MINUTES

THORNBURY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2002

 

Prior to the Work Session tonight, the Board of Supervisors held a Conditional Use Hearing on the Sweetwater Farm Bed & Breakfast, which began at 7:00 p.m.

 

The Thornbury Township Board of Supervisors held a public work session on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at the Township Administration Building, 6 Township Drive, Cheyney, PA.  Chairman Mallon called the meeting to order at 8:40 p.m.

 

PRESENT:

Thomas M. Mallon, Chairman

William A. Lovejoy, Vice-Chairman

Jay Uradnisheck, Supervisor

Deborah E. Perry, Administrator

Robert P. Anderman, Esq., Township Solicitor

John J. Gillespie, PE, Township Engineer

H. Fred Read, Public Works Director

John R. Kinsey, Code Administrator

 

GUEST:

James McCann, PE, Pennoni Engineering

Lloyd Noll, Pennoni Engineering

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Alan McCann, Dilworthtown Road – would like to clear up some confusion about the hike.  The hike is due to start at 12:20 p.m., and those interested can meet at the Locksley Road Bridge, those in attendance should reach the site at 1:00 p.m. 

 

Steve Gantz, Judith Lane – Cherry Farm Development – feels that there have been no provisions for any kind of buffer between the homes along Judith Lane and the seven (7) homes on the Cherry Creek site.   Mr. Gantz explained that there used to be about 900 foot of trees, now there will be about 100 foot of screening.   Mr. Gantz asked if there is any way we could get a buffer out of the builder now. 

 

Mr. Lovejoy stated that we couldn’t legally require Cherry Farm Developers to do anything since their plan has been finalized.

 

 

 

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2002

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Public Comment - continued

Mr. Uradnisheck stated that we can encourage them and asked if the Board would write a letter encouraging them to help us out with this.  Mr. Noll stated that the buffer would now have to be added to the current forested area, at the edge. 

 

Mr. Gillespie stated that we might want to ask the developer for a sketch. 

 

Mr. Kinsey was asked to discuss this issue with the developer.  This was placed on the Action Item List for November 16th.    Mr. Kinsey will discuss this with the developer and invite them to come into our Board meeting to discuss the buffer.

 

GREEN PROPERTY SUBDIVISION

 

ON A MOTION BY WILLIAM LOVEJOY, SECONDED BY JAY URADNISHECK AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO EXECUTE RESOLUTION #23 OF2002, SUBDIVIDING A 2.165 ACRE LOT INTO 2 LOTS; LOT 1 TO REMAIN EXISTING RESIDENTIAL USE; LOT 2 TO BE USED FOR MUNICIPAL UTILITY PURPOSES.

 

Mr. Uradnisheck asked if we need to explain that this subdivision is for extraordinary reasons.  Mr. Anderman stated that this subdivision went before the Zoning Hearing Board for a variance. 

 

CARZO FINAL SUBDIVISION

 

ON A MOTION BY WILLIAM LOVEJOY, SECONDED BY JAY URADNISHECK AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO EXECUTE RESOLUTION #24 OF 2002, SUBDIVIDING EXISTING 4.03 ACRE RESIDENTIAL LOT INTO TWO SEPARATE LOTS; LOT 1 TO BE 2.015 ACRES AND LOT 2 TO BE 2.016 ACRES LOCATED AT 487 THORNTON ROAD.

 

THORNBURY PARK – Upper Field

 

Mr. Read stated that Richard Schlosberg currently farms this area and has a lease with the Township for an area in the upper field.     Mr. Read explained that this came about because a resident called the Township building stating that his dog had lime all over his paws.  At that time Richard informed Mr. Read that he would be spraying the upper field with Roundup.  The Park Board stated that they would prefer that the upper field be taken over for recreation.

 

Mr. Uradnisheck would like to know the hardship this creates on Mr. Schlosberg.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2002

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THORNBURY PARK – Upper Field - continued

Mr. Schlosberg stated that he is currently farming hay in the field, but needs to rotate the crop and may use it for corn or wheat.  At some point he needs to use chemicals and pesticides, once or twice per year.  Mr. Schlosberg feels that residents use more than that on their front lawns.  Mr. Uradnisheck would hate to see another piece of farm ground taken away. 

 

The Board held a general discussion on how the farming of this land came about after Township ownership.   Mr. Uradnisheck is concerned and would like to do this on a more thoughtful rather than reactive basis.  Mr. Uradnisheck would like to see it continue to be farmed until we get some type of plan in order to use this for recreational purposes.

 

Mr. Mallon asked Mr. Schlosberg if he farms the Cherry Farm, he does not. 

Mr. Mallon wanted to see this area, in front of the Cherry Property, farmed.  Mr. Schlosberg stated that the area should remain farmland.  The Board held a general discussion on the Brandywine Easement on Cherry Creek. 

