MINUTES

THORNBURY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2004

William A. Lovejoy, Chairman                                                           Jay Uradnisheck, Supervisor        

 

The Board of Supervisors of Thornbury Township, Delaware County held a public meeting on Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at the Township Administration Building, 6 Township Drive, Cheyney, PA.  The meeting was called to order at

7:00 p.m., by Chairman Lovejoy. 

 

PRESENT:

William A. Lovejoy, Chairman

Spiros E. Angelos, Vice-Chairman

Jay Uradnisheck, Supervisor

Deborah Perry, Administrator

Robert P. Anderman, Esq., Township Solicitor

Elizabeth A. Catania, PE, Township Engineer

James C. McCann, PE, Sewer Engineer

H. Fred Read, Public Works Director

John Kinsey, Code Director

 

Mr. Lovejoy advised that before we go forward with the Agenda tonight, we need to discuss a matter of extreme importance.  Mr. Lovejoy called on Mr. Angelos to comment.

 

Mr. Angelos advised that the Delaware County Council appointed him the Director of the Public Defenders Office.   As part of this appointment, and under the public defenders act, he is not allowed to hold a public office where there is compensation given.   He advised that he looked into alternatives, but the Act clearly states that he must resign his position.   Yesterday, prior to being appointed, Mr. Angelos gave Mr. Lovejoy his resignation.

 

In closing, Mr. Angelos stated that while he was supervisor he gained admiration for the two gentlemen who sit next to him, they work late nights, go to numerous meetings, make decisions, etc., then stated that it has been an honor to serve in Thornbury Township.

 

Mr. Lovejoy accepted the resignation, on a motion by Jay Uradnisheck, seconded by William Lovejoy and unanimously approved to accept the resignation of Spiros Angelos, effective March 2, 2004.

 

Mr. Lovejoy and Mr. Uradnisheck stated that they enjoyed working with Mr. Angelos.  Mr. Lovejoy explained that this leaves us in position of being down one

supervisor. 

 

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Mr. Anderman advised that Second Class Township Code states the present two

Supervisors have the right to appoint the next supervisor.  However if the two

remaining Supervisors do not come to an agreement on an appointment, the

Vacancy Board goes into effect.   The Township Elector becomes the 3rd vote,

then the Board has fifteen (15) days to appoint a Supervisors.  If the Vacancy

Board cannot agree on an appointment, a petition must be filed to the Court of

Common Pleas, where a Judge will appoint the Supervisor.   This Board member

will serve until November 2005, then the seat will be open to a four-year term. 

 

Mr. Lovejoy called for an Executive Session to discuss perimeters, etc., prior to a vote.  Mr. Anderman advised that discussions should be in Executive Session to discuss personnel issues of a candidate, however the actual deliberations have to be done during the public session.   Mr. Uradnisheck asked if it would be appropriate for Mr. Anderman to attend this short Executive Session.

 

The Board recessed at 7:10 p.m., with Mr. Anderman and returned at

7:30 p.m.

 

Mr. Lovejoy advised that this appointment would be discussed at our next work session.   Since Mr. Uradnisheck must go overseas, the Work Session on the 17th needs to be rescheduled.   work session – Mr. Uradnisheck will not be present, so Mr. Uradnisheck rescheduled – 7 p.m. March 23rd

 

On a motion by Jay Uradnisheck, seconded by William Lovejoy and carried unanimously to reschedule the March Work Session of the Board of Supervisors  from March 17th  to March 23rd at 7:00 p.m. (Tuesday night), and further authorize the Township Administrator to advertise same.   The appointment of new Supervisors will be the first topic of the evening.

 

TREASURERS REPORT

On a motion by Jay Uradnisheck, seconded by William Lovejoy and carried unanimously to approve the Treasurer’s Report as read. 

 

APPROVAL OF CHECK REGISTER

On a motion by Jay Uradnisheck, seconded by William Lovejoy and carried unanimously to approve the General Fund Check Register in the amount of $11,544.12.

 

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APPROVAL OF MINUTES

On a motion by Jay Uradnisheck, seconded by William Lovejoy and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the Public Meeting of February 4, 2004.

 

On a motion by Jay Uradnisheck, seconded by William Lovejoy and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the Amendments to the Bed & Breakfast Ordinance Public Hearing held on Wednesday, February 4, 2004.

M

Mr. Lovejoy advised that a public hearing is scheduled for Wed March 17th on amendments to the Planned Apartment District.  Mr. Lovejoy stated that he would come in that evening, open and immediately continue the hearing.  Mr. Anderman and Mr. Lovejoy will need to be here.

