Minutes from

November 27, 2007

Board of Supervisors Meeting

The regular meeting of the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors was held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27, 2007, at the Doylestown Township Municipal Building, 425 Wells Road, Doylestown, PA.  Members of the Board of Supervisors in attendance included Barbara Lyons, Chairperson, E. Thomas Scarborough, Jr., Vice Chairman, Walter C. Berry, Barbara E. Eisenhardt and Cynthia Philo.  Others in attendance included Timothy Duffy, Township Solicitor, Lt. Dean Logan, Police Department, Mario L. Canales, Township Engineer and Stephanie Mason, Township Manager. 

Pledge to the Flag:   The meeting opened with a pledge to the flag.

Taping of the Meeting:  Ms. Lyons explained that Ms. Eisenhardt will be taping the meeting.

Presentation:  Mr. Dick Patterson, a representative of the Bike and Hike Path Committee explained that the last part of the bike and hike path at Shady Retreat Road has been completed and "Celebrate 15" recognizing 15 miles of the bike and hike path in 15 years was held on Thursday, October 15, 2007. 

The Bike and Hike Path surprised Ms. Mason by presenting her with a plaque honoring her participation and oversight of the bike and hike path.

Announcements:

The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2007. 

The Summit on Aging will hold an information seminar on Medicare Part D on December 4, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the Township Building.  Refreshments will be served.

Public Comment:  None.

Board of Supervisors Meeting– October 16, 2007. 

On motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board of Supervisors approved the minutes of the Board of Supervisors regular meeting held October 16, 2007.  This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0. 

2008 Budget Work Session – October 29, 2007.   On motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Ms. Lyons, the Board of Supervisors approved the minutes of the 2008 Budget Work Session held on October 29, 2007.  This motion passed by a vote of 3 to 2 with Mr. Berry and Ms. Philo abstaining as they did not attend the meeting.

Resolutions and Commendations:  None.

Correspondence:  None

REPORTS: 

Solicitor:  Authorization Changing the EMS Ordinance to Comply with the New PA State Law

Mr. Duffy referred the Board to a proposed Local Services Tax Ordinance in order for the Township to comply with the changes in the law.  On motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors authorized advertising the proposed Local Services Tax Ordinance for a public hearing at the December 18, 2007 meeting.  This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

Police Report:  

Bucks County Major Incident Response Team Commander recognizes Police Officer Don Lawson:  Chief White referred the Board to a letter from Lt. John Godzieba of Bristol Township thanking the Board for allowing Officer Don Lawson to participate in the MIRT exercise held on November 7, 2007 where they established a staging area, the location of a suspected radiological event, and sweeping of the location for radiological sources using the training and equipment resources from the joint MIRT.  A review of the operation found that all the training objectives were met and Officer Lawson is a valuable member of the team.

Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Committee recognizes Chief White.  Chief White referred the Board to a memo from the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Committee for their information.

Statistics on Littering:   Chief White explained that the Police Department has issued 9 citations, two of which are under the Township Ordinance for a total of $1,400 in fines.  Additionally, there have been 45 warnings issued.  Ms. Eisenhardt questioned the entry of the fines in the budget.  Chief White explained that when a check is received from the District Court it is in a lump sum and the specific fines are not delineated.

Township Engineer:   No report.

Township Manager. Reithoffer Shows – PA State Fair:  Ms. Mason explained that Reithoffer Shows, Inc. has requested that the PA State Fair be held in Turk Park.  This would be a 10-day event.  The PA State Fair is looking for a new location since gambling now takes place at the Philadelphia Race Track where it has been held in the past.

Ms. Philo commented that she would like the Traffic Committee to consider this request in light of the increased traffic that would be generated and provide the Board with a recommendation.

Ms. Lyons explained that Lt. Logan has addressed this issue and it is anticipated that this event would bring approximately 70,000 people into the Township.

Chief White said he would make a traffic contingency plan for the Board.

Ms. Eisenhardt suggested that the PA State Fair make a presentation to the Board when residents could offer their input prior to the Board moving forward.

Mr. Scarborough commented that this project is not a valid project for the Township because of the traffic that such an event will generate.

After further discussion, on motion of Ms. Philo, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors rejected this proposal.  This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

Supervisors:   

Ms. Philo, as liaison to the Traffic Committee, is recommending the appointment of Jack Artale to the Traffic Committee.  On motion of Ms. Philo, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board approved the appointment of Jack Artale to the vacancy on the Traffic Committee.

Ms. Eisenhardt suggested that all the meetings of the Board of Supervisors be televised.

Ms. Philo made a motion, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, to televise all meetings of the Board of Supervisors.

Mr. Scarborough commented that the infrastructure to televise the meetings is not in place and there is no television station to accomplish this proposal.

Ms. Lyons said that the Township does not have the personnel to operate a television camera and suggested that the motion be amended such that the Board of Supervisors will pursue this project and attempt to finalize the details of televising meetings in 2008.  .

Ms. Philo commented that she understood there was money in the budget for the costs associated with televising the meetings.  She said that the meetings can be taped and do not need to be a live broadcast. 

