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The
Regular Meeting of the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors
was held at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at the
Doylestown Township Municipal Building, 425 Wells Road,
Doylestown, PA., Members of the Board of Supervisors in
attendance included: Barbara N. Lyons, Chairman; E. Thomas
Scarborough, Jr., Vice Chairman; Barbara Eisenhardt, and Jeffrey
Bennett. Absent: Cynthia Philo. Others in attendance
included Jeffrey Garton, Township Solicitor; Stephen J. White,
Chief of Police; Mario Canales, Township Engineer; and Stephanie
Mason, Township Manager.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Ms.
Lyons announced that this meeting is being taped recorded.
VISITORS/PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Ernie Gash, 15 Wilkshire Road, announced that CB South will be
using the park facilities here on Wednesday, September 24, 2008
and Tuesday, October 7, 2008 and he informed the Director of
Parks & Recreation. Eight officials from the Bucks-Mont Chapter
helped run the senior games at War Memorial Field on June 4th
and 150 people attended.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Ms.
Lyons announced that the next meeting of the Board of
Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, July 1, 2008; however, she
has been advised there is not much business for the agenda
except for one item, which is a request from Mr. Gundlach on
behalf of the Blueberry Hill application to return to the Board
of Supervisors’ meeting with another request to reconsider our
decision to send the Solicitor to the ZHB in opposition to their
application to change the use zoning at Blueberry Hill to add a
daycare center.
Ms.
Mason noted that the ZHB meeting scheduled for last night was
postponed until July 21, 2008 and this Board has another meeting
scheduled for July 15th. The Blueberry Hill matter
can be moved to the agenda for the July 15th meeting.
Mr.
Bennett made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Scarborough to cancel the
Board of Supervisors’ meeting scheduled for July 1, 2008.
Ms.
Eisenhardt commented that this is the second month we are
canceling a meeting as the trend is that we have one meeting a
month in the summer, and that is what should be advertised as
she is concerned about residents who make a habit of coming to
the meetings. She is not in favor of canceling the July 1st
meeting.
Board of Supervisors Regular
Meeting June
17, 2008
MOTION was ADOPTED 3-1. Ms. Eisenhardt opposed.
After a brief discussion with the Solicitor; the Board agreed to
place Mr. Gundlach, on behalf of the Blueberry Hill application,
on the agenda for the July 15th Board of
Supervisors’ meeting.
MINUTES APPROVAL:
Board of Supervisors’ Meeting – May 20, 2008:
Ms.
Eisenhardt made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Bennett to approve the
minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting of May 20, 2008 as
submitted.
MOTION was ADOPTED 4-0.
Road Inspection – May 20, 2008:
Ms.
Eisenhardt made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Scarborough to approve
the minutes of the Road Inspection meeting of May 20, 2008 as
submitted.
MOTION was ADOPTED 3-0-1 Ms. Lyons abstained.
Special Meeting – June 3, 2008:
Mr.
Bennett made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Scarborough to approve
the Special Meeting minutes of June 3, 2008 as submitted.
Ms.
Eisenhardt asked may a supervisor vote by phone?
Solicitor Garton replied yes.
MOTION was ADOPTED 3-0-1. Ms. Eisenhardt abstained.
CB Ambulance & Rescue Unit – Dedicated Tax:
Cathy Schlager, Member of the Board of Directors of the Central
Bucks Ambulance and Rescue, gave a power point presentation to
the Board. She requested that the Board put a referendum on the
November ballot for tax millage for dedicated funds for EMS. A ¼
mil, approximately $90,000 generated would be used to ensure a
capital account for the replacement of trucks, equipment and
building.
Ms.
Eisenhardt commented that she supports the request and this
should be done in support of the community. She made a MOTION to
put a referendum on the November ballot for tax millage for
dedicated funds for EMS.
Board of Supervisors Regular
Meeting June
17, 2008
Mr.
Scarborough indicated that he supports placing a referendum on
the ballot in November and to let the citizens of this Township
decide. He seconded the motion.
Mr.
