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The regular meeting of the Doylestown Township
Board of Supervisors was held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February
6, 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 Chairperson, Walter C. Berry, Barbara
Eisenhardt 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: Ms. Lyons announced
that Ms. Eisenhardt would be audio taping the meeting.
Visitors/Public Comment: Mr. Ernie Gash asked
permission to place three handouts on the table at the back of
the meeting room at each meeting relating to information for
senior citizens generated as a result of his involvement on the
Summit on the Aging. The Board granted his request.
Announcements:
The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors meeting will be
held on Tuesday, February 20, 2007.
The Administration Offices will be closed on
Monday, February 19, 2007, due to President’s Day.
There will be a public hearing on the Route 202
Parkway on February 28, 2007, at Lenape Middle School at 5:30
p.m.
Minutes Approval:
Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting– January 16, 2007. Ms.
Eisenhardt requested that the sentence in the 8th paragraph on
page 4 be changed to read as follows: “After further
discussion, the consensus of the Board was to publish the
newsletter only in the spring of 2007 with advertisements and
use that publication as a trial balloon.” Additionally she
requested that the first paragraph on page 6 reflect that Mr.
Scarborough seconded the motion.
On motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Ms.
Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the
minutes of the Board of Supervisors regular meeting held January
16, 2007 with the above noted corrections.
Resolutions and Commendations: None.
Correspondence: None.
REPORTS:
Solicitor: Mr. Garton referred the Board to a memorandum from
Judith Stern Goldstein concerning the recommendation from the
Planning Commission that the a new preface be added to the
current Comprehensive Plan and noting additional planning
studies, reports and documents be included. A discussion was
held concerning whether certain projects should be included
because they were still in the process of being completed.
After discussion it was the consensus of the Board to eliminate
the Joint Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan of Doylestown
Township and Doylestown Borough 2007 because this project was
still pending.
After further discussion, on motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded
by Mr. Berry, the Board of Supervisors authorized Mr. Garton to
prepare an advertisement for consideration of the Comprehensive
Plan at a public meeting and to eliminate the Joint Park,
Recreation and Open Space Plan of Doylestown Township and
Doylestown Borough 2007 from the list of projects. This motion
passed by a vote of 4 to 1 with Ms. Eisenhardt voting against.
Township Engineer: No report.
Police Report: No report.
Township Manager:
Noise Regulations – ATV’s, Dirt Bikes and Snowmobiles: Ms.
Mason explained that the Planning Commission reviewed the issue
of amending the Nuisance Ordinance definitions to add all
terrain vehicles as well as dirt bikes and snow mobiles.
Ms. Philo expressed concern about the Township regulating ATV’s,
Dirt Bikes and Snowmobiles when it is not prepared to regulate
accessory uses. She said she is uncomfortable regulating
residents’ use of their property even though she knows they are
noisy and can negatively affect the neighbors.
After further discussion, on motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded
by Mr. Berry, the Board of Supervisors authorized the Nuisance
Ordinance Amendment to be advertised. This motion passed by a
vote of 3 to 2 with Ms. Philo and Ms. Eisenhardt voting against.
Accessory Uses and Structures: Ms. Mason explained that the
Planning Commission does not recommend regulating the number of
uses permitted per lot.
Mr. Ron Lovingarth read the definition of a dangerous structure
from the Township’s Ordinances and expressed his concern that if
such a dangerous structure is allowed in the Township that the
Township would be liable should an injury result and the
residents would end up paying higher taxes as a result. In
response to his question if the Township had inspected the tree
house on the Tripodi property, Ms. Mason said it has not been
inspected as it does not fall within any guidelines for
inspection.
After further discussion the consensus of the Board was to
follow the Planning Commission recommendation with Ms.
Eisenhardt and Ms. Philo being opposed.
2007 Boards/Commissions Openings – Dates for Interviews: Ms.
Mason referred the Board to a list of applicants for various
boards and commissions. The consensus of the Board was to not
interview the Plumstead Township resident. After discussion,
the Board decided to hold interviews for the Ways and Means
Committee on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. and Friday,
February 16, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. and any applicant who cannot meet
on either of those days will be interviewed either before or
after the February 20, 2007 Board of Supervisors meeting. As for
those interested in serving on other Boards and Commissions,
another date would be selected.
