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The regular meeting of the West Vincent Township Board of Supervisors was held on the above date at the Township Building. Chairman Kenneth Miller called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.; others in attendance were Supervisors Karl Brachwitz and Zoë Perkins, Township Manager Allen Heist, and Township Solicitor Allan Greenwood. Minutes: Unanimous approval was granted for minutes of January 2, 8, 15 (administrative), 15 (conditional use), 22, and 29 upon a motion from Mr. Brachwitz and second from Mrs. Perkins.
Reports: Treasurer’s Report – The following January 31, 2001 account balances were reported: General Fund, $34,127.54; State Fund, $30,950.57; Kimberton Sewer Fund, $7,280.26; Township Building Loan Fund, $701,406.60; St. Stephens Greene Water Fund, $23,379.83; and St. Stephens Greene Sewer Fund, $31,933.21. Police Report – Police Chief Karl Jones reported that the Police Department responded to 44 calls in January. The Department made two arrests for theft of a motor vehicle and one arrest for trespassing and game law violations; several traffic and non-traffic citations were issued for various violations; four accidents were investigated; and several complaints were received of a nude female walking in the vicinity of French Creek Road – anyone with information on the identity of this subject should contact the West Vincent Township Police. Solicitor’s Report – Solicitor Greenwood reported reviewing the Burch vs. Fleck court decision, working on the Horseshoe Farms stormwater easement and Deed of Dedication, and researching the Columbia Transmission and Griffith Property issues.
Correspondence: Notice was received from the Chester County Health Department regarding the 2001 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Dates as follows:
April 21 Tredyffrin Township Building 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. May 12 Owen J. Roberts High School 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. September 8 New Garden Township Building 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. October 6 Government Services Center 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Correspondence was received from Green Valleys Association regarding the French Creek Scenic Restoration Project – Phase II, which involves removing the single-family home adjacent to the former Arena Beef slaughterhouse to increase the area available for recreational and outdoor education activities. A motion was made by Mrs. Perkins, seconded by Mr. Brachwitz, to send a letter of support to Green Valleys Association to be included in their grant application to PA’s Growing Greener Program for the Phase II project. The motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Miller received a letter from the Ridge Fire Company inquiring the reason for a reduction in financial support from West Vincent Township; Manager Heist will review the formula used in calculating fire company contributions and report back to the Board.
Mrs. Perkins received an e-mail from a Township resident who recently moved from Connecticut and advised that in the spring local townships would designate certain days where people could put out larger trash items; some residents would then go out in the evening or early morning before the trash trucks to take items that might be of value. The Board indicated that since the Township does not provide municipal trash service, this activity would not be scheduled.
Subdivisions/Land Development/Zoning: An agreement for subdivision review extension to April 9, 2001 for the Susan P. Thomas Subdivision was acknowledged with a motion from Mr. Brachwitz and second from Mrs. Perkins; the motion carried unanimously.
The Board unanimously acknowledged receipt of a subdivision extension agreement for the Raymond Lynch Subdivision extending review time to March 15, 2001 upon a motion from Mr. Brachwitz and second from Mrs. Perkins.
Mrs. Perkins moved to acknowledge receipt of an agreement for subdivision review extension to March 31, 2001 for The Hankin Tract (By-Right) Subdivision Plan; the motion was seconded by Mr. Brachwitz and carried unanimously.
The Board unanimously acknowledged receipt of a subdivision extension agreement for The Hankin Tract – Weatherstone Subdivision extending review time to March 31, 2001 upon a motion from Mrs. Perkins and second from Mr. Brachwitz.
An agreement for subdivision review extension to March 12, 2001 for the Laymen’s Home Missionary Movement Subdivision was acknowledged with a motion from Mr. Brachwitz and second from Mrs. Perkins; the motion carried unanimously.
As a follow-up to reviewing the draft decision for the Woodstone Development Company, Inc. conditional use application, John Bachich was present to discuss erosion control and stabilization of soils on the finished grades proposed at 4:1 slopes. The draft decision specifies areas having a final grade of twenty-five percent or greater shall be stabilized with grass sod. Mr. Bachich indicated that there are three methods available to stabilize the steep slope areas of the project - seed and mulch, erosion control blanket, and sod – and would like to propose stabilization with an erosion control blanket treatment. Registered landscape architect, Terry L. Souders, was present to address the stabilization alternatives. Chairman Miller asked Solicitor Greenwood if discussing this issue outside the hearing forum could cause a problem. Solicitor Greenwood advised he is uncomfortable but, on balance, thought the Board should allow the presentation for the following reasons: 1. The discussion is narrowly focused. 2. It will help the Board to make an informed decision regarding stabilization. 3. There is sufficient time to distribute the information received to parties to the conditional use proceedings. 4. From speaking with Woodstone’s lawyer, Woodstone understands that the risk of a successful appeal based upon this evening’s discussion is “on Woodstone”. A copy of the meeting minutes will be forwarded to all parties. Mr. Souders summarized his professional background and addressed the proposed use of grass sod to prevent erosion on the three-acre steep slope section of the project. While there are many advantages to using sod, it is not practical on such a large area. Sod requires two to three inches of water per week to establish and sustain an adequate root system. Concerns regarding the maintenance of the sod include: · Cost factor to set up an adequate irrigation system. · While the pond could provide a water source, diesel pumps would create a noise nuisance morning and evening for neighboring property owners. · Approximately 15 water trucks would be needed per week to haul water to the site if the pond could not be used. · Timing of site grading and application of sod is subject to sod farm cutting season. The applicant is proposing the use of Curlex Excelsior Blankets, an erosion