Ms. Eisenhardt stated that a municipality in Bucks County may be willing to offer their old television equipment to Doylestown Township in that they are in the process of purchasing new equipment.

After further discussion, Ms. Philo made a motion, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt to televise all meetings of the Board of Supervisors.  This motion failed by a vote of 2 to 3, with Ms. Lyons, Mr. Scarborough and Mr. Berry voting against.

Ms. Philo reminded the Board that in January various committees will have volunteers whose terms will expire and the Board's policy is now to have each potential volunteer re-interviewed.  She requested a status update concerning the procedure.

Ms. Mason explained that direction from the Board is needed.  Currently there is a list of people who wish to be reconsidered to continue service on various Boards and Commissions.  However, according to the policy an advertisement will be required to list the 73 vacancies that currently exist.  Each person whose term expired will need to apply.  All the Boards and Commissions have been advised of the vacancies that exist.  She explained that the cost for a block advertisement is $300+/- and she does not know the cost of a larger advertisement.

Mr. Ernie Gash explained that he currently serves on a committee and has been asked if he would like to remain on that committee. He asked if he needed to be re-interviewed and was told under the current policy he would need to complete an application and be interviewed.  He said he believes the chairman of each committee should look at the people serving and if they are currently doing a good job they should reapply but to be re-interviewed is a waste of everyone's time.

Ms. Eisenhardt said that this policy is not to disqualify people but this policy only applies when there are more people interested in serving on a particular committee than positions available.   She said there are wonderful people currently volunteering on committees but other people need to be given the opportunity to serve.  She said she believes that those who are currently serving should be re-interviewed and realize they are not guaranteed a position.

Ms. Lyons said she believes a policy needs to be developed to impose term limits.  Ms. Lyons suggested that each Board Chairman be given direction to evaluate their committee and ascertain whether or not to replace inactive members.

Ms. Eisenhardt suggested that she does not want people who have served to move on but to also allow for new residents to apply for Boards and Commissions so that new ideas can be considered.

Ms. Clegg said most people who volunteer want to do so and it is a slap in the face to the volunteer to suggest he/she be re-interviewed.

Ms. Eisenhardt suggested that an automatic appointment is similar to a member of the Board continuing without an election.  She said that term limits should be imposed to give others in the Township an opportunity to serve.  Ms. Eisenhardt requested a copy of the letter that was sent to current committee volunteers.

After further discussion, on motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board of Supervisors rescinded the policy made in January, 2007 and revert to the previous policy.  This motion passed by a vote of 3 to 2 with Ms. Eisenhardt and Ms. Philo voting against.

Ms. Eisenhardt requested that the Board be given an update concerning the distribution of the local service tax.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Proposed Model Recycling Ordinance:  After discussion, on motion of Ms. Philo, seconded by Mr. Scarborough, the Board of Supervisors approved re-advertising the Proposed Model Recycling Ordinance for a public hearing.  This motion passed by a motion of 5 to 0.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  None.

NEW BUSINESS:

Gross Tract – Final Subdivision:  Location – Old Dublin Pike:  The site consists of Tax Map Parcel Nos. 9-4-38 and 9-9-25 and contains approximately 13.325 acres fronting on Old Dublin Pike in the R-2b Residential District.  The applicant stated that TMP No. 9-4-38 and 9-9-25 have been consolidated into one lot.  The plans propose to subdivide the site into 25 lots, utilizing the B-1 Use.  Lot 25 is proposed to include the existing dwelling.

Ms. Eisenhardt suggested that this matter be tabled until the next meeting as the Board received the Declaration for review just prior to this meeting and they have not had an opportunity to sufficiently review it.

Ms. Philo requested that the applicant contribute $25,000 for a future traffic signal.

Giovanna Raffaelli, Esquire explained that the Applicant is offering $10,000 and there is no plan for the installation of a traffic signal at this time.

After discussion, the Applicant agreed to contribute $15,000 towards the installation of a future traffic signal.

A discussion was held concerning the mowing provisions contained in the Declaration and the Township Ordinances and Ms. Eisenhardt said she believes the Declaration does not comply with the Ordinance.

Mr. Canales explained that the grasses in the meadow are meadow grasses and they naturally grow higher and the Ordinance provides the standards for mowing "regular" grass.

Mr. Everett explained that he grew up in this area and it is a dangerous intersection.  He believes the roads should be aligned and a traffic signal installed.  He said that safety should override the Applicant's concern about the existing farmhouse.  He said that he understands the profit needs of the Applicant but is concerned with the traffic at that intersection, including the site distance.

Mr. Lang explained that the delay in approving this project involved the fact that this project was the subject of litigation for the past three years and the site is subject to the settlement of the litigation. 

A discussion was held concerning trees and the fact that if the Applicant realigns the roads certain trees will need to be removed and then the plan does not comply with the Tree Ordinance requirements.  Mr. Lang said it is the policy of the Applicant not to submit a plan for review by the Township that does not meet the requirements of the Ordinances.  Furthermore, this is a PennDOT owned road and they have reviewed the project and issued permits for this intersection.  Additionally, the Planning Commission has recommended approval.