Supervisors:
Ms. Eisenhardt explained that parking on Election Day at the
Senior Citizen Center is a problem because of a pre-scheduled
event at the Intermediate Unit and people use the Senior Citizen
Center for overflow parking. Unfortunately, even if a notice is
sent that participants from the IU should not park at the Senior
Citizen Center there is no one from the IU to monitor the
parking. After discussion, the Board requested that a letter be
sent to the IU explaining that no one from their event should
park at the Senior Citizen Center on either primary election day
or general election day. Chief White suggested that the IU have
people direction cars to other locations.
Ms. Philo thanked the Township Road Crew for
their work. She explained that she spent a day with the Road
Crew and saw first hand what they do.
Ms. Philo explained that the week of February 5th
was designated as “National Engineer Week” and recognized Mario
Canales, Township Engineer as well as the other engineers
present.
NEW BUSINESS:
Doylestown Community Bike and Hike Trail Extension – Contractor
Bid: Ms. Mason explained that the low bidder was not qualified
with respect to PennDOT requirements and therefore it is the
recommendation of the consultant that the Township accept the
second bid of $196,100.58. After discussion, on motion of Mr.
Berry, seconded by Mr. Scarborough, the Board of Supervisors
approved accepting the bid for the Shady Retreat Trail project
in the amount of $196,100.58. This motion passed by a vote of 5
to 0.
Cedarcrest Farms (Burke’s Circle) – Deed of
Dedication: On motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Ms.
Philo, the Board of Supervisors tabled this matter.
Exonerate Tax Collector: Mr. Scarborough recused himself from
participating in the discussion and vote. Mr. Garton explained
that after the end of the calendar year the Tax Collector has no
further authority to collect taxes that have not been paid and
the matter is then forwarded to the Bucks County Tax Claim
Bureau for collection. After discussion, on motion of Mr.
Berry, seconded by Ms. Philo, the Board of Supervisors approved
exonerating the tax collector in the amount of $17,055.71. This
motion passed by a vote of 4 to 0, with Mr. Scarborough
abstaining.
2007 Trash Hauler Permits: On motion of Ms. Eisenhardt,
seconded by Ms. Philo, the Board of Supervisors approved
granting permits to the following trash haulers: Allied Waste,
Gorski Trash Removal, George Leck & Sons, JP Mascaro & Sons,
Ches-Mont, Tinari Container (for construction and demolition
material only) and Waste Management. This motion passed by a
vote of 5 to 0.
LAND DEVELOPMENTS
Blueberry Hill/Barn Plaza Preliminary and Final Land Development
Plan: (Location: Route 611 and Almshouse Road, TMP
#9-014-037): This site is located on the northeast corner of
Route 611 and Almshouse Road intersection adjacent to the Barn
Plaza Shopping center. The proposed development will consist of
38,029 square feet of retail space. The retail space will
consist of a 6,610 square foot sit down restaurant, a 4,214
square foot bank with a drive-thru and the balance being general
retail store space.
A discussion was held regarding the Traffic Engineer’s
recommendation that due to the impact of the proposed project it
is recommended that the applicant lengthen the southbound
left-turn lane from Route 611 to Almshouse Road and evaluate the
operation of the signalized intersections within the project
limits. It was suggested that the applicant make a contribution
towards this improvement as there will be increased traffic
generated as a result of this project. Mr. Wursta explained
that this particular area of the Township is susceptible to
electrical storms and that plays havoc with the closed loop
system. He estimated that 30,000 cars per day use this stretch
of Route 611.
Mr. Joe Salvadi suggested that the signals be programmed to stay
green longer on Route 611 and Mr. Wursta explained that this has
been tried but because of the cars stacking up for left turn
lanes it is not workable.
Ms. Amy Kominski commented that the applicant chose the location
of the driveway into the property when it could have been
located elsewhere on the property.
Mr. Mike McClusky noted that there is pedestrian traffic at that
intersection including people using motorized wheelchairs.