control blanket, with hydro-seeding of drought tolerant grass seed mixes. The blanket can be installed as soon as grading is completed to stabilize the area until grass grows; seeding seasons are between March 15th to May 15th and August 15th to October 15th. Mrs. Perkins asked if biodegradable pins are available for erosion control blankets. Mr. Bachich informed the Board that they are available and showed a sample of the pin; he also noted that the blanket would slowly disintegrate over ten months. Chris Leister, Lyons & Hohl Site Contractors, stated that while the site is under construction, getting water to the sodded area will be extremely difficult and recommended the use of an erosion control blanket. Solicitor Greenwood questioned in the event of a drought, where will the water come from to maintain the grass seed. Since the blankets retain soil moisture, the need for additional water is highly unlikely but, if needed, water trucks could access the site. There were no additional questions or comments from the Board or audience members. Chairman Miller noted that a video tape of the meeting is available for review by contacting the Township Office. Upon a motion from Mr. Brachwitz, the Board acknowledged receipt of the Jeffrey C. Duffy Preliminary/Final Subdivision Plan for a lot line change on Lot 22 Cotswold Estates, a 7.24 acre parcel located at 35 Wyndemere Lake Drive. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Perkins and carried unanimously. Richard Sudall, President of Southdown Properties, Inc., was present to request dedication of the Wetherill Estates water system and public improvements. Solicitor Greenwood advised the Board of three outstanding issues – roadway into the water plant, Thomas Rice concerns, and the requirement under the agreement pertaining to the permitting of the second well. Mr. Sudall indicated that the roadway to the water plant would be completed when weather permits; the Rice concerns are a private matter between the developer and resident; and a DEP permit for the second well is in place. The “spirit of intent” of the water agreement was discussed as it relates to making a second well available. Since the developer is of the opinion that the DEP permit satisfies making a second well available, he does not intend to complete the water connection and suggested that when connection is necessary revenues be used from the water system. The Board requested a letter from Solicitor Greenwood summarizing considerations prior to dedication and a final punchlist letter from the Township Engineer for their review; the issue was tabled until the February 26th meeting. Solicitor Greenwood updated the Board on the Horseshoe Farms stormwater easement and roadway dedication; signatures have been secured on the easement agreement (with the exception of one pending) and he is waiting to hear from the bank’s attorney regarding title insurance. Correspondence was received from Randall Segovia and France Belanger requesting the Board to consider the adoption of a noise ordinance, which controls the barking of dogs. Mrs. Perkins commented that complaints regarding barking dogs have increased and Township residents have no recourse. Audience members Susan Smith, Carol Dielman, Craig Hannafin, Don Tantala, and Jerry Vuocolo voiced support for this type of ordinance. Mrs. Hannafin noted an inconsistency in the zoning ordinance in regulating the number of animals a resident can have, without controlling the behavior of the animal; Mr. Tantala advised of the availability of anti-bark collars, which work similar to an invisible fence collar. Joe Vasile questioned the impact the ordinance may have on fox hunting. The Board advised Solicitor Greenwood to proceed with reviewing a draft ordinance. Old Business: Correspondence was received from Coventry Little League and Glenmoore Eagle Youth Association requesting use of the Township Park athletic fields. Coventry Little League requests use of the baseball field from April 1st through June 30th for baseball and softball practices. A representative from GEYA was present at the meeting and requested use of the soccer and baseball fields April 7th through June 16th and the end of August through October. Manager Heist will contact both leagues and generate a tentative schedule for review. A motion was made by Mrs. Perkins, seconded by Mr. Miller, to amend the Employee Manual to include four personal days per year (an increase of two days) for full-time employees in lieu of additional paid holidays. The motion carried with Perkins and Miller voting in favor and Brachwitz opposed. A revised fee schedule and Resolution 8-2001, adopting the fee schedule, was presented to the Board for review. Revisions include additional fees pertaining to electronic data, meeting minutes, and maps. The issue was tabled until the February 26th meeting. Repair and replacement cost estimates for the Flowing Springs Road Bridge have been received and since damages occurred as a result of Hurricane Floyd, requests for funding have been submitted to PEMA and FEMA. PEMA has approved bridge repairs and the Township is waiting for approval from FEMA; a cost share of 95% is anticipated from these agencies. In the event the project costs are denied by FEMA, the Township will go ahead with obtaining a loan for bridge replacement. The Board is anticipating completion of the bridge repair or replacement project in one year. Jane Gaffer expressed concerns regarding PennDOT’s proposal to widen and pave Flowing Springs Road between Hollow Road and St. Matthews Road. The Board will request a copy of PennDOT’s plans for widening roads within the Township. Mrs. Perkins distributed draft copies of the Township newsletter for review. New Business: David Monteith reported that an Emergency Management Drill would be conducted in October, 2001. Copies of proposed revisions to the West Vincent Township Disaster Operations Plan was distributed for review; the issue was tabled until the February 26th meeting. Business from the Floor: Jane Vasile requested clarification on the Township hosting an Outreach Office for Congressman Curt Weldon on Monday, February 12, 2001 and Wednesday, February 14, 2001. Representative Weldon’s office is using public buildings in his district for residents’ questions and concerns. Bills List: Mr. Brachwitz made a motion to pay the bills on the Bills List dated February 12, 2001; it was seconded by Mrs. Perkins and carried unanimously. Chairman Miller announced an executive session would be held following the meeting to discuss potential litigation matters pertaining to Kimberton Sewer District and real estate matters pertaining to Columbia Transmission Company and the Griffith property. There being no further business, Mr. Brachwitz moved the meeting be adjourned; the motion was seconded by Mrs. Perkins and the meeting adjourned at 9:48 p.m. Respectfully Submitted,
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