Chairman Cuyler H. Walker called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Township Building, with the pledge to the flag. Board members Robert F. Weer, Eddie G. Caudill, and Richard E. Hicks were also present, as was Solicitor Frone Crawford, Jr.
Minutes of January 3, 2006. By unanimous vote (4-0), the minutes were approved as prepared.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.
Jeff Fries requested approval for advertising signs to be placed on the inside of the fences at the URA fields in Unionville. He explained that the signs would be removed at the end of the season and were expected to realize up to $30,000 in funds for the recreation programs. Mr. Caudill moved to approve the signage, as proposed; motion seconded by Mr. Weer. The motion was amended that any potential complaints be addressed if they are voiced. The vote was two in favor (Messrs. Caudill and Weer,) with two supervisors opposed (Messrs. Walker and Hicks). Motion was not approved.
George Rose of 804 William Thomas Drive, said that he is noticing increased erosion on his property since the installation of the roundabout. The Board agreed to ask our engineer, Jim Hatfield of VanDemark and Lynch, to evaluate the stormwater management of the area.
Bayard Taylor Library Board Report. East Marlborough Library Board representatives, Jon Olson and Bill Landmesser gave a summary report of the status of the library, its funding, and future building plans. They also introduced the newly appointed librarian, Donna Murray, who said that they will be conducting a survey of library patrons to determine what folks want of the library.
Traditions Homeowners Association Conditional Use Decision on Pathways. Mr. Walker read excerpts from the order, including the provision that the Supervisors would remove the requirement for “wood chip or mulch” pathways and leave the decision as to the surface to the HOA. The Order was approved by unanimous vote (4-0).
Pulte Compliance with Order RE Set-back Issues. Mike Shiring, Esq., representing Pulte, provided a revised copy of the order, correcting the typographical error. The Indemnification Agreement had been approved by the Township Solicitor’s office. By unanimous vote (4-0), the Board accepted the Amended Order, and the revised copies of the As-Built drawings for each affected lot.
Hadley’s Mill Property Owners. Lanny Lewis, president of the Homeowners Association, spoke on behalf of the neighbors, saying that they had seen no improvement in the adjacent North Walnut Street property since the unsightliness of the property was brought to the attention of the Supervisors at the December Board meeting. Mr. Vandernoot, the tenant on the property, said that he had been making an attempt to clean up, but was reluctant to do some things, pending Township input. Neighbors also said that they considered Mr. Vandernoot unapproachable, since he had “no trespassing” and “beware of dog” signs posted on his fence along the front of the property. It was agreed that several neighbors would meet with East Marlborough Board members and Mr. Vandernoot at the property at 2 p.m. the next day to try to sort out some of the issues.
Bond Refunding. Michael Wolf of Boenning and Scattergood explained the potential for savings based on refunding the 2002 bond issue and a portion of the 1998 issue at today’s lower rate. The Board authorized Mr. Wolf to proceed with the refunding, provided that a savings of at least 3% could be attained. Additionally, the Board authorized pursuing borrowing for land purchase, with the anticipation that the details of the land purchase can be worked out in the meantime.
Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan. The Revision of August 2005 has been circulated to Chester County Planning Commission, Chester County Health Department, and the East Marlborough Township Planning Commission. Technical comments submitted by the Chester County agencies are in the process of being addressed by our engineer, URS, Inc. No comments have been received from the public, following the public notice of November 25, 2005 in the Daily Local News. The plan provides for public sewers for the subdivisions accessing Route 82, south of Route 926, and for providing public sewers for the Limited Industrial Zoning District.
Bruster’s Ice Cream Shop – Conditional Use Order. Mr. Walker read and the Supervisors discussed each of the 23 items in the Order. All individual items were approved unanimously (4-0), with the exception of item #20, dealing with the contribution to the roads improvement program. Item #20 was approved by a vote of 3-1, with Mr. Caudill opposed. The entire Order was approved unanimously (4-0), as corrected, and will be signed as soon as the corrections are made. The applicant agreed that the terms of the Order are acceptable. The supervisors agreed that land development plans may be submitted in preliminary/final format, to save time for the applicant, and that the plans will include both architectural and signage designs.
Resolution 06-02 – Membership on the Township Planning Commission. The resolution was approved unanimously (4-0), certifying the membership and terms of office of the members. This resolution is a correction of the one that was approved at the January 2006 Board meeting.
Bills. By unanimous vote (4-0), the Board approved payment of the following list of invoices, with each supervisor abstaining on any item which has a perceived conflict of interest. Additionally, the invoice payable to Grassbusters Landscaping will be held, pending proof that the subcontractors have all been paid.
Treasurer’s Report. By unanimous vote (4-0), the attached report was accepted, as prepared.
Truck Restriction on Wollaston Road. The Supervisors agreed to hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on March 6, prior to the regular Board meeting, to consider an ordinance restricting truck traffic on Wollaston Road to local deliveries only.
Road Side Clean-up. Mr. Caudill announced that ____ of the Township’s _____ roads now have been “adopted” by individuals or groups interested in keeping the roads free of litter. He is asking for more participation from the public..
The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
EAST MARLBOROUGH TOWNSHIP
Jane R. Laslo, Secretary and Manager