PRESENT: Norman Vutz, Chair; Barbara Cohen, Vice Chair, Lee Ledbetter: Jim Morrisson, Laurie Williams, .Mary Lou Lowrie, P.E., Township Engineer; William Brennan, Township Solicitor
7:34 PM Called to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Ms. Cohen made an announcement regarding the free Green Building Forum being held on Sunday, September 7, 2008 at the Township Building. She gave a brief overview of the seminar and invited residents to attend.
Ms. Cohen announced the Schuylkill Home and School Association’s recycling fundraiser and requested residents drop off used consumer electronics at the school during the month of September per the information on the flyers provided in the Township meeting room.
Mr. Peter Mercuri, President of Pickering Glen Homeowners Association asked about the procedure for placing three "watch for children" signs.
Don Hiorth of 620 Cherry Lane (next to Schuylkill School) raised concerns about the trail/sidewalk being planned to go in front of his house. He stated that no one has contacted him regarding the plans for this or solicited his opinion on the sidewalk being installed on his property. Mr. Ledbetter briefly explained the plans in place for the Safe Kids to School trails and the grant process to pay for it. He went on to say that this portion of the trail was only in initial stages and was being considered to connect existing trail from YMCA to the school. Mr. Ledbetter then commended Mr. Hiorth for coming to the Board meeting. Mr. Hiorth then brought up the subject of maintenance for the trail. Mr. Ledbetter said that has not been addressed at this time. Ms. Cohen then asked Mr. Hiorth to join the Toonerville Trolley Task Force. Mr. Hiorth stated he does not want to join the Task Force; he is opposed to the sidewalk/trail. He then asked if this was something the school had requested. Mr. Ledbetter responded that residents had asked for it. Mrs. Williams stated that only some residents had requested the trail; those who do not want it should be consulted. Mr. Vutz commented that if the proposed trail is in the right of way, residents have no say in whether or not it goes across their property. Mr. Hiorth reiterated his concerns about maintenance. Mr. Ledbetter asked Mr. Hiorth why he did not want to participate in the trail planning process to ensure his opinion was heard and Ms. Cohen requested Mr. Hiorth provide his contact information so he may be kept informed of plans. Mr. Hiorth brought up another objection to trail, that is, changing the “feel” of the Township from a rural enclave. Mr. Ledbetter informed Mr. Hiorth that he personally is in agreement with this objection and again asked Mr. Hiorth to participate in the planning process. Ms. Cohen brought up the point that the sidewalk would cut down on the number of cars transporting students to and from school by providing a safe alternative. Ms. Cohen repeated Mr. Ledbetter’s invitation to Mr. Hiorth to take part in the planning. Mr. Vutz closed the discussion by asking that the maintenance question be referred to the Solicitor.
Moved: Vutz Second: Ledbetter Approval: Ledbetter, Morrisson, Vutz, Williams
Abstain: Cohen
Mr. Morrisson recapped the process of the search for a new Schuylkill Township Solicitor and the reasons for selecting Mr. William Brennan as the final candidate. Mr. Morrisson made a motion that the Board appoint Mr. Brennan as the Township solicitor which was approved as follows:
Moved: Ledbetter Second: Cohen Approval: Unanimous
Mr. Brennan thanked the Board for their consideration and accepted the appointment as Solicitor.
Ms. Cohen complimented Mr. Brennan on his services as Interim Township Solicitor. Mr. Ledbetter thanked Mr. Morrisson and commended him on his diligence and openness while heading up the candidate search and selection committee.
Moved: Ledbetter Second: Vutz Approval: Unanimous
Ms. Cohen thanked Mary Bird, Township Manager and Nick Cincirpino, Township Roadmaster, for their research and investigation in payment of road paving bill. Mr. Morrisson commended Mrs. Williams on her pursuit of higher interest-bearing accounts for Township funds. Ms. Cohen mentioned that Ms. Bird deserved a commendation as well for her efforts in researching various accounts and funds.
