Board of Supervisors’ Public Meeting
Minutes
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’ December 20, 2004 public
meeting, held at the Warwick Township Administration Office, 1733 Township Greene,
n EXECUTIVE
SESSION:
Chair Algeo reported that the Board
of Supervisors had met in Executive Session prior to this evening’s meeting to
discuss open space matters.
n CITIZENS
COMMENTS:
n APPROVAL
OF MINUTES:
1.
December
6, 2004 public meeting minutes (exhibit)
Motion by Mr.
Thompson to approve the Board of Supervisors’ public meeting minutes from
December 6, 2004, as submitted.
Second to motion by
Mr. Parrish.
Chair Algeo invited comment or
discussion. There being none, the vote
was called.
Motion passed
unanimously.
n MANAGER’S
REPORT:
_ Resolution No. 2004-36 Establish Tax Rate
Consistent with Real Estate Taxes in 2004 (exhibit)
Gail Weniger, Township Manager,
presented this resolution to address the change and tax rates for 2005.
Mary Eberle, Township Solicitor,
explained that the County has changed the valuation ratio earlier this year and
there was an act passed this year, which changes the current or previous law
requiring that when a change in the valuation ratio is made by a County, a
municipality has to take two separate actions to establish the tax rate for the
next year, done by
December 20, 2004
page 2 of nine
pages
separate and
distinct votes. There are two
resolutions this evening. The first
resolution takes the 2004 tax rate, 13 mils for general fund, and it conforms with the new valuation
ratio.
Motion by Mr. Thompson to adopt Resolution
No. 2004-36 to Establish Tax Rate Consistent with
Real Estate Taxes in 2004.
Second to motion by Mr. Parrish.
Chair Algeo invited comment or
discussion. There being none, the vote
was called.
Motion passed unanimously.
_ Resolution No. 2004-37 - Establish Real
Estate Tax Rates for Calendar Year 2005 (exhibit)
Ms. Weniger presented Resolution No.
2004-37, adopting the tax rate for the year 2005.
Motion by Mr. Thompson to adopt Resolution
No. 2004-37 to Establish Real Estate Tax Rate for
2005.
Second to motion by Mr. Parrish.
Chair Algeo invited comment or
discussion. There being none, the vote
was called.
Motion passed unanimously.
_ Resolution No.
2004-38
Ms. Weniger presented Resolution No. 2004-38, which authorizes
spending money on open space, tmp 51-017-020, the Feldman property, and
authorizes execution of documents for same.
Ms. Algeo notes this a very wonderful thing
for Dr. Feldman to do and the property in Rushland is beautiful and it is nice
to know it will be preserved.
Motion by Mr. Thompson to adopt Resolution
No. 2004-37 to authorize spending $558,00 to purchase development
rights on the Feldman property, tmp 51-017-020, and authorize execution of
documents at settlement of property.
Second to motion by Mr. Parrish.
Chair Algeo invited comment or
discussion. There being none, the vote
was called.
Motion passed unanimously.
_ 2005 Budget – Consider for Adoption (exhibit)
Ms. Weniger presented the 2005
Budget for adoption, noting that this budget has been properly advertised. Ms. Weniger outlined some minor changes to
the budget since it’s advertisement and stated that it is ready for adoption
this evening. Ms. Weniger also spoke of
past discussions as to how the Pulte fee in lieu of money will be disbursed and
the requests of the Board are reflected in the updated version of the
budget.
Motion by Mr. Thompson to adopt Budget for
2005, presented by the Township Manager, with amendments as noted.
Second to motion by Mr. Parrish.
Chair Algeo invited comment or
discussion. There being none, the vote
was called.
December 20,
2004
page 3 of nine
pages
Motion passed unanimously.
_ Appoint Township Auditor (exhibit)
Ms. Weniger reaffirmed that the
resignation of Richard Raab from the position of Township Auditor necessitates
the Board to take action to appoint an auditor to finish Mr. Raab’s term,
expiring December 31, 2007. Ms. Weniger
noted that Mr. A. J. Karalis has submitted a letter of interest for this
vacancy, which the Board has reviewed.
Mr. McCarthy, Township Auditor, has spoken with Mr. Karalis and is in
favor of his appointment.
Motion by Mr. Thompson to appoint Mr. A. J.
Karalis to fill the Township Auditor vacancy left by Dick Raab’s resignation.
Second to motion by Mr. Parrish.
Chair Algeo invited comment or
discussion. There being none, the vote
was called.
