Ms. Eisenhardt, seconded by Ms. Lyons,
the Board of Supervisors unanimously granted an extension of
land development review for Fillman Preliminary Major
Subdivision until October 31, 2006.
Touhill – Preliminary Major Subdivision: (Location: East
Road) On motion of Ms. Eisenhardt, seconded by Ms. Lyons, the
Board of Supervisors unanimously granted an extension of land
development review for Touhill Preliminary Major Subdivision
until October 31, 2006.
Land Development: Mains Tract –
Preliminary Subdivision: (Location: Pine Run and Ferry
Roads): Mr. Garton explained that the site contains
approximately 10.54 acres and is situated within the R-1a.
Residential Zoning District and currently contains an existing
singe family dwelling. The application is proposing to
subdivide TMP 9-4-4 into three (3) single family lots. Lot 1
will contain the existing single family dwelling. On Lots 2 and
3 the applicant is proposing to construct single family
residential (Use B-1) dwellings with on-site septic systems and
on-site wells. The plans propose to subdivide the lot into two
lots. Both lots are proposed to have private water and sewer
facilities. The plans propose to construct a single family
detached dwelling on Lot 2. The existing residential dwelling
unit on Lot 1 is proposed to remain. The plan that was approved
was prepared by Showalter & Associates, Inc., was dated November
14, 2005 and was last revised May 26, 2006.
After further discussion, on motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded
by Ms. Philo, the Board of Supervisors approved the Mains Tract
Preliminary Subdivision subject to the following conditions
which the applicant approved:
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Compliance with the comments and conditions
set forth in the Pickering, Corts & Summerson report dated
July 6, 2006;
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Applicant to pay a fee in lieu of recreation
for the two (2) new lots created by the subdivision which
said payment shall be in accordance with the Doylestown
Township Recreation Ordinance and shall be paid at the time
of the execution of Development and Financial Security
Agreements;
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Applicant to pay a fee in lieu of widening of
the adjoining streets, installation of curbs and sidewalks,
and the bike path. The amount of the fee in lieu shall be
determined between now and final plan approval. The payment
for same shall be made at the time of the execution of
Development and Financial Security Agreements;
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The Board of Supervisors decided to accept
the dedication of the right-of-way from the existing
right-of-way on Pine Run Rod to the ultimate right-of-way;
5. Compliance with the Boucher & James report dated 7/18/06
including the requirement of the placement conservation
easements and/or deed restrictions upon the open space areas on
the several lots;
6. Compliance with comment No. 3 set forth in the
recommendation of the Doylestown Township Planning Commission;
7. Receipt of all permits and approvals from any agencies
having jurisdiction over such matters including, but not limited
to, the Board of Health and the Bucks County Conservation
District; and
8. Applicant to pay a fee of $1,000 for each new lot as an
off-site contribution, which said payment shall be made at the
time of the execution of the Development and Financial Security
Agreements
Landis/Snyder Tract Land Development Withdrawal: On motion of
Ms. Lyons, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors
unanimously accepted the withdrawal of the Landis/Snyder Tract
Land Development plan.
Gribb Tract Amendment to Land Development Agreement: A
discussion was held concerning the proposed Amendment to the
Land Development Agreement for the Gribb Tract. Mr. Garton
explained that the Agreement allows the owner to transport
approximately 15,000 cubic yards of fill material from the
owner’s site to the Doylestown Country Cub provided that the
fill is graded and seeded in accordance with the grading/erosion
and sedimentation control plan prepared by CKS Engineers, Inc.
dated April 29, 2005 and revised August 6, 2006. Additionally,
Doylestown Country Cub has agreed to seed the fill area and
install the additional landscaping as depicted on the plan and
remove the other debris and scrub material noted on the plan.
The Township shall bear no responsibility for any of the costs
associated with this project. The parties have posted $25,000
in escrow in case this project is not completed to the
satisfaction of the Township and no money will be released until
the grass is established to the satisfaction of the Township.
