SCHUYLKILL TOWNSHIP
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MEETING DATE: September 1, 2004

Police – posted. Mr. Bob Wallace who resides in the Fernleigh development stated that vehicles are speeding up and down Springview Lane through the development. He advised that the roads in Fernleigh and the adjacent Valley Forge Woods development are being used as cut through roads. Mr. Wallace asked if stop signs could be placed in Fernleigh at Woodmere Lane/Springview Lane and Wincrest Drive/Springview Lane. Mr. Fetterman stated that speed limit signs can also be placed in the development. Mr. Ledbetter stated that speed bumps are not a good idea due to emergency vehicles, plows and icing around the bumps. Mr. Sartor advised that a study should be done before stop signs are approved by the Board. On motion by Mr. Ledbetter, seconded by Mr. Colket, and passed, the Board requested that Gilmore & Associates perform a traffic study for possible speed reduction in the neighborhood to 25 mph and stop signs for the entire residential development of Fernleigh and Valley Forge Woods. Mr. Sartor stated that he will have the findings ready for the November Board meeting. Animal Control Officer – On motion by Mr. Ledbetter, seconded by Mr. Colket, and passed, the Board approved Mr. Thomas Cole for the position of Animal Control Officer at a rate of $15.00 per hour plus mileage. Mr. Morris of Buckwalter Road requested that the Animal Control Officer be available all the time and not just during daylight hours. The Board concurred.

Roads – posted. West Bridge Street – Mr. Ledbetter stated that with the cooperation of the Borough of Phoenixville, Dr. Wolstenholme, Mr. Tudor and Westover Company, the owner of the Independence Crossing apartment complex, the pipe was replaced. Mr. Ledbetter stated that the pipe was hard to replace due to the depth of the trench. Paving of the area will be a two-step process performed by Westover Company with the final paving to be done in the Spring. Mr. Ledbetter advised that Dr. Wolstenholme’s basement is dry. Mr. Cinciripino, the Township Roadmaster, stated that he is trying to get PaDOT to clean out the pipe that crosses under West Bridge Street. Mr. Ledbetter stated that the stormwater may be going into the Borough’s sanitary sewer lines. On motion by Mr. Ledbetter, seconded by Mr. Colket, and passed, Mr. Sugarman was authorized to send letters to the Borough of Phoenixville regarding possible stormwater entering the Borough’s sanitary sewer line; PaDOT regarding drainage and overloading of existing stormwater facilities; and all affected parties that the Township has no ongoing responsibility with the stormwater drainage system at the Tudor property on West Bridge Street.

Salt Bids – Bids were received and opened for Sodium Chloride for the Winter Season 2004-2005. Bid will be awarded at the September 22 budget meeting. The bids were as follows:

Graham Road – Mr. DePalo of Graham Road stated that he and his neighbors are concerned with the condition of Graham Road. Mr. Colket advised that the Township should repair the road once and turn it back to the residents. Mr. Colket stated that the road is basically a wide driveway and that the Township does not receive PaDOT monies for the road. Mr. Cinciripino stated it would cost approximately $12,000 to pave the road with ID-3 at a depth of 3” – 4” though it will not bring the road up to PaDOT specifications.

Fire – posted. Mr. Beittel, the Township Fire Marshal, stated that Mr. Ken Kistler was Fire Fighter of the Month. Substation - Mr. Colket advised that he, Mr. Taggart of Gilmore & Associates and Mr. Philo of the fire company met with the architect for the substation, Marshall Sabitini. On motion by Mr. Colket, seconded by Mr. Ryan, and passed, the Board approved advertising the bids contingent upon favorable review of the plans by Gilmore & Associates. Brouse – Mr. & Mrs. Brouse received a review letter from Gilmore & Associates dated August 31, 2004 outlining their findings on the Brouses’ three concerns regarding the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company property located at 630 Valley Park Road. Mr. Sartor stated that PaDOT will need to submit erosion and sedimentation plans if they wish to use the vacant lot again. Mr. Sartor stated that a portion of the tract is in a flood hazard district. He advised that as long as no work is done within the 50’ buffer, no special exception is required.

Recycling – Mr. Shaughnessy, the Recycling Chairman, stated that the Section 904 grant is ready to send to PaDEP. Mr. Shaughnessy advised that he and the Roadmaster are looking at different options for a screener for the Leaf Recycling Yard. He stated that a screener would make a nicer mulched material and a better product for the residents.

At this point in the meeting, Mr. Vutz arrived.

Zoning Administrator – posted. On motion by Mr. Ledbetter, seconded by Mr. Colket, and passed, the Board approved the amended Building Permit Fee Schedule with some minor errata. Mr. Galloway Morris of the Zoning Hearing Board stated that applicants are coming to the hearing board without first submitting to a suitable review by the Zoning Officer.

Code Enforcement – posted.

Planning Commission – posted. On motion by Mr. Ledbetter, seconded by Mr. Colket, and passed, Mr. William Brennan of Knob Lane was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission as unanimously recommended by the Planning Commission.

VFSA – Mr. Vutz stated that the Township appears to be in a standoff with the Valley Forge Sewer Authority regarding the Regional Act 537 Plan. Mr. Ledbetter stated that the report is flawed. Mr. Sugarman advised that there is no risk to the Township by not signing on to the regional plan.

