MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Township Building Meeting Room
Present: Supervisors: Bartley E. Millett, Chairman
Manfred Marschewski, Member
Secretary: Joseph M. Kulick
Solicitor: Peter N. Harrison
Road Master: James Laubach
Zoning Officer: Peter W. Bent
Absent: Supervisor: Richard M. Johnson, Vice Chairman
Meeting called to order by Chairman Bartley E. Millett at 7:35 PM. All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Public Hearing: Comprehensive Plan Update
The Chairman opened the Public Hearing (as properly advertised) to address the updating of the townships’ Comprehensive Plan. He introduced George Spotts of Castle Valley Consultants, our Plan Consultant. Mr. Spotts gave a brief presentation on the definition and reasoning behind the incorporation of a comprehensive plan for a township. He also reviewed the steps taken to arrive at this point; the township Planning Commission spent many months reviewing material to be included in the plan; on April 18, 2006 conducted a Public Hearing; approved the draft copy; and passed it unto the Board of Supervisors for their review.
The Chairman opened the floor for any public comments and/or questions:
Resident Carl Martin requested more detail on the definition of “low impact grading” as addressed in the Plan. Mr. Spotts explained it is where you reduce the amount of grading involved in a development site (land stripping).
Resident Wallace Frank questioned the growth projections as provided in the Plan. He did not agree with the numbers, although favorable, he felt they may be too low. Mr. Spotts noted the projections are obtained from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and can be adjusted in the future as required.
Resident Lois Oleksa felt the Plan was very unique and adequate for the townships immediate future and should be accepted by the Board.
Member Manfred Marschewski thanked all of the people involved in the preparation of the Plan Update. The Chairman agreed wholeheartedly.
There were no further comments and/or questions from the attending residents.
Chairman Bartley Millett then made a motion to accept the Plan Draft dated May 09, 2006 pending the correction by George Spotts of various typographical errors as noted by Bucks County in their review. The corrected draft would then receive final approval at a Public Hearing held prior to the regular scheduled August 08, 2006 Board Meeting. Member Manfred Marschewski seconded the motion. All Agreed (Johnson absent) and the motion was passed.
The Chairman closed the Public Hearing portion of the meeting @ 7:56 PM
The Chairman then opened the regular scheduled Meeting of the Board of Supervisors
Approval of Minutes from June 13, 2006 Meeting
Resident Jim Pavlica requested the Board to amend the Minutes as submitted. Under the comments regarding his subdivision, he requested the insertion of the comment from the Chairman refusing to discuss the plan with the developer George (Neil) Shaw. Also to correct the statement from Vice Chair Richard Johnson; where he commented that all requests for “length of cul-de-sac” waivers are usually approved by him but rejected by the other supervisors. Mr. Pavlica wanted the words length of cul-de-sac removed. Chairman Bartley Millett agreed with the request. A motion to approve the Minutes, as corrected, was made by Manfred Marschewski and seconded by Bartley Millett. All agreed (Richard Johnson absent) and the motion passed.
Approval of Financial Report Dated June 30, 2006
Member Manfred Marschewski made a motion to approve the Financial Report as presented.
Chairman Bartley E. Millett seconded the motion. All agreed (Richard Johnson absent) and the motion passed.
Updates:
Emergency Management Update – June 2006 Flood:
Township Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) Peter Bent provided an overview of the events leading up to and during the flood event. The Delaware River crested at 33.2’ approximately fourth highest crest in history. Approximately twenty-two (22) structures received various levels of damage; with major damage to two (2) businesses and seven (7) private residences. Free Water testing kits are currently available at the township office. The Board thanked all personnel involved for their efforts. Resident Carl Martin thanked all of the “volunteers” who assisted him and his family, especially the Riegelsville Fire Company.
Township Road Master Jim Laubach informed the Board of the total destruction of Island Road between bridge two and three. The road is closed indefinitely and will require approximately $100,000+ to repair. Island Road residents Dr. & Mrs. Willard were present at the meeting. They requested the Board to consider a spill way in the area to resolve the problem. The Chairman informed the Willard’s that he would like to call an emergency road inspection meeting, with all concerned township officials attending, to determine a resolution to the situation. The meeting will be scheduled for Monday morning at 9PM.
New Business:
Knuth Major Subdivision – Preliminary Plan Final Review
Steve Jensen, PLS and Howard Knuth were present to request the Boards final approval on their preliminary plan to create four (4) lots on property owned by Howard Knuth. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the plan at their last meting on June 06, 2006. A review letter from Scott Mease was discussed and the applicants agreed to all of the provision of the letter dated 07-26-2006. Township Solicitor Peter Harrison explained the donation of $1000 per lot to the fire company in lieu of installation of street lights, curbing, sidewalks, Etc. Howard Knuth agreed to the request. The Board granted the request for waivers. The Solicitor also explained to Mr. Knuth the entire process to follow after the Final Plan is approved including any financial security that will be required along with the Developers Agreement.
A motion was made by the Chairman to approve the Knuth Preliminary Major Subdivision Plan as recommended by the Planning Commission; subject to the conditions of the Scott Mease letter dated June 06, 2006. Motion was seconded by Manfred Marschewski, and agreed to by all (Richard Johnson absent). Motion passed.
Administration Building Roof Replacement:
Joe Kulick presented the Board with four (4) written bids received by the township to remove and replace the leaking Township Building roof. Bids submitted were:
Martin Glang……………………$8500
G&S Building Group…………...$8140
Barry Kunsman Roofing………..$7500
Fleischer Bros…………………..$7185
(All bidders included any deck repair that may be required at additional cost.)
