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The Regular Meeting of The Doylestown Township
Board of Supervisors was held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 15,
2011 in 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;
Richard F. Colello, Supervisors; E. Thomas Scarborough, Jr.,
Barbara Eisenhardt and Cynthia M. Philo. Others in attendance
included Township Manager; Stephanie J. Mason, Director of
Operations; Richard E. John, Township Solicitor; Jeffrey P.
Garton, Chief of Police; Stephen J. White, Township Engineer;
Mario Canales
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PRESENTATIONS:
Presentation of Art Work (Painting of Castle
Valley Covered Bridge)
Mr. Robert Upton donated a painting of the Castle
Valley Covered Bridged to the township. The painting was owned
by his late father and painted by artist, Helen Childs. The
Board thanked Mr. Upton and his family for his donation and
generosity.
Friends of Doylestown Dog Park
Secretary and Co-Chairman of Friends of
Doylestown Dog Park Committee; Christa Tinari and Kathy Brown
presented the Board with a business plan, budget and fundraising
practices for consideration in the development of a dog park at
Turk Park III. The business plan included a design of the park
and site locations to include three separate fenced areas for
small and large dogs with one acre designated for rotations to
preserve the existing grass mixture. The one acre will also be
used for educational events, training and agility.
The budget noted three phases. The first phase
will cost approximately $86,425.00 to begin. The plans include
the infrastructure of the large and small dog areas and entry
system with a walkway. To date, 20% of donations have been
collected to equal $13,000. The committee plans to begin an
escrowed maintenance account with a portion of these funds.
Phase two will cost approximately $49,600 to include one third
of fences needed to enclose the area, so that the large dog area
can be rotated to decrease impact on the turf. The budget also
noted items required to assist in the running of the park, such
as, a mutt mitt station, garbage cans, twelve benches, three
water foundations, water line, twenty trees and sixty shrubs.
Phase three’s budget will be determined upon progress of the
first two phases. However, if needed the plan will include
shade structures, agility equipment and a pavilion roof over the
lobby area.
An aggressive fund raising project to fund the
project is scheduled to include events, brick campaigns, in-kind
donations and $378,000 in naming and recognition opportunities.
They will also reach out to school, service and community
groups, such as Boy and Girl Scouts of America. Ms. Brown was
pleased to announce an anonymous donation of $35,000 will be
provided in the near future. Also, an advisory committee will
be designated to coordinate activities and programs.
In conclusion, Ms. Brown stated the business plan
presented is designed to provide a safe, functional and visual
pleasing area, with a researched and flexible budget as well as
a realistic fund raising project. She then requested the
Board’s approval to move forward with the Friends of Doylestown
Dog Park proposed business plan.
The Board was very pleased with the plans and
proud of the joint effort between Doylestown Boro and Township
in the process of an extraordinary and well thought out plan.
Mr. Scarborough suggested the committee look into a licensed
agreement with the township upon approval of development. Mrs.
Lyons clarified the Friends of Doylestown Dog Park will enter
into a licensed agreement with the township upon development
approval. Once this occurs many of the details, such as
liability insurance and maintenance will be address.
Ms. Philo made a MOTION; seconded by Mrs.
Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors approved
the Friends of Doylestown Dog Park Business plan.
Resident; Lee Schwarz of 189 Sunset View Drive
commended the committee on their efforts and questioned if the
township will provide an extended lease term. Mrs. Lyons
responded; currently Bucks County has a 25 year lease with the
township and permission was granted to both the Board and
committee for their time. Mr. Schwarz then asked if the
township will provide funds for construction of the pavilion.
Ms. Brown clarified the township only offered design ideas for
the pavilion so as to fit within the park.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
Ms. Tinari informed the public that all event
information regarding the park and donations can be found at
www.doylestowndogpark.com
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VISITOR / PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
ANNOUCEMENTS:
The next Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors
Regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 7:00
p.m., in the Doylestown Township Municipal Building.
1st Annual Mother/Daughter Tea & Craft
event is scheduled for Sunday, March 27, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at The
Market at Delaware Valley College. Please contact the
Administration Office for details.
Almshouse Road will be closed from March 28th
until April 18, 2011, due to Route 202 Parkway Project
construction.
The Annual Egg Hunt event is scheduled for
Saturday, April 16, 2011, beginning at 10:00 a.m., at Central
Park.
National Prescription Drug Take Back event is
scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00
p.m. in the Doylestown Township Municipal Building
The Touch – a – Truck event is scheduled for
Saturday, May 7, 2011, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Central Park
Home Run Derby event is scheduled for Thursday,
May 19, 2011 at Turk Park. Event is Free. Pre-registration
required.
Annual Doylestown Township Golf Outing event is
scheduled for Monday, June 6, 2011 at the Doylestown Country
Club.