Motion passed unanimously.
n SOLICITOR’S
REPORT:
_ Ordinance No. 2004-07 – Parking Rockcress Drive / Stony Road
(exhibit)
Mary Eberle, Township Solicitor, noted this
ordinance has been legally advertised.
The new ordinance will allow
parking at certain spots on Rockcress Drive and prohibit between 1626 and 1644
on the even side of Rockcress Drive. It
will prohibit parking on Stony Road between Turkey Trot and Meyer Way, but will
allow parking between 1602 and 1632 and 1657 and 1719 Rockcress Drive.
Chair
Algeo invited comments or discussion on proposed Ordinance 2005-07.
Mr.
Parrish asked when it takes effect. Ms.
Eberle said it would be five days after enactment. Mr. Parrish asked about the van that parks
consistently on Stony Road and how it will be effected. Ms. Eberle said that “yes” it would effect
this vehicle but, the Township will have to post “no parking”, prior to being
able to cite anyone for parking there illegally.
Mr.
Thompson asked if there will be exceptions, such as Monday through Friday. Mr. Thompson is concerned about parking for
people when they have a lot of company, and asked if the police will be lenient
or continually ticket people. The
ordinance does not address specific dates and times for enforcement, Ms. Eberle
noted.
Motion by Mr. Parrish to adopt Ordinance No.
2004-07, amending Article IV, Chapter 177, Section 26 of the Warwick Township
to adjust parking regulations on Rockcress Drive and to prohibit parking on
portions of Stony Road, as presented by the Township Solicitor.
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)
At
this point, Chair Algeo turned the meeting over to Mr. Thompson.
_ Heritage Creek Dedication (1A & 1C, Phase 1B,
Phase 2A, Phase 2C, Phase 3 and
Phase
4) exhibit
December 20,
2004
page 4 of nine
pages
Resolution No. 2004-39
(Alexander Lane) Resolution No.
2004-44 (Nathaniel Trail) (ph4)
Resolution No. 2004-40 (Conway Court) Resolution No. 2004-45 (Scott Place)
Resolution No. 2004-41
(Harrison Lane) Resolution
No. 2004-46 (Sterling Street)
Resolution No. 2004-42 (Laurens Lane) Resolution
No. 2004-47 (Tulip Road)
Resolution No. 2004-43 (Maxwell Manor)
Mary
Eberle, Township Solicitor, explained that this has been going on for sometime
and the Township Engineer has certified the public improvements as
complete. The developer has presented
financial security for the 18 month maintenance period, has provided deeds of
dedication for the roadways within phase 4 and has provided title insurance
policies for those roadways, so from the Township’s standpoint, the project is
ready for dedication. Ms. Eberle noted
that Hamilton Way is completely in phase 5 and will not be dedicated. Nathanial Trail is partially in phase 4 and
phase 5, with the legal descriptions describing the portion in phase 4. The other portion of Nathanial Trail will be
dedicated in phase 5.
Mr.
Thompson invited public comment.
Dick
Rooney reminded a letter was sent to the Township Manager regarding street
trees, basin 7, etc. In summarizing the
letter, Ms. Weniger stated that the issues included question such as was what
dates there will be maintenance money available; which things are public
improvements vs. which things are not; which improvements will be dedicated to
the Township, and what issues are not covered with the maintenance fee. Ms. Weniger shared that the residents are
specifically concerned that basin 7 will not function properly and snow plowing
will be problematic.
Mr.
Gable stated concern with a coating that
was applied onto concrete surfaces and the fact that it will make the concrete
slippery. Dave Connell, Township
Engineer, explained that concrete surfaces are coated with a sealant, which is
a fairly standard practice, which is to prevent flaking and spalling. Mr. Connell doesn’t believe it will cause
standing water. Joe Gable said that
water is beading and has frozen. Mr.
Gable also states concrete aprons marked to be fixed has not been fixed. Irene Lump, Maxwell Manor, said her apron has
been marked but not been fixed and was told it would be fixed prior to
dedication. Mr. Thompson suggests the
grouting could be covered in the maintenance agreement. A resident has a problem with building
developments in phases, that this creates problems, specifically with snow
plowing . Ms. Eberle explained that the
law doesn’t allow us to require
dedication as a whole.
Herman
Bell thanked the Township Engineer for doing his job and stated that basin 7
has now been made to look attractive.
Mr. Bell asked if there is more work needed on the basin. Mr. Connell pointed out that this had always
been on the list to be done. Yes, the
work is done and the main issue was that it was not holding water. Mr. Connell reminded that there is the 18
month maintenance bond, and if needed, Mignatti would be given the opportunity
to correct it.