Bennett asked for the deadline to make this decision.
Solicitor Garton replied sometime in August.
Mr.
Bennett suggested letting the Ways & Means Committee review this
to see whether they support the concept, and he is in favor of
it.
Mr.
Scarborough withdrew his second to the motion on the floor.
Doris Clegg asked is there more than one ambulance service?
Mr.
Scarborough replied we are covered by Warrington and Chalfont.
Ms.
Schlager clarified that this tax would cover emergency medical
service not the Central Bucks Ambulance, per say.
Ms.
Lyons indicated that this item will be placed on the agenda for
the July 15th Board of Supervisors’ meeting.
Doylestown Station – Sign and Solar Lighting:
Ms. Mason explained that the Board granted an easement to the
Doylestown Station Condominium Association for the installation
and maintenance of a landscaped area at the corner of Turk Road
and Rolling Hill Boulevard, and they are requesting a community
sign to be placed at the center of the planting area, and it
meets our sign requirements.
Solicitor Garton noted that it is not in the Township’s
right-of-way.
Ms.
Eisenhardt made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Bennett to approve a
community sign be placed the center of the planting area at the
corner of Turk Road and Rolling Hill Boulevard.
MOTION was ADOPTED 4-0.
REPORTS:
Solicitor: No report.
Police Chief: No report.
Board of Supervisors Regular
Meeting June
17, 2008
Township Engineer: No report.
Manager: No report.
Supervisors:
Ms.
Lyons reported that she met with Maggie Rash, Chairman of the
Board of Supervisors of Buckingham Township, concerning the
proposed development located at Rt. 263/313 in Doylestown
Township. Although they would be interested in discussing this
matter with our Board, there is a plan on the property that
expires in October 2009, and they would like to wait and see
what develops with that plan. She suggested to the Board that we
advise Buckingham Township’s Board of when our meetings are
scheduled and encourage their attendance if they want to
participate.
Mr.
Bennett requested that our Solicitor review the amended
declaration of the Hancock application and that our consultants
review the fiscal impact analysis report.
Ms.
Lyons noted that she received numerous calls from residents of
Doylestown and Buckingham Townships regarding the intersection
of Rt. 262/313, and the residents from Doylestown has encouraged
the Board to explore purchasing that property or getting a
conservation easement to keep that corner in the pristine wooded
condition that it is.
David Shakowitz, Hancock Realty, noted that the project was
submitted to the County for review, and we will work with the
professionals to address any items.
Solicitor Garton suggested to Mr. Shafkowitz to contact the
Township Manager in 30 days before being placed on the agenda
for consideration.
Ms.
Lyons asked for any public comments.
Sandy Dubois, resident, suggested a conservation easement for
that property.
Mr.
Scarborough made a MOTION, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt to appoint
Edgar Ebenbach to the Doylestown Township Telecommunications
Advisory Board.
MOTION was ADOPTED 4-0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
Board of Supervisors Regular
Meeting June
17, 2008
NEW BUSINESS:
Environmental Advisory Council’s Recommendation –Delaware Valley
College Composting Project:
Doris Clegg, Chairman of the EAC, explained that in an effort to
comply with DEP’s Act 101, we have been exploring options for
leaf and yard waste collections or drop off sites. Requirements
for Act 101 are listed in her memo to the Board, dated June 12,
2008.
If
Doylestown Township does not comply with Act 101, we will not
receive our 2007 Recycling Performance Grant funds in the amount
of $30-$35k per year. We established a recycling drop off
program for Doylestown Township residents at the Delaware Valley
College one Saturday a month from 8:30 A.M-12:30 P.M. for up to
4- to 6 months beginning September 2008.
Mr.
Scarborough made a MOTION, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt to enter
into an agreement with Delaware Valley College in order to
comply with DEP’s Act 101.
MOTION was ADOPTED 4-0.
LAND DEVELOPMENT:
Eastburn Tract – Preliminary Major Subdivision:
Ms.
Lyons announced that the applicant for the Eastburn Tract -
Preliminary Major Subdivision requested to be removed from the
agenda this evening.