The first budget meeting date was set for Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the Township meeting room. This meeting will cover Receipts. Mr. Ledbetter gave a brief explanation of the purpose of this meeting and the Township budgeting process to residents and extended an invitation for all to attend. Mrs. Williams asked for any accountants in the Township to make a point of attending the budget meetings.
Mrs. Williams questioned monies spent for the Toonerville Trolley Trail and mentioned she did not recall any Board votes on these expenditures. Ms. Cohen asked Mrs. Williams to give her notice if she wanted to discuss the Trail as she did not have all her paperwork with her but that spending a few thousand dollars for a possible return of $900,000.00 grant was a good return on investment. Mrs. Williams expressed concern about projects going ahead without approval from the Board. Mr. Vutz replied to Mrs. Williams that the Board had voted to authorize the grant at the July 2008 meeting, and in so doing gave Gilmore & Associates authorization to proceed with the writing and submittal of the grant on behalf of the Township. Mr. Vutz then summed up with the comment that perhaps a better job should be done with project oversight. Mr. Morrisson suggested that at the next Toonerville Trolley Trail meeting a recap of expenses to date be drawn up for the Board.
No discussion
Township Bills as presented on Statement of Expenditures, Encumbrances & Appropriations for Period Ending 08/31/2008.
Moved: Ledbetter Second: Vutz Approval: Cohen, Ledbetter, Morrisson, Vutz Dissent: Williams
Mrs. Williams asked that receipt variances be included on future Statement of Expenditures, Encumbrances & Appropriations.
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Mr. Morrisson reported that the codification of Township Ordinances was proceeding.
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Mr. Ledbetter asked Chief Fetterman about opening day of school. Chief Fetterman said it was uneventful. Mrs. Williams questioned Chief Fetterman about the monthly graphs she had requested from Police Department. Ms. Cohen objected to the amount of time which would be spent on producing these when the information was readily available in the monthly Police Department report. Mrs. Williams then asked if a Board vote was needed on this item. No further discussion ensued.
911 System No discussion.
Regional Police Study No discussion
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Mr. Morrisson brought up the reconstruction of the Whitehorse bridge scheduled for 2009 and asked about specifications. Mr. Cincirpino stated that the bridge would have a right of way of thirty-six feet with two twelve foot lanes and two six foot shoulders. Mr. Morrisson asked if they would be “multi-purpose” shoulders. Mr. Ledbetter said the bridge must comply with PennDOT standards for road width and weight limits. In theory, there could be bike and pedestrian access. PennDOT considers it to be a remedial bridge project and funds it accordingly.
Mr. Morrisson asked about a separate bike/trail bridge. Mr. Ledbetter mentioned the Township tried to get a trail but could not fit it into PennDOT’s funding requirements without putting it through the “TIP” process. Redesign would push the reconstruction project to the bottom of PennDOT’s list.
Mr. Morrisson complimented the Roads crew on placing stop bars on Country Club and Valley Park Roads.
Equipment Bid Opening The following bids were received and opened by the Board.
| G. Antonini Construction, Inc. | $ 106,419.00 (no bid on some items) |
| Cedar Springs Construction Co. | $ 99,900.00 |
| Charlestown Paving & Excavating, Inc. | $ 76,140.00 (no bid on some items) |
| Chester County Site Contractors | $ 109,720.00 |
| Dan Malloy Paving | $ 89,000.00 |
| Reid Paving Contractors, Inc. | $ 100,500.00 |
Mr. Vutz asked the Township Manager to review all bids for compliance before the Board voted on the award. The Township Manager reported back that two of the six bids (G. Antonini Construction, Inc. & Charlestown Paving & Excavating, Inc.) were disqualified as they did not bid the full package as requested in the Township’s bid announcement. A motion to accept the Dan Malloy Paving bid of $89,000.00, subject to the Township Manager’s and Township Roadmaster’s review and approval, was made and approved as follows:
Moved: Williams Second: Ledbetter Approval: Unanimous
Refurbish Backhoe Bid Opening The following bid was received and opened by the Board.
| Eagle Power and Equipment |
$ 24,495.00 |
Mr. Cincirpino brought to the Board’s attention that this expenditure would be coming from the Liquid Fuels account.