Mr. Tom Deignan explained to the Board that this project has
taken longer than he anticipated and the costs associated have
placed a burden on him and requested relief from contributing to
this improvement because of the economic hardship and the
possible jeopardizing of the project. He also commented that he
believes he has agreed to a number of the public improvements
requested by the Township, specifically the issue of sidewalks
along Route 611 and into the Kohl’s site.
The Board thanked Mr. Deignan for restoring this property and
for the remarkable improvement it will be to the community and
explained that they wanted this project to succeed.
After further discussion surrounding this issue, on motion of
Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of
Supervisors approved the Blueberry Hill/Barn Plaza Preliminary
and Final Land Development Plan subject to the following
conditions to which the applicant agreed by a vote of 5 to 0:
1. Continued compliance with the Zoning
Hearing Board Decisions rendered on 6/19/06 and 12/29/06;
2. Compliance with the Boucher & James
Report dated 1/26/07 except the Board of Supervisors granted
waivers from the provisions of Section 153-24 C.2, Section
153-35, Section 153-34 B.3.a, Section 153-34 B.3.b, Section
153-34 C-2 and Section 153-36 C.1.6 of the Subdivision/Land
Development Ordinance as described in the Boucher & James;
3. The existing building to be preserved
in accordance with the photographs submitted by the applicant
and the new buildings shall be constructed in a manner so as to
match the elevations and architectural also submitted by the
applicant;
4. Receipt of all permits and approvals
from any agencies having jurisdiction over such matters
including, but not limited to, the Bucks County Water and Sewer
Authority, Doylestown Township Municipal Authority, PennDot and
the Bucks County Conservation District.
5. Compliance with the Pickering, Corts &
Summerson letter dated 12/28/06 with the grant of the following
waivers from the provisions of the SALDO: Section 153-20-C
(10), Section 153-75, Section 153-24 A(5), Section 153-28 H, and
Section 153-39 C.5 as noted in the Pickering, Corts & Summerson
letter;
6. All improvements, including the storm
drainage system, shall be maintained by the applicant;
7. Execution and recording of the
Easement Agreement between Blueberry Hill and the owners of the
Kohl’s Barn Plaza property with the understanding that the
recording shall include the required consent of the tenants as
described in the various Lease Agreements between the owners of
the Kohl’s Barn Plaza Shopping Center and various tenants;
8. Compliance with the EAC Report dated
11/15/06;
9. Compliance with the Bucks County
Planning Commission Report dated 6/26/06 to the extent not
previously resolved;
10. Compliance with the Pennoni Report
dated 1/4/07 with the understanding that the width of the lanes
for the bank drive-thru have been resolved so as to be 12 feet
wide;
11. Funding and execution of Development
and Financial Security Agreements with the understanding that
the applicant shall reimburse the Township for all of its
expenses including legal and engineering fees;
12. Approval of and compliance with the
conditions of approval related to Kohl’s Barn Plaza Amended
Final Plan; and
13. Applicant to make a contribution of
$20,000 in lieu of extending the left turn lane on Easton Road
as referenced in the Pennoni Report with the understanding that
the $20,000 shall be paid in yearly increments with the first
payment of $5,000 being due when the first building within the
project is occupied. The remaining $5,000 payments shall be
made annually thereafter.
Barn Plaza – Kohl’s Amended Final Plan: (Location: Route 611
and Almshouse Road) The Amended Final Land Development Plan for
the above referenced project, which said plan was prepared by
Bohler Engineering, was dated 7/19/06 and was last revised
1/23/07. The amendments relate to the certain elements of the
Kohl’s Barn Plaza Plan as it affects the development of the
Blueberry Hill project. On motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded
by Ms. Philo, the Board approved the Barn Plaza – Kohl’s Amended
Final Plan subject to the following conditions to which the
applicant agreed by a motion of 5 to 0:
1. Compliance with the Zoning Hearing
Board Decisions rendered on 6/19/06 and 12/29/06 as applicable;
2. Compliance with the Boucher & James
Report dated 1/26/07 with the grant of waivers from the
provisions of Section 153-34.C.1 and 153-34.C.2 of the
Subdivision/Land Development Ordinance as noted in the Boucher &
James Report;
3. Compliance with the Pickering, Corts &
Summerson letter dated 12/28/06;
4. Funding and execution of Development
and Financial Security Agreements;
5. Reimbursement to the Township of all
of its expenses incurred with respect to the application
including engineering and attorney’s fees; and
6. Approval of the Blueberry Hill
Preliminary/Final Plan and compliance with any conditions by the
applicant.