Central Bucks Family YMCA – Preliminary/Final Land Development:
Solicitor Garton explained that this plan was prepared by
Gilmore & Associates, Inc., dated 1/4/08, last revised 3/7/08.
The applicant requests preliminary/final plan approval.
After his review of the reports and recommendations; there are
decisions the Board needs to make with respect to the
application. The conditions of any approval the Board would be
so inclined would be as follows: compliance with the Doylestown
Township Zoning Hearing Board’s decision rendered on May 19,
2008; compliance with the Pickering, Corts & Summerson report,
dated 3/14/08; and the granting of the following waivers that
have been requested by the applicant:
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Section 153-20.C
(10), which requires showing all features within 400 feet of
the site.
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Section 153-24.B
(2) (a), related to improving the boundary roads of Lower
State Road or Memorial Drive to ½ widths.
Board of Supervisors Regular
Meeting June
17, 2008
·
Section 153-26.A.(1), the requirement that curbing
be installed along Lower State Road
·
Section 153-34.B.(5) which outlines the landscape
requirements for stormwater detention facilities; in the
applicant’s waiver request, they state that the proposed basin
will be used as a playfield for children and that the use of the
wetlands plantings, shrubs, trees, etc., will adversely impact
the ability to utilize this facility.
·
A partial waiver from Section 153-34.C. (2), which
outlines the amount of tree preservation required onsite. They
also request that in-lieu-of placing trees along Lower State
Road; that they be placed along the property line with the
residents.
Herb Sudfeld, Attorney representing the applicant, indicated
that in working with the Tabersole neighbors; we agreed to place
some extra trees in that area.
·
A partial waiver from Section 153-39.D. (1),
which states no excavation or fill shall be made with a face or
surface slope steeper than four horizontal to one vertical
unless a retaining wall, constructed in accordance with approved
standards and approved by the Township Engineer, is provided to
support the face or surface slope of said excavation of fill.
The applicant is proposing to grade at 3:1 in the location of
the existing drive along Lower State Road in order to save
existing trees. However, in reviewing the grading plans there
are other areas specified to be graded at 3:1 most notably the
slope between the proposed detention basin and the 2,457 SF
building.
·
Waiver from Neshaminy Creek Watershed Stormwater
Management Ordinance, Section 148-22, which requires groundwater
recharge. To permit a detention basin to be used for a play
field.
The
next condition is a deed of consolidation to be filed with the
Mylar for the three lots and receipt of all permits and
approvals that is required for this project including from
PennDOT, Doylestown Municipal Authority, Bucks County Water &
Sewer Authority and the Bucks County Conservation District and
others. In the event that PennDOT declines to accept the
additional right-of-way along Lower State Road, would the
Township desire to accept that right-of-way?
The
Board agreed to accept the right-of-way.
Mr.
Garton continued that the Board should determine the issue of
offsite improvements defined in Pennoni’s report, dated 3/20/08.
Also, that the applicant make a contribution towards
improvements at the intersection of Lower State Road and
Memorial Drive and also make contribution toward improvements at
the intersection of State Street and Memorial Drive. The
applicant will comply with Boucher & James’ report, dated
3/18/08; comply with the Bucks County Planning Commission
report, dated 2/4/08; and funding and execution of the
development financial security agreements.
Board of Supervisors Regular
Meeting June
17, 2008
Mr.
Sudfeld noted that we request another waiver from Section 153.35
C. (1) – It was noted that an actual tree count be taken and
that count has been done and a waiver is necessary from that
section. A variance has previously been granted to disturb the
steep slopes where the woodlands are located and the amount of
woodlands in question is .069 acres of woodlands within the
slopes over 25%. The permitted disturbance is .007 acres and we
are disturbing .044 acres so we are over by .037 acres.
Solicitor Garton noted the outstanding issue is the improvements
to the two intersections. He introduced David Tomko, of Pennoni
Associates.
Mr.