MINUTES APPROVAL:
Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION; seconded by Mrs.
Eisenhardt to approve the minutes of the March, 2011, Board of
Supervisors Regular meeting.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
CORRESPONSDENCE:
None
REPORTS:
SOLICITOR
No Report
POLICE CHIEF: No
Report
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER: No Report
TOWNSHIP MANAGER:
Doylestown Township “Doylestown Township; a Great
Place to Live, Work and Play” Photo Contest
Ms. Mason was pleased to announce the township
will hold a “Doylestown Township; a Great Place to Live, Work
and Play” photo contest during Local Government week. Any
resident is welcome to submit photos taken of action shots
capturing Doylestown functions or anyone taking advantage of
parks, services and activities during the month of April.
Pictures may also include township staff, commission and Board
of Supervisors at work. Entries will close on April 22nd,
where all photos will be displayed in the township building from
April 18th through 29th. Section of
winners in different categories and prizes will be distributed
on April 28, 2011. Winners are selected by votes and will be
announced at the May 3rd, Board of Supervisors
meeting. Photos can be emailed at
info@doylestownpa.org.
SUPERVISORS:
Mr. Colello reported, upon further research from
the Parks and Recreation committee, that they are considering
creating a sensory trail near one of our walking trails. The
system will be beneficial to both visually impaired and autistic
residents. Mr. Colello, Ms. Mason and Parks & Recreation
Director; Karen Sweeney attended a recent Lions Club meeting
where they volunteered their money and labor in the assistance.
Mr. Colello spoke at a recent Central Bucks
Chamber of Commerce, Leadership of Advancement program where
they promised to watch Doylestown Television and get more
involved with the township. Mr. Colello will meet any resident
interested in volunteering at the next Planning Commission
meeting, scheduled for Monday, March 28, 2011 at 6:50 p.m. to
discuss details.
Ms. Philo announced efforts began on lowering the
speed limits along Sauerman Road to 25 miles per hour as per the
Chapter 61, Section 6109 (b) (2) and the Code of the Township of
Doylestown Chapter 46, Section 46-2. She then asked if part of
Turk Road will be included. Chief White clarified as part of
the first step the Traffic Committee will conduct a
questionnaire for Turk Road.
The Zoning Hearing Board will conduct a public
meeting scheduled for March 21, 2011 to discuss the appeal in
denial to change a billboard located off Route 611 into a
flashing and/or moving billboard. Township Solicitor; Jeffrey
Garton will attend the meeting to represent Doylestown
Township.
Mr. Scarborough wished everyone a Happy St.
Patrick’s Day.
Mrs. Eisenhardt had no report.
Mrs. Lyons received a letter from the ACS Census
Bureau providing very interesting community statistics regarding
Doylestown Township and requested to the information be posted
on the website.
PUBLIC HEARING:
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Proposed Ordinance Amendment / Subdivision Land
Development / Groundwater; Tabled from March 1, 2011
Planning Commission member; Tom Kelso was present
to answer any questions regarding the proposed ordinance
amendment – Subdivision Land Development for Groundwater. Mr.
Kelso explained upon a recent Planning Commission meeting, a
neighbor questioned how seasonal high water table was being
addressed in relations to basins proposed for new developments.
In order to better address this historic problem, the
groundwater ordinances were not designed to limited development
or make it more difficult for developers or property owners. It
applies to new subdivisions or land developments, not existing
homes or single lots. The intent is to have developers made
aware of the situation and focus on this issue early in the
design process by constructing new homes on a better site,
raising the home two feet with creative grading and eliminating
construction of basements within two feet of a high water
table. The purpose of including the proposed groundwater
ordinance in the subdivision land development plan was to easily
grant waivers in hardship situations when none of the options in
the ordinance will work and the installation of sump pumps is
necessary.
Ms. Philo questioned if the ordinance will
prevent any developer from constructing basements in a new
home. Mr. Kelso answered; no, basements are a way of life, but
we may see fewer basements in the future, because of the
economy.
Ms. Philo made a MOTION; seconded by Mrs.
Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors approved
the proposed ordinance Amendment to the Subdivision Land
Development for Groundwater Section 153; Article 5.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
Gas Drilling Waste Water – Delaware River Basin
Commission
The Board agreed by consensus to compose a letter
to the Delaware River Basin Commission with their comments
regarding effects of recent gas drilling along the Delaware
River Basin to drinking water and life. Mr. Garton recommends
the Board include resident; Ms. Madeline Rawley of 361 Birdsong
Way information for substance.
NEW BUSINESS:
Authorization to Advertise Amendment to the
Subdivision/Land Development Ordinance – Act 167
Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION; seconded by Ms.
