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The Regular Meeting of the Doylestown Township
Board of Supervisors was held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September
15, 2009 at the Doylestown Township Municipal Building, 425
Wells Road, Doylestown, PA. Members of the Board of
Supervisors in attendance included Chairman: Barbara N. Lyons,
Vice Chairman: E. Thomas Scarborough, Jr., Supervisors: Barbara
Eisenhardt, Cynthia Philo and Jeffrey Bennett. Others in
attendance included Township Engineer: Mario Canales; Chief of
Police: Stephen J. White, Director of Operations: Richard E.
John; Township Manager: Stephanie J. Mason.
Absent: Township Solicitor; Jeffery P. Garton. In
Mr. Garton‘s absence, Solicitor, Doug Maloney
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPOINTMENT AND SWEARING IN OF POLICE OFFICERS:
Chief White recommended Timothy M. Reihl and
Anthony H. Breslau to be appointed as police officers for
Doylestown Township.
Ms. Philo made a MOTION to
appoint Mr. Reihl and Mr. Breslau as police officers, seconded
by Mrs. Eisenhardt.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
Judge Daly swore in Timothy M. Reihl and Anthony
H. Breslau as police officers for Doylestown Township as their
families watched.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Ms. Lyons indicated that the Board held an
Executive Session prior to this meeting and addressed matters of
litigation.
PRESENTATION:
Mr. Michael McCreery informed the Board of two
issues concerning the Oktoberfest Committee regarding the event
for the next two years. The first issue is after adjustments
were made with fundraising and entry fees, Oktoberfest 2008
revenues was up 7% from 2007, but the event still lost
$4,000.00. The committee recommends the Board consider the
following changes to be made in order to decrease costs:
Eliminating Sundays as part
of the event due to low attendance
Only use one well known band
and more local bands in order to gear the focus towards tweens
and teens, which most of the revenue comes from.
Utilize Oktoberfest
volunteers instead of Township employees to eliminate overtime
cost.
Mr. McCreery’s second issue
is within two years the 202 Parkway project will interfere with
the location of Oktoberfest. Mr. McCreery proposed the
Oktoberfest and Performing Arts committees coordinate by
incorporating with the Township’s Fourth of July event. Mr.
McCreery suggested by adding several self contained events, such
as a 10k race, showcasing local business who will provide free
services, and local bands. This will enable Oktoberfest to be a
much smaller event to minimize and control expenses.
Ms. Philo had several
questions, such as, how many attended the 2008 Oktoberfest?,
what would be the process of conjoining each event and would the
event gear towards families and not just tweens and teens? Mr.
McCreery answered Ms. Philo’s questions by stating that the
attendance was approximately 12,000 in 2007, Oktoberfest would
cover their expenses by continuing parking fees, adding a goal
of a $10,000.00 fundraiser and requesting each vendor pay an
individual permit fee in order to offset costs. Mr. McCreery
answered Ms. Philo final question by stating that he considered
both groups with the proposal presented. Ms. Philo concluded by
stating with a previous $4,000.00 lost, the township’s revenue
must be greater or brake even.
Mrs. Eisenhardt questioned
if the committee will continue with amusement rides, due to a
significant revenue from teenagers and what the proceeds would
be. Ms. Karen Sweeney, Director of Parks and Recreation,
answered Mrs. Eisenhardt’s question by stating the total revenue
from rides were $74,322.00 with a 75/25 split between the
committee and ride vendor. This will provide the committee with
a balance of $25,000.00. Mr. McCreery added by stating the ride
vendor cannot provide rides for one day and the proposal is to
provide other alternatives. Ms. Eisenhardt also suggested the
Fourth of July event should not be on the 4th, due to
high cost of fireworks. Ms. Sweeney
informed the Board that the Fourth of July event normally
is scheduled either before or after the 4th.
Mr. McCreery concluded by
stating if the Board agrees to change Oktoberfest to a two day
event, with the changes suggested by the committee, it will be
profitable.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Resident: Mr. Bill Lahr wanted to thank Director
of Operations; Mr. Richard John for a wonderful job cleaning up
debris along the unnamed tributary in Doylestown Estates due to
large amount of rain from August 1st and 2nd.
