PRESENT: Norman Vutz, Chair; Barbara Cohen, Vice-Chair; Lee Ledbetter: Jim Morrisson; Laurie Williams; Mary Lou Lowrie, P.E., Township Engineer; Bob Sugarman, Township Solicitor;
ABSENT: None
7:30 PM Called to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: A resident on State Road in the Township requested the Board to consider a brake retardant ordinance to abate the noise problem on Rt. 29 between Creek Road and Pothouse Road. He will, if necessary, submit a petition for such. No action taken by Board at this time.
Motion made to approve the following, as submitted
Pension Fund: Ms. Cohen reported on meeting with Pension Fund Administrator. The Township is reviewing its partnership with Smith Barney and ways to obtain a better return on the Pension Fund assets. Mr. Vutz stated that there is a need to get better returns but it must be without risking the Pension Fund assets. Mr. Vutz proposed that a formal Employee Pension Fund Committee be set up to oversee the process. The Committee will be comprised of the Township Manager, a Board of Supervisors representative, a Uniformed and a non-Uniformed representative. This proposal was approved as follows:
Moved: Cohen Second: Ledbetter Approval: Unanimous
Regional Plan: Mr. Morrisson asked the Board if there was any input on the Tredyffrin Comprehensive Plan. The Township Manager offered copies of the Plan to the Board. Mr. Morrisson will handle the response. Mr. Ledbetter suggested reviewing Schuylkill Township’s and the Regional Plans first.
Ordinances: Mr. Morrisson mentioned that he met with General Code and they will be very helpful in reducing amendments to Township Ordinances and codifying Ordinances. Ms. Williams asked that, in reviewing ordinances, property appearance in Township be addressed. Mr. Morrisson responded that before Ordinances are revamped they must be organized. Mr. Vutz concurred with Mr. Morrisson and added that the Township must now also ensure that its Ordinances are in line with the Regional Plan.
Chief Fetterman informed the Board that the Phoenixville VFW donated $5000.00 to department for equipment. Ms. Williams inquired about LED speed indicator sign for Township. Chief Fetterman responded that there is no progress as yet; needs to obtain a grant to get indicator. Ms. Williams requested a progress report be presented at next Board of Supervisors meeting.
Stop Sign Ordinance Adoption: Mr. Vutz read text of Ordinance #2008-05, an amendment to “An Ordinance Prescribing Traffic and Parking Regulations in Schuylkill Township, Chester County and Providing Penalties for the Violation Thereof” . A Motion was made to approve this ordinance as follows:
Moved: Cohen Second: Ledbetter Approval: Cohen, Ledbetter, Morrisson, Williams
Dissent: Vutz
Police Vehicle Bids: Bids submitted for the 2002 Ford Explorer were opened by Mr. Ledbetter. Four (4) bids were received in total:
| 1. Liberty Motors, Inc., Jersey City, NJ | $ 1,213.99 |
| 2. David Dunacusky, Phoenixville, PA | $ 1,591.00 |
| 3. George Michlen, Boyertown, PA | $ 1,550.00 |
| 4. Rogers Auto Sales, Rogers, OH | $ 1,680.00 |
A Motion to award the bid to Rogers Auto Sales was approved as follows:
Moved: Vutz Second: Cohen Approval: Unanimous
Ms. Williams questioned Chief Fetterman about State Police campaign to write more tickets; did Township participate? Chief Fetterman responded that it was a State Police campaign only and the Township did not participate.
Ms. Cohen requested progress report on landscaping project at Township building. Road Manager stated the ground has been prepared and ready for planting. Gordon Eadie landscaping company will be out next week to offer advice.
