WARWICK TOWNSHIP

Board of Supervisors’ Public Meeting Minutes

MARCH 21, 2005

 

 

Members Present:          Judith A. Algeo, Chair                            

                                    Edward P. Thompson, Vice Chairman                  

                                    Bert Parrish, Member

 

Others Present:              Gail Weniger, Township Manager

                                    Herb Gery, Township Engineer

                                    Mary Eberle, Township Solicitor

                                    Tom Scott, Assistant Manager    

                                    Linda Grant, Recording Secretary            

 

 

n       CALL TO ORDER:

 

The Warwick Township Board of Supervisors’ March 21, 2005 public meeting, held at Warwick Township Administration Office, 1733 Township Greene, Jamison, PA., was called to order at 7:03 p.m., by Chair, Judith Algeo, who then led attendees in the pledge of allegiance.

 

n       APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

 

_ March 7, 2005 (exhibit)

 

Motion by Mr. Parrish to approve the Board of Supervisors’ public meeting minutes for March 7, 2005, as submitted.

Second to motion by Mr. Thompson.

 

            Chair Algeo invited comment or discussion.  There being none, the vote was called.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

n       EXECUTIVE SESSION:

 

            Chair Algeo announced that the Board of Supervisors had met in Executive Session prior to this evening’s meeting to discuss open space matters.

 

n       CITIZEN COMMENTS:  

 

†      Ginny Mester, Fairway Drive, is concerned that there are northbound cars on Route 263 making a left turn into the Moland property and feels left turns there should not be allowed because of the high speed on Route 263. 

 

n       MANAGER’S REPORT:  

 

_ York Road Speed Limit (exhibit)

 

            Gail Weniger, Township Manager, announced that PennDOT has lowered York Road Speed limit to 50 mph for the length of Jamison, from Sugarbottom to Bristol.  Ms. Weniger noted that the Police Chief reminded that we already have a quarter mile strip from Almshouse to

 

March 21, 2005

page 2 of seven pages

 

 

 

Mill road that is 45 mph.  Ms. Weniger is asking if the Board would like to keep York Road a consistent 50 mph, or keep that strip at 45 mph. 

 

            Mr. Thompson would like to retain the 45 mph for that portion.  Chief Costello said PennDOT is asking for direction from the Board and thinks PennDOT had overlooked the 45 mph zone when they did the traffic warrant for the speed reduction.  Chief Costello notes that whatever the decision is, there will be signage required.  Mr. Thompson said we can take the 55 and leave the 45 as posted.  Mr. Parrish sees, as we develop from Meyer Way to Almshouse, we should bring that down to 45.     

 

_ Pension Contribution – Financial Advisory Committee Recommendations (exhibit)

 

            Ms. Weniger suggested that since none of the Financial Advisory members are able to attend this evening, it may be in our best interest to table this until they can attend and explain their recommendations. 

 

            The Board of Supervisors tabled this matter.

 

n       SOLICITOR’S REPORT:  

 

_ Vining / Mantha Zoning Hearing Board – Proposed Letter (exhibit)

 

            Mary Eberle, Township Solicitor, explained this proposed letter asking the Zoning Hearing Board to require road improvements along Harmony Lane for the Vining/Mantha Zoning Board Application.  The width of the roads would be 24 feet, with no curbs or sidewalks, consistent with the discussion the Board had on this matter a few weeks ago.  Ms. Eberle is asking if the letter is consistent with what they want and is asking for authorization to send the letter. 

 

            The Board of supervisors were in consensus to send the letter.

 

_ Lake (tmp 51-010-074 & 51-033-050)- Open Space Agreement of Sale –

            Resolution No. 2005-22 (exhibit)

 

_ Jarrett (tmp 51-013-008-001 & 51-013-028) – Open Space Agreement of Sale –

            Resolution No. 2005-23 (exhibit)

 

Ms. Eberle noted that the Township has reached an agreement with Mr. Lake and Mr. Jarrett for

the purchase of the development rights on their property.  In order to go to settlement, we need to sign an agreement of sale and to sign resolutions authorizing the expenditure of funds.

 

            Ms. Eberle notes the Lake property is a 13 acre parcel that cannot be developed.   The price of $465,000 is in accordance with an appraisal prepared by Indian Valley Appraisal Company and terms of the easement are incorporated into the agreement of sale.  Ms. Eberle is asking the Board to adopt Resolution No. 2005-22 and also to enter into the agreement of sale on the Lake property.

 

            Mr. Thompson notes the sale of these development rights is a great step for the Township.

 

Motion by Mr. Thompson to approve the expenditure of $465,000  from the Open Space Fund for  Resolution No. 2005-22 and enter into an agreement of sale for the Lake Property (tmp 51-010-074 & 51-033-050).

Second to motion by Mr. Parrish.