Ms. Eisenhardt wondered the status of the Conservancy planting.
Mr. Lahr answered by stating 50% of the plantings are still
there and held up very well from the storms.
ANNOUCEMENTS:
The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors is
scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.. Township
Road Inspections will be held on October 6, 2009 at 4:00 P.M..
The World Wide Day of Play will be held on
Saturday, September 26, 2009 from 10:30am to 4:00pm and
sponsored by the No Child left Inside Coalition. Rain date is
Sunday, September 27, 2009.
Board of Supervisors will hold a Special meeting
regarding Route 263 / Route 313 and Rogers Road, concerned
traffic areas on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, beginning at
7:00p.m., located at the Lenape Middle School.
First Annual Hidden Treasures Community Yard Sale
will be held at Central Park on Saturday, October 3, 2009 from
8:30a.m. to 2:00p.m. Registration fee is $15.00 and must be
self contained.
Monday, October 5, 2009 at 7:00p.m.a meeting
regarding a proposed Dog Park will be held at Lenape Middle
School.
MINUTES APPROVAL:
Minutes of August 18, 2009; Mr. Scarborough made
a MOTION to approve, seconded by Mr. Bennett pending one
amendment on page 2 “Motion adopted 4-0-1”.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
Minutes of July 21, 2009; Mr. Scarborough made a
MOTION to approve, seconded by Ms. Philo pending amendments on
page 3 regarding the sharing of videos of special presentations
at the Senior Summit meeting with other organizations.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
Resignation of Mr. David W. Blois
Mrs. Lyons with regrets announced the resignation
of David W. Blois from the Doylestown Township Public Water and
Sewer Advisory Committee.
Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION, seconded by Ms.
Philo to accept Mr. Blois’s resignation with regret.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
TOWNSHIP SOLICITOR:
No Report
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER:
No Report
TOWNSHIP MANAGER:
PEDA Grant application for the Solar Energy
Generation, Education and Research Grant.
Ms. Mason informed the Board the Township’s
application for funding for the Solar Energy Generation,
Education and Research study with Delaware Valley College, was
not selected due to several competitive situations.
Bucks County Transportation Improvement Plan
Ms. Mason presented the Board with a letter from
the Pennoni Associates, Inc, with their recommendations for the
2011 Transportation Improvement Plan with the following roads.
Lower State Road and Wells Road for Intersection
improvements
Lower State Road for Safety and Geometric
Improvements
Easton Road and South Main Street for Traffic
Calming and Enhancements
Route 202, State Street and Butler Avenue for
Closed Loop Traffic Signals System
Mrs. Lyons asked Ms. Mason if the road
improvements recommendations for Wells Road and Lower State Road
intersection could include a bike and hike trail from Route 202
to Delaware Valley College. Ms. Mason answered the question by
stating the plans does not include the bike and hike trail, but
will add to the recommendation.
Mrs. Eisenhardt asked if the 202 Parkway Project
will be clearly defined by Penn Dot and included with the Wells
Road and Lower State Road intersection improvement plan. Ms.
Mason answered her question by stating the 202 Parkway project
is included and defined with Delaware Valley College’s
Transportation Improvement Plan.
Mrs. Eisenhardt also questioned if the 202
Parkway Project will have an impact on the Wells Road and Lower
State Roads intersection project being approved based upon the
completion of the Parkway. Ms. Mason answered her question by
stating that both improvement projects can be independent of one
another and will not have an impact.
Ms. Philo made a MOTION, seconded by Mrs.
Eisenhardt to accept recommendations by Pennoni, Inc. regarding
the 2011 Road Improvement project.
MOTION was ADOPTED, 5 to 0.
SUPERVISORS:
Mrs. Eisenhardt
Mrs. Eisenhardt asked Chief White what the
percentage status of time Chalfont Ambulance has for their in
service emergency calls time compared to their out service
time.
Chief White answered Mrs. Eisenhardt’s question
by stating Chalfont Ambulance does not have a specific
percentage due to different procedures on a case by case basis,
but added there is no way to determine an exact percentage,
Chalfont feels the percentage is better.
Mrs. Eisenhardt questioned if Chalfont has a
legal implication to accept the ambulance tax designated to
three Corps if they are not using 100% of that money. Mr.
