Minutes from

August 16, 2011

The Regular Meeting of The Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors was held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 16, 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 and Township Engineer; Mario Canales

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

The Board met in Execution Session, prior to the meeting, to discuss matters of personnel.

PRESENTATION:

Proclamation: 2011 Unsung Hero Award – Ernie Gash

Mrs. Lyons presented the 2011 Unsung Hero Award to Ernie Gash in honor of his 30 years of service with the student athletics department, senior games and establishing the Central Bucks East girls’ volleyball, cross country, winter track, spring track, softball and soccer teams.  

In the form of a motion by Mrs. Lyons, seconded by Mr. Scarborough the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors adopts the proclamation recognizing Ernie Gash for service to the Student Athletes and seniors of the community.

MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.

Mr. Gash thanked the Board for the award and stated he was deeply touched.   

VISITOR / PUBLIC COMMENTS:  None

 ANNOUCEMENTS:

 The Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors will not hold a meeting on Tuesday, September 6, 2011

 Doylestown Township Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2011 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.  

The next meeting of the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 7:00pm in the Municipal Building.

 The Leaf and Yard Waste Recycling - August 20, 2011 is the last day for residents to use the Delaware Valley College site for dropping off leaf and yard waste.  As of September 17^th, drop off site will be in Central Park.  Please contact the Administration Office or visit www.doylestownpa.org for details. 

 No Child Left Inside – Bucks County Coalition will hold “Get Up, Get Out & Play” event on Saturday, September 24^th at Central Park from 11:00am until 3:00pm.  For more information please visit www.doylestownpa.org. 

 MINUTES APPROVAL:

 Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION; seconded by Ms. Philo to approve the July 19, 2011, Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors Regular meeting minutes with the following corrections.

 Page 8; Bill’s List Section – Change Mrs. Eisenhardt seconded the approval of the July 14, 2011 Bill’s List to Ms. Philo.    

 MOTION was ADOPTED 4 to 1, with Ms. Eisenhardt abstaining due to her absence.   

CORRESPONSDENCE:

 150 Pine Run Road – Eves Property

 Attorney for Dr. Helen Eves; Mr. Edward M. Wild requested the Board’s consideration to waive the requirement for the planting of street trees.

 While providing copies of the minor subdivision final as built plan prepared by Showalter & Associates, Mr. Wild explained consideration is requested to waive the applicant’s previous plans to install fourteen tree shrubs and three evergreen trees along the frontage of the property as per the street tree requirements. Two of the six street trees have been installed.  The applicants are reluctant to install the remaining trees along the frontage, because it may affect a driver seeking ingress or egress to the driveway by blocking.  Also, the street trees are not desirable or necessary in light of the 25 miles speed limit and applicable site requirements. 

 Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION, seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors approve waiving the street tree requirement for the Eve’s Tract located on 150 Pine Run Road. 

 Mrs. Eisenhardt commented the move is smart in considering the potential hazardous conditions that may occur from the trees blocking the road. 

 Mr. Colello suggested the applicants follow proper protocol by presenting their proposal first to the Planning Commission.  Mr. Colello then asked how the plans have changed since last meeting with Planning Commission.  Mr. Wild answered; the benefit of hindsight is now considered and believes a partial waiver of street trees should have been included as a satisfactory compliance of the street tree requirements.  Mr. Colello prefers an approval from the Planning Commission be considered first.  Mr. Wild believes the plan is a net positive with several trees marked for removal remaining and several trees not added.  This will record seven trees installed out of six required. 

 Ms. Philo questioned if it’s possible to donate the remaining trees as a resolution.  Mr. Wild indicated it will not be cost effective to go back to the Planning Commission and or to donate trees.

 MOTION was ADOPTED 3 to 2 with Mr. Colello and Ms. Philo voting nay. 

REPORTS

SOLICITOR:

Friends of Doylestown Dog Park Donor Agreements

Mr. Garton recommends there is no need for the Board to approve private fundraising documents for the Dog Park, but can provide their comments.  Ms. Philo agrees.    