March 21, 2005

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            Chair Algeo invited comment or discussion.  There being none, the vote was called.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

            Ms. Eberle notes the Jarrett property is along Creek Road and is 54 acres, and the development rights, as appraised, are $1,308,500.  Ms. Eberle is asking the Board to adopt Resolution No. 2005-23 and also to enter into the agreement of sale which incorporates the proposed declaration of restricted covenants.  If approved, this property will go to settlement on March 29, 2005.

 

Motion by Mr. Thompson to approve the expenditure of $1,308,500  from the Open Space Fund for Resolution No. 2005-23 and enter into agreement of sale for the Jarrett Property (tmp 51-013-008-001 & 51-013-028)

Second to motion by Mr. Parrish.

 

            Chair Algeo invited comment or discussion.  There being none, the vote was called.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

_ Commonwydds II – Conditional Use Hearing (exhibit)

 

            Mary Eberle, Township Solicitor, presented this matter to the Board of Supervisors and notes there is a court stenographer present who will create a transcript of the proceedings.

 

 

n       PLANNING/ZONING REPORT:  

 

_ Commonwydds II – Preliminary Plan Approval (exhibit)

 

            Mr. Thompson would like to discuss this matter this evening, but not make any decisions. 

 

            Mr. Sudfeld, attorney for applicant, displayed aerial photos to show how properties are affected overall.  Mr. Sudfeld explained the overlay of the center of Jamison, noting the proposed traffic light.  Mr. Sudfeld pointed out possible areas for people to cross Route 263 and explained the flow of traffic and the advantage of an intersection at Kendarbren Drive.   A connection point was shown to the Commonwydds property, which was presented to the Commonwydds Board.  Mr. Sudfeld spoke of the consensus for egress only and noted that it was not designed as a full service in and out, but access can be shown on the plan should people change their minds.   Mr. Thompson is concerned with the left turn out.  The Board agrees that the left turn out needs to be addressed.

 

            Mr. Thompson asked if all buildings are sprinklered, even those smaller than the 5,000 ft. requirement.  Applicant said all buildings are sprinklered. 

 

            Mr. Thompson asked why a berm is to be built.  Mr. Henry, applicant, described how the basin will re-direct and reduce flow of water by 67%.  The 15’ high berm was a result of re-engineering and eliminating multiple berms and it also saved trees that would have been removed.  Mr. Sudfeld noted we are adding hundreds of trees to this entire site to enhance that buffer where there are no trees.  Mr. Thompson asked if there is a guarantee that the detention basin will hold water.  Mr. Lieberman noted the basin is located at the lowest elevation on the site and reports that the system is designed to hold and slowly release water over a 24 hour period.  Mr. Lieberman also stated that the rate reduction of runoff is above and beyond requirements.    

March 21, 2005

page 4 of seven pages

 

            Mr. Parrish referred to CKS’ letter of December 29, 2004 and questions the agreement with the shopping center.  Mr. Sudfeld states the agreement was provided to Peter Nelson, Township Solicitor, at the last Planning Commission meeting. 

 

            Greg Mester, Fairway Drive, asked why a one story building is 31 feet high.  Mr. Sudfeld explained that roof peaks and dormers were added in order to make the building look like a house.  Mr. Lake stated that the roof is a flat wood truss design and there will be no second story now or in the future.  There was also some discussion of lighting with Mr. Thompson asking about rear parking lot lights and if applicant has looked into low lights.  Applicant said yes, and noted lighting will most likely be on a timer. 

 

            Mr. Thompson still goes along with the Planning Commission recommendation, that the traffic light does not go in until the connection to Commonwydds.  Mr. Sudfeld said the Board has

applicant’s commitment to continue to pursue that connection, but applicant can not say that Commonwydds will agree to that and that creates a difficult burden by conditioning that agreement to the light.    

 

            Mr. Henry is requesting preliminary approval this evening.  Mr. Parrish said he still sees problems with access to the post office.  Mr. Henry states the intersection is a safety aspect and will create a better flow of traffic.  Mr. Thompson wants to see renderings of all buildings, relative to the overlay district.  Mr. Parrish agrees and also wants to have the agreement for the connection from Commonwydds.   

 

            Mr. Osterhout states that he feels the location of the outlet can be changed.  Mr. Sudfeld said it is not possible to move the outlet, noting other issues with property owners. 

 

            The consensus of the Board of Supervisors was not to make a decision on this matter this evening.

 

_ Fee Schedule Revision – UCC (exhibit)

 

            Tom Scott, Planning/Zoning, presented a recommendation to include a fee for a UCC appeal.  Mr. Scott reminded that the Board had created a UCC Appeal Board at their January meeting and fees were not established at that time. 

 

            Mr. Thompson asked if the UCC members were paid like we pay the Zoning Hearing Board.  Mr. Scott noted that the UCC members are not paid.  Mr. Thompson does not feel we  should charge $1,000 for the process when there is no outlay of money.  

