TOWNSHIP OF LOWER MAKEFIELD
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MINUTES - AUGUST 6, 2001
The regular meeting of the Board of
Supervisors of the Township of Lower Makefield was held in the Municipal
Building on August 6, 2001. Chairman Fazzalore called the meeting to order at
7:30 p.m. noting that the Board had been meeting in Executive Session since
6:00 p.m. to discuss legal and personnel matters.
Those present:
|
Board of Supervisors: |
Frank Fazzalore, Chairman |
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Others: |
Terry Fedorchak, Township Manager |
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Harold Kupersmith, 612 B Wren Song Road,
asked the status of the Senior Center.
Mr. Fazzalore stated the Board continues to
discuss the matter but there is nothing further to report at this time.
Ms. Susan Dengler stated at the prior
meeting there was some confusion as to the extension being requested by Matrix
and asked if it had been determined whether this was an extension for Final
Plan approval. Mr. Garton stated according to the terms and conditions of the
original Master Plan Agreement going back thirteen years, the Agreement
provided that any further review would be considered a Preliminary/Final Plan.
Mrs. Godshalk stated the approval that was given last December was for a new
Agreement. Mr. Garton stated this Agreement did not do away with the original
Agreement except for those items specifically noted as modified by the new
Agreement. Mr. Fazzalore noted Matrix will still be going through the whole
process even though it will be a Final Plan. They will have to go before the
Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors and the Plans will be reviewed by
other reviewing agencies. Mr. Fazzalore stated they can also come back and
request another extension if everything is not completed. Ms. Dengler asked the
status of the barn on the property. Mr. Fedorchak stated he understands that
they are in the process of demolition but parts of the building could be used
for other structures. Mr. Garton stated they do not need Final Plan approval to
take down this structure although they must have a Demolition Permit. Ms.
Dengler asked about access to meeting Minutes. She stated she understands that
Minutes are approved by the Supervisors at their meeting and then are available
on the Township Website. She asked what would happen if someone from the
audience did not agree with what is listed in the Minutes. Mr. Garton stated
only the Board approves the Minutes and they are not official until after Board
approval. He stated if a member of the public disagrees with something in the
approved Minutes, they can come back at a subsequent meeting and ask for an
amendment.
MOTION REGARDING PLANTING
OF TREES BY RESIDENT AT MACCLESFIELD PARK
Mr. John Hricko, 556 Scattergood Court, stated he would like to donate trees to
the Township to be planted in Macclesfield Park adjacent to his property to
provide additional screening. Mr. Hackman showed the location of Mr. Hricko’s
property on the Macclesfield Park map. He is asking permission to donate to the
Township some trees which he would like to put on the Township property on the
edge to help buffer his property. He is also planting some additional trees on his
own property. Mr. Hackman stated Ms. Liney and Mr. Copson have looked into this
and do not feel it will interfere in any way. Mr. Fazzalore stated he would
like the Township engineer to look into this to make sure that no water
problems will develop. Mr. Hricko stated the trees he is purchasing will be
delivered on Wednesday to be installed on Thursday.
Mr. Hackman moved, Mr. Fegley seconded and
it was unanimously carried to accept the donation of trees from John Hricko on
Township property at Macclesfield Park subject to concurrence by the Township
engineer.
PUBLIC COMMENT (continued)
Ms. Marcy Conti, Wrightstown, stated the
Stoopville Road widening project is still a priority for Newtown Township
despite requests from residents not to proceed with this project since they
feel it will result in more traffic and greater speeds. She stated Upper
Makefield is opposed to the widening and straightening of Stoopville Road and
she asked that the Lower Makefield Board of Supervisors look into this project.
She provided information this evening on the effects of road widening. Mr.
Hackman stated Lower Makefield Township has only a small parcel involved in
this project where a Church is to be built and they will be improving the road
around the Church to accommodate parking.
Mr. Mike Kane, 1552 Brock Creek Drive, asked
if the Matrix project would have been approved if the Extension had not been
granted. Mr. Garton stated if the Board does not act within a certain period of
time, it is a deemed approval. The Board of Supervisors would have had to
articulate why they were denying the Plan if they did not grant an Extension.
He stated they would also have had a problem since they had not given Matrix an
opportunity to speak to the denial. He stated this matter has not yet been
before the Planning Commission. Mr. Kane asked the status of the Plans, and Mr.
Fazzalore stated they are still being reviewed by the Township engineer and the
Sewer engineer. Mr. Kane stated it appears that Matrix wants to start
construction in October, and Mr. Garton stated this is highly unlikely. Mr.
Kane asked what kind of notice will be provided to the residents of the
meetings when Matrix will be discussed. Mr. Fegley stated the Bucks County
Courier Times does publish their Agendas and it is also listed on the Township
Website and Channel 16. Mr. Kane asked that the residents be provided at least
one weeks notice.
