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The regular meeting of the Doylestown Township Board of
Supervisors was held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18,
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 and Barbara E.
Eisenhardt. Others in attendance included Timothy Duffy,
Township Solicitor, Chief Stephen White, Chief of Police, Mario
L. Canales, Township Engineer and Stephanie Mason, Township
Manager. Absent: Cynthia Philo
Pledge to the Flag: The meeting opened with a
pledge to the flag.
Taping of the Meeting: Ms. Lyons explained that
Ms. Eisenhardt would be taping the meeting.
Announcements:
The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors will be held on
Tuesday, October 2, 2007.
The Public Water and Sewer Advisory Committee work session that
was scheduled for September 20, 2007 has been cancelled.
National Family Day, "A Day to Eat with Your Children" is
September 24, 2007
The 14th Annual Doylestown Township Oktoberfest will
be held on:
Friday, September 28, 2007 6:00 p.m. to 10:00
p.m.
Saturday, September 29, 2007 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 30, 2007 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
There will be fireworks at Oktoberfest on Friday night and Mr.
Frank LaRosa will be honored for his service as Chairman of
Oktoberfest since 1999.
Public Comment: Mr. Ernie Gash told the Board
that a Cross Country Meet will be held in Central Park for CB
South on September 19, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. He also commented that
the Township is not overusing the fields and thus the race will
be shorter than normal. He requested anyone that was available
attend this event.
Minutes Approval – 2008 Budget Work Session Notes – August
21, 2007:
On motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Mr. Berry, the 2008
Budget Work Session Notes dated August 21, 2007 were approved.
This motion passed by a vote of 3 to 0 with Ms. Lyons abstaining
as she did not attend the Work Session.
Board of Supervisors Meeting– August 21, 2007.
Mr. Gillen requested that the spelling of his name as "Gillan"
in the minutes be corrected to "Gillen".
On motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the
Board of Supervisors approved the minutes of the Board of
Supervisors regular meeting held August 21, 2007 with the
correction to the spelling of Mr. Gillen's name. This motion
passed by a vote of 4 to 0.
Resolutions and Commendations: None.
Correspondence: None
REPORTS:
Solicitor: No report.
Police Report: No report.
Township Engineer: No report
Township Manager: PW&SAC Date for Interviews for
Committee: Ms. Mason explained that the Township has
received 22 applications to serve on the PW&SAC and that
interview dates need to be set for interviews.
Ms. Eisenhardt explained that interviews for all Boards and
Commissions should be conducted at a public meeting and
requested that the current policy be changed to allow for
interviews at a public meeting. She explained that her reason
for this is that anyone not selected for a position on a Board
or Commission would like to understand what the qualifications
are for such a volunteer position and have a better
understanding of why they were not selected. She explained
further that Lower Makefield Township, Doylestown Borough and
Buckingham Township conduct such interviews at a public meeting
and believes by not doing so it is a violation of the Sunshine
Act. Ms. Eisenhardt said that she understands interviews for
personnel must be conducted in private but positions for
volunteer positions should be conducted at a public meeting.
Mr. Scarborough commented that the Board reviews all resumes
prior to interviews and that all appointments to Boards and
Commissions are conducted at public meetings and never at an
Executive Session. He also said that he knows of no Township
that conducts interviews for Boards and Commissions in a public
meeting.
Ms. Lyons said that it is very clear from the Sunshine Act that
holding interviews in Executive Session is not a violation of
the Sunshine Act. She said that she believes it would be
intimidating for prospective volunteers to be interviewed at a
public setting. She said she would like to continue the policy
as it is and at no time does the Board of Supervisors decide on
appointments to Boards and Commissions at an Executive Session.
Ms. Eisenhardt said that she has an email copy of PSATS and the
protocol outlined requires all deliberations to be held at a
public meeting.
Ms. Lyons said that it is her understanding the Township's
policy is consistent with PSATS protocol.
Ms. Clegg suggested that if interviews where held at a public
meeting individuals would have to answer questions and possibly
be asked questions from the public that would involve personal
information.
Ms. Eisenhardt said that the public interviews would only be
conducted at a Work Session and input from residents is not
required at Work Sessions.
Mr. Marty Gillen said that he has been interviewed twice for a
position on a Board or Commission and no questions concerning
income, family members or anything personal has ever been asked.
After further discussion, Ms. Eisenhardt made a motion that all
interviews for Boards and Commissions be held at a public
meeting. This motion failed for the lack of a second.
After discussion the Board set October 2, 2007 and October 16,
2007 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. as the dates and times for
interviews for the PW&SAC
Supervisors:
Ms.
Eisenhardt, as liaison to the Summit on Aging, explained that a
program on Scams and Frauds and other Crimes Perpetrated against
Seniors will be presented by NOVA (Network of Victim Assistance)
on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at the Township
Building.
Ms.
Eisenhardt commented that for the past 8 years she has been
attempting to have the Board agree to have the Township
Newsletter printed free of charge or at greatly reduced charge
by securing advertising. She explained that she is questioning
why the Park & Recreation publication, which has always been
printed in black and white, is now being printed in color which
costs $1,000.00 more for color than black and white.
Ms.
Mason explained that Karen Sweeney, the Park and Recreation
Director, investigated the costs and ascertained that it is
cheaper to print the current publication in full color than
black and white. Additionally, the mailing list has increased
to include a number of individuals who do not live in the
Township but do participate in the various programs, thus off
setting the cost because they pay for the programs they use.
Additionally, Ms. Mason explained that the publication now
projects a more professional image and good marketing tool.
Mr.
Scarborough commented that he thinks the all color brochure is
money well spent in that it informs the residents, with a
professional looking brochure, of the programs available. He
said he commends the staff in producing a first class
publication.