Maloney could not answer Mrs. Eisenhardt’s question, but
informed her that he will pass the question on to the Township’s
Solicitor, Mr. Garton. Chief White stated there is 100% of
ambulance service to the public. Mrs. Eisenhardt suggested
that the Board explore a resolution be passed so that one
township’s ambulance squad receive the tax for other townships.
Mr. Scarborough
Mr. Scarborough would like to thank the Road
Department on doing a great job with flooding issue on Sauerman
Road. Chief White agreed with Mr. Scarborough by stating the
Road Department hooked up a generator to a resident’s home who
was in need of oxygen, when a down tree knocked out electricity
in that area.
Mr. Bennett
No Report
Ms. Philo
No
Report
Police Chief
No Report
Mrs. Lyons
Mr. Lyons asked the Board to review the Major and
Mastro audit. If they have any concerns to please contact the
Township’s Finance Officer, Mr. Wightman.
Mrs. Lyons suggested the Board consider creating
an annual ‘Unsung Hero Award” to recognize a resident who goes
above and beyond contributing to the township. The funds can
be privately raised and have the award presented to the
recipient, so they may decide how to utilize. Ms. Lyons then
suggested a brick be placed in their honor at the Volunteer and
Community Service Veterans Memorial.
Ms. Philo suggested this award be presented at
the Fourth of July event. Mr. Scarborough suggested a committee
be formed to work out details.
Mrs. Lyons made a MOTION to create an “Unsung
Hero Awards” and present it to a well deserved Doylestown
resident, seconded by Mr. Scarborough.
MOTION was ADOPTED, 5 to 0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water Project – Status Report Cross Keys
Mr. John informed the Board
the Department of Environmental Protection has been offered
state funding grant from the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act, in the
amount of two million dollars to provide water line service to
the Cross Keys area of Plumstead, Doylestown and Buckingham
Townships in order to mitagate the water contamination. In
order to finalize the receipt of these funds, Mr. John stated
the Department of Environmental Protection held a hearing and is
currently available to receive any questions regarding this act
until September 21, 2009 via email. Mr. John recommends the
following items in order to secure the grant.
Intermunicipal Agreement
with Plumstead Township
The funding is to assist
Doylestown, Buckingham and Plumstead townships with their
relationship to the Cross Keys water contamination area. As
the lead agency to receive these grants, Doylestown Township is
required to complete several tasks. Mr. John requested the
Board to approve the intermunicipal agreement with DTMA and
Plumstead townships. Currently an agreement with Buckingham
Township is still in negotiations.
Mrs. Eisenhardt had several
questions regarding the status of the Department of
Environmental department requirements for Township’s water line
installations. Mrs. Eisenhardt suggested the Board view the DEP
requirements for water line installations and incorporated it
with Doylestown water line ordinance in order to compliment one
another. Mrs. Eisenhardt then questioned Mr. John on who has
the authority to install the public water lines. Mr. John
answered by stating the authority is of the Township in the
present case.
A discussion ensued between
the Board regarding the procedure on how to determine which
properties are selected to receive public water hook ups and
what department will make the final decision and if these
requirements are stated in the DTMA Projects and Ordinance
Needs.
Ms. Philo made a MOTION to
approve an intermunicipal agreement between DTMA and Plumstead
Township, seconded by Mr. Scarborough.
MOTION was ADOPTED, 5 to 0.
Site Specific Mandatory
Connection
Mr. John recommends based
upon the DTMA’s experience, that connecting to water on a
specific site, such as the Cross Keys and Furlong areas is the
best method to use to protect the public health and welfare of
the residents. Mr. John requests the Board to adopt a site
specific mandatory connection ordinance for Cross Keys.
Mr. Bennett asked Mr. John
if individual notices will be sent to the residents along the
Cross Keys area notifying them the ordinance. Mr. John agreed.
Mr. Scarborough made a
MOTION to approve the advertising for site specific , mandatory
water connection ordinance for Cross Keys Water Service District
in Doylestown Township and to notify home owners of the affected
area in the consideration of the ordinance, seconded by Mr.