Ms. Lyons explained that she and her husband are the owners of
property adjacent to the Doylestown Country Club and she
personally has had no discussions concerning this proposal.
However, she explained that her husband has been involved in
this matter. She explained that in her opinion Doylestown
Country Club has not been a good neighbor and has challenged
their concerns because she was a member of the Board of
Supervisors. She explained that she believes everyone is
safeguarded by this agreement and that the Board has negotiated
a good solution for the Township. However, she said she will
recluse herself from any vote on this matter.
After further discussion, on motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded
by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board voted to have the proper officials
execute the First Amendment to Development Agreement between
Doylestown Township and JJG Realty Associates. This motion
passed by a vote of 3-1-1 with Ms. Philo voting against and Ms.
Lyons abstaining.
Bike and Hike Trail
Easement – Bucks County: On motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded
by Ms. Philo, the Board of Supervisors approved the Acquisition
Easement between Doylestown Township and the County of Bucks.
Easement – Georgetown Commons Condominium: On motion of Mr.
Scarborough, seconded by Ms. Philo, the Board of Supervisors
approved the Deed of Easement between Doylestown Township and
Georgetown Commons Condominium.
Easement – Doylestown Commons Condominium Owners: On motion of
Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Ms. Philo, the Board of Supervisors
approved the Easement Agreement between Doylestown Township and
Doylestown Commons Condominium Owners.
Congestion, Mitigation and Air Quality Program Federal Aid
Reimbursement Agreement: After discussion, on motion of Ms.
Eisenhardt, seconded by Ms. Philo, the Board of Supervisors
unanimously approved Resolution No. 1322 to enter into a
Congestion, Mitigation and Air Quality Program for Federal Aid
Reimbursement Agreement for the Doylestown Community Bike and
Hike Trail Extension in the amount of $192,000.
Dr. West asked how the $192,000 bike and hike path grant will be
used. Ms. Mason provided a detailed explanation of the
bike/hike trails completed to date and how the Shady Retreat
portion will add additional length to the trail.
Zoning Hearing Board: Application of Central Bucks School
District – 16 and 20 Welden Drive – Request for a Variance: Ms.
Mason explained that the applicant is requesting a variance
After discussion the consensus of the Board was to leave this
issue to the Zoning Hearing Board.
Zoning Hearing Board: Application of Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald – 303
W. State Street – Request for a Variance: Ms. Mason explained
that the applicant is requesting a variance. After discussion
the consensus of the Board was to leave this issue to the Zoning
Hearing Board.
2007 Sounds of Summer Entertainment Contracts:
On motion of Ms. Lyons, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of
Supervisors unanimously approved execution of a contract with
Aaron Brady to perform on June 17, 2007 in the amount of $4,500.
On motion of Ms. Lyons, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of
Supervisors unanimously approved execution of a contract with
Vital Theatre Company, Inc. to perform on June 27, 2007 in the
amount of $5,000.
On motion of Ms. Lyons, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of
Supervisors unanimously approved execution of a contract with
Romanza Entertainment to perform on July 18, 2007 in the amount
of $6,000.
Treasurer’s Report – August 15 2006: On motion of Ms. Lyons,
seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors unanimously
approved the August 15, 2006 Treasurer’s Report.
Bills List – August 15, 2006: On motion of Mr. Scarborough,
seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors unanimously
approved the August 15, 2006 Bills List in the amount of
$764,966.38.
Verizon Cable TV Contract: After discussion, on motion of Mr.
Scarborough, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of
Supervisors authorized the advertising of an Ordinance with
respect to the Verizon Cable TV Contract when such contract is
received.
Announcements: The Doylestown
Township 2007 Budget Work Session meeting will be held on
Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 9:00 a.m.
The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
Tuesday, September 19, 2006.
Adjournment: There being no
further business to come before the regular meeting, the Board
of Supervisors meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Mason
Secretary |
Authored by Development Solutions