Joint Board – nothing to report.

Regional Planning/Traffic – Regional Planning - Mr. Ledbetter stated that a questionnaire will be going out to individual municipalities and their residents. Pawling Road/Ferry Lane Traffic Signal – Mr. Sartor stated that the Township has received verbal approval from PaDOT on the revised plans. The consensus of the Board was to move ahead with the revised plans. Valley Forge National Historical Park – an Advisory Committee Meeting will meet on September 22.

Deer Management – A letter has been received from Dr. Goodman, a member of the Zoning Hearing Board and Deer Management Chairman, that he will be moving out of the Township shortly. Mr. Morris stated that he would recommend Mr. Bergevin, the Zoning hearing Board alternate, to be appointed to the Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Ryan stated that an appointment will be considered at the next Board meeting.

Solicitor – Horseshoe Pointe – Mr. Sugarman advised that Judge Sarcione has sustained the Township’s right to sue Mr. Benson, the developer, and his companies. The judge however released Pickering Valley Contractors. Mr. Sugarman stated that the Township will move forward again with discovery. The judge has scheduled the case for May of 2005. Mr. Ledbetter stated that Mr. Thornbury contacted him and stated that his building permit request for a patio was not approved. He stated that Mr. Thornbury and his neighbors may be willing to fund a fix as discussed a year ago. Mr. Ledbetter advised that Mr. Thornbury stated that Mr. & Mrs. Gural have already undertaken grading on their lot to correct the problem.

Maisfield Farm – On motion by Mr. Ledbetter, seconded by Mr. Colket, and passed, the Board of Supervisors accepted dedication of Magnolia Drive and Plum Circle in Maisfield Farm based on satisfying any remaining items in the August 31 and September 1, 2004 letters from Gilmore & Associates.

Mortimer/Sparhawk Subdivision – Mr. Ledbetter advised that he has spoken with Mr. Morgitan of South Second Avenue regarding a second pipe aimed at his property still showing on the survey for the stormwater management plan.

American Inks & Coatings – Mr. Sugarman advised that American Inks on Pawling Road has submitted to PADEP an expanded air permit application. Gilmore & Associates will follow up on the application.

Schuylkill Elementary School – Mr. Colangelo of Quad 3, gave a brief presentation regarding the revised plans for the elementary school located at Pothouse & South White Horse Roads. Mr. Sugarman stated that the plan should be considered an amended final plan. Mr. Colangelo stated that bids that were received for the previous plans were $4 million over budget. Mr. Colangelo stated that they have eliminated the basement and reduced the square footage of the building by eliminating the auditorium and consolidating other rooms. He stated that there will be more use of the multi-use area. Site changes include eliminating the outdoor amphitheater; relocating the paved play area and playground; reducing the paved play area; reducing cut and rock removal; switching of locations of grass parking and reserve lots; and reducing 18 parking spaces in the reserve lot due to building reduction. Mr. Colangelo stated that there will be no adjustment to the size of the basin.

Piazza Subdivision - On motion by Mr. Ledbetter, seconded by Mr. Colket, and passed, an extension for review of the subdivision application of Vincent and Veronica Piazza was approved to December 3, 2004.

VFSA/Faggioli - On motion by Mr. Ledbetter, seconded by Mr. Colket, and passed, an extension for review of the subdivision application of Dorando Faggioli and the Valley Forge Sewer Authority was approved to December 3, 2004.

Valley Forge Woods – On motion by Mr. Ledbetter, seconded by Mr. Colket, and passed, the Board approved the release of the construction escrows for all phases in the amount of $652,829.30. This officially ends this subdivision project.

Anderson Farm – Mr. Sartor stated that NV Homes has an apparent lack of control over their contractors. The stabilized construction entrances are not being used and there is no silt fencing along curb lines at the roadway. Mr. Sartor stated that he has contacted Ms. Criswell at the Chester County Conservation District to look at the site on September 2. Mr. Sartor stated that NV Homes has reacted quickly to some concerns but not all that have been brought to their attention. He stated that there is not enough control over the subcontractors and good construction practice is not being used at the site. Mr. Vossler of NV Homes stated that there was not a lack of responsiveness the other day when an 18-wheeler got stuck on a flag lot and mud was dragged out onto Valley Park Road. Mr. Vossler advised that he had a broom and shovel crew behind the truck trying to clean the area. He stated NV Homes contracts with Riley Sweeping and spends $1000 - $2000 per week at the site for sweeping. Mr. Vossler stated that the silt fence is put up per the approved plans but if recommended by Gilmore & Associates, more is added. Mr. Sartor stated that Westrum, the site developer for Anderson Farm, is balking at installing the grass pavers at the end of Anderson Farm Road where the emergency entrance to the Valley Park subdivision is located.

Pension Plans – Minimum Municipal Obligation – The Board has received the financial requirement, minimum municipal obligation, for the pension plans from Thomas J. Anderson & Associates. On motion by Mr. Colket, seconded by Mr. Vutz, and passed, the Board approved the figures for both the Police and Non-Uniform pension plans.