WARWICK TOWNSHIP

Board of Supervisors’ Public Work Session Meeting Minutes

September 20, 2004

 

 

 

 

Members Present:          Judith A. Algeo, Chair                            

                                    Edward P. Thompson, Vice Chairman                  

                                    Bert Parrish, Member

 

Others Present:              Gail Weniger, Township Manager

                                    Dave Connell, Township Engineer

                           Mary Eberle, Township Solicitor

                                    Linda Grant, Recording Secretary

                                   

 

n        CALL TO ORDER:

 

The Warwick Township Board of Supervisors’ September 7, 2004 public work session meeting, held at the Warwick Township Administration Office, 1733 Township Greene, Jamison, PA., was called to order at 7:05 p.m., by Chair, Judith Algeo.  Ms. Algeo then led attendees in the pledge of allegiance.

 

n        WORK SESSION ITEMS:

 

_ Chair Algeo reported that the Board of Supervisors want to commend some of Warwick Township’s employees. (exhibit)

 

            Chief Costello presented special awards to Corporal Peter Hower and Officer Kathleen McGurney, for their services on January 30, 2004.  There was a potential gas leak in a residence in Knox Court.  The resident was combative and attacked the Fire Chief, Brian Dawicki, with a large knife.  Corporal Hower pushed the Fire Chief out of immediate danger and then he and Officer McGurney then confined the resident to the bedroom area and evacuated fire personnel from the condominium.  With assistance of Officer Stephen Czaplicki, the officers guarded the door and maintained the perimeter until relived by the Central Bucks Emergency Response Team.  The resident was eventually apprehended by the Emergency Response Team, after a lengthy standoff.  Corporal Hower received the Warwick Township Police Department medal for heroism.  Officer Kathleen McGurney was awarded Warwick Township Police Department medal for merit. 

 

            Chair Algeo noted that we are very fortunate because our Police Department is well-trained, there were no injuries that day and a real catastrophe was averted.  We are fortunate to have such a great Police Department.

 

            The Board and Manager presented certificates commending Sarah Mills, Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator and Dan Sharapan, Parks & Recreation Director for their outstanding efforts for Warwick Day 2004.  Peter Moore, though not present, was awarded a certificate for outstanding service. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 20, 2004

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n        CITIZENS COMMENTS:

 

†      Robert Ciarciello, 1801 Arbor Court (Woodfield, phase V), spoke regarding drainage and flooding problems at his residence.  Mr. Ciarciello was also speaking for some of his neighbors, John Sklencar, Scott Polter.  Mr. Ciarciello presented his engineers report that the Board of Supervisors had requested and also showed photos.  Per the engineers report, Mr. Ciarciello states his home was built on the water table.  Mr. Ciarciello states that his sump pump has run continuously since he moved into his home.  Mr. Sklencar said his sump pump has been running constantly since he moved in during January of 2000.  Mr. Polter noted his house is higher than everyone else’s, and that his sump pump started going on constantly after the drought situation.  Mr. Polter stated that his sump pump stopped after we started getting rains again in July.  A resident from 1807 Arbor said that his pump doesn’t run continuously, but it does run everyday once or twice per day.

           

            After discussion Chair Algeo asked the Township Engineer and Township Solicitor to look into the situation and report back to the Board of Supervisors.

 

            A resident spoke about her attendance at the planning commission meeting on September 13, 2004.  This resident, speaking for several residents, questions whether the trees  being taken down are against the zoning ordinance.  This group states they were told by Mr. Henry, in January 2004, that he was going to work with the residents.   Residents believed that there would be a 50ft. tree buffer.  The residents are upset that Mr. Henry is not leaving any trees.  The resident states that they have been unable to have a meeting with Mr. Henry.   

 

            Dave Connell, Township Engineer, notes that per written approvals, ordinances, etc., the applicant is in conformance.  Greg Mester, resident, questions the Township’s interpretation of the ordinance and asked that the Township Engineer take a look at it again.   Mary Eberle, Township Solicitor, suggests looking at the plan attached to deed restriction.  Mr. Connell will follow up on this issue. 

 

n        EXECUTIVE SESSION:

           

            Chair Algeo reported that the Board of Supervisors had met in Executive Session prior to this evening’s meeting to discuss matter of open space and litigation.        

 

n        WORK SESSION ITEMS Continued:

 

_ Acceptance of Retirement from Public Works Director (exhibit)

 

            Ms. Algeo reported that we have a resignation letter from Bob Benninghoff, Public Works Director, effective November 30, 2004.               

 

            Mr. Thompson said that he will miss Bob and has gotten to know him over the past fourteen years.  Mr. Thompson noted the many jobs Bob has done well here in Warwick Township.

 

Motion by Mr. Thompson to accept resignation of Bob Benninghoff, Public Works Director, in accordance with Mr. Benninghoff's letter dated  September 7, 2004 and the Retirement Agreement as referenced in that letter.  Second to motion by Mr. Parrish.

 

 

            Chair Algeo invited comment or discussion. 

 

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            Several residents from the Dark Hollow area asked that the Board not accept the resignation from Mr. Benninghoff, stating that they will miss him and how well he responds when needed.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

_ Snow Removal Bid 2005 Season – Authorization to Advertise (exhibit)

 

            Ms. Weniger is asking for authorization to advertise this snow removal bid for the 2005 season, noting the bid is the same as last year except the size of the plow.

 

Motion by Mr. Thompson to authorize advertisement of the 2005 Snow Removal bid, as presented by the Township Manager.

