West Vincent Township
Board of Supervisors Meeting
June 16, 2008 9:00 AM
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Attendance: Chairman Kenneth Miller, Jr., Vice Chairperson Zoë Perkins, Member Barry DiLibero, Stephen Siana of Siana, Bellwoar & McAndrew, LLP, Township Solicitor, Township Secretary Tammy Swavely
Chairman Miller called the meeting to order at 9:10 AM.
The Minutes of April 28, 2008, May 5, 2008 and May 12, 2008 were tabled for further review.
Reports:
Township Building: There is currently an ordinance establishing regulations for the Township Park. Under this Ordinance 108-2001, it requires that the Board give permission to anyone holding a public gathering, demonstration, meeting or rally with more than five (5) people. The Board would like to offer park use to the residents on a first come, first serve basis. Over the past weekend, there was a large party with a loud band that caused a disturbance. They were told they could use the park on a first come first serve basis, and when the police were called to the scene, that is what they told the officer that they had permission to use the park. Since this ordinance is in place, it needs to be revised to make it clearer what is allowed. The Board asked Siana to review the ordinance and discuss it with the Township Manager, Jim Wendelgass and the Police Chief Swininger to see what can be done.
Active Subdivision List: There are currently no pending deadlines.
Police Report: The police report for the month of May 2008 was presented by Police Chief Mike Swininger and was acknowledged as received. Swininger added that the Road Crew did an excellent job during the State of Emergency that had to be declared due to the downed trees and power outages from the storm on the night of June 10, 2008. He stated that Road Master Ken Miller and the whole Road Crew were out with the Police Department all night.
Bills List: The Bills List was reviewed. Perkins made the motion to approve the Bills List dated 6/13/08 in the total amount $126,899.47. Miller seconded the motion. DiLibero stated that he could not vote in favor of the D.L. Fleck bill since he had concerns regarding bid requirements. The Bills List vote carried with DiLibero’s objection noted to the D.L. Fleck bill.
Correspondence:
A letter was received from Steve Campbell, Vincent United Soccer, requesting the use of the fields for certain dates in the summer. Campbell told the staff he will work with GEYA who already has use of the fields to stay within the days allowed to GEYA. The park maintenance staff, Dave Gottier, was contacted about this request. He stated that camps are not a good use for the fields. Perkins made the motion that the fields be used by Vincent United as long as they work with GEYA and that the camps not be permitted. DiLibero seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Subdivision/Land Development:
Oxford Rise: An Escrow Release Request was previously forwarded to the Township Engineer for review for land development, and a recommendation for approval has been received from Carroll Engineering. Perkins made the motion to approve Certificate of Completion No. 14 for site work in the total amount of $184,561.20 as recommended by Carroll Engineering for completed work. DiLibero seconded the motion which carried unanimously. An Escrow Release Request was previously forwarded to the Township Engineer for review for road improvements, and a recommendation for approval has been received from Carroll Engineering. Perkins made the motion to approve Certificate of Completion No. 3 for Nantmeal Road improvements in the total amount of $11,524.61 as recommended by Carroll Engineering for completed work. DiLibero seconded the motion which carried unanimously. An Escrow Release Request was previously forwarded to the Castle Valley Consultants for review for completed work and improvements at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. A recommendation for approval has been received from Castle Valley Consultants. Perkins made the motion to approve the Authorization of Reduction and Release No. 8 in the total amount of $372,007.80 as recommended by Castle Valley Consultants for completed work at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. DiLibero seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Weatherstone: Neal Fisher, P.E. and Jim Fuller, Architect, both from The Hankin Group, came before the Board of Supervisors to discuss the final architecture of the first commercial buildings. These are buildings numbered 11 and 12 on the plan and are to have retail on the first floor with residential on the second floor. Miller had previous concerns with the rear elevation. A sketch was presented at the meeting. Fuller stated that the window placement might vary depending on the tenant. There are sidewalks both in front and back of the buildings along with landscaping in the parking lot. Perkins made the motion that this sketch showing the architecture is in accordance with the Settlement Agreement and approved by the Board of Supervisors. DiLibero seconded the motion which carried unanimously. A revised grading plan has been submitted to the Township Engineer for review. This is slightly changing the grading in front of the retail buildings to keep it flat and then a 3-4% grade to the end of the block with a 1% grade throughout the remainder of Windgate Drive. DiLibero asked if anyone from the Hankin Group had been in contact with anyone from the proposed PNC site that is adjacent to the Weatherstone Commercial area. Fisher stated that their attorney and engineer were in discussions and to review alternatives before they come to the Board of Supervisors.
