West Vincent Township
Board of Supervisors Meeting
July 7, 2008 9:00 AM
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Attendance: Chairman Kenneth Miller, Jr., Vice Chairperson Zoë Perkins, Member Barry DiLibero, James Wendelgass, Township Manager, Stephen Siana of Siana, Bellwoar & McAndrew, LLP, Township Solicitor, Sandra Cantrell-Edwards, Zoning Officer and Township Secretary Tammy Swavely
Chairman Miller called the meeting to order at 9:05 AM.
Reports:
Township Building: No Report
Township Manager Report: The Township Manager Report for the week ending 7/5/08 was acknowledged as submitted.
Active Subdivision List: There are currently no pending deadlines.
Bills List: The Bills List was reviewed. Perkins made the motion to approve the Bills List dated 7/3/08 in the total amount $43,028.00. DiLibero seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Correspondence:
A note from the Matthews Meadows Home Owner’s Association was received on July 2, 2008 requesting the use of the meeting room. Perkins made the motion that the Matthews Meadows HOA be permitted to use the meeting room on July 10, 2008 at 7:00. DiLibero seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
A letter from Tara VanFleet, AFSCME dated 6/30/08
was acknowledged as received regarding the Township employees joining
the AFSCME Union. This is requesting the Board of Supervisors file a
joint request to the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board for
certification of AFSCME District Council 88 as the exclusive bargaining
representative.
The Board would like Siana to follow up with this so that both the Board
and the employees get the correct response and options. Perkins stated
that the Township has a great staff and if this is what they want then
this should be moved forward.
A letter was received from Clare Quinn, French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust requesting the use of the meeting room on July 19, 2008. Perkins made the motion that the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust be permitted to use the Township meeting room on July 19, 2008. DiLibero seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Subdivision/Land Development:
Ludwig’s Square LP: Greg Adelman, Esq. came before the Board with a new sketch plan now called The Promenade at Chester Springs. This sketch is a result of a meeting between Wendelgass and representatives on this project a few weeks ago. He presented proposed zoning ordinance amendments and described what changes were in the revised plan. The size of the proposed anchor was previously 42,000 square feet and now is 30,000 square feet. This is to be a complementary building and not compete with the Weatherstone commercial area. Adelman stated that the Ludwig’s Corner Master Plan requires 40’ setbacks, but feels that this would inhibit the village feel and that for a financial standpoint and to make a successful plan, that the retail should be closer to Route 100. He also feels that mixed uses would not be feasible in this area. The new sketch plan shows four (4) access points. This forms a center round about circulation which the Ludwig’s Corner Master Plan suggests. There is also an internal connection from the Weatherstone commercial area. The proposed ordinance addresses an overlay for a Planned Village Shopping Center. This includes maximum square footage and gives the ability to move the buildings around. All the stormwater will be placed on the open parcel at the corner of Lexington Blvd. and Route 100. This will be restricted from further development. At this time, they are in negotiations to purchase sewer off site. Adelman stated that they did their best effort to incorporate the Ludwig’s Corner Master Plan into the sketch. Miller stated that he felt that they could do better and asked if they would contact Kise Straw and Kolodner who helped the Township develop the Plan for ideas. Adelman stated he would do that. He will be attending the Planning Commission Workshop this week for discussion.
Wetherhold/Remington: Mike Murray, Esq. and Scott Emerson came before the Board to discuss the conservation plan that is proposed on the property on Beaver Hill Road. This was previously approved for 20 lots, but due to the market changes, they are proposing to change it to a six (6) lot subdivision. To minimize the development on the parcel the only proposed improvements at this time would be the access road. This would be less than an acre and would not require an NPDES permit. Murray stated that his client would be willing to pay the Township to improve Beaver Hill Road at the “S” curve in lieu of doing it themselves which would also require them to go through the Conditional Use process. Miller asked for a cost analysis of what the Applicant thought the cost of improvements would be which would then be submitted to the Township Engineer for review. At this time, they will wait for a Township Engineer review on the submitted plan and make modifications as recommended.
Weyl Subdivision: The Township has received a letter from Ronald Agulnick, attorney for the Applicant dated 7/2/08. Perkins made the motion that the West Vincent Township Board of Supervisors authorize Siana, Bellwoar & McAndrew, LLP to advise Ronald Agulnick, attorney for Celeste Weyl, in writing as follows: That the Board accepts his letter of July 2, 2008, counter signed by Celeste Weyl, as timely acceptance by Celeste Weyl of the terms and conditions contained in the Preliminary Plan Decision of the Board on June 23, 2008. That the Board agrees with the four (4) clarifications contained in the letter pertaining to the said Decision and that the Board requests that Celeste Weyl counter-sign a copy of the Decision and return it to the Township. DiLibero seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
New Business:
The Internal Revenue Service has increased the amount of compensation that can be reimbursed when using a personal vehicle. Miller made the following motion that the Board of Supervisors approve Resolution 27-2008: NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, and it is hereby resolved by the Board of Supervisors of West Vincent Township this 7th day of July 2008 that the rate at which employees shall be compensated for the use of their vehicles shall be set at $0.585 per mile for each mile that a personal vehicle is used by that employee for Township business, it being understood that such usage may be subject to approval by the Township Manager. Perkins seconded the motion and carried unanimously.
Business from the floor:
Karen Marshall, Heritage Preservation Coordinator, Chester County Parks & Recreation Department introduced herself as a resource that the Township could use when dealing with historic properties. She informed the Board that there is a County wide project which is a resource atlas for historic properties. This would compliment the Zoning Ordinance. The EAC has been in touch with Marshall with regards to the St. Andrews Church Land Development. Miller informed her that since the Board is in the Conditional Use process with this Applicant, that they cannot discuss it. Sara Shick had contacted Marshall for the Township. Miller informed Shick that the Board did not want a Historic Committee and not to take it upon herself to circumvent the Board’s wishes. DiLibero stated that since the St. Andrews Church process has started that starting a Historic Committee could endanger the process. Miller stated that the Board needs to know what each of the Township committees is doing.
Zoning Officer Sandra Cantrell-Edwards informed the Board that John Smirga contacted her about the Becker property and the Zoning Hearing for this parcel, 1675 Hollow Road, Tax Parcel 25-4-63.8. He is the engineer for the project and has informed her that the Applicant decided not to install a swimming pool. They still will need a variance for the deck and landscaping. Patrick O’Donnell, Esq. will re-advertise it for the Township. Siana asked for the wetlands to be certified on the plans.
Sara Shick informed the Board that the EAC was discussing another place for the 4th of July parade instead of Birchrunville. She would like to know if the Weatherstone Subdivision would be able to hold one. Perkins stated that the Weatherstone community should initiate holding a parade and not be asked to hold one for the whole Township. Police Chief Swininger stated that this would not solve the problem with the crowds. Jim Hall, Weatherstone HOA President stated that he has concerns about moving the parade and does not think the problems would be solved by doing so. Hall stated that Weatherstone holds a Halloween Parade for their residents, but it is not large. The fireworks at the Ludwig’s Corner Fire Department were discussed. Due to the weather the Fire Company lost money.
DiLibero asked where the Township stood with any contact with regards to the Ewell property. Arthur Ewell, 972 Fellowship Road, Tax Parcel 25-7-31 will need a permit from the Chester County Conservation District since he is so close to the creek. Jordan Perry has been put in charge of this project and Wendelgass has tried to contact him several times to find out a status. He will try again today.
DiLibero stated that he had someone contact him to see if there were crosswalks planned for the school across Route 401 to the library. There is a red light planned at that intersection which might have a walk indicator. Penn DOT studies have not warranted a light yet at this time. Wendelgass stated that there are sidewalks planned, but will check the plan to see if an actual crosswalk is shown. Perkins stated that it is up to the school district if they feel one is necessary. Owen J. Roberts School District requires all children to be bussed to school no matter where they live at this time.
DiLibero asked if the Township trucks could be lettered so that the residents know that it is a Township vehicle on a roadway and not be alarmed. Miller stated that this has just not been done. DiLibero stated that he would be able to do it at no cost to the Township. Wendelgass will look into getting lettering for all Township vehicles.
DiLibero asked about the Bid Package for the 2008 Road Repair, Equipment and Labor. He did not see a Bid Bond required. Miller stated that small jobs do not require bonding and if they are required, it eliminates people who cannot afford to be bonded. When a bid goes out for a whole road repair, such as S. Chester Springs Road or Hollow Road which are planned for this year, then a Bid Bond will be required.
Miller announced that there would be an Executive Session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss possible litigation.
Meeting adjourned 10:08 AM
Respectfully Submitted,
Tammy Swavely
Township Secretary
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