Philo the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors approve
authorization to advertise the amendment to the Subdivision Land
Development Ordinance for Act 167, as approved by The
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and move
forward with a public meeting prior to the incorporation
requirement of May 23, 2011.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
Request to Send Cars to Auction
Ms. Philo made a MOTION; seconded by Mr.
Scarborough the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors approve
two 2007 Ford Crown Victoria cars be sold at
public auction on April 9, 2011, by J.J. Kane Auctioneers.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
Zoning Hearing Board
The Board agreed by
consensus to have Doylestown Hospital at 777 Ferry Road request
for variance be forwarded to the Zoning Hearing Board without
opposition, as per the recommendation of Township Manager/Zoning
Officer; Stephanie J. Mason.
Resolution accepting
Destination Peace Valley Final Report as part of the
Comprehensive Plan as Amended 2008
Ms. Philo made a MOTION;
seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township Board of
Supervisors accept the Destination Peace Valley Trail
Feasibility Study Final Report and incorporation into the
Doylestown Township 2008 Comprehensive Plan as amended.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
Girl Scout Gold Awards
Mr. Scarborough made a
MOTION; seconded by Ms. Philo the Doylestown Township Board of
Supervisors have Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania member;
Caroline E. Newton be awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award at the
Annual Achievement Ceremony on June 12, 2011.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
Ms. Philo made a MOTION;
seconded by Mr. Scarborough the Doylestown Township Board of
Supervisors have Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania member;
Jennifer C. Zettler be awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award at the
Annual Achievement Ceremony on June 12, 2011.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
New Apostolic Church
Waiver of Land Development Agreement
Mr. Scarborough made a
MOTION; seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township
Board of Supervisors approved the New Apostolic Church waiver of
Land Development Agreement.
Mrs. Lyons questioned if the
applicant resolved a tree removal issue and was it included in
the waiver of land development agreement. Mr. Garton indicated
the issue was resolved and refers in the plan.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
Bid Awards – 2011 Lawn
Maintenance Bid
Ms. Philo made a MOTION;
seconded by Mr. Scarborough the Doylestown Township Board of
Supervisors award the Law Maintenance Bid to Biase Landscaping,
LLC, in the amount of $76,608.00 for one year, with two, one
year extension, as per the recommendation of Director of
Operations; Richard E. John.
Resident; Lee Schwarz of 189
Sunset View Drive questioned was the lowest bid accepted and
what is the difference in payment from 2010. Mr. John
responded; the lowest bid was accepted and due to increase in
living expenses there is a $9,000.00 increase in the price from
2010.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
Bid Awards – 2011 Street
Sweeping Bid
Mr. Scarborough made a
MOTION; seconded by Ms. Philo the Doylestown Township Board of
Supervisors reject the Street Sweeping Bid from Thesing Power
Sweeping, Inc., in the amount of $25,000.00 for the Spring 2011
Street Sweeping program, as per the recommendation of Director
of Operations; Richard E. John, due to the Township General Fund
budget being insufficiently capable of this work.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
Bid Awards – 2011
Equipment Rental Bid
Mr. Scarborough made a
MOTION; seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township
Board of Supervisors award the Equipment Rental Bid to P.K.
Moyer & Sons, Inc., in the amount of $137,782.95 as needed on a
time and material basis for various township projects, as per
the recommendation of Director of Operations; Richard E. John.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Mr. Scarborough made a
MOTION; seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township
Board of Supervisors approve the March 15, 2011, Treasurer’s
Report.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
BILL’S LIST:
Mr. Scarborough made a
MOTION; seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township
Board of Supervisors approve the March 9, 2011, Bill’s List in
the amount of $301,081.46.
MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.
ANNOUCEMENTS:
The next Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors
Regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 7:00
p.m., in the Doylestown Township Municipal Building.
1st Annual Mother/Daughter Tea & Craft
event is scheduled for Sunday, March 27, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at The
Market at Delaware Valley College. Please contact the
Administration Office for details.
Almshouse Road will be closed from March 28th
until April 18, 2011, due to Route 202 Parkway Project
construction.
The Annual Egg Hunt event is scheduled for
Saturday, April 16, 2011, beginning at 10:00 a.m., at Central
Park.
National Prescription Drug Take Back event is
scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00
p.m. in the Doylestown Township Municipal Building (Police
Department side)
The Touch – a – Truck event is scheduled for
Saturday, May 7, 2011, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Central Park
Home Run Derby event is scheduled for Thursday,
May 19, 2011 at Turk Park. Event is Free. Pre-registration
required.
Annual Doylestown Township Golf Outing event is
scheduled for Monday, June 6, 2011 at the Doylestown
Country Club.
ADJOURNMENT:
7:57 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by;
Stephanie J. Mason,
Secretary
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Authored by Development Solutions