New Business:
Vicki Laubach, Chairperson of the EAC, came before the Board to discuss the Townships application for a grant for a solar system. The Clean Energy grant is in lieu of a solar system which is $10,000.00. West Vincent Township was the first township in Chester County to gain recognition as a Clean Energy Community under the program funded by the Sustainable Development Fund and Smartpower and this commitment is $30,000.00. Thus far, a total of $40,000.00 is promised for the solar electric system. The total proposed cost is $74,000.00 for 10 kwh. The remaining funds are being applied for by the Township via the Energy Harvest Grant. This solar system could be used on the Township’s Sewage Treatment Plant. The Township will need to commit $5000.00 and within the year the money will zero out stated Laubach. This proposed system is to generate 13,000 kwh a year which is currently valued at $0.16/kwh which is $2080.00 annually at the current PECO rate. The initial funds can come from the EAC budget Laubach stated. Perkins stated that if there are not enough funds in the EAC budget that the West Vincent Land Trust will be happy to contribute to this expense. DiLibero asked about the 25 year warranty on module. Mike Bullard, who is assisting in writing the grant, stated that this is prorated. He added that the solar panels are basically self cleaning due to the tempered glass surface. Laubach stated that the Township will be receiving a letter of support from Smartpower and State Senator Andy Dinniman. Perkins made the motion that the Board support the EAC and the Township’s Application for the Energy Harvest Grant as described by Vicki Laubach at this June 16, 2008 Board of Supervisors meeting. DiLibero seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
A Cease and Desist Oder was sent to Michael and Dawn Wozniak, 976 Pottstown Pike, Tax Parcel 25-6-69 and 25-6-68.1 by the Zoning Officer Sandra Cantrell-Edwards on June 11, 2008. This is for violation of the approvals given by the Board of Supervisors during the Conditional Use and Zoning Hearings.
Police Chief Swininger informed the Board of Supervisors that residents have been requesting to hunt whitetail deer with a regulated archery hunt on the Township Open Space properties. At this time West Vincent does not have a hunting program in place. Swininger stated that he has been in contact with the PA Game Commission regarding the problems with over population of deer and they informed him that the only successful way that they have found to deal with this is to cull deer with a regulated hunt or to hire sharp shooters. The County recommends one (1) hunter per five (5) acres of property. Swininger would be in charge of determining who would be permitted to hunt and when, making sure residents would have the first chance. The Natural Lands Trust Stewardship Guide that the Township uses on how to use Open Space has recommendations for this type of hunting. The Board is in favor of Swininger meeting with the Township Solicitor and Township Manager to review the process and begin a program for West Vincent Township.
Business from the floor:
DiLibero stated that he did not know that West Vincent Township was under a State of Emergency as a result of the storm on June 10, 2008. He would like to know who should contact him. Miller stated that he, the Emergency Management Coordinator Jim Gooding and Chief Swininger called the State of Emergency as laid out in the Emergency Management protocol. Miller stated that the EMC, Chief of Police, Road Master and Chairman of the Board are those that get informed officially at this time. However, Miller stated that he did go to DiLibero’s residence and banged on his door a number of times at 1:30 AM and there was no response. DiLibero stated that he did not hear anything as his air conditioner in his bedroom was running. Miller stated that if DiLibero would like to be added to the list of names to be called he can add him to the list.
Siana informed the Board that he has been in contact with the attorney from the Cutler/ The Ridings at West Vincent Subdivision and they would like to request a phase plan which allows for conveyance of the parcels to the Latshaws and the Wilsons. This would not effect the overall subdivision. Miller stated that he would like to ensure that provision is made for the ultimate construction of the planned roadways before the phase plan is approved.
Miller announced that there would be an Executive Session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss pending litigation.
Meeting adjourned 9:55 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tammy Swavely
Township Secretary
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