 

PARK & RECREATION BOARD – Sarah Cannon

Mrs. Cannon stated that members continue to discuss the signage for Martin Park and Palmer Arboretum.   Members also continue to work on the park brochures.    Upcoming Programs include the Easter Egg Hunt and Skyhawk Camp this summer; however there will be a cut off date and number.    Mr. Anderman discussed a contract with Skyhawks.    Mrs. Cannon will look into this.

 

HISTORIC COMMISSION – Geoff Carbutt

Mr. Carbutt advised that they did received bids on the signage on the Frazer Ruins, which were not of equal value; therefore they must have vendors resubmit. 

 

Historic Ordinance – was recommended by the Board and Mr. Kynett is making the final revisions.

 

PLANNING COMMISSION – James Bulkley

Mr. Bulkley advised that members reviewed:

 

Blantyre Subdivision -  and recommended preliminary approval.

 

Balderston Subdivision – discussed the layout in the J2 Zone, showing 40 homes.   Mr. Vaughan, Developer, held a meeting with the Tanguy Homestead to discuss this plan.  They are following the clustering concept and buffering.  

 

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PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT - continued

 

Comprehensive Plan Review – Chapter 13, the first review has been completed, however members will review this chapter once again.  

 

Mr. Uradnisheck discussed the Blantyre Subdivision sidewalks, and asked if members discussed this issue.  Mr. Bulkley advised that members felt that this subdivision did not need these.  

 

Mr. Bulkley advised that members also welcomed their new member to the Planning Commission, Jim Kelly.

 

George Morley, Stone Ridge Road – discussed the public hearing on the Balderston Tract and questioned when it will come on the agenda on the 23rd.  Mr. Lovejoy advised immediately after the Board vacancy.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL – Rich White

Mr. White advised that members have been discussing:

A.    open space, undeveloped in the township.  There are two substantial 

                 properties, members walked both properties;

B.      working on a presentation on traffic calming to be presented to the                     

      new traffic committee;

C-  Adopt-A-Trail Program - Members hope to get the word out about this 

      Program.  An article will be in the next Newsletter;

D-     met an Eagle Scout to do a site inspection along the Creek;

E-      also investigating Exceptional Value for the Chester Creek;  

F-      sewer Line clearing along the creek; wood chip donation; and a pool     

       of water near the Locksley Road crossing.

 

Mr. Uradnisheck feels that it is better to send a letter to discuss this at the next meeting.

 

ZONING HEARING BOARD – Joseph Sgro

Mr. Sgro stated that a hearing was held on March 1st on the appeal of Gary Zang for a variance from the rear yard setback requirements of Section 43 of the Zoning Ordinance.  The property is located at 8 Watersmeet Circle.  This variance was granted.

 

 

 

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2004

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TOWNHOUSE – PLANNED APARTMENT ORDINANCE

Mr. Anderman advised that this ordinance basically will be to permit town homes  in the Planned Apartment District; specifically the Dallett Property.   Mr. Uradnisheck discussed some changes to this ordinance. 

 

On a motion by Jay Uradnisheck, seconded by William Lovejoy and carried unanimously to adopt Ordinance 1 of 2004.

 

THORNBURY PRESCHOOL - LEASE

Mr. Lovejoy advised that he received a number of letters of concern about the Preschool Lease.  The lease for the school is up this year and under conditions of the lease we must review it.  There was no intention to vote on anything tonight.  Leases are items we can discuss in Executive Session.   This will be discussed at a future date.   The Supervisors will discuss this further with Mr. Anderman.  Ms. Tuttle needs to know by July, in order to plan and set tuition for the following year.  

 

STORMWATER ORDINANCE – Act 167

Ms. Catania advised the Board of changes made to this ordinance.   At this point this ordinance needs to be advertised for a public hearing.

 

On a motion by Jay Uradnisheck, seconded by William Lovejoy and carried unanimously to authorize a public hearing on the Storm water Ordinance Act 167 for Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. and further authorize the Township Administrator to forward same to the Delaware County Planning Department and also to the Thornbury Township Planning Commission.   

 

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR – H. Fred Read

 

Speed Sentry Signs

Mr. Read reported that he submitted his report and the speed sentry signs have been delivered.  Training will be held on the 10th of March. 

 

Natural Lawns & Gardens Turf Program

Mr. Read advised that the township received two additional bids, which were higher than Natural Lawns & Gardens.

 

 

 

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2004

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PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT REPORT - continued

 

On a motion by Jay Uradnisheck, seconded by William Lovejoy and carried unanimously to approve the Turf Program to Natural Lawns & Gardens at a cost of  $8,150.42.

 

Generator

Mr. Read discussed the capacity needed for the entire building to run on a generator.  This will be discussed again at the next work session.