Tomko indicated the applicant is willing to discuss the amount
of contribution for future improvements at the intersection of
Lower State Road and Memorial Drive in-lieu-of of installing a
mid-block crossing at the YMCA driveway. We recommend that the
applicant coordinate directly with Doylestown Borough to design
and construct the traffic calming measures proposed to
Doylestown Township by Doylestown Borough at the intersection of
Lower State Road and Memorial Drive.
Ms.
Eisenhardt asked for an estimated amount needed for the
improvements.
Mr.
Tomko estimated $60,000.
Ms.
Lyons asked would Doylestown Borough contribute to it?
Lou
White, Vice Chairman of Doylestown Borough Council, indicated
that he would take that request back to the Board.
Ms.
Eisenhardt commented that it is not clear whether the cost would
be shared by the Borough and whether there would be an offset by
the school or any other facilities located on the corner as they
contribute to the traffic as well.
Solicitor Garton asked for an offer from the applicant.
Mr.
Sudfeld offered $35,000 from the YMCA.
Ms.
Eisenhardt suggested tabling this matter until we get feedback
from Doylestown Borough.
Ms.
Mason indicated that she spoke with John Davis, Doylestown
Borough Manager, and they would like to see improvements from a
pedestrian standpoint, and he would like to see what amount of
contribution we receive and then possibly come up with a portion
of it in next year’s budget.
Board of Supervisors Regular
Meeting June
17, 2008
John Everett, resident, Turk Road, asked about a light at the
driveway to the YMCA and suggested a handicapped curb cut from
the CB West side over to the YMCA as part of the crosswalk.
Lou
White, Vice Chairman of Doylestown Borough Council, commented
last year, we began a “safe walking” initiative in town, and we
have signs alerting drivers to watch out for pedestrians in the
crosswalk that are part of this project. We asked residents to
identify intersections where walking is dangerous, and the one
being discussed was very prominent on that list. The Borough
would be supportive in doing something there and we would work
with the $35,000 from the YMCA to make it work and also possibly
an in-kind contribution would help.
Mr.
Scarborough made a MOTION to approve the YMCA -
preliminary/final plan to include a $35,000 contribution from
the YMCA towards improvements of the intersections at Lower
State Road and Memorial Drive and State Street and Memorial
Drive subject to the conditions that Solicitor Garton mentioned.
Mr.
Bennett countered the proposal to $50,000.
Mr.
Sudfeld offered $40,000.
Mr.
Scarborough made a MOTION to approve the YMCA -
preliminary/final plan to include a $40,000 contribution from
the YMCA towards improvements of the intersections at Lower
State Road and Memorial Drive and State Street and Memorial
Drive subject to the conditions that Solicitor Garton mentioned,
seconded by Mr. Bennett.
Solicitor Garton asked does the $60,000 include a bid with
prevailing wages?
Mr.
Tomko replied yes.
Solicitor Garton asked what would the cost be if the applicant
made the improvements as part of their project?
Mr.
Tomko replied the cost would be less, but he does not know how
much.
Mr.
Everett asked if the Township gets $40,000 towards the
improvements and the cost is $55,000, does the Township pay the
balance?
Ms.
Lyons replied yes.
Mr.
Everett commented that the YMCA should step up to the plate and
take care of business.
Board of Supervisors Regular
Meeting June 17,
2008
Mr.
Sudfeld agreed to contribute $50,000 towards the improvements to
the intersections and asked if the YMCA can contribute $35,000
payable now in the first phase and $15,000 in the second phase
of the project.
Mr.
Bennett asked for the timing of the two phases.
Mr.
Sudfeld replied the first phase is immediate and the second
phase is within three years.
Mr.
Scarborough withdrew his motion on the floor and made a MOTION
to approve the YMCA - preliminary/final plan with conditions
outlined by Mr. Garton and to accept the $35,000 contribution
payable immediately and $15,000 payable within three years by
the YMCA towards improvements to the intersections of Lower
State Road and Memorial Drive and State Street and Memorial
Drive subject to the conditions that Solicitor Garton previously
stated, seconded by Mr. Bennett.
