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West Vincent Township

Board of Supervisors Meeting

June 30, 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 9:15 AM.

The Minutes of May 19, 2008, June 2, 2008 and June 9, 2008 were unanimously approved as submitted on a motion by Perkins and a second by DiLibero.

Reports:

Township Building: The Township Sewer Plant in Weatherstone is in need of a series of surge protectors that were recently destroyed in a storm. The equipment was not damaged and the surge protectors did their job. Perkins made the motion to approve the purchase of new surge protectors for the Weatherstone Sewer Treatment Plant as quoted by WEMS Resources, Inc dated 6/23/08 in the total amount of $1572.00. This motion was seconded by DiLibero and carried unanimously.

Township Manager Report: The Township Manager Report for the week ending 6/28/08 was acknowledged as received.

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 6/27/08 in the total amount $123,226.61. DiLibero seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Correspondence:

An e-mail was received by the Zoning Officer, Cantrell-Edwards, from Therese Cavanaugh, 15 Weidner Way, Tax Parcel 25-7-46.4 with questions about paintball gun use in the Township. This issue has been discussed by both Cantrell-Edwards and Police Chief Swininger. Cavanaugh wanted to know if there was anything else that could be done since there is no ordinance that prohibits paintball gaming. Swininger stated that paintball guns are not considered a fire arms under the state law. This activity is occurring on private property. Perkins suggested that West Vincent consider an ordinance to keep paintball guns in the light industrial zone. Both Miller and DiLibero stated that they were not in favor of this. Miller stated that he understands that there is a problem, but as long as this remains on private property, the Township cannot help. Cantrell-Edwards stated that the decibel levels of paintball guns cannot be determined since it is not a continuous sound, which is what the meters are able to detect. According to Swininger, many residents would be adamantly opposed to this type of regulation of their firearms.

An e-mail was received from Pat Kozak, 2004 Pottstown Pike, Tax Parcel 25-3-29.3 dated 6/19/08 regarding the installation of rumble strips along Route 100 by PennDOT last year. These were installed to help minimize accidents along this strip of highway since it is particularly dangerous curves and the steep hills. Kozak is a member of the group of organized citizens who are trying to get the transverse rumble strips removed from Route 100. She stated that her research on the effectiveness of the transverse rumble strips she it concluded that these strips only slowed traffic .3 of a mile per hour. She also informed the Board that other information adds that rumble strips are dangerous for motorcycles and bikes. Kozak added that these rumble strips are effective for people who might be drowsy at night. Kozak feels that the removal of the passing lane was a good start to eliminate the accidents along Route 100. The changing of the pavement and the rumble strips on the outside lanes also are effective. The rumble strips in the middle of the road are very loud and the noise affects many people 24/7 who are losing sleep because of it. According to Kozak, PennDOT will not listen to them unless they have a letter from the surrounding Townships requesting removal of the strips. South Coventry has sent a letter asking Penn DOT to evaluate the effectiveness of the strips. Miller stated that West Vincent should write a letter similar to South Coventry’s. Perkins and DiLibero agreed. Kozak asked if the letter could ask for the strips to be removed. The Board told her that they could not do so but they will make the letter as strong as they can. If there is something better out there to use, the Board is in favor of that for the residents who live near the strips. PennDOT can come back after the re-evaluation and determine that they are effective in savings lives. Kozak was asked to keep the Board informed of her progress.

A letter dated 6/20/08 was acknowledged as received from DEP. This is regarding the Act 101 Recycling Program Performance Grant in which West Vincent Township has received $3,770.00.

Subdivision/Land Development:

Oxford Rise: Oxford Properties has requested that their retainage be reduced from 10% to 5%. No recommendation is available at this time from the Township Engineer. Wendelgass will contact Carroll Engineering to find out who could handle this request. At this time most of the infrastructure is complete.

Audridge Farm: A request has been received for a 5 year extension for the 12 lot subdivision approval that exists at 1441 Birchrun Road. Perkins made the motion to approve this Extension Request until September 21, 2013. DiLibero seconded the motion and carried unanimously.

Stonecroft: John Bachich, Woodstone Homes, stated that the Waste Water Treatment Plant is ready for dedication. Everything in the Castle Valley Punch List has been completed but a final walk through is needed. This can be set up between the Township Engineer and Wendelgass and Bachich at a date to be determined. The only outstanding thing then would be for Woodstone Homes to fund the capital account. Miller stated that there was an issue with the lower field. The person who maintains the plant should be asked to attend the walk through meeting.

Burch Subdivision: John Bachich, Woodstone Homes came before the Board of Supervisors to discuss the progress with this subdivision. He stated that the swap with the adjacent landowner, Clevenstine, is moving forward, but since the death of the landowner, the Executor of the Estate needs a more formal plan. Bachich submitted a sketch of the property in question and asked the Board to comment. Miller asked if the access to the open space could be moved off the utility right of way. Bachich stated that he could not see why that couldn’t be done. He will stake it so that it can be visible. The calculations on greenway still meet the requirement in the Ordinances.

Old Business:

Perkins brought to the attention of the Board and those present that a very dear friend, Robert Sugarman died on Friday, June 27, 2008. Perkins stated that we lost a worthy environmental advocate and that West Vincent Township wishes his family well.

New Business:

The employee retirement plan now allows for a one time distribution. An amendment by Resolution will correct this to add partial distributions over a period of time. Perkins made the motion to adopt Resolution 21-2008 which adopts Amendment Number Two to the West Vincent Township Employee Retirement Plan. DiLibero seconded the motion and carried unanimously.

The roadways in the Wetherill subdivision were dedicated in 2004. Funds are available to maintain these roads from the state Liquid Fuel Funds. In order to be eligible for funding each roadway must be adopted into the West Vincent Township public road system.

DiLibero made the motion to adopt Resolution 22-2008:

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved and it is hereby resolved by the Board of Supervisors of West Vincent Township that the Township accept the Deed of Dedication of Southdown Homes South Iroquois Lane, the same to become part of the public road system of West Vincent Township. The Deed of Dedication with a description of the said South Iroquois Lane is attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit “A”.