Road Bid 2008: Ms. Williams opened bids submitted for the 2008 Township Paving campaign. Eleven (11) bids were received in total:
| 1. Glasgow, Glenside PA | $316,436.92 |
| 2. Joseph E. Sucher & Sons, Eddystone PA | $305,283.80 |
| 3. Allan A. Myers, L.P., Worcester PA | $369,709.00 |
| 4. S.A. Macanga, Inc., West Chester PA | $297,134.44 |
| 5. Melchiorre Construction Co., Malvern PA | $311,411.50 |
| 6. Reading Site Contractors, Pottstown PA | $360,894.20 |
| 7. G. Antonini Construction, Inc., Newtown Square PA | $314.000.72 |
| 8. Dan Malloy Paving, Inc., Downingtown PA | $325,275.50 |
| 9. Harris Blacktopping, Inc., Yardley PA | $337,567.60 |
| 10. Kehoe Construction, Inc., Bridgeport PA | $369,077.00 |
| 11. Charlestown Paving & Excavating, Devault, PA | $307,537.65 |
A Motion was made to award the bid to the lowest bidder, S.A. Macanga, Inc.. This was amended by Ms. Williams to include a reference check on the contractor prior to awarding bid. The amended Motion was approved as follows:
Moved: Vutz Second: Cohen Approval: Unanimous
Mr. Vutz, Ms. Williams and Mr. Morrisson commended the Roadmaster and his crew for their work in the Township.
Ms. Williams inquired about the use of the road equipment owned by the Township if roadwork is put out to bid. Roadmaster responded that the equipment is used every day.
A resident of the Township brought up the maintenance of Graham Road. He stated that it is in great disrepair and it is the Township’s responsibility to maintain. Resident gave brief history of dedication of road. He stated that the homeowners, himself included, are willing to pay half of cost of current road repair needs and asked the Board to come to a decision about repaving. Ms. Cohen suggested that the Township pay half the cost of the necessary repairs, then Graham Road would be undedicated. Resident declined the proposal. Ms. Williams stated that Township has a legal obligation to maintain road. Mr. Vutz stated that the Township is observing the agreement to maintain Graham Road as dedicated.
Albert MacIntyre Fire Fighter of the Month
Mr. Vutz commended the Fire Department
Mr. Ledbetter reminded everyone that volunteers are needed for the Township Emergency Response Team.
Need volunteers for Spring Cleanup. Signs were offered by the Environmental Committee.
Ms. Williams asked when police force negotiations were scheduled. She was informed they were next year (2009). Ms. Cohen mentioned the grant received from the Phoenixville Health Foundation for walking path.
Mr. Sugarman informed the Board that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to hear the Township’s Fire Suppression appeal. The appeal has not yet been scheduled.
Ms. Williams brought up issue of La Taverna/Crazy Cactus Restaurant and whether they are in compliance with sign and other ordinances. Township Manager reported that all is currently in order at restaurant. A cease and desist order had been issued per handicap access. Permits were issued and the facility is currently in compliance. Owner maintains that the facility is one restaurant, not two. A resident of the Township suggested that the business be required to take down separate signs. Mr. Vutz stated that, as the sign ordinance is being observed, the Township has no reason to request this. Followup recommended by Ms. Williams.
UCC Board of Appeals set up in 2005 but not active. Township Manager would like the Board reactivated and has been in contact with the members proposed in 2005 who are still willing to serve. Mr. Ledbetter suggested Mr. Dan Keogh as an alternate member. The Board requested the UCC Board of Appeals be part of reorganization meeting scheduled for January 2009.
Ms. Cohen commended Sandy Momeyer and entire Commission for their response letter to Pohlig Builders.
Valley Park Pavilion on hold; denied egress to repair tarp on roof.
The Term Sheet for the Historic Schuylkill School was presented for Board Approval. Ms. Williams reiterated her intent to preserve the school with private donations only, not taxpayer monies. A Motion was made by Ms. Williams and seconded by Ms. Cohen to approve. Mr. Sugarman reminded the Board that this is a non-binding term sheet and also that the indemnity clause had not been stricken from the term sheet as requested. An amended Motion to approve the Term Sheet with the indemnity clause stricken was made and approved as follows:
Moved: Williams Second: Cohen Approval: Cohen, Ledbetter, Morrisson, Williams Dissent: Vutz
Ms. Cohen asked Ms. Williams to take lead in developing green building ordinances for Township. Mr. Ledbetter advised that Ms. Cohen review the UCC by which the Township is bound before taking any action.
Meetings of Commission have been moved from the first Monday of the month to the last Monday, commencing with June 2008 meeting. Mr. Ledbetter explained to residents at meeting why discussions on open space purchases conducted in Executive Session.