Joe Kulick also noted the township was awarded a $10,000 DCED Grant to make the necessary repairs to the roof. The grant would only cover the costs associated directly with the removal & replacement of the roof deck and shingles.
Member Manfred Marschewski felt that covering of the fascia and possible enlarging of the rain gutters should be accomplished while the roof is being replaced. Joe Kulick noted that these repairs could also be accomplished without obtaining any further bids, since the amount should be well under $4000 the minimum amount required for obtaining three bids. Peter Harrison commented that only items noted on the grant contract may be paid for with grant funds. The Solicitor suggested that we award the roof portion tonight, as specified, to the lowest qualified bidder.
A motion was made by the Chairman to accept the low bid of $7185 from Fleischer Bros. to remove & replace the roof and seconded by Member Manfred Marschewski. All agreed (Richard Johnson absent) and the motion passed.
Member Manfred Marschewski also suggested we make the other repairs (fascia/gutters) and pay for them from the General Fund. Chairman Bartley Millett agreed. The roof will be inspected by the township building inspector at no cost to the township.
2006 Road Tar & Chip Sealed Bid Opening:
Joe Kulick advised the Board of the receipt of two (2) sealed bids, in response to the townships advertising for 23,232 square yards of bituminous seal coat, per PennDOT specifications Form 408 (double coverage). The “tar & chip” process will recover Old Furnace Road from Durham Road to Route 212; Spring Hill Road from Durham Road to Stouts Valley Road; and County Line Road from Steely Hill Road to a point .8 miles west. The “Request for Sealed Bids” was legally advertised as required. The Board directed Joe Kulick to open the sealed bids:
Asphalt Maintenance Solutions, LLC of Center Valley, PA……. $2.22 sq yd…$51,575.04 Total
Asphalt Industries, Inc. of Chester, PA…………………………...$3.50 sq yd…$81,312.00 Total
All submitted bid packages included all required documents as advertised.
Chairman Bartley Millett made a motion to accept the low bid from Asphalt Maintenance Solutions, LLC of Center Valley, PA at the quoted rate of $2.22 sq. yard, $51,575.04 Total, to be completed by August 25, 2006. Member Manfred Marschewski seconded the motion. All agreed (Richard Johnson absent) and the motion was passed.
Old Business: None
Zoning Officer Report – Peter Bent
Township Zoning Officer Peter Bent advised the Board of the issuance of two (2) Use permits; Verizon Wireless for installation of an additional cell antenna on the Sprint Tower at the bank; and to Lyons & Son Auctioneers for the equipment sale at 611 & 212 on July 22, 2006. Permit also issued to Lambert, 235 Valley View to add a dormer to a B-1 single family dwelling; Gordon, Kintner Road to remodel a bathroom; and to Paolillo, 2490 Gallows Hill Road to construct a new single family dwelling replacing an existing dwelling already in place. Mary Dungan’s driveway has been completed and approved.
Resident Jim Pavlica asked the zoning officer if the issue of the existing trees around the Sprint Tower has been resolved prior to the issuance of a permit to Verizon. Chairman Bartley Millett informed Mr. Pavlica that the issue did come up at the Conditional Use Hearing and was dismissed as not pertaining to the Verizon application. Zoning
Officer Peter Bent informed the Board that he did in fact inspect the trees and felt they met the required criteria. The Chairman did not agree with Mr. Bent on his conclusion since it was based on current measurements and not at the time they were planted. No further discussion.
Road Master Report – Jim Laubach
Road Master Jim Laubach informed the Board of the following activity during the past month:
Our 254 International tractor was sent to shop to repair transmission and has not been returned; our boom flair mower on large tractor to mow sides of road is out of service till further notice due a gear box problem; installed new dusk to dawn light on mill; repaired light for 9/11 memorial flag pole; installed new shrubs outside township building; cleaned-up former rental building; and surveyed the process to permanently wire the bandstand.
Storm damage included the rental of a backhoe from O.R.E. to repair several township roads; Mine Hill Road will require a permanent solution to roadside wash-out; assisted Riegelsville with removal of mud from their roads; installed new drainage pipe on Dogwood Lane; need to replace drainage pipe on County Line Road; picked-up water from Nestle in Fogelsville and bleach from Clemons in Plumsteadville; lots of extra hour days have been put in by road crew (over 4 hour usual day).
No further comments or questions.
Public Service Announcements:
The Chairman noted that Community Recycling Day will be on Saturday, August 05, 2006 from 9 AM to 12 Noon.
Also, the Community Fire Company #1 will be having Sunday Breakfast on Sunday, July 16, 2006 from 8:00AM to 12:00PM.
Questions/Comments:
Resident Wallace Frank advised the Board of possibly another method of recycling newspapers. You can drop them off at the school bus parking lot at the high school to benefit injured bus drivers.
Resident Jim Pavlica advised the Board that as a result of the last Board of Supervisors meeting, his agreement with the developer (Rosen) feel through. He requested the status of fees he previously paid to the township and exactly what the Board will require to provide guidance and/or supplying an opinion on his plan. The Chairman advised Mr. Pavlica to file a preliminary subdivision development plan application to the township (as specified by our SALDO). This is exactly what he requested from the developer at the last meeting. Also, to date four sketch plans have been submitted and now it is time for a preliminary plan submittal. He also noted that previously submitted fees/escrows traditionally can be carried forward.
The Chairman made a motion to pay the bills as presented and to close the Meeting, seconded by Member Manfred Marschewski, and agreed to by all (Richard Johnson absent). Motion passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:01PM.
Minutes Submitted by: Township Secretary Joseph M. Kulick