 

ROAD COMMITTEE – James Raith

Mr. Raith advised that he and Mr. Botella attended a Route 202 meeting where attendees decided to prepare a letter to Penndot with reference to Section 100.  Mr. Raith asked the Board for permission to execute this letter.  The Board authorized the signing. 

 

On a motion by Jay Uradnisheck, seconded by William Lovejoy and carried unanimously to authorize the Road Committee to execute a letter dated 2/26/04, on the subject matter of Improvements on

Route 202. 

 

Ms. Catania also advised of a Luncheon meeting with the Secretary of Transportation on the 11th of March to discuss transportation concerns.  If you plan on attending, you would need to respond by March 4th.  Ms. Catania will be attending and also a representative of our Road Committee.

 

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – Deborah Perry

 

SUBDIVISION EXTENSIONS

 

SCC HOMES

On a motion by Jay Uradnisheck, seconded by William Lovejoy and unanimously approved to accept the letter from Arthur Sagnor representing Wayne Megill, SCC Homes, Inc., for the Blantyre Subdivision granting an extension until April 8, 2004 for the review of this preliminary plan.

 

 

 

 

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2004

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CRAIG PROPERTY

On a motion by Jay Uradnisheck, seconded by William Lovejoy and unanimously approved to accept the letter from Harry Dunn, Esq., representing the Craig Family granting an extension until March 15, 2005 for the review of this preliminary plan.

 

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

 

STATEWIDE BUILDING CODE

Mr. Anderman advised that in this matter the Uniform Construction Code, which was adopted in 1999, would take effect on April 9, 2004.  All municipalities are required to decide to “opt-in” and administer and enforce the UCC or “opt-out” and choose to not administer the code.  These decisions must be made between April 9 and July 8, 2004 at an advertised public meeting.  The Township is required to adopt a new Ordinance to implement the UCC.  Mr. Anderman was asked to prepare and submit this ordinance at the April 7th Public Meeting.

 

CRANE FAMILY PROPERTY

Mr. Lovejoy would like to discuss this after a new supervisor is appointed. 

 

BERGIN - ROUTE 202 Property

Discuss this the same night as the Crane Family.

 

RECYCLING CONTRACT

Awarded the Contract 2004, 2005, 2006

The contractor is having a hard time getting a bond.  The bonding companies have tightened up on companies.  They can only get a one-year bond for 2004.  The contract is for three years.  Recommend to the Board to diary this to the end to get another bond.  This will be placed on the Action Item List for November 2004.

 

CHERRY FARM PRD

Mr. Anderman advised that an application for changes to this subdivision have been submitted.  Ms. Catania stated that the plans have not been submitted.  Ms. Whitmore will be contacting Mr. Anderman on this issue.

 

Mr. Anderman advised that they made their presentation and a resolution has been prepared on the items to be changed.   There is nothing for Brandywine Conservancy to do, and no legal descriptions written.

 

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TOWNSHIP SOLICITOR’S REPORT - continued

Mr. Uradnisheck asked if there was something we wanted from them?    Mr. Lovejoy discussed the emergency right of way, which needs to be made a public right of way.  Mr. Snyder previously discussed that they would not do this.  This was previously discussed at the hearings.  Mr. Anderman to convey the Boards feelings.

 

BED & BREAKFAST ORDINANCE

Mr. Anderman discussed that this ordinance will be placed on the April 7th Agenda.  

 

TOWNSHIP ENGINEER’S REPORT – Elizabeth A. Catania, PE

 

Cherry Farm

Ms. Catania advised that the Army Corp of Engineers has reiterated the cease and desist order for the project impacting the conservation areas of the development.  A revised PRD Plan has been submitted to adjust lot lines.  This affects open space boundaries.  To date, no revised legal descriptions have been received as requested.

 

Mr. Mulch

Ms. Catania contacted PA DEP with regard to brown water from the site.  Spoke to Jessica Hartley who will continue to monitor this site.

 

Tall Trees

Ms. Catania advised that site improvements with regard to water line installation have proceeded.  Met with representatives concerning Strickland Way and the status of Penndot Permits, conditional approval has been given for work on this roadway.  Continue to discuss Creek Road improvements.   

 

County Aid Resolutions

Sent to County Council for action – resolution adopted.

 

On a motion by Jay Uradnisheck, seconded by William Lovejoy and carried unanimously to execute the County Aid Resolutions for improvement and maintenance of highways.

