Minutes from

March 6, 2007

Board of Supervisors Meeting

The regular meeting of the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors was held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 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 Chairman, Walter C. Berry, Barbara Eisenhardt and Cynthia Philo.  Others in attendance included Jeffrey Garton, 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.

Audio Taping of Meeting:  Ms. Lyons announced that Ms. Eisenhardt would be audio taping the meeting.

Visitors/Public Comment:  Dr. Ron Lovengath addressed the Board and explained that he gave a summary to Mr. Garton of the discussion at the past meetings concerning the tree house located on Cedar Crest Court and believes that the Township can resolve this matter amicably and he is looking forward to a response.

Announcements:
The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2007. 

Minutes Approval:

Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting– February 20, 2007:

Ms. Eisenhardt suggested that Mr. Scarborough’s name be added to the minutes as volunteering to serve as liaison to the Ways and Means Committee. It was noted that this was already included in the minutes on page 2.

Ms. Eisenhardt suggested that on page 3, 8th paragraph that the Code Enforcement Office had been out three times not six. Mrs. Lyons disagreed.

Ms. Eisenhardt suggested that on page 5, 2nd paragraph that the sentence reflect that the Board of Supervisors has the power to void an easement not the Code Enforcement Department. 

On motion of Ms. Philo, seconded by Mr. Scarborough, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the minutes of the Board of Supervisors regular meeting held February 20, 2007.  This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

Resolutions and Commendations:  None.

Correspondence:

Bristol Road – Turk Road Intersection Improvements:  Ms. Mason referred the Board to letters regarding the Bristol Road/Turk Road intersection improvements which will be undertaken by Warrington Township.  Since Doylestown Township owns one-quarter of the intersection a set of plans is being forwarded to the Traffic Engineer for his review.

EAC Achievement Award:  Ms. Mason congratulated the EAC and its chairperson, Doris Clegg for being the recipient of an Achievement Award for environmental education together with a check for $500 from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.  Ms. Clegg commented that many people were involved including but not limited to Kathy Brown from the Park and Recreation Board, Karen Sweeney, Parks and Recreation Director and Judy Stern Goldstein, Township Planning Consultant as well as many others.

REPORTS: 

Solicitor:  No report.

Township Engineer:   No report.

Police Report:  No report.

Township Manager:   No report.

Supervisors:   
Mr. Scarborough told the Board that members of Boy Scout Troop 24 were present earning their Citizenship in Community Badge.  The following were present:  Jim Farley, Kyle Dolf, George Ingoglia, Devin Cody, Brian Rafferty, Matthew McGurk, Sean Donohue, Kyle Stack and Chris Bober, as well as the Troop 24 Scout Leaders.

Mr. Scarborough explained that on February 6, 2007 TVTN made a presentation to the Board concerning enhancing Channel 22 at no cost to the Township for the first two years and thereafter if adequate sponsors were not obtained by TVTN the Township had the option to cancel the contract or pay the required $1,000 per month charge and continue the service.  He said that the deadline for entering into the contract is April 1, 2007 and if the Township does not do so then there will be a charge of $500 per month should a contract be entered into after April 1, 2007.  He explained that the TAB Board has recommended entering into a contract with TVTN.  He explained further that a great advantage to this service would be realized if there was a catastrophic event in the Township; residents would be notified immediately and given directions concerning an appropriate response. 

Additionally, he explained that if there was an escapee from the prison the residents would be notified and information posted on TV so that perhaps an arrest could be made in a more timely fashion and the public protected.  He said that he and the TAB Board believe that entering into this contract is a vital next step for the Township’s Channel 22 coverage.

At this point in the meeting Mr. Scarborough made a motion that the Board of Supervisors authorizes the execution of the contract with TVTN.

Ms. Eisenhardt made a motion, seconded by Ms. Philo, to table this matter.