 

Mr. Mallon would like to have a plan in place prior to the discontinue use of farming.     Mr. Schlosberg advised that he needs to know one way or the other at the end of January.   Mr. Schlosberg also stated that he would like to be reimbursed for the limestone he put down if the Board decides not to allow farming. 

 

Mr. Lovejoy would like to see what the Park Board proposes for this area.    Mr. Anderman suggests the Park Board review the old plans.  There will be an Action Item placed for the Park Board for a recommendation to the Board by January 1st. 

 

TOWNSHIP STAFF ISSUES

 

Public Works Director’s Report – H. Fred Read

 

Daffodil Bulbs

Mr. Read reported that bulbs were delivered today and will be bagged tonight.

 

Thornbury Park

Mr. Read stated that he had to order a new Sliding Board for the Tot Lot at a cost of about $900.00.

 

 

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2002

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PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORT - continued

 

Cheyney University Sewer Plant

The Board discussed the odor problem and maybe this odor is from the Cheyney Plant.  There were reports that Saturday night and last Sunday the Cheyney  Plant smelled.   Mr. Mallon advised that Dr. Pettus would be getting a letter of concern about this plant.  Mr. Kinsey stated that he could get Rich Brightenstein, DEP, to look at the plant to find out if there is a problem.  Mr. Mallon wants to send a letter first.

 

Code Director’s Report – John R. Kinsey

 

Mr. Kinsey had no report tonight.

 

Township Administrator’s Report – Deborah E. Perry

 

Approval of Check Registers

 

General Fund

ON A MOTION BY WILLIAM LOVEJOY, SECONDED BY JAY URADNISHECK AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE GENERAL FUND CHECK REGISTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,258.02.

 

Sewer Fund

ON A MOTION BY WILLIAM LOVEJOY, SECONDED BY JAY URADNISHECK AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE SEWER FUND CHECK REGISTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,515.97.

 

Action Item List - review

This list has been updated and submitted for your review.

 

>          SEPTA

Pennoni advised there are some problems at SEPTA, but Mr. Lovejoy is working this another way.

 

>          Planned Apartment District

The Board held a general discussion and changed this to an open item.

           

           

 

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2002

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TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT - continued

 

Inter – Municipal Agreement w/Edgmont Township

This is an amendment to an agreement, which has existed since 1952 on the shared maintenance of common roadways; Slitting Mill Road and Old Gradyville Road.

 

ON A MOTION BY WILLIAM LOVEJOY, SECONDED BY JAY URADNISHECK AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE TO AMEND THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN EDGMONT & THORNBURY TOWNSHIPS STATING THE RESPONSIBLITITY OF SNOW REMOVAL ON COMMONLY SHARED ROADWAYS AS DESCRIBED IN THE AMENDMENT.

 

Accounts Receivable List

This list has been updated and submitted for your review.

 

Sewer Ledger Items

Mr. Uradnisheck questioned whether the Administrator resolved the question on the sewer connection fees, the special accounts and how this is set up.   This is currently being added to the Sewer ledger.

 

Comcast Franchise Fees

It was reported that the first quarter franchise fee was never paid to the Township.  After a call to Comcast the check was received in overnight mail.

 

TOWNSHIP ENGINEER’S REPORT – John J. Gillespie, PE

 

Hawthorn Subdivision Escrow Release #3

ON A MOTION BY WILLIAM LOVEJOY, SECONDED BY JAY URADNISHECK AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO RELEASE $194,984.00 FOR THE HAWTHORN SUBDIVISION.

 

Cherry Creek Escrow Releases

Phase I – 218,407.25

Phase II – 276,722.00

Phase IV – 56,367.50

Offsite - $42,507.50

 

ON A MOTION BY WILLIAM LOVEJOY, SECONDED BY JAY URADNISHECK AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO RELEASE ESCROW AS SUBMITTED IN A LETTER FROM PENNONI DATED OCTOBER 19, 2002.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2002

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TOWNSHIP ENGINEER’S REPORT – continued

 

Mr. Uradnisheck questioned if there is any risk to us in releasing these monies.  Mr. Gillespie stated that these releases pay their contractors.  

 

Odors – STP

Mr. Gillespie reported that they had a meeting October 10th  for the Sewer Treatment Plant Odors.  A thorough inspection and samples were taken from plant and pump stations.  Mr. Gillespie will issue a report next week.

 

Concord Chase

Mr. Gillespie reported that a final inspection on phase III has taken place with  comments forwarded to Toll Brothers.

 

Act 537 West

Mr. Gillespie reported that the reimbursement letter has been sent to DEP.  The Township should receive a $23,000.00 reimbursement.

 

Wawa

Mr. Gillespie discussed the sewer connection.  Pennoni received a packet of information but they are waiting for Wawa to revise the information.  After receiving the revised information, Pennoni will submit a recommendation on how to sewer the Wawa property.  