Mr. Scarborough indicated a lot of money has already raised and doesn’t see a reason for the Board’s involvement at this point.   

Mrs. Lyons voiced her concern with a separate entity’s agreement with Doylestown Township and Borough with regards to the fundraising, in which the Board has not approved.  Secondly, as part of the Board’s fiscal responsibility, no one else should hold the funds and the Board should not be named as part of the fundraising.    

The Board agreed to have Mr. Garton and Ms. Mason look into the matter.   

POLICE CHIEF:                      No Report 

TOWNSHIP ENGINEER:        No Report 

TOWNSHIP MANAGER:

Touhill – Open Space

Ms. Mason informed the Board, the Open Space Committee has recommended a second appraisal be performed on the Touhill property located on Sandy Ridge Road in the Township.

Ms. Philo questioned the price and responsibility of the appraisal.  Mr. Garton answered; between $1,500.00 and $2,000.00, which will be covered by the Open Space Committee. 

Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION; seconded by Ms. Philo the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors approve the second appraisal be performed to the property located on Sandy Ridge Road in order to preserve under the Municipal Open Space Program as per the recommendation of the Open Space Committee. 

MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.

 SUPERVISORS: 

Mrs. Lyons reported the Court of Common Pleas have upheld the decision of the Zoning Hearing Board to appeal the land development plans of the Grasso Tract. 

Mrs. Eisenhardt; No Report 

Mr. Scarborough; No Report 

Ms. Philo reported, recently she, Mrs. Lyons and Ms. Mason attended the August 16^th, Doylestown Dart Bus meeting, where additional funds from the state have been received to keep operation running until December of 2011. The fare is $1.00 and the bus will now be decorated in red, white and blue.  Currently the committee is working on how the announcement of the extended service should be made.  The goal is to increase demand, such as towards Delaware Valley Students, in order to engage a second bus for evening service. 

Ms. Philo then informed Chief White of several motor vehicles passing through the opposite side of the bridge closure along Lower State Road near Castle Valley, which may cause hazardous conditions.  Chief White indicated the police are aware of motorist disregarding numerous signage of the bridge closure.  Ms. Philo added the work seems to be stagnating and questioned the status of the construction.  Chief stated the goal is to have everyone take responsibility of their actions who disregard signage posted for their safety.

Ms. Philo wanted more police enforcement. 

Mr. Colello reported… 

a)      Thanked the Traffic Advisory Council for their assistance with the Street Hierarchy Ordinance at the recent Planning Commission meeting.

 b)      The Grasso Tract is scheduled to present their Pavilion at Furlong Land Development Plan to the Planning Commission on August 22, 2011 at the Lenape Valley Middle at 7:00pm.  

 c)      The Ways and Means Committee noted that a snow removal budget is up due to last winter being one of the worst.

  d)      The Traffic Advisory Committee is working on a brochure to stream line events for the residents.

 e)      The Park and Recreation Board are working on a sensory trail to enhance the park experience for residents with sight, smell, touching and hearing challenges near the athletics fields.    

f)       At the Bike and Hike Committee a twelve year old resident questioned how she can access the Route 202 parkway trail from Bristol Road.  Mr. Colello commented how wonderful it was to see the committee working hard to assist her requests. 

g)      Mr. Colello then voiced his concerns with the Warrington Township Firefighters reporting issues. He then suggested the Board write a letter addressing their concerns.  Mr. Garton added a letter should be forwarded to Warrington Township as well.  Mrs. Lyons clarified Warrington Township noted items of concerns in their current audit that was not addressed in last year’s.  The township provides $20,000 per year for this service.  Mrs. Lyons agreed a letter should be forwarded.   

Mrs. Eisenhardt questioned if requirements to present a clean copy of an audit prior to receiving funds should be looked at and updated.  Mrs. Lyons agreed it should be considered, but suggested to wait until a response from the letter is received.   

PUBLIC HEARING:

 Ordinance Amendment – Uniformed Employee Pension Plan Contributions

 Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION; seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors table the public hearing for the Doylestown Township Uniformed Employees’ Pension Plan Contributions ordinance amendment until the September 20, 2011 Board of Supervisors meeting as per the request of Mr. Jeffrey Garton. 

 MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.

 Ordinance Amendment – Non-Uniformed Employee Pension Plan Contributions

Mr. Knerr explained to make the contributions easier for employees from a tax perspective.  There is a section in the Internal Revenue code that allows government employer to pick up the employees contributions by reducing salaries and taking the amount of the reduction as a contribution towards the pension plan, so it’s considered an employer contribution that is not taxed.  The net effect will be the same for the township and employee until it becomes a lower bracket. 

Mrs. Eisenhardt made a MOTION; seconded by Mr. Scarborough the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors approves the Ordinance Amendment to the Non-Uniformed Employee Pension Plan contributions. 

 PUBLIC COMMENTS:  None

 MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.

 Ordinance Repealing Sex-Offender Residency Requirement

 Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION; seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors adopt the Ordinance Repealing Sex-Offender Residency No. 327, which established residency requirements for sex offenders.

 MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.

 UNFINISHED BUSINESS:    None

 NEW BUSINESS:
Penn Color, Inc. – ADA Improvements

 Ms. Philo made a MOTION; seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors approves the Indemnification Agreement between Penn Color, Inc and Doylestown Township and executes a Permit Condition Statement. 

MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.

 Amend 2011 Trash Hauler Permit – Add G&C Waste Services

 Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION; seconded by Ms. Philo the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors amend the 2011 Trash Hauler Permit to include the addition of G & C Waste services located in Norriton, PA.    

Mr. Colello commented it may not be the right move to add an additional hauler to cause extra time and work for the township.  Mr. Garton indicated the township cannot prohibit a bid from a hauler, it’s up to the state to legislate how many haulers are determined.  

MOTION was ADOPTED 4 to 0 -1 with Mr. Colello abstaining.

 Game Grove Furnishings

 Parks & Recreation Board Chairman; Mr. John Bray requested the Boards approval to utilize the Township’s capital fundraising funds to order various benches, chairs and trash receptacles in the amount of $12,108.00 for the Game Grove. 

 Mrs. Eisenhardt made a MOTION; seconded by Ms. Philo the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors authorizes the Park and Recreation Board order tables, benches, chairs and trash receptacles in the amount of $12,108.00.

 Ms. Philo suggested the board order a trial piece prior to making a full purchase for testing.  Mr. Bray indicated they will consider, but have been careful in selecting furnishings for the Game Grove 

 MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0.  

2001 Oktoberfest – Reithoffer Agreement

 Mrs. Eisenhardt made a MOTION; seconded by Mr. Scarborough the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors approve the agreement between Reithoffer Shows, Inc. and Doylestown Township as revised by Township Solicitor; Jeffrey P. Garton.

 Mrs. Lyons indicated the Board will be seeking approval from the County of Bucks on August 17, 2011.

 MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0. 

BC Addendum No. 2 to Turk Park III Lease

 Mr. Scarborough made a MOTION; seconded by Mrs. Eisenhardt the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors approve the Addendum Number 2 allowing the Oktoberfest event be held at Turk Field III between September 8^th and 18^th of 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 August 16, 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 August 16, 2011 Bill’s List, in the amount of $86,378.16. 

 MOTION was ADOPTED 5 to 0

 ANNOUCEMENTS:

 The Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors will not hold a meeting on Tuesday, September 6, 2011

 Doylestown Township Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2011 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.  

The next meeting of the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 7:00pm in the Municipal Building.  

The Leaf and Yard Waste Recycling - August 20, 2011 is the last day for residents to use the Delaware Valley College site for dropping off leaf and yard waste.  As of September 17^th, drop off site will be in Central Park.  Please contact the Administration Office or visit www.doylestownpa.org for details. 

No Child Left Inside – Bucks County Coalition will hold “Get Up, Get Out & Play” event on Saturday, September 24^th at Central Park from 11:00am until 3:00pm.  For more information please visit www.doylestownpa.org.

 ADJOURNMENT:     7:54 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by
Stephanie J. Mason