Need to post signs in Pickering Preserve that licensed hunting will take place during deer hunting season. Board of Supervisors will investigate the cost. Mr. Ledbetter asked that this be worked out with the EAC.
Plant repairs still being discussed with DEP. Schedule is in jeopardy due to trunk line on Rte. 252.
Cell phone tower for Valley Forge Railway proposed and they want electricity through the Authority. Township Manager spoke to Mr. O’Conner and will set up meeting with Yerkes.
Mr. Ledbetter asked for update on Valley Forge National Historic Park Steering Committee. Township Manager stated that Township had received letter from TPD that the traffic study has been done and is available for review in the Manager’s office. GVFTMA – nothing to report
Need to wrap up paperwork for grant planning in order to obtain more regional grants. Regional Planning Commission members need to be appointed (an elected member and a Planning Commission member). A Motion was made to appoint Mr. Ledbetter as the elected member with Ms. Cohen as alternate and Mr. Jim Reading as the Planning Commission Member and was approved as follows:
Moved: Vutz Second: Cohen Approval: Unanimous
Mr. Ledbetter discussed the need to set up a schedule for getting Township ordinances in conformity with Regional Planning – there is a 2 year timeline. Recommendation was made to engage KSK. A statement of work is needed by May 30, 2008 to get information for July 1 grant approval cycle. The results will be announced January 1, 2009. Steps are:1-BOS needs to accept regional group recommendation of KSK; 2-a letter of commitment should be drawn up; 3-approve a memo of understanding with Chester County on $70,000 release of funds from Landscapes;4-approve KSK to help grant approval process; and 5-Township sign a Memo of Understanding for Landscapes subject to Township Solicitor review.
A Motion was made by Mr. Ledbetter for a release of Township funds for KSK and was approved as follows with the amendment that the release be subject to review and approval of commitment to pay share.
Moved: Ledbetter Second: Cohen Approval: Unanimous
A Motion was made by Mr. Ledbetter that the Township sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the Vision Partnership Program with Chester County subject to Township Solicitor’s review and was approved as follows.
Moved: Ledbetter Second: Cohen Approval: Unanimous
Potters Pond – Chester County Court dismissed case
Royal Bank – awaiting decision on appeal to State Supreme Court.
Pickering Glen-responded to requests from lawyers for discovery. Case will be cleared by end of summer.
Levin Property: responded to requests from lawyers for discovery
Horseshoe Pointe – verbal agreement of parties to sign; awaiting formal response
Fire Suppression – State Supreme Court will hear appeal.
630 Valley Forge Road - Two tasks accomplished – Zoning Hearing Board and review by Yerkes. A Motion was made by Mr. Ledbetter to approve stormwater waiver requested by applicant and approved as follows:
Moved: Ledbetter Second: Cohen Approval: Unanimous
1096 W Bridge Street. A presentation was made by Wilkenson on the Gilmore review letter of April 22, 2008. The project was described and a request of waivers to certain items in the Gilmore letter was made. Motions were made and approved as follows:
Waiver requests Section 401.D.16.D – from showing natural features within 400 feet of site and Section 401.D.16.d.(1) from showing existing utilities within 400 feet of site. A Motion was made and approved as follows to grant these waivers:
Moved: Ledbetter Second: Cohen Approval: Cohen, Ledbetter , Williams, Vutz
Mr. Morrisson not present for motion
Letter of extension. A - to grant letter of extension with language change , “As requested” to “It is agreed…”
Moved: Ledbetter Second: Vutz Approval: Unanimous
Escrow Release 1. Motion to release.
Moved: Ledbetter Second: Williams Approval: Unanimous
Land Dev. Escrow Release 2/Phase I and Escrow Release 2/Phase 2B - Mr. Ledbetter requested Township Manager to draft letter of explanation on what needs to happen for funds to be released. A Motion was made and approved as follows for release of escrow funds for Phase I.
Moved: Ledbetter Second: Cohen Approval: Unanimous
Nothing to report
Update by Mr. Sugarman that variances are being validated.
At 11:30 PM, the Board of Supervisors went into Executive Session. Items discussed were:
There being no further business for discussion, the Board adjourned the meeting at 12:30 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Madeline M. Harbison
Assistant Township Secretary