Ms.
Eisenhardt explained that she is not suggesting that the staff
is not doing a good job but she is just trying to save the
Township money.
Ms.
Lyons explained that CB Cares is sponsoring a costume masquerade
event at the Mercer Museum on October 27, 2007 costing $50.00
per person. The winner for the best costume will win a 6 day, 5
nights all inclusive stay in Jamaica and she encouraged everyone
to attend.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Bucks County Municipal Waste Management Plan:
Ms. Lyons explained that the EAC had reviewed the Bucks County
Municipal Waste Management Plan and had excellent comments and
agreed with the EAC that copies of the plan should be sent to
all municipalities. She commented that the regional wide
compost system proposal should be brought up for discussion at
the upcoming regional wide meeting. After further discussion,
on motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board
unanimously authorized advertising of the Bucks County Municipal
Waste Management Plan Model Ordinance.
Mr. Gillen asked why the Board
of Supervisors minutes for 2006 are no longer available. He
said that the 2007 minutes are on the website and requested that
the 2006 minutes be put back on the website. Ms. Mason said she
would check on this and advise Mr. Gillen.
NEW BUSINESS:
Land Development Extensions
Callan Tract – Preliminary Major Subdivision (Location:
Warden Road):
Ms. Eisenhardt asked why another extension of this plan was
being considered since there have been no changes to the plan
since it was submitted in 2006. After discussion, the consensus
of the Board was to invite the applicant to the October 2, 2007
meeting to explain their position and that Ms. Mason send a
letter to the applicant. This plan expires September 30, 2007.
On motion of Mr. Scarborough,
seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board of Supervisors approved the
Callan Tract Preliminary Subdivision land development plan
review extension to October 30, 2007. This motion passed by a
vote of 4 to 0.
Doylestown Green (Gross Tract) – Final Subdivision
(Location: Old Dublin Pike):
On motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board
of Supervisors approved the Doylestown Green (Gross Tract) Final
Subdivision land development plan review extension to October
31, 2007. This motion passed by a vote of 4 to 0.
Land Development/Subdivision Waiver Request for V. Horn (Location:
Turk Road) On
request of Mr. Horn the consensus of the Board was to table this
matter.
Employee Pension Plan – 2008 Minimum Municipal Obligation:
On motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the
Board of Supervisors approved the execution of the 2008 Minimum
Municipal Obligation for the Police Pension Plan. This motion
passed by a vote of 4 to 0.
On motion of Ms. Eisenhardt,
seconded by Mr. Scarborough, the Board of Supervisors approved
the execution of the 2008 Minimum Municipal Obligation for the
Non-Uniformed Police Pension Plan. This motion passed by a vote
of 4 to 0.
Proposed Keeley Road Improvements.
After discussion, on motion of Ms. Eisenhardt, seconded by Mr.
Scarborough, the Board of Supervisors approved the design
estimate for the proposed improvements to Keeley Road from Ferry
Road to Longwood Circle in accordance with the Memorandum from
David A. Tomko to Richard E. John dated July 6, 2007. This
motion passed by a vote of 4 to 0.
Open Space Resolution: Bucks County Bond Issue:
After discussion, on motion of Mr. Scarborough, seconded by Mr.
Berry, the Board of Supervisors approved Resolution No. 1373
supporting the referendum for the Bucks County Bond Issue for
Open Space Preservation in the amount of $87 million for the
acquisition of open space in perpetuity. This motion passed by
a vote of 3 to 1, with Ms. Eisenhardt voting against.
Second Baptist Church of Doylestown 100th
Anniversary: On motion of
Ms. Eisenhardt, seconded by Mr. Scarborough, the Board of
Supervisors approved the Proclamation congratulating Second
Baptist Church on its 100th Anniversary. This motion
passed by a vote of 4 to 0.
2007 Oktoberfest Vendor Approval:
On motion of Ms. Eisenhardt, seconded by Mr. Scarborough, the
Board of Supervisors approved the agreements relative to
Oktoberfest, 2007 outlined in a Memorandum from Karen A. Sweeney
dated September 8, 2007 as well as the execution of the Shaefer
Fireworks contract, all of which fall within the scope of the
2007 Oktoberfest budget. This motion passed by a vote of 4 to
0.
Zoning Hearting Board Application – Jay and Carolyn Stover,
481 Iron Hill Road – Request for a Variance:
After discussion, on motion of Ms. Eisenhardt, seconded by Mr.
Scarborough, the Board of Supervisors voted to send the Township
Solicitor to the Zoning Hearing Board to oppose this application
on their behalf. This motion passed by a vote of 4 to 0.
Treasurers Report: On motion of Mr. Scarborough,
seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors approved
the September 18, 2007 Treasurer’s Reports. This motion passed
by a vote of 4 to 0.
Bills List: On motion of Mr. Scarborough,
seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt, the Board of Supervisors approved
the September 18, 2007 Bills List in the amount of $703,151.28.
This motion passed by a vote of 4 to 0.
Announcements:
The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors will be held on
Tuesday, October 2, 2007.
The Public Water and Sewer Advisory Committee work session that
was scheduled for September 20, 2007 has been cancelled.
National Family Day, "A Day to Eat with Your Children" is
September 24, 2007
The 14th Annual Doylestown Township Oktoberfest will
be held on:
Friday, September 28, 2007 6:00 p.m. to 10:00
p.m.
Saturday, September 29, 2007 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 30, 2007 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
There will be fireworks at Oktoberfest and Mr. Frank LaRosa will
be honored for his service as Chairman of Oktoberfest since
1999.
Adjournment:
There being no further business to come before the regular
meeting, the Board of Supervisors meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
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