Minutes from

June 21, 2011

The Regular Meeting of The Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors was held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 21, 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,
Absent: Chief of Police; Stephen J. White and Township Engineer; Mario Canales. Lieutenant Dean Logan was present for Chief White.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

PRESENTATION:

DVRPC Regional Trails Program – Thomas Kelso, Bike & Hike Committee

Ms. Mason introduced Mr. Kelso and explained the Bike & Hike Committee requests the Board consider applying for a grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Committee (DVRPC) focusing on the Neshaminy Greenway. The grant will assist in linking the New Britain train station and township trail system with the Route 202 Parkway trail system. Mr. Kelso provided a slide presentation depicting three phases of the proposed trail system and clarified, the request is to have the Board consider submitting a letter of interest for the pre-application process to the DVRPC. The grant is only limited to Bucks County trails within the Cross County and Neshaminy Greenway trails as they connect into the Route 202 Parkway trails. The three phases are Doylestown, Neshaminy Creek and New Britain Township (Boro) train station.

The first phase is designed and ready to go. The Neamand Tract property near the Neshaminy Creek will be included as part of the grant application. The reason is the developers have agreed to pay for the process as a match for the township. In result, it will save a great deal of money. Mrs. Lyons questioned if the match can be extended into Phase II. Mr. Kelso indicated he will look into it. The path along the Neamand Tract is approximately 3,200 feet, which is equivalent to ½ mile. Phase I also includes a major connection from Wells Road to the Parkway. Finally, the committee has met with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (Penn Dot), Chalfont/New Britain Authority, Beulah Cemetery and Delaware Valley College with positive feedback.

With the second phase, the characteristics of the path changes as its leads into a pristine natural area with wetlands and unique settings through Delaware Valley College, Fox Farm, Chalfont/New Britain treatment plant, Upper State Road and the Parkway as it runs along the Neshaminy Creek. The township recently acquired an easement from Chalfont/New Britain, with interest in participation from the Executive Director of the Authority by submitting plans for wetland development in the near future.

Resident: Don Gring of 5 Rose Drive, Hatfield questioned if any trails are being utilized currently. Mr. Kelso answered; a number of trails are currently being used, such as, Neshaminy Trail, Neamand Park and a trail leading from DVC into Doylestown. Mr. John added all townships’ paths are designed to be accessible for emergency and police vehicles.

The third phase leads from Upper State Road into New Britain SEPTA station and Neshaminy Creek. The trails are included in Doylestown, New Britain townships’ and New Britain Borough plans as a Tri- Municipal Plan. During a recent meeting with the Board of Directors, they felt showcasing a better trail through Beulah Cemetery into the Septa stations will be a key part of the grant application.

Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION; seconded by Ms. Philo, the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors approve a letter of interest be written to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Committee as part of a pre-application to apply for a grant.

MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.

VISITOR / PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Resident; Don Gring of 5 Rose Drive in Hatfield, urged the Board to speak with United States Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick to consider and pass the Glass Steagall Bill HR 1489 that separate legitimate commercial banking functions from speculative investment functions. Ms. Philo clarified the Bill HR 1489 is the Return to Prudent Banking Act.

ANNOUCEMENTS:

The Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors will not hold a meeting on Tuesday, July 5, 2011

The next meeting of the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 7:00pm in the Municipal Building.

The Doylestown Township Administration Offices will be closed on Monday, July 4, 2011 in observance of Independence Day.

Almost FAB will perform at the first Sounds of Summer Concert scheduled for Wednesday, June 29, 2011, beginning at 7:00om in Chapman Park. Admission is free.

Independence Day Celebration featuring the Philly Horn Band and Fireworks are scheduled for Sunday, July 3, 2011 in Central Park. Parking is $5.00 per car.

Please check out our website for the Leaf and Yard Waste Recycling Program updated summer and fall dates. The site will be moving from Delaware Valley College to Central Park as of September 17th. The July 16th and August 20th drop off will be the last at the Delaware Valley College Farm. The drop off are open from 9:00am to 11:00am during dates listed. Details at www.doylestownpa.org

Please don’t forget to complete our Residential Trash Survey. Visit www.doylestownpa.org and follow the link to the survey and make your opinion known without leaving your home.