PRESENTATIONS:
Bike and Hike Committee. Ms. Lynn Goldman thanked the Board of
Supervisors for their support. She explained that work will
begin in the spring of 2007 on the Shady Retreat portion of the
Bike and Hike Path to the Senior Center and the next stage will
be the portion on Shady Retreat near the trailer park to connect
with Del Val College. She said that the Committee has an
excellent relationship with the Borough which has helped in the
construction of the Bike and Hike Path.
Doylestown Community Performing Arts Council. Vicki Barilla
explained that there will be 8 concerts this year; 4 in the
Borough and 4 in the Township. She thanked the Parks Department
and the Township staff for their help with respect to these
concerts.
Environmental Advisory Council. Mr. Rick Gaver addressed the
Board and explained that the committee sponsored Arbor Day on
April 22, 2006; received a $30,000 grant which was used for
training teachers how to present environmental issues to
students at seminars during July and August; participated in
stormwater management including stenciling stormwater inlets to
indicate that only stormwater may be deposited; developed
standards for developers to conform to stormwater standards;
distributed environmental information including septage
management updates, tree care, stormwater management, recycling
information, household hazardous waste information, benefits of
yard waste burning ban, preserving open space, mosquito
prevention, Christmas tree drop off; we were a guest speaker
and made a presentation regarding the importance of implementing
a Septage Management program; participated at Great Pennsylvania
Clean Up Day on May 22nd; arranged for two public meetings with
guest speakers with regard to Stormwater Management Seminars;
participated in an anti littering campaign; drafted a resolution
proposing reduction of fossil fuel use by 20% by 2020 and
participated in requiring all residential trash haulers to
administer a leaf collection program.
Historical Architectural Review Board: Dori Vicente explained
during 2006 there were no reviews required and that this board
meets on an “as needed” basis.
Memorial Committee: Harrison Woodruff explained that the
committee has raised over $100,000 for the memorial and will
need to raise another $54,000 to complete the project. He told
the Board that there is an application for a grant pending;
pavers and bricks for sale and $5,000 was received from the BCW&SA.
Municipal Authority: Ronald May explained that there are
currently 2,500 customers as well as 1,500 bulk water
customers. The Authority installed the pipe itself to provide
customers on Willow Lane with water. Additionally, they redid
the central booster tank by K-Mart to provide fire protection.
He said that the Authority is looking forward to extending water
service across Route 611. He said that the Authority is waiting
to extend water service on Ferry Road into Plumstead Township.
He explained that there is not a final agreement executed to
sell water to Plumstead Township. Additionally he explained
that there are currently 3 people on the Committee and they
would like to have at least two additional members. Mrs.
Eisenhardt commented that she’d like to know when Plumstead
approved the authority to finalize the agreement and the sale of
water.
Oktoberfest Committee: Frank LaRosa told the Board that in 2005
Oktoberfest raised $14,000. In 2006 because of the poor weather
there was a loss of $6,600. He suggested that the Committee
needs to be more prudent in how the money is disbursed and some
money must be banked as a cushion for years where the weather
affects attendance. He said that Oktoberfest will be held in
2007 and there will again be fire works which is a huge crowd
pleaser.
Open Space Committee: Joshua Feldstein addressed the Board
explained that the County has allocated $500,685 to preserve
open space. The Township spent that money and preserved four (4)
properties under the program. He said that the Committee has
approached 11 property owners urging them to participate in the
open space program but most did not wish to participate. One of
the goals of the committee is to preserve open space without
costing the Township money. Over the years the Township has
preserved 739 acres of open space which equals 1.15 square
miles. He told the Board that the County will have another bond
issue in the future and the guidelines for this bond issue will
be less stringent.
Park and Recreation Board: Kathy Brown explained that the Park
and Recreation Board has been working on a joint comprehensive
plan with Doylestown Borough and Township. She explained that
the “red building” is now updated and used as an activity center
and expressed appreciation for the Township’s Park and
Recreation Department in all they do for the community.