 

 

 

 

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2004

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TOWNSHIP ENGINEER’S REPORT - continued

 

Municipal Building Drainage Improvements

Ms. Catania discussed that two bids for these improvements were received.  The low bidder was JMC Contractors on Stephen Drive in Glen Mills.    Along with the gutters, the overhang should be painted.  Recommend award contract $11,600.00 including the painting of the overhang.  Alternate #1 – Paint Overhang and replace Fascia Board.    Mr. Uradnisheck discussed snow breaks. 

and a previous proposal.

 

On a motion by Jay Uradnisheck, seconded by William Lovejoy and carried unanimously to award the Contract for the Municipal Building Drainage Improvements to JMC Contractors, Inc., 38 Stephen Drive, Glen Mills, PA for a total bid price of $11,600.00 to include repair of gutters downspouts painting overhangs and replacing fascia; alternative #1.

 

Paul Coppock, Tiffany Lane - discussed that he would like to see the proposal from this contract.   Why are we going to galvanize and not copper or good gauge of aluminum?  Ms. Catania stated that it doesn’t rust.  The Board will determine the color. 

 

TOWNSHIP SEWER ENGINEER – James C. McCann, PE

 

Rules and Regulations for Permissible Discharges

to the Sanitary Sewer System

Mr. McCann advised that they have discussed the draft rules and regulations regarding permissible discharges to the Townships sanitary sewer system with the Code Director.  Several items were raised and we are making the suggested changes.  A revised draft with the changes highlighted will be distributed for discussion at the March work session.  

 

Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion

Mr. McCann stated that the Developers contractor for the Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion is anticipating starting work by mid- to the end of March.  Pennoni will be scheduling an on-site pre construction meeting prior to the star of this work.  The meeting will be scheduled to accommodate the schedules of the Code Office and the treatment plant operators so they will be able to attend. 

 

 

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2004

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TOWNSHIP SEWER ENGINEER’S REPORT - continued

 

High Flow Reports

Mr. McCann discussed that they have performed on site investigations to check for inflows to the sewer system.  No obvious sources were observed.  The system will be observed during the next significant rain event to check for any significant flow increases and to determine the source.  

 

Wawa Design for Judith Lane

Mr. McCann discussed the draft letter to be distributed to property owners who have frontage along Judith Lane in accordance with comments received from the Township.  The design engineer for Wawa needs to provide the date and time schedule to obtain the information before the letter can be issued.   

 

Mr. Uradnisheck showed concern about the letter stating that we need to see if  this is a sure thing.  However, Wawa is still moving forward with this plan.  

 

Tall Trees Development

Mr. Uradnisheck discussed a manhole severely damaged, which needs to be fixed.   Sanitary main near the entrance.    Mr. McCann stated that is an active manhole and we need to investigate and follow up on this.

 

ACTION ITEM LIST REVIEW

 

Outdoor Lighting Ordinance – 5/5/04

 

Planned Apartment Ordinance – 7/7/04

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Paul Coppock, Tiffany Lane – discussed the gutters and if they don’t work, who will pay if they don’t work.   Deflectors will not be placed.  Catania stated that Errors & Emissions Insurance would take care of this.

 

Jack Howley, Elaine Drive – discussed sewers for Elaine, David & Denise Drive.  The costs are high and he feels are meant to scare people.  Mr. Lovejoy advised that he is willing to create this committee, but won’t be formed until after the third supervisor is voted in.   A Sewer Committee will be formed.  Mr. Uradnisheck stated that we have to define what this Committee will be doing. 

 

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2004

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PUBLIC COMMENT - continued

 

Dom DeRita, Twin PineWay – Orleans plans to do planting along Tanguy Road.  Mr. Lovejoy stated that they are not finished yet.  They agreed to do planting along the bend.  Sit in the picnic area and look at the development.  Lisa to look into this and report at the next meeting.

 

- Elsie’s electric line along her roadway – re-routing her electric with the development.  This issue is between her and Toll Brothers.  We know nothing about this and it was agreed by Court Order.  Elsie would need to send a letter to the Board.

 

- Discussed the problem with James Property and water flooding on his property.    He needs to contact the Township. 

 

 

Elaine Wormer, Twin Pine Way – asked if we have a completion date for the Tall Trees Subdivision.  The Board does not.

 

Rich White, Creek Road – discussed the Locksley Bridge barricades, which have recently been vandalized.                      

-         Walt Omler Group needs to venture further into the quality of work they do, keep up the good work.

 

Dewey Yesner, Locksley Road- would like the Board to put into Township Newsletter that residents need to clean up their properties.

 

Resident, Creek Road – (Green) – discussed the snowplow that left 6-8’ of snow that melted and froze.

 

ADJOURN

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

 

                                                          Respectfully Submitted,

 

                                                          Deborah E. Perry, Administrator