Ms. Clegg commented that it is possible for the Board to grant an extension as the plan will expire on November 30, 2007.

Ms. Eisenhardt commented that the circumstances surrounding the plan have changed since the owner of the house has recently died.  She said she believes that now there is an opportunity to get the road realigned.

Ms. Lyons suggested that the Applicant obtain an opinion from the Traffic Consultant as well as the Chief of Police concerning the safety conditions of this intersection and provide the same to the Board of Supervisors...

A resident asked if this was such a dangerous intersection at the present time, why is a traffic signal not already installed?

After further discussion, on motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board granted an extension for plan review of the Gross Tract – Final Subdivision until December 5, 2007.  This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.  

Happ Minor Subdivision Plan Extension (Location:  Sandy Ridge Road):  On motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved granting an extension for review of the Happ Minor Subdivision Plan to February 22, 2008.  This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

Sunrise Assisted Living – Zoning Amendment to Permit C-17 (Location: Route 611):   

Ms. Lyons requested a letter from Joe Zadlow indicating that Sunrise Assisted Living will own and operate the facility.

Mr. Everett commented that he did not understand why a zoning amendment would be contemplated in that area of the Township.  He said he does not understand why the Board would write a Zoning Ordinance and then change it.

After discussion, on motion of Ms. Philo, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors authorized the advertisement of the Sunrise Assisted Living – Zoning Amendment to Permit C-17 for a public hearing scheduled for January 15, 2007.  This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

Klein Land Development Agreement:  After discussion, on motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the execution of the Klein Land Development Agreement.  This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

Doylestown Township 2007 Revised Budget:   On motion of Ms. Eisenhardt, seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board of Supervisors approved the Doylestown Township 2007 Revised budget as follows:

This motion passed by a vote of 4 to 1 with Ms. Philo voting against.

Doylestown Township 2008 Preliminary Budget:

Mr. Mark Glassman, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, gave an overview of the budget process and the various work done by the Committee and Board of Supervisors during the three budget work sessions.  He explained the there is a $250,000 deficit in the budget that will be covered by reserves.  However, it is not wise to continue to use reserves and the object is to increase revenue and decrease spending in order to protect the reserves.  The reserves are there as a result of prior fund balances.  He explained that the current budget is balanced but the Township is approaching a time when it will have to deal with expenditures.   He suggested that a long range plan is needed and the Ways and Means Committee will be developing such a plan in 2008.

Mr. Peter Harrison asked several questions concerning the budget and expressed concern about the proposal to add a new employee.  He believes that this is unnecessary and questioned the salaries currently being paid to Township staff.  He said he believes they are overpaid.

Mr. Bill Wightman explained the compilation of the budget figures and said it was not a simple matter of dividing the salaries by the number of employees to arrive at their salaries because there is an overlap of summer employees.

Mr. Harrison asked the Board several questions concerning the need for an additional employee.  He said that the employee ratio for Doylestown should be compared with the surrounding municipalities including the level of work that is being done with the current staff.  Mr. Harrison suggested that the wages of the Township personnel be reduced.

A discussion was held concerning Mr. Harrison’s suggestions and the Board’s reasons for including an additional employee under the Park and Rec/Road Department budgets.

Mr. Harrison inquired if he could obtain a list of the salary for each Township employee. He was told he could make such a request.

Mr. John explained that with the current number of employees it is impossible to maintain the Township parks system and roadways.  Further he said that maintenance of the 4 tot lots, 2 pavilions, Kids Castle, daily trash pick up, the park and bike path, special events, road work and snow removal as well as other maintenance in the Township require a lot of employee hours.

Mr. Scarborough suggested hiring a part time employee to eliminate the necessity of providing a benefit package.

Mr. John explained that part time employees are not available in Doylestown Township.

Ms. Philo suggested possibly eliminating the EPA workshop which will save $20,000; reducing the septage management for professional engineering services, flyover costs including studies, etc., reduce the tree trimming fees to $30,000; and reducing the detention basin mowing costs.

Chief White explained that the police vehicle maintenance fee has been raised because of the length of time the Township is retaining the police cars.

A discussion was held concerning where certain expenses could be reduced and Ms Eisenhardt said she believes if the Township could cut back on the mowing, among other things, an additional employee would be unnecessary.

Mr. Berry said that Mr. John and his Department are constantly "putting out fires" and therefore it is difficult to keep to a routine schedule.  He said that no one really understands the demands placed on this Department.  Further, he said that Mr. John spends a lot of his personal time to try to meet the needs of the residents and the current level of service.  He believes that the Township needs to add another employee or not continue the level of service.

Ms. Lyons said that she was a past member of the Park and Rec Board and the Doylestown Park System is one of the Township's greatest assets.  If the Township accepts federal or state funds then there can be no restrictions on who can use the Parks System.  If we do not put money into the Park System then we will be putting money into the jails.

A poll of the Board concerning the need for an additional parks employee was taken:  Mr. Scarborough and Ms. Eisenhardt were against hiring an additional employee; Ms. Lyons, Ms. Philo and Mr. Berry were in favor.

After further discussion, on motion of Mr. Berry, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board authorized hanging the proposed budget as follows: