West Vincent Township
Board of Supervisors Meeting
February 25, 2008 7:30 PM
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Attendance: Chairman Kenneth Miller, Vice Chairperson Zoë Perkins , Barry DiLibero, Township Manager Jim Wendelgass, Allan Greenwood of Siana, Bellwoar & McAndrew, LLP Township Solicitor, and Township Secretary Tammy Swavely.
Miller called the meeting to order at 7:37 PM.
The first item of business was to hold a hearing on the possible adoption of a Snow and Ice Ordinance. Solicitor Greenwood entered into evidence the Proof of Publication that this hearing was advertised in the Daily Local News and a form showing that an attested copy was sent to the Chester County Law Library. This ordinance would regulate parking on streets during snow emergencies among other things. Miller asked if there was anyone who wanted to make a comment. Jim Hall, 452 Fairmont Dr., Tax Parcel 25-7-362.11, Home Owner’s Association President of Weatherstone asked the Board for some information. He would like to know if the roads could be considered in levels for example streets, traveling roads and commercial areas. Miller informed him that all areas would be treated the same. Miller stated that the idea behind this ordinance is not to collect fines, but to encourage people not to park in the street during a storm. Hall also felt the sidewalks requirement could be eliminated. He stated that where could be distinction between commercial areas, sidewalks in front of houses, and park sidewalks. Greenwood stated that there could be a potential liability issue all if the sidewalks are not cleared. Miller stated that the requirement that interior sidewalks be cleared could be discussed for an amendment to the ordinance at a later date. Being no further discussion, Miller closed the hearing.
The minutes of January 14, 2008 were unanimously approved on a motion by Perkins and a second by Miller. The minutes of January 28, 2008 were unanimously approved on a motion by Perkins and a second by Dilibero. DiLibero added that on January 28, 2008 minutes in the portion of the minutes where it refers to “they” under Business from the floor, that he was referring to the residents of the Township that were present. Also, the litigation mentioned under Executive Session was not regarding the issue brought before the Board in Business from the floor.
Reports:
Township Business: No report.
Township Manager Report: The Township Manager Report for the week ending 2/23/08 was acknowledged as submitted.
Active Subdivision List: An Extension Request was received from Lisa D’Andrea for the Weyl Subdivision. Perkins made the motion to accept the extension request 4/16/08. This motion was seconded by DiLibero which carried unanimously.
Police Report: The Police Report for the month of January 2008 was acknowledged as received.
Bills List: The Bills List was reviewed. Perkins made the motion to approve the Bills List dated 2/22/08 in the total amount $119,498.85 be approved. DiLibero seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
Subdivision/Land Development:
Butler Subdivision: An Escrow Release Request was received from Ambassador Homes, Inc. for the Butler Subdivision. Perkins made the motion that this be forwarded to the Township Engineer for review. DiLibero seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Old Business:
Pete Tummillo, 1024 Pottstown Pike, Tax Parcel 25-6-63 came before the Board to discuss his request to amend the Zoning Ordinance from November 2005. He stated that two (2) of his requests were honored making it possible to construct an ice cream parlor. The requests that he is now renewing are Section 2104 regarding interior circulation and emergency access and Section 2104 regarding loading and unloading zones. He went to the Planning Commission to see if they would give him a recommendation. Wendelgass, on behalf of the Planning Commission, requested from the Township Engineer his determination as to what could be done. Tummillo’s lot is 105’ wide. The current zoning requirement is that there is no loading area within 50’ of the property line. Wendelgass stated something that needs to be considered is the potential for residents who would be living near by. The Board will look at the reduction of this requirement. On the issue of fire lanes, the Planning Commission would rely on the fire department for that recommendation. If the proposed DNB site would be constructed, this issue would be mute, but it is undetermined when this site will be developed. Tummillo also made a request to the Board that the sewer lines be extended to his property and would like to reserve capacity in the new Ludwig’s Corner Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant. At this time the sewer line stops at the intersection of Route 100 and 401. He estimates that he would use 600 gallons a day for the ice cream parlor. If he would get permission to construct another building, he would need more. Miller asked what would be his time frame, and he stated that as soon as it is built, he would be ready. Tummillo was informed to determine the maximum amount that he would need and the Township could work with that number. Tummillo will write a formal request for these issues to the Board of Supervisors for the next meeting.
Community Day: Community Day is May 10, 2008. In order to prepare, a letter will need to be sent out to local businesses. Staff will start the process, but a committee will need to begin meetings.
New Business:
A Snow and Ice Ordinance was discussed at a hearing prior to this meeting. Perkins read the introduction of Ordinance 140-2008: An ordinance of West Vincent Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, regulating the parking of vehicles during periods of snow fall requiring salting and/or plowing operations; and, prohibiting the dumping, shoveling, pushing or placement of any snow or ice into the public highways, streets or right of ways of the township of west vincent; and prescribing actions to be taken by the township of west vincent, penalties and fines for violation of same ordinance. Perkins made the motion that Ordinance 140-2008 be approved in the form as submitted to the Board in the meeting this evening. DiLibero seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
The Weyl Conditional Use Hearing needs to be reopened and a date set for a hearing. Perkins made the motion authorizing the advertisement of the hearing with a date of March 13, 2008 at 7:30 PM. DiLibero seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
John and Theodora Heathcote, 613 St. Matthews Rd., Tax Parcels 25-7-87 and 7-92 are going to put an easement on their property to protect it from further development. An Open Space Hearing needs to be conducted. A hearing date of March 24, 2008 was chose. Perkins made the motion authorizing the advertisement of the hearing. DiLibero seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Business from the floor:
DiLibero stated that he has had some complaints from residents who live near the construction of the apartments. This was with regards to the construction hours. Miller informed him that there are no zoning requirements to stop this. Wendelgass will ask them to see if they can cut back their hours of construction, especially at night and weekends.
Jim Hall, Home Owner’s Association President of Weatherstone stated that there was a meeting with himself, John Stoudt, a homeowner in Weatherstone and Ken Miller as Road Master last week on parking issues. Hall informed the Board that he will be sending a letter to the residents of Weatherstone for all to attend a future meeting at the end of March.
Miller announced that there would be a brief Executive Session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss a real estate issue.
Meeting adjourned 8:17 PM.
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