MOTION was ADOPTED 3-1. Ms. Eisenhardt opposed.
Zoning Hearing Board Application – John & Nina DiPietro – 41
Mystic View Lane – Variance request:
The
Board agreed to leave this matter to the ZHB.
Destination Doylestown II – Concurrence of Bid Acceptance:
Ms.
Mason noted that SEPTA has agreed to participate in this project
and will commit funds in the amount of $168,056.70, and we have
a grant in the amount of $862,500. PennDOT indicated that the
lowest bidder was Crossing Construction Co. Inc., in the amount
of $982,820. This project will be done over Labor Day weekend,
and she asked for approval by the Board to proceed with the
project.
Solicitor Garton noted there will be no additional costs to the
Township.
Mr.
Bennett made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Scarborough to accept the
lowest bid by Crossing Construction Co. Inc., in the amount of
$982,820, and proceed with the replacement of a bridge, which
carries the R5 Doylestown Line over a single lane roadway on the
campus of Delaware Valley College.
MOTION was ADOPTED 4-0.
Board of Supervisors Regular
Meeting June
17, 2008
Road Improvement Bid – Keeley Avenue
Mr.
John noted that the Keeley Avenue project that involves a
right-hand turning lane; center lane straight-thru; and milling
and paving Keeley Avenue from the covered bridge up to Ferry
Road was put out to bid on the Township’s behalf by Pennoni
Associates. We received five bids and the lowest bidder was Gore
Con Inc., in the amount of $397,369.71, and that amount is
within budget and he recommends approval.
Mr.
Scarborough made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Bennett to approve
the lowest bidder – Gore Con Inc., in the amount of $397,369.71
for the Keeley Avenue Road Improvement project.
Mr.
Bennett commented that we will receive an $80,000 contribution
from New Britain Township for this project. Is that correct?
Mr.
John replied yes.
MOTION was ADOPTED 4-0.
Proclamation – James A. Michener Art Museum’s 20th
Anniversary:
Ms.
Eisenhardt made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Bennett to approve the
Proclamation of the James A. Michener Art Museum’s 20th
Anniversary on September 20, 2008.
MOTION was ADOPTED 4-0.
Eagle Scout Proclamation – Robert Lawrence Cull, Troop 6:
Mr.
Scarborough made a MOTION, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt to approve
the Eagle Scout Proclamation of Robert Lawrence Cull, Troop 6.
MOTION was ADOPTED 4-0.
Bill’s List – June 17, 2008:
Mr.
Scarborough made a MOTION, seconded by Ms. Eisenhardt to approve
the Bills List of June 17, 2008 in the amount of $1,273,236.22.
MOTION was ADOPTED 4-0.
Board of Supervisors Regular
Meeting June
17, 2008
Treasurer’s List – June 17, 2008:
Mr.
Scarborough made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Bennett to approve
the Treasurer’s List of June 17, 2008.
MOTION was ADOPTED 4-0.
Ms.
Eisenhardt commented that she understands that the YMCA has
inexpensive programs for those who cannot afford to join;
however, not everyone that belongs to the YMCA lives in
Doylestown Township. It is unfair to give them the right to only
pay $50,000 for an $80,000 bill, and we are asking the
Doylestown Township residents to pay the other $30,000. The YMCA
does a wonderful job, and it is a great facility, but she does
not think it should be incumbent upon our residents to pickup
the tab for the extra $30,000.
Mr.
Scarborough commented we have done work for the YMCA in-kind
service when they built the teen center, etc. Our residents use
facilities in other municipalities so this is a give and take
and the YMCA makes this community a stronger and better place to
live.
Mr.
Bennett commented that this is an intersection that Doylestown
Borough has surveyed as something that their residents have been
concerned about for sometime. Even without this project; this is
an intersection that needs work. He is comfortable with what the
YMCA will contribute towards the improvements.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Ms.
Lyons announced that the next meeting of the Board of
Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2008.
ADJOURNMENT: 8:25 P.M.
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Authored by Development Solutions