MINUTES APPROVAL:

Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION; seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt to approve the June 7, 2011, Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors Regular meeting minutes with the following corrections.

A) Page 3/ Police Regionalization Paragraph – Change sentence to read “The Board agreed by consensus to move forward with the Central Bucks Police Regionalization study and have the Police Regionalization committee meet on June 15, 2011 to discuss further.” Not the Board.

B) Page 4/ Supervisors – Add Mr. Scarborough to the list of attendees at the Golf Outing on June 6, 2011.

C) Page 10/New Business (Neamand Tract) – Add the applicants should match the land development plans or receive permission when removing trees.

D) Page 13/Paragraph Six – Sentence should read “Mrs. Lyons requested the applicants consider a neighborhood composting area.” Not composing.

E) Page 15/ Township Bid (Concrete Finishing Bid) – Omit “in the amount of $571.00.”

MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.

CORRESPONSDENCE:

Plumstead Township Comprehensive Plan - Update

The Board agreed by consensus to forward the draft Plumstead Township Comprehensive Plan to the Doylestown Township Planning Commission and have a letter of review submitted with their comments.

REPORTS

SOLICITOR

Residential Restrictions on Sexual Predators – Township Ordinance

Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION; seconded by Mr. Colello the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors have Township Solicitor; Jeffrey P. Garton rescind the ordinance which imposes residency restrictions as to where convicted sex offenders could live within the Township, as per the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision that such an ordinance is preempted by State Law.

Resident: Dan Gring questioned if some type of identification system can be placed to locate child predators. Mr. Garton answered; the predators are identified through websites and lists are sent to police departments, public and private schools.

Mrs. Eisenhardt questioned if there is enough similarities in both ordinances to rescind the ordinance. Mr. Garton responded there is no question in his mind.

MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.

TOWNSHIP ENGINEER: No Report

POLICE CHIEF: No Report

TOWNSHIP MANAGER:

Adopt –A-Road – Sandra Zadell

Ms. Philo questioned the cost of the Adopt-A-Road program. Special Projects Manager; Sandra Zadell answered; local business are not obligated to pay for the program, however the township will provide a sign for each, interested business at $35.00 per sign. Ms. Zadell believes this is a fare rate, since they will clean the township’s road four times per year. Partner at Furia Rubel Communications; Laura Powers thanked the Board for their support and added nine Doylestown organizations are already interested in participating. She concluded the proposal is to lighten the township’s load and have businesses give back.

Ms. Philo made a MOTION; seconded by Mr. Scarborough the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors approve the Adopt-A-Road program.


MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.

149 Old New Road – Sinclair Salisbury

Director of Codes Enforcement; Sinclair Salisbury provided the Board with his memo addressing a recent complaint by a neighbor regarding the ongoing construction at 149 Old New Road.

SUPERVISORS:

Mrs. Eisenhardt requested the Board be proactive and consider adopting an ordinance prohibiting the sale of synthetic drugs, as recently adopted by Warminster Township. Mr. Garton offered to prepare an ordinance using Warminster township’s as a model for the Board’s consideration at the next meeting and/or if the House of Representative does not pass the House Bill 365 within 10 days.

Lt. Logan clarified House Bill 365 has passed through the House of Representatives on June 14th and is currently awaiting approval from the Governor’s Office. He added the reason why Warminster Township pushed to create a Synthetic Drug Ordinance; it recently found stores selling synthetic drug products within the municipality. Doylestown has not identified any stores selling these products. Ms. Philo suggested the Board write a letter to the Governor in support of the bill.

Consensus of the Board was to send a ltter to the Governor in support of the bill and have Mr. Garton ___________________on the ordinance is _______________________________________

Mr. Scarborough wished everyone a happy summer.

Mrs. Eisenhardt commented that she hopes tax dollars will not be used towards the Route 202 Parkway opening celebration as advertised in the Intelligencer.