A motion to accept Eagle Power and Equipment’s bid of 24,495.00 to refurbish the Township backhoe was made and approved as follows
Moved: Ledbetter Second: Vutz Approval: Unanimous
Graham Road: Bob Ricciotti of 130 Graham Road reported on behalf of Mr. Michael DiPaolo that Mr. DiPaolo had not yet obtained bids for repaving.
Costars Road Material Resolutions. A brief discussion on the benefits of participating in program to hold down costs of repaving ensued. Ms. Williams questioned whether this would truly give Township the lowest possible cost. Township Manager and Roadmaster explained that the CoStars program was set up for that purpose. A motion to approve the resolution to participate in the CoStars Road Material program was made and approved as follows:
Moved: Vutz Second: Cohen Approval: Unanimous
Advertise Snow Plow Bids. Mr. Cincirpino brought to the Board’s attention that this had been put to bid twice with no response. A motion to advertise for a third attempt was made and approved as follows:
Moved: Ledbetter Second: Cohen Approval: Unanimous
Ms. Cohen asked Mr. Cincirpino if Mr. Jim Morgitan of South Second Avenue has spoken to him about his driveway milling complaint. Mr. Cincirpino and Ms. Bird stated that the Township has never milled driveways. Ms. Cohen will follow up.
Mr. Morrisson asked if there had been any other complaints. Mr. Cincirpino stated that all other complaints were resolved in situ.
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Jason Cole Firefighter of the Month
Mr. Morrisson questioned Chief Beittel concerning the advisability of Chester County Hospital as a Trauma Center in Chester County. Chief Beittel stated that the area Fire Chiefs were against it because it would not help residents of Schuylkill Township and neighboring municipalities.
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Mr. Jim Shaughnessy reported the 904 grant numbers have been compiled and the grant application is in process. Grant monies are disbursed in the spring. Mr. Ledbetter mentioned the single stream recycling process being adopted by Allied Waste and the County’s effort to promote single waste haulers in each municipality. Mr. Vutz proposed a questionnaire be put to Township residents on their preference in this matter. Mr. Ledbetter suggested the questionnaire could be included in the Township’s fall newsletter.
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Pension Investment Increase Study Ms. Cohen reported on meeting with Officer Castenova. Will contract to have the study done; it will be paid by Pension Fund. Mrs. Williams would like Mr. Brennan to review any contract before making a decision. Mr. Ledbetter asked if circumstances have changed to drive this action. Mrs. Williams objected to spending money on any study; that Township should go ahead and make the level of service pension increment. The Township Manager explained that the study should be done to protect the Township’s budget; it would be a valuable tool.
Mrs. Williams reiterated the need for resident volunteers to participate in the budget process.
Mr. Ledbetter requested that Mr. Brennan be given a copy of the Police contract to review Township obligations.
The matter of the study was tabled until the Board receives a response from the Solicitor on the contract.
Reeves Property/Pohlig scheduled for September 18, 2008, 7:30 p.m. at the Township meeting. Additional meetings have been scheduled for September 22, 2008 and October 13, 2008 and October 23, 2008.
Reeves Property – Letter of Extension to October 3, 2008.
Mr. Todd Pohlig, Wayne Leighton and Mr. John Snyder present to offer extension of plan approval to October 3, 2008. Mr. Pohlig present to offer update to Board. Mr. Morrisson requested submittal of a new revised plan. Mr. Snyder declined; he is waiting to process through letters. Mr. Snyder would like clarification on what matters should be addressed at which Township meetings.
Mr. Ledbetter made a motion to accept the Reeves Property Letter of Extension to October 3, 2008 which was approved as follows:
Moved: Ledbetter Second: Cohen Approval: Unanimous
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Ms. Momyer reported on the American Revolutionary Center (ARC) presentations given by Mr. Joseph Dunbar, Lower Providence Township Manager and Mr. Tom Daley, CEO ARC and informed the Board that the Historic Commission would like to invite Park Superintendent Michael Caldwell to the next Commission meeting to report on the National Park’s concerns and plans. Mr. Ledbetter asked Ms. Momyer to report back to the Board on several issues: (1) What makes sense on an historical perspective, (2) what are the adverse impacts on Valley Forge National Historic Park and (3) will having the museum close to, but not part of, VFNHP detract from the Park. He then requested that Ms.Cohen invite Superintendent Caldwell to the Historic Commission meeting.