Bennett.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
#206, Chapter 172, Wells,
Article I
Mr. John recommended to the
Board the following two items be added in the Well Abandonment
Ordinance #206 in order to clean up ordinance.
172 - 1, Section D
(Conditions): The well water is near
or within a contaminated cone of influence as determined by the
Municipal Authority, or its Engineer.
172 - 2, (Exemption):
and not used as a potable water
source.
172 - 3, Section A
(Sealing Requirements): All landowners
whose well is ordered to be abandoned and sealed shall prior to
abandonment and sealing, be connected to a public water systems
if available, in such a way that all rules and regulations of
the Authority as well as the governing plumbing codes of a
municipality are met for such connections.
Ms. Philo made a MOTION to
approve the advertising of an amendment to ordinance #206 as
recommended by Director of Operation, Mr. Richard John, seconded
by Mrs. Eisenhardt.
MOTION was ADOPTED, 5 to 0.
NEW BUSINESS:
Heritage Conservancy
Historic Preservation
Ms. Lynn Dolinger requested
the approval of the Board to apply for a Bucks County Community
Development Grant. Ms. Dolinger informed the Board the
$26,500.00 Community Development Grant will be applied to the
restoration of the a wall that is adjacent to the Aldie
Mansion’s patio. The wall is a public safety concern due in
part the patio is use primarily by patrons. The patrons tend to
lean on the wall. Ms. Dolinger added the repairs to the wall
has not happened since 1927, and there will be no cost to
Doylestown Township. Ms. Dolinger also stated that their
application will not interfere with any other applications for
the Community Development Block Grant. Ms. Dolinger informed
the Board, they would need to review the grant prior to
submission. Ms. Philo questioned Ms. Dolinger on the total cost
of the preservation. Ms. Mason answered the question by
stating that Ms. Dolinger will present a detailed report to the
Township.
Ms. Dolinger presented the
Board with an amendment to the application by stating a local
permit is needed to repair the wall prior to receiving the
grant. This will add an additional $3,600.00 to the grant
request application for a total of $29,650.00.
Mrs. Eisenhardt made a
MOTION to approve Heritage Conservancy request to apply for a
Bucks County Community Development Block grant in the amount of
$29,650.00, seconded by Mr. Bennett.
MOTION was ADOPTED 4-0-1
with Mr. Scarborough abstaining due to his association with the
Bucks County Development Block Board.
Community Development
Block Grant
Mrs. Lyons voiced her
concerns for the visually and hearing impaired residents at
Grundy and Neshamany Manor and asked the Board to approve an
application for a Bucks County Community Development Block Grant
in order to provide an upgrade to the existing traffic signal
located at Easton Road and Prison Drive. The upgrade is to add
an audible pedestrian warning devise, such as a chirping sound
when a traffic signal is changed. The cost for this change
would be $34,000.00.
Ms. Philo added that in any
case the audible warning device is a benefit, due to the area
being extremely dangerous for any pedestrian to cross.
Resident; Mr. Lahr asked if
the crosswalk could include a timer. Mrs. Lyons answered the
timer will be added if cost is included.
Mr. Bennett made a MOTION to
request a Bucks County Community Development Grant to upgrade
the existing traffic signal located at Easton Road and Prison
Drive to add an audible pedestrian warning device, seconded by
Ms. Philo.
MOTION was ADOPTED, 4-0-1
with Mr. Scarborough abstaining due to his association with the
Bucks County Community Development Grant Board.
PennDot Lower State Road
Bridge Improvements
Mrs. Lyons informed the
Board that PennDot has offered Doylestown Township the sum of
$3,200.00 to provide just compensation for all of the property
interests for the temporary construction easement right-of-way
required at the west side of Lower State Road in regards to the
transportation improvement.
Mrs. Eisenhardt MOTIONED to
approve the Chairman execute the documents in regards to the
transportation improvement at Lower State Road by PennDOT,
seconded by Mr. Bennett.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
Land Development:
Schiefer Lot Line Change at 107 S. Shady Retreat Road
Engineer, Mr. Mark
Hintenlang, representing Mr. and Mrs. Ted Schiefer in regards to
their request for a lot line change on their property at 107 S.