Ms. Philo commended the Road Department for pothole repairs completed on Burpee Road. She then announced Penn Dot recently approved the extension of a 25 mile per hour speed zone from Sugar Bottom Road to St. Lawrence Road. Ms. Philo concluded by wishing everyone a happy summer.

Mrs. Lyons announced on June 15, 2011 the Police Regionalization Committee met and agreed to send a letter to Plumstead, Chalfont Boro, New Britain Township, Buckingham and Warrington Township to solicit their participation in the police regionalization study. There has been no response to date, but she will keep everyone posted.

Resident: Don Gring questioned if there is a list of synthetic drugs noted in the ordinance. Mrs. Lyons answered; synthetic drugs are considered a combination of herbs that altered the use of regular product, such as bath salts used as an inhalant. Mr. Garton then handed Mr. Gring a copy of the House Bill, which states a list of synthetic drugs.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS:

Lower State Road Bridge – Verizon Utility Pole Agreement

Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION; seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors authorize the relocation of Verizon Pole #72 & #73 EN-8025 at 684 Lower State Road as per the recommendation of Ms. Mason and Mr. John.

MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.

HARB Recommendation – 60 Quarry Road

Ms. Philo made a MOTION; seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors authorize Mr. and Mrs. Mullen be issued a certificate of appropriateness to repaint their home at 60 Quarry Road in Edison Village in accordance with the recommendation from the Historical & Architectural Review Board (HARB).

MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.

Investment Policy – Pension

Mrs. Eisenhardt made a MOTION; seconded by Ms. Philo the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors approves and adopt the Investment Policy Statement, prepared by D.K. Brede Investment Management Co. Inc. for both Doylestown Township Uniformed and Non-Uniform Pension Plan as per the recommendation of the Pension Committee.

Resident: Lee A. Schwartz of 189 Sunset View Drive stated with severe underfunding noted in the past in the township’s budget, is the Board concerned the proposed policy statement notes a 9% return target. Ms. Mason indicated the actuarial assumptions would need to be changed not ______________policy. The 1.4% returns has to do with the fees associated with the policy. He asked if the policy selection has been expanded to meet the riskier mixed in investment. Ms. Mason answered no, because the risk is what is available at the time of investment with the consulting of D.K. Brede, who will report it to the Pension Committee. Mr. Schwarz then asked what the return is in 2011 so far. Ms. Mason answered over 7%, where in 2010 ended at over 14% and assured the public the township will not expand the investment risk of the plan, but there is a small percentage of risk. Mrs. Lyons added underfunding is a nationwide problem and every municipality and state agency is affected.

MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.

Eagle Scout Proclamation – Charles Cappelli, Troop 24

Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION; seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors award Charles Cappelli of Troop 24 rank of Eagle Scout at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor on August 6, 2011.

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 June 21, 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 June 16, 2011 Bill’s List, in the amount of $322,536.77.

MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0

ANNOUCEMENTS:

The Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors will not hold a meeting on Tuesday, July 5, 2011

The next meeting of the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 7:00pm in the Municipal Building.

The Doylestown Township Administration Offices will be closed on Monday, July 4, 2011 in observance of Independence Day.

Almost FAB will perform at the first Sounds of Summer Concert scheduled for Wednesday, June 29, 2011, beginning at 7:00om in Chapman Park. Admission is free.

Independence Day Celebration featuring the Philly Horn Band and Fireworks are scheduled for Sunday, July 3, 2011 in Central Park. Parking is $5.00 per car.

Please check out our website for the Leaf and Yard Waste Recycling Program updated summer and fall dates. The site will be moving from Delaware Valley College to Central Park as of September 17th. The July 16th and August 20th drop off will be the last at the Delaware Valley College Farm. The drop off are open from 9:00am to 11:00am during dates listed. Details at www.doylestownpa.org

Please don’t forget to complete our Residential Trash Survey. Visit www.doylestownpa.org and follow the link to the survey and make your opinion known without leaving your home.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Philo made a MOTION; seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of June 21, 2011 adjourn at 7:49 p.m.

MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.


Respectfully submitted by;

Stephanie J. Mason, Secretary