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:

 

_ Jamison Village Ideas – Presentation for York Road Corridor

 

            Katrina Harding displayed a power point presentation depicting ideas for a village concept using photos from various Townships.  Included were such matters as creation of a town center, lights, crosswalks, benches, signs, trash receptacles, bike racks, street trees, encouragement of bike and pedestrian traffic, etc.  Many of the issues may be addressed through involvement of businesses in Jamison.  During discussion it was noted that there are various grants that may be used for this project.  Ms. Weniger noted that Senator Santorium has offered assistance with grants.              Mr. Thompson pointed out that even if there are no other projects with the village concept, it can be done one project at a time, such as Southampton has done with their Starbucks.  Mr. Parrish notes this is a concept we need to advance and that Jamison is a focal point that we need to have people want to come here.  Ms. Algeo suggested that Katrina can start putting together an outline for the program, possibly starting with the street lights. 

 

            Mr. Robert Muller, Dark Hollow Road, noted that there are many long time Jamison residents who don’t want things to change, specifically street lights.                

 

_ Resolution to Establish UCC Board – Resolution No. 2004-31 (exhibit)

 

            Mary Eberle, Township Solicitor, explained that in May or June, the Uniform Construction Code was adopted, but rules for hearings had not been established should anyone want to file an appeal.  Ms. Eberle has put together a procedure, based on the procedures of the zoning hearing board.  Also needed is the appointment of members to a UCC Board. 

 

            During discussion, Mr. Thompson feels that item #7, chair person should read chairman, and they seem to have a lot of power.  Ms. Eberle noted that someone has to be responsible for details.  Mr. Thompson asked if this would be a paid board?  Ms. Eberle stated it would not.  Ms. Eberle spoke of the types of individuals that the Township should look for to fill these positions.  Ms. Eberle reminded that the individuals do not need to be residents, but should have some expertise.  Mr. Thompson asks about the cost of an appeal.  Ms. Eberle notes the Board will have

to set that amount, that would be something to be built into the fee schedule.  Mr. Parrish commented that some things may be in violation of the homeowners association.  Ms. Eberle said this has nothing to do with homeowners associations.  Composition of the board was included in

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this discussion.  Ms. Algeo notes that item #7 should read Chairperson.  Ms. Eberle noted that this board is permitted to deliberate in private. 

 

Motion by Mr. Parrish to adopt Resolution No. 2004-31, to establish UCC procedures, as outlined by the Township Solicitor. 

Second to motion by Ms. Algeo.

 

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

 

Motion passed.

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

 

            Ms. Algeo would like to note appointment of UCC members for the next agenda.

 

_ Bill Payments – September 20, 2004 (exhibit)

 

            The Township Manager presented the Bill Payments for September 20, 2004 as follows:

 

General Fund

check No. 10238 – 10285                         $     63,443.15

 

Highway Aid Fund                                              

check No. 2352 - 2356                                         $       2,995.29

 

Parks & Recreation Fund

check No.  2895 - 2916                                        $     15,674.95

 

Capital Projects Fund

check No. 778                                                     $         136.04

 

Open Space Fund          

check No. 274                                                     $           24.00

 

                                    Total                             $      82,233.42

 

Motion by Mr. Thompson to approve bill payments for September 20, 2004, as presented by the Township Manager, 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:

 

_ Traffic Issues for discussion:

 

-           Stony Road – Local Traffic Only signs

 

            Chief Costello said that per PennDOT, there is no regulation of enforcement for “road closed to through traffic”.  Chief Costello also noted that the Police checked and there is no extraordinary speed going through.  Additionally, Chief Costello pointed out that there are no

 

 

September 20, 2004

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sidewalks and there are three school bus stops on that street.  Mr. Thompson would like to post the “no through traffic signs”  and also check with PennDOT regarding a left turn there.  Mr. Parrish agrees that we should post “no through traffic” signs.

 

            Stony Road parking concerns Ms. Algeo that this is a situation of an accident waiting to happen.  Mr. Parrish would like to see pressure on the association to make adjustment to help solve the problem.  It was suggested that the Township should have a presence at the next homeowners’ association meeting to speak of this safety issue.

           

-           Sugarbottom Road Sidewalk Options

 

            Dave Connell, Township Engineer, noted a home owner not in favor of sidewalk, explaining the right-of-way and the fact that there is not enough width without going onto the homeowner’s property.  After discussion, the Board asked that the homeowner be sent a letter concerning this project.

 

-           Recycling business complaints    

 

            Several residents expressed concerns about the recycling business at the Ritter farm.  The Board of Supervisors suggested a meeting with Mr. Ritter for discussion of resident concerns.  Ms. Weniger noted there are no zoning violations relating to the complaints.

 

-           Fairway drainage issues

 

            Dave Connell, Township Engineer, spoke of complaints from Mr. Mester and Ms. Zezzo have been looked into.  Investigations show that no water from DVI, that the water falls on the PECO right-of-way.  Mr. Connell said it may be possible to construct a swale on the PECO right-of-way, but is not sure how to go about getting permission from PECO. 

 

            Mr. Mester noted that there is no silt protection on the Cornell property which is a requirement while he is moving dirt.  Ms. Algeo suggested that Mr. Mester should call Mr. Cornell, neighbor to neighbor, to discuss the matter.

 

n        ADJOURNMENT:

 

            The Warwick Township Board of Supervisors’ September 20. 2004 Public Work Session Meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

 

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                    Gail V. Weniger,

                                                                                    Township Manager

These minutes were approved at the

Board of Supervisors’ meeting held: October 4, 2004