Planning Commission: George Lowenstein explained that among
other things the following are matters that the Planning
Commission worked on in the past year:
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Infill development continued to grow as
predicted
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Stormwater management remained the major
development issue
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Reviewed the Comprehensive Plan
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Significant progress has been accomplished in
enhancing the viability of Edison Village and the southern
611 corridor
Public Water & Sewer Advisory Committee: David Blois explained
that the Committee has worked on septic management, stormwater
runoff, a feasibility study for areas of the Township which need
sewers and received information from residents concerning onsite
septic systems among other things. Additionally he discussed
the fly over of the Township which will be done before spring
while the trees are bare. He said that in 2007 the Committee
will be looking at financing so as to minimize the expense that
the homeowners will face regarding sewers.
On motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the
Board of Supervisors approved reimbursing BCW&SA for the cost of
the aerial photo for the project (if no other aerial photo is
available from any other source) if the project does not go
forward. This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0. However the
Board asked BCW&SA to fly the township.
TAB: Stuart Simon addressed the Board and explained that the
objectives of the committee are to improve the broadcast quality
of the Doylestown Government Access Channel (Channel 22 on the
Comcast System); enable or enhance current broadcast
capabilities; build on existing system and capabilities and not
have any additional cost involved.
A presentation was made by TVTN which would provide a Doylestown
Township channel the cost of which would be paid by PBS type
endorsements. The way it works is that TVTN gets sponsors and
the advertisements run approximately 90 seconds every 45
minutes. These announcements are regulated and are stricter
than PBS rules and the Township maintains veto power over any
sponsors. This is provided at no cost to the Township. After a
two year contract the Township has two options:
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If there is sufficient sponsorship – continue
the contract at no cost to the Township
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If sponsorship is insufficient the Township
can cancel or pay the balance between the sponsors and the
cost.
After discussion Mr. Scarborough made a motion that the Township
enter into a contract for two years which would result in no
cost to the Township. This motion died for the lack of a
second.
After further discussion, the consensus of the Board was to look
further at this proposal before making a commitment.
Summit on Aging: Mr. Rick Gaver explained that the public
meetings are held the 1st Friday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in
the Township building. He said that information is provided to
seniors via the newsletter, web site, channel 22 as well as a
rack of information in the Township Building. He said that the
Central Bucks Regional Senior Task Force has been formed which
comprises 9 municipalities and together they have presented a
Medicare –Part D program, Senior Seminar featuring information
by the Bucks County Area on Aging; provided non-partisan
information at polls on election day; distributed information to
the 55+ communities, among other activities. In 2007 the group
will participate in Primary Election Day coverage, request that
the County provide hand out material with important phone
numbers, pamphlets, etc; participate in a drug interaction
program to be put on by Doylestown Hospital along with blood
pressure tests, blood sugar test, etc.; provide information on
transportation options for seniors and contact area churches to
partner with them and determine how they can compliment each
other with the various programs.
Traffic Advisory: Amy Kaminski explained that this committee
responds to complaints and makes recommendations to the Planning
Commission and the Board of Supervisors. She said that the
committee will be studying the Easton Road corridor and
classifying roadways and bike lanes within the Township.
Zoning Hearing Board: Drew McPherson explained that the Zoning
Hearing Board is a quasi judicial body. He said that the Board
enjoyed the Inn at Blueberry Hill hearings which were intense.
He clarified that the Zoning Hearing Board did not make a
decision concerning the implementation of the billboard on Route
611. He requested the Board of Supervisors to be represented at
the Zoning Hearing Board if there is an application on which
they have an opinion. He said the Zoning Hearing Board welcomed
the opinions from the Board of Supervisors.
On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, Ms. Lyons thanked all
the Boards and Commissions for their volunteerism and the good
work that they did on behalf of the Township.
Announcements:
The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors meeting will be
held on Tuesday, February 20, 2007.
The Administration Offices will be closed on
Monday, February 19, 2007, due to President’s Day.
There will be a public hearing on the Route 202
Parkway on February 28, 2007, at Lenape Middle School at 5:30
p.m.
Adjournment:
There being no further business to come before the regular
meeting, the Board of Supervisors meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Stephanie J. Mason |
Authored by Development Solutions