 

SEPTA

Mr. Gillespie reported that the Board needs to enter into an agreement with Septa for the east side project.   A legal document was sent today to Mr. Anderman’s Office.  Mr. Uradnisheck asked why the developers would not do this.  Mr. Gillespie advised that SEPTA would only talk to the municipality.  The outstanding issue is that Septa would not entertain an agreement until the contractor prepared a plan of how they would be doing the work.  Pennoni did not include this with their original paperwork.  The Developers group had to prepare this plan.   Mr. Uradnisheck asked if the Board needed to place a motion to put power into our Chairman’s hands to execute this agreement.  Mr. Gillespie advised favorably.

 

ON A MOTION BY JAY URADNISHECK, SECONDED BY WILLIAM LOVEJOY AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP AND SEPTA ON CONDITION THAT THE TOWNSHIP ENGINEER AND SOLICITOR APPROVE THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2002

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TOWNSHIP ENGINEER’S REPORT - continued

The Board held a general discussion on the paving of Creek Road.  Mr. Gillespie reported that the current paving is not the final paving. 

 

Mr. Uradnisheck stated that he plans to have a meeting with Highpoint Drive, Woodridge Road and Judith Lane residents, to discuss the cost for a gravity feed line.    Our Engineers are looking at low-pressure lines; Highpoint would remain gravity.   Permission was granted for Mr. Uradnisheck, Township Engineer, and Township Solicitor to meet with these residents.

 

TOWNSHIP SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Robert P. Anderman, Esq.

 

Walther v Thornbury

Mr. Anderman advised that Attorneys have worked out a stipulation that the present shed that Yoder put on his property will remain.  Parties have all signed the order. 

 

ON A MOTION BY WILLIAM LOVEJOY, SECONDED BY JAY URADNISHECK AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWNSHIP SOLICITOR TO SIGN THE STIPULATION TOGETHER WITH ALL PARTIES AND HAVE THE COURT ENTER THE ORDER AND CONCLUDE THE CASE.

 

Agreements for Station Road

Mr. Uradnisheck, Mr. Anderman and Mr. Kinsey met with residents and a week later has 9 people signed up with one check.   All 9 residents agree to put up 13,000 + and each one would put up 1/9 of the figure.   The Chairman needs to sign each agreement.

 

ON A MOTION BY WILLIAM LOVEJOY, SECONDED BY JAY URADNISHECK AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN THE AGREEMENTS FOR INSTALLATION OF SEWER MAINS.

 

Pennoni will instruct the contractor to put in 2” force main.

 

East Side Sewer Project

Mr. Anderman reported that Mrs. Kressley signed a Deed of Easement for Utility Construction and Maintenance for the sewer line.   The Township waived the capacity/administrative and permit fee for Mrs. Kressly.

 

 

 

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2002

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TOWNSHIP SOLICITOR’S REPORT - continued

 

ON A MOTION BY WILLIAM LOVEJOY, SECONDED BY JAY URADNISHECK AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO EXECUTE THE DEED OF EASEMENT FOR UTILITY CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE.

 

Cable TV Contract

Mr. Lovejoy discussed a letter from Comcast Cable stating they want to extend their contract for 5 years.   After a general discussion, the Board would like to  meet with them, at a public meeting.   Mr. Anderman will invite them to a future  meeting.

 

Lighting Ordinance

Mr. Anderman reported that at this time this ordinance is on hold.  Mr. Lovejoy advised that this ordinance might be done as part of the comprehensive plan.   Mr. Anderman was asked to prepare a draft ordinance.  

 

Home Based Business Ordinance

Mr. Anderman advised that he has prepared this ordinance for the Board to review. 

 

OLD BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS

 

Personnel Consultant

Mr. Mallon reminded Board members to send back the questionnaire to the consultant as soon as possible.  This was e-mailed.  Mr. Uradnisheck stated that he never received this.  He will contact Ms. Hess.   

 

Cheyney University Sewer System

The Board authorized a letter to be submitted to Dr. Pettus about the odor from the Cheyney STP, rather than go to the DEP. 

 

SEPTA Right of Way

Mr. Barrett asked if the trail thru the SEPTA property could be added as a condition to the Sewer Right of Way Paperwork.    Mr. Gillespie will look into this.

 

Abandoned Vehicle

Mr. Read reported that there is an abandoned car located at Locksley Road, near Bonner Park.  This car must stay for 30 days because the owner has to be notified.   Mr. Anderman stated that anything, which is a danger, has to be taken away.

 

MINUTES – BOARD OF SUPERVISOR WORK SESSION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2002

PAGE 9

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

ON A MOTION BY WILLIAM LOVJEOY, SECONDED BY JAY URADNISHECK AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO ADJOURN.  The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m.