Mr. Thompson requested the Township
Engineer to research the sealant that has been used on the concrete and ask the
developer to hold off using it. Mr.
Connell will research this issue.
There was discussion as to whether
there are missing sheets to the plans.
During this discussion, Mr. Gable asked that the homeowners receive a
complete set of plans, specifically landscaping of the community and the
Marquee club. Ms. Weniger also requested
a complete set of plans for the Township.
Mr. Casey will see to it that this request for plans is answered.
Also discussed was the name of
Alexander Lane vs. Alex Lane. Ms. Eberle
noted that the motion can be made this evening to accept Alex Lane, but the
documents will need to be revised, specifically for presentation to PennDOT.
December 20,
2004
page 5 of nine
pages
Motion by Mr. Thompson to accept Heritage
Creek (Phase 1A & 1C, Phase 1B,
Phase 2A, Phase 2B, Phase 2C, Phase 3 Phase 4) dedication of the following:
Resolution No. 2004-39 (Alex Lane)
Resolution No. 2004-44 (Nathaniel Trail) (ph4)
Resolution No. 2004-40 (Conway Ct) Resolution No. 2004-45 (Scott
Place)
Resolution No. 2004-41 (Harrison Ln) Resolution No. 2004-46 (Sterling
Street)
Resolution No. 2004-42 (Laurens Ln) Resolution No. 2004-47 (Tulip
Road)
Resolution No. 2004-43 (Maxwell Manor)
Second to motion by Mr. Parrish.
Vice Chairman Thompson invited
further comment or discussion. There
being none, the vote was called.
Motion passed. (E. Thompson, B. Parrish – in favor; J. Algeo – abstained)
Ms. Algeo resumed her position as
Chair.
_ Resolution No. 2004 – 48 (no exhibit)
Mary Eberle, Township Solicitor,
noted this item is not listed on the agenda.
Ms. Eberle stated that at the last meeting, there was lengthy discussion
about the new tax that will be generated as a result of the referendum at the
primary election, with the following resolution reflecting the tax.
Motion by Ed Thompson
to approve Resolution No.
2004–48, regarding allocation of proceeds generated by the increase in property
tax authorized by the referendum of the electoral in the primary election of
2004.
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: There was no Engineer’s report this
evening.
n PLANNING/ZONING
REPORT:
Gail Weniger, Township Manager, noted that
we will table the second item, Discussion of Harmony Lane issues per discussion
with the individual Board members and requests for further information that is
needed.
_ Pohl – Preliminary Plan (exhibit)
Tom Scott, Planning/Zoning, presented this application and noted that
at their November 8, 2004 meeting, the Planning Commission recommended approval
subject to certain conditions which resulted in a revised plan, which has been
reviewed the Township Engineer.
Ed Murphy, Chadrow Engineers, was
present for applicant.
Dave Connell, Township Engineer,
summarized this project, a combination of two lots and a construction of two
contiguous buildings. Mr. Connell spoke
of the infrastructures serving these lots not being completed, but believes the
roads to be in a passable condition now.
Mr. Thompson asked why there is five
feet between buildings. Mr. Connell
states he thinks it is a fire safety issue, i.e., access for firefighters. Ability of a tractor trailer to move
December 20,
2004
page 6 of nine
pages
around and parking
were briefly discussed. Mr. Murphy notes
that a tractor trailer will be able to move around the property and also notes
that applicant has gone beyond parking
requirements.
Motion by Mr. Thompson to grant preliminary
approval for Pohl (LD04-03) subject to certificate of occupancy permit will not
be issued for any units until Township Engineer determines that the industrial
park public improvements are completed to the point necessary for occupancy;
unit spaces within both buildings shall not be further subdivided, knox boxes
for emergency services will be required, as well as small room with access to
interior fire alarm panel.
Second to motion by Mr. Parrish.
Chair Algeo invited comment or
discussion. There being none, the vote
was called.
Motion passed unanimously.
_ Harmony Lane – Review of road issues
Janet Germiller states she has driven a long
distance to participate in this discussion this evening. Mary Eberle, Township Solicitor, notes there
is litigation pending, and advised the Board of Supervisors not to discuss Ms.
Germiller’s particular case in public.
Ms. Eberle stated that there is a resolution to the matter that will be
relayed to Mr. Vining’s attorney first thing in the morning. Ms. Eberle explained that the Board is still
gathering information, which is the reason this is being tabled.