Ms. Eisenhardt explained that her reason for wanting the discussion tabled was not that she was not in favor of the proposal but that the presentation to the Board was only a partial presentation and she would like to see TVTN come back to the Board and make a full presentation prior to authorizing the execution of a contract without full disclosure.  She explained further that she is concerned about the concept that it is free for the first two years but following the expiration of the two year period enough sponsors might not be available and then it would cost the Township $1,000 per month.

Ms. Philo commented that she would like to see a package proposal for the newsletter and Channel 22.  She explained that she reviewed the package of material and the CD provided by TVTN and believes that another presentation is necessary prior to entering into any contract for service.  She also said that the April 1, 2007 deadline can be extended by the vendor.  She suggested that a presentation be scheduled for the March 20, 2007 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Mr. Joe Salvati explained that he has knowledge of this vendor and some of the concerns of the Board are addressed in the contract.  He said that the Township has 100% control over the various sponsors that would be used by the vendor so that certain sponsors that are used for other fund raising events in the Township can be eliminated.  He commented further he believes a package approach to the newsletter and TV coverage could easily be accomplished.

In response to Mr. Gash’s question, Mr. Scarborough explained that the Township can terminate the contract at any time.

A lengthy discussion followed concerning what the difference is between using sponsors/advertisers in the newsletter and using sponsors on Channel 22 being that all the advertising comes to the Township free of charge and what the rationale is for certain supervisors being opposed to using sponsors in the newsletter while being in favor of using sponsors for television.

Ms. Philo and Ms. Eisenhardt believe that there is no difference while Mr. Scarborough, Mr. Berry and Ms. Lyons believe there is a difference particularly in light of what they believe to be a first class publication of the newsletter and which they also believe would be a lesser product if advertising were included. Ms. Lyons commented that the newsletter is a professional publication by Township staff and she said that when you gloss it up with advertisements the publication becomes less attractive and there is a higher possibility that residents will throw the newsletter out believing it to be an advertisement.

Mr. Scarborough clarified his position concerning advertising in the newsletter by stating that he was never against advertising in the newsletter but was against using an outside company to produce the newsletter believing it would be of a lesser quality.

Ms. Eisenhardt reiterated her position that the advertising in the newsletter is still within the total control of the Township and by using advertising the newsletter would become a free publication.

Mr. Joe Salvati told the Board that because some mistakes have been made with regard to the newsletter publication in the past that is not reason enough not to move forward with the contract with TVTN.

After further discussion, the motion to table failed on a vote of 2 to 3 with Ms. Lyons, Mr. Scarborough and Mr. Berry voting no. Mr. Scarborough renewed his previous motion stating that Board of Supervisors authorizes the execution of the contract with TVTN which motion was seconded by Mr. Berry.  This motion passed by a vote of 3 to 2 with Ms. Philo and Ms. Eisenhardt voting against.

Mr. Berry announced that the Board held interviews for positions on various boards and commissions.  On motion of Mr. Berry, seconded by Mr. Scarborough, the Board of Supervisors appointed the following:

Ms. Eisenhardt announced that the Summit on Aging will be a sponsor for Senior Games to be held in Bucks County from May 29, 2007 through June 8, 2007.  Additionally the Summit on Aging is compiling information from the residents to be used for emergency notification purposes.

In response to a question by Ms. Eisenhardt, Ms. Mason explained that bids have been let for deduct meters by the BCWSA and it is anticipated that the radio controlled truck will be available in late April.

Ms. Eisenhardt explained that she understood that additions to the minutes were not permitted but she noted that at the February 20, 2007 meeting Ms. Lyons stated that Ms. Eisenhardt had contacted the Code Enforcement Office six times to inspect various potential violations at the Tripodi property and no violations were found.  Ms. Eisenhardt handed Ms. Lyons a letter indicating that there had been a violation at the Tripodi property and requested that it be attached to the minutes as Exhibit “A”. Ms. Lyons noted the letter was from 2002.

Mr. Gash informed the Board that the County is printing brochures for distribution concerning the Senior Games to be held in Bucks County from May 29, 2007 through June 8, 2007 and he suggested that these brochures be placed in the Township Administrative Offices for the public.