Shady Retreat Road. Mr. Hintenlang informed the Board that Mr.
and Mrs. Schiefer would like to purchase the 2.4 acre lot
located behind their residence from Mr. and Mr. Lubin. The
Lubin’s agreed to sell property.
Mr. Hintenlang reviewed his
waiver request letter of May 13, 2009. The waiver request
asked for relief from the Doylestown Township subdivision and
land development ordinance for each waiver request provided.
The request asked for consideration be provided to locations of
wells, tree locations, storm water management, landscaping and
lighting. The waiver requests is to give the Schiefers to add
right of way of 13 feet.
Mr. and Mrs. Schiefer
expressed their frustration with the lot line change by
requesting the Board to make a decision, due to the exhaustion
of funds because of the project.
Mr. Hintenlang then reviewed
the documentation from Pickering, Corts & Summerson, Inc. and
Boucher & James, Inc. from October 2008 to May 5, 2009, in
response to their recommendations for the requested waivers.
Mr. Hintenlang informed the Board that his clients will comply
with the following:
1. Compliance with
the Pickering, Corts & Summerson report dated May 5, 2009 with
the understanding that the Board of Supervisors granted the
waivers identified on pages 2 and 3 of the Pickering, Corts &
Summerson report. No fee in lieu was required to be paid as a
condition of the grant of the waivers;
2. The Applicant
shall offer and the Township has agreed to accept the dedication
of the ultimate right-of-way along Shady Retreat Road with the
understanding that the Deed of conveyance shall be in a form
acceptable to the Township Solicitor;
3. Compliance with
the Bucks County Planning Commission review dated 10/30/08;
4. Compliance with
the Boucher & James, Inc. letter dated 5/4/09;
5. Compliance with
the decision rendered by the Doylestown Township Zoning Hearing
Board on August 27, 2009;
6. Receipt of all
permits and approvals required from any agencies having
jurisdiction over the matter;
7. Applicant to pay
all fees and expenses incurred by the Township in connection
with the Application including engineering, planning and legal
services; and
8. Applicant to
record contemporaneously with the recording of the mylars, Deeds
of Consolidation such that the portion of Tax Parcel 9-8-21 to
be added to Tax Parcel 9-8-20 is reflected in a Deed of
Consolidation and does not remain a separate parcel.
Mr. Scarborough made a
MOTION to approve the Scheifer Lot Line Change with the
conditions set forth above, seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0
OLD BUSINESS:
Thompson Development -
Preliminary / Final Land Development Plan
Mr. Scarborough made a
MOTION to extend the Thompson Land Development to October 30,
2009 under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning code,
seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
Planning Modules for
Temple Judea on Rodgers Road
Mrs. Lyons made a MOTION to
approve the proposed planning module to be sent to the Dept. of
Environmental Protection for land development for Temple Judea,
seconded by Mr. Scarborough.
MOTION was ADOPTED 4-0-1
with Mr. Bennett abstaining.
CPSI Recertification -
Request for training
Mrs. Lyons informed the
Board that Karen Sweeney, Director of Parks and Recreations, is
requesting training certification. Ms. Philo clarified the
approval is for a separate trainning than previously approved.
Ms. Philo made a MOTION to
approve the training for CPSI recertification training, seconded
by Mrs. Eisenhardt.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
Zoning Hearing Board
- Doylestown Country Club – Request for Variance
The consensus of the Board
was to leave this matter to the Zoning Hearing Board
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Mr. Scarborough made a
MOTION to accept September 2009 Treasurer’s Report, seconded by
Ms. Philo.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
BILL’S LIST:
Mr. Scarborough made a
MOTION to accept the September 2009, Bill’s List in the amount
of $643,188.91, seconded by Mr. Bennett.
ANNOUCEMENTS:
World Wide Day of Play will
be held at Central Park on Saturday, September 26, 2009 from
10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A special Board of
Supervisor’s meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 30,
2009 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Lenape Middle School, regarding
Route 202/ 263 and Rogers Road traffic issue.
Hidden Treasures Community
Yard Sale will be held at Central Park on Saturday, October 3,
2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be a vendor fee of
$15.00.
The next Board of
Supervisor’s meeting will be on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 7:00
p.m.
Township Road Inspections
will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT:
8:29 p.m.
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Authored by Development Solutions