Tom
Godfrey, Harmony Lane asked if the resolutions from the meeting will be a
matter of public record. Ms. Eberle said
yes.
Mr.
Thompson explained that we need to assure access to this area with emergency vehicles
in the future.
Mrs.
Germiller gave a letter with her comments to Chair Algeo.
_ Fee Schedule Amendments – Discussion
Tom
Scott, Planning/Zoning, presented proposed fee schedule amendments for 2005,
concerning road opening permits for a thorough fare owned by the Township.
Mr.
Thompson voiced a concern of one person being responsible for one project from
the beginning to the end. Mr. Connell
agrees with Mr. Thompson, but notes that CKS’ relationship with the Public
Works Director and other Township staff works very well. CKS will be available for consultation on
this project to the level required by the municipality.
After
brief discussion, the Board was in consensus to agree to these proposed
amendments to be included in the 2005 fee schedule for adoption.
n FINANCIAL
REPORT:
_ Bill Payments – December 20, 2004 (exhibit)
Ms.
Weniger presented the Bill Payments for December 20, 2004 as follows:
General Fund
check No. 10544 – 10602 $ 65,247.79
December 20,
2004
page 7 of nine
pages
Highway Aid Fund
check No. 2383 - 2387 $ 1,522.85
Parks & Recreation Fund
check No. 3008 - 3019 $ 8,845.45
Capital Projects Fund
check No. 793 – 799 $ 27,233.29
Open Space Fund
check No. 279 $ 336.00
Total $
103,185.38
Motion by Mr. Thompson to approve Bill Payments
for December 20, 2004, as prepared by Rose Christie, Finance Director and
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.
_ Treasurer’s Report – December 2004 (exhibit)
Ms.
Weniger presented the October 2004 Treasurer’s Report as follows:
|
General Fund |
2,979,688 |
|
Firehouse and Equipment |
650,177 |
|
Road Machinery Fund |
152,890 |
|
General Obligation / Sinking fund |
4,340,728 |
|
Open Space Fund |
320,604 |
|
Capital Projects Fund |
243,496 |
|
Highway Aid Fund |
36,155 |
|
Park and Recreation |
627,362 |
|
Capital Reserve |
614,260 |
Total $9,965,360
Motion by Mr. Thompson to approve the Treasurer’s
Report for November, 2004, as prepared by Rose Christie, Finance Director and
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:
_ Mr. Thompson asked about old escrows amounts listed
on the financial report. Ms. Eberle
explained that given the age of some of these, we can probably transfer these
into the general fund. She will review
the status and ages of the accounts with the Manager.
December 20,
2004
page 8 of nine
pages
n NEW BUSINESS:
_ Mr. Thompson asked about utility pole relocation at
Bristol Road and Mearns Road from PECO.
Ms.
Eberle said we had agreed with the developer that the nature of road
improvements to that intersection were, in large part, a public improvement as
opposed to a private improvement to benefit a development. PECO did not agree and said that this is a
development and therefore they will charge the developer for relocation of the
poles.
_ Mr. Thompson referred to a letter from Verizon about
fiber optic lines. Mr. Thompson feels
the notification is short notice.
Mr.
Parrish asked, if they come in on an undedicated street and disturb them, what
makes sure they put them back in good order.
Mary
Eberle, Township Solicitor, said that is a legitimate concern and suggests
requiring a performance bond to cover damages to private and public roads. It was also noted that the Homeowners
association should be at the pre-construction meeting. Ms. Eberle will notify Verizon of a need for
increased notification time, and a pre-construction meeting. During this discussion, it was noted that the
fee schedule road opening section will address this matter.
_ Mr. McCarthy is asking about getting rid of the 25
mph signs along Guinea Lane to make it a consistent 35 mph. Ms. Weniger notes those signs belong to
another municipality and that we have previously requested removal. Ms. Eberle notes that Chief Costello has been
asked about this previously. Ms. Weniger
will consult with Chief Costello and if the signs are in Warrington, will send
a letter on behalf of the Board of Supervisors requesting removal.
n ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Ms. Weniger noted that the Township
Administrative Offices will be closed on Friday, December 24 and Monday
December 27 for the holidays.
n ADJOURNMENT:
The Warwick Township Board of
Supervisors’ December 6, 2004 Public Meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Gail
V. Weniger,
Township
Manager
These minutes were
approved at the
Board of
Supervisors’ meeting held: January 18,
2005
December 20,
2004
page 9 of nine
pages
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