 

Motion by Mr. Parrish to approve the Fee Schedule Revision to include UCC Appeals fees, as presented by the Planning/Zoning Director’s memo, dated March 15, 2005.

Second to motion by Ms. Algeo.

 

            Chair Algeo invited comment or discussion.  There being none, the vote was called.

 

Motion passed. 

(B. Parrish, J. Algeo – in favor; E. Thompson – opposed)

 

_ Spring Dance Hot Tubs – Overlay Corridor

 

            Tom Scott, Planning/Zoning, presented a request from Spring Dance Hot Tubs applicant, Dan Sine, to place a storage container on the subject lot.  Mr. Scott notes the lot is in the York Road Corridor Overlay District.

 

 

March 21, 2005

page 5 of seven pages

 

 

            Mr. Sine spoke of his need for storage and noted that he currently has a 30 yard trash container that is not needed.  He would like to replace that with a storage trailer for much needed storage during his busy season. 

 

            Mr. Thompson is concerned that permitting this storage trailer may just throw away all that we have been trying to do with the overlay corridor.  During brief discussion, Mr. Thompson noted that Mr. Sine’s neighbors seem to have various items on their property and it may not be fair to limit Mr. Sine.  A compromise to allow this request for the busy season was discussed.

 

Motion by Mr. Thompson to approve a temporary storage facility, painted white, for Spring Dance Hot Tubs, limited to the time of nine (9) months.

Second to motion by Mr. Parrish

 

            Chair Algeo invited comment or discussion.  There being none, the vote was called.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

n       ENGINEER’S REPORT:  

 

_ Warwick Lea Escrow Release No. 3 (exhibit)

 

            Herb Gery, Township Engineer, presented a request for Warwick Lea Escrow Release No. 3, in the amount of $96,381.00.

 

Motion by Mr. Thompson to approve Warwick Lea Escrow Release No. 3, in the amount of $96,381.00, (leaving a balance of $250,401.69), as presented by the Township Engineer.

Second to motion by Mr. Parrish.

 

            Chair Algeo invited comment or discussion.  There being none, the vote was called.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

n       FINANCIAL REPORT:  

 

_ Bill Payments – March 21, 2005 (exhibit)

           

            Ms. Weniger presented Bill Payments for March 21, 2005, as follows:

 

General Fund

check No. 10904 - 10971

$        157,943.25

 

 

Highway Aid Fund

none

 

0

Parks & Recreation Fund

7,620.70

check No. 3077 – 3091

 

 

 

Capital Projects Fund

check No. 808-811

50,953.42

 

 

Open Space Fund

check No. 288 – 289

 

1,315,385.16

March 21, 2005

page 6 of seven pages

 

 

 

                                                        TOTAL

$1,531,902.53

 

Motion by Mr. Thompson to approve Bill Payments for March 21, 2005, as read by Gail Weniger, subject to audit.

Second to motion by Mr. Parrish.

 

            Chair Algeo invited comment or discussion.  There being none, the vote was called.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

_ Treasurer's Report – January 2005 (exhibit)

 

            Ms. Weniger presented the Treasurer’s Report for January 2005, as follows:

 

General Fund

$  3,193,367

Firehouse and Equipment

629,126

Road Machinery Fund

152,544

General Obligation / Sinking fund

4,143,534

Open Space Fund

18,706

Capital Projects Fund

231,446

Highway Aid Fund                                             

27,638

Park and Recreation

439,472

Capital Reserve

616,076

                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                    Total                 $9,451,909

 

Motion by Mr. Thompson to accept the January 2005 Treasurer’s Report, as prepared by Rose Christie and presented by Gail Weniger, subject to audit.

Second to motion by Mr. Parrish.

 

            Chair Algeo invited comment or discussion.  There being none, the vote was called.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

n       OLD BUSINESS:  

 

            Chief Costello referred to the discussion at the last public meeting regarding a Stover Mill parking issue.  Mr. Thompson spoke of the large number of cars in Stover Mill and asked what can be done.

 

            Chief Costello said there is some overflow parking supplied for the Stover Mill residents and also reported that the police have looked into this matter and have concluded that their recommendation is to restrict parking on the south side of Stover street from the curve, eastbound to a point east of Tarlton Place.  Chief Costello notes that this could be accomplished by posting two additional signs. 

 

            This matter will be discussed at the April 11th Board of Supervisors Public Work Session meeting.

 

n       NEW BUSINESS:   There was no new business.

  

 

March 21, 2005

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n       PUBLIC COMMENT:   There was no public comment.

 

 

n       ANNOUNCEMENTS:       

 

            Ms. Algeo announced that the 10th annual egg hunt will take place on April 2, 2005.

 

 

n        ADJOURNMENT:

 

            The March 21, 2005, Warwick Township Board of Supervisors’ meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

 

                                                                        Gail V. Weniger,

                                                                                    Township Manager/Secretary

 

These minutes were approved at the

Board of Supervisors’ meeting held:  April 4, 2005