Ms. Philo announced that the annual Egg Hunt will be held on March 31, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.  She noted that donations of new stuffed bunnies and ducks would be appreciated.

Ms. Lyons referred to a notice in the paper citing a Barbara Lyons, age 46 with DUI.  She explained that that was not her.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Off-Premises/Outdoor Advertising – Proposed Ordinance:  Mr. Garton went over the proposed ordinance and noted that the Planning Commission made some minor comments to the Ordinance which can be incorporated without the necessity of re-advertising.  Additionally, some comments were received from the Bucks County Planning Commission which Mr. Garton believes are appropriate.  Mr. Garton explained that the Board could adopt the Ordinance as advertised and then proceed with an amendment to incorporate the comments from Doylestown Township Planning Commission and Bucks County Planning Commission which would eliminate any exposure the Township might face with respect to further intrusions by billboards.

After discussion, on motion of Ms. Philo, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors approved the adoption of Ordinance No. 337 amending the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map of the Township by creating an off-premises outdoor advertising overlay district within which such signs shall be permitted by special exception by providing area, design and related regulations required to be met for special exception approval of such signs and by deleting and amending existing provisions which are inconsistent with these amendments. In addition the Board of Supervisors agreed to have this ordinance amended in the future incorporating the comments from the Bucks County Planning Commission. This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Kids Castle Renovation Fundraising:  Ms. Mason referred the Board to a memorandum from John Bray concerning the Kids Castle renovation fundraising.  After discussion, the consensus of the Board was to direct the Friends of Kids Castle to move forward with the Kids Castle renovation fundraising.

NEW BUSINESS:

Bucks County Prison – Request for Waiver of Land Development:  Mr. Harris Gubernick, Director of Corrections addressed the Board on behalf of Bucks County Prison’s request for wavier of land development in connection with a proposal for a modular addition to the County prison due to overcrowding.  After discussion, on motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors granted waiver of the land development process for the Bucks County prison expansion.  This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

Township Bids:

Township Lawn Bid:  On motion of Ms. Philo, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors awarded the Township lawn bid to Lawn Rangers in an amount not to exceed $65,535.31 for mowing of Township basins, complex, open space and parks for the 2007 season.  This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

2007 Sign and Post Bid:  On motion of Ms. Philo, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors awarded the Township 2007 sign and post bid to Altas Flasher & Supply Co., Inc. in the amount of $2,246.59 and to Garden State Highway Products, Inc. in the amount of $2,608.10.  This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

Sweeper Contract Bid:  On motion of Ms. Philo, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors rejected all bids received for the sweeper contract and approved extending the current contract for the year 2007.  This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

DROP Plan

Uniform Pension Plan:  On motion of Ms. Philo, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors approved utilizing ICMARC for the DROP program for the Uniformed Pension Plan. This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

Non-Uniform Pension Plan – Request to Authorize Advertisement of Ordinance:  On motion of Ms. Philo, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors authorized the advertisement of the ordinance implementing the DROP by January 1, 2008 regarding the non-uniform pension plan. This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

Employee Pension Plan – Investment Policy Statement: 

On motion of Ms. Eisenhardt, seconded by Ms. Philo, the Board of Supervisors approved the investment policy statement for the non-uniformed pension plan with the addition of real estate.  This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

On motion of Ms. Eisenhardt, seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board of Supervisors approved the investment policy statement for the uniformed pension plan with the addition of real estate.  This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

Contract Change Order – Traffic Signal – West State Street and Route 611, New Britain Ramp:  On motion of Ms. Eisenhardt, seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board of Supervisors approved the contract change order for the traffic signal at West State Street and Route 611, New Britain ramp.  This motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

Announcements:
The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2007. 

Adjournment:
There being no further business to come before the regular meeting, the Board of Supervisors meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by
Stephanie J. Mason