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Mr. Morrisson reported that bow hunting season opens on September 20 and closes January 24. Some large property owners’ permissions are still in limbo. A motion was made to grant the Whitetail Association permission to hunt Pickering Preserve and approved as follows:
Moved: Cohen Second: Ledbetter Approval: Cohen, Ledbetter, Morrisson, Vutz
Mrs. Williams was absent from the meeting room at the time of this vote.
Mr. Ledbetter’s approval is contingent upon the Schuylkill Township Police Chief being involved and informed during the entire process and that the Township work with the YMCA to ensure public safety. The Whitetail Association is to provide a list of hunters to the Township prior to any commencement of hunting activities. The Township Manager will obtain this list from Mr. Jim Bradley of the Whitetail Association.
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Regional Act 537 Plan work continues
Nothing to report.
GVTMA. Meeting scheduled for next week. Rt. 422 study – Mr. Ledbetter asked Mr. Morrisson if he was willing to respond to their questionnaire. Mr. Morrisson agreed he would do so.
Next meeting is September 24. Mr. Ledbetter reported that the Regional Planning Board is now at the stage where ordinances need to be revisited. A grant of $61,000 was received from Chester County for the next stage of regional planning, the Consistency Review. The region has to get the agreement to review the planning process and fee schedule for developments of regional significance in place with KSK within the next 30-60 days. Need to schedule a meeting with all Township Managers.
The issue of East Pikeland’s and East Vincent’s Regional Police Study brought up by Mrs. Williams. Mr. Ledbetter stated there is a problem with perception and suggested Schuylkill wait to see what the findings are.
Fire Suppression. The Township’s Supreme Court submission has been prepared and submitted. Mr. Brennan noted that it was a surprising case for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to hear.
Royal Bank. The allacatur petition for a stay of demolition of 11 S. Whitehorse Road is pending before the State Supreme Court.
Pickering Glen On the Chester County trial list. Administrative conference scheduled for September 18, 2008 with Judge Griffith. No depositions have been scheduled yet and there is much discovery to be done.
Levin Property. Township depositions are scheduled for Friday
Horseshoe Pointe.
Potters Pond. The developer, Bentley, has appealed and filed a petition. It is unlikely it will be accepted. It is anticipated there will be six to eight months for preparation for this case.
Easement and Deeds. In progress. The status of the trail and culvert easements was discussed. The Township Manager noted that residents needed to be made aware that a 10’ trail easement is in place on some properties in Anderson Farm and Valley Park subdivisions. The Board advised Mr. Brian Cullen of Westrum that the developer has to contact homeowners regarding easements.
Ms. Cohen reported that the School Board voted 6 to 2 in favor of the term sheet. Ms. Cohen then recapped her meeting with Tom Carnevale, and informed the Board and residents that Mr. Carnevale had produced renderings which were available for anyone to view. Green building grants will be sought once the term sheet has been approved.
Mrs. Williams questioned Mr. Brennan on whether she should recuse herself regarding the Schuylkill School term sheet as her husband is the attorney for the school board. Mr. Brennan stated that it was up to individual Board members to decide on the ethics of recusing on matters. Mrs. Williams announced she would recuse herself from voting on the Schuylkill School Term Sheet resolution.
A motion to approve the Resolution on the Schuylkill School Term Sheet was made and approved as follows:
Moved: Cohen Second: Morrisson Approval: Cohen, Ledbetter, Morrisson
Dissent: Vutz Recused: Williams
The Township Manager asked the Board to let her know who will be attending the convention. Ms. Cohen, Mr. Ledbetter and Mr. Vutz confirmed their attendance.
At 12:40 PM, there being no further business for discussion, a motion to adjourn was approved as follows:
Moved: Ledbetter Second: Williams Approval: Unanimous
Respectfully submitted,