Ms. Virginia Torbert, 1700 Yardley/Newtown
Road, asked if there are accident statistics for the area where the loop ramp
is proposed, specifically the percentage of accidents by people trying to make
turns to get to I-95 North and those making U-turns. Chief Coluzzi stated the
majority of accidents were for people traveling eastbound on 332 and turning to
get to I-95 North. Chief Coluzzi stated they are doing some selective
enforcement in the area to try to stop people making U-turns. Ms. Torbert
stated if the ramp is approved, it will still not be built in the near future
and she feels they should do something prior to that time. She would suggest
looking at extending the time for the left turn signal to permit more cars to
turn left and to get more cars coming from I-95 South able to head toward
Newtown. She stated since only a limited number of cars can make the movement,
a number of cars are making U-turns in her driveway. Mr. Allan stated he feels
this is part of the timing project taking place at the current time. Ms.
Torbert stated she feels the timing should insure that more than twenty-five
cars can get through at a time.
Mrs. Godshalk stated she also feels they are
closing their eyes to the Oxford Valley Road situation. She stated the State
indicated that this would be corrected a number of years ago. Mr. Fazzalore
stated this project is on the list. Ms. Dengler thanked Mrs. Godshalk for her
comment and stated Matrix will just make the Oxford Valley Road situation
worse.
Ms. Karen Friedman stated she hopes that
whatever amendments they make to the intersection it will take into account all
the traffic patterns. She stated there was some confusion following her
comments at the public meeting last Tuesday night and she is not advocating a
full cloverleaf at this location.
Ms. Sue Herman thanked the Township for the
public meeting which was held last Tuesday night. She stated after that meeting
she spoke with Mr. Yeager about the intersection out of the Newtown Township
O/R onto the By-Pass. She stated Mr. Yeager indicated that a traffic light
would be sufficient if there was only an office building and the twenty-four
homes proposed; however, when she advised him that Newtown Township has
indicated Brandywine is looking at another five buildings for the Roberts
Tract, Mr. Yeager then stated they may have to look into the overpass
situation. Ms. Herman asked if they could meet with Mr. Yeager to get his input
on the specifics for handling this intersection and what would be most
effective and not tie up traffic on the By-Pass. She stated Mr. Yeager
indicated he had not seen the blueprint of the ramp and the residents would be
in favor of having Mr. Yeager review this. Mr. Fazzalore stated they will take
this into consideration. Ms. Herman stated Mr. Steil contacted her last Friday
and advised her that the cost to upgrade the two culverts will be added to the
project cost for improving Swamp Road. She is assuming that this means it will
be added to the Twelve Year Plan. Mr. Fazzalore stated he had discussed this
matter with a Wrightstown Supervisor who indicated that the bridges will be
part of the total cost. Mr. Garton stated he and Mr. Fedorchak, with resident
input, could work on a letter to be sent to Mr. Steil in this regard.
Ms. Maureen Freedman, 1230 Quarry Hill
Court, stated she is concerned with the environmental issues associated with
the Golf Course and the impact on surrounding wells.
She would like to know if the Township can
advise what water supply will be used for the Golf Course. Mr. Fazzalore stated
this has not yet been finally determined. Mr. Fegley stated he feels they will
drill wells to serve the Golf Course. He added that the Golf Course will also
be part of the Audubon Cooperative Program, and the Township will voluntarily
comply with strict regulations set forth by the Audubon Society for maintenance
of Golf Courses with regard to lawn treatment, etc.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Allan moved and Mr. Fegley seconded to
approve the Minutes of July 16, 2001 as written. Motion carried with Mr.
Hackman abstained.
ACCEPT $10,800 GRANT AWARD
FROM PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM COMMISSION
Ms. Ann Langtry was present. Mrs. Godshalk
moved and Mr. Allan seconded to accept the $10,800 Grant award from the
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Ms. Langtry reviewed the work to be done.
She stated no planning component is involved at this time. This is Phase I.
Mr. Hackman stated he is concerned that some
items seem to have been fairly well finalized including installation of
sidewalks, lights, and sewers, and he does not feel the Plans make sense. He
does not feel they should continue with this project until they have a Plan
that they can agree on. Mrs. Godshalk stated they need the Grant money to get a
Plan they can agree on. She stated they are attempting to bring this area back
to a Village atmosphere.
Mr. Hackman stated parking along the road
does not make sense. Mr. Fazzalore stated he felt that they already approved a
Master Plan. Ms. Langtry stated this was only a study. She added it will be
used as a guidebook to approve a Master Plan. Ms. Langtry stated the Historic
District is about to be sewered, and it will open the area up to commercial
development. What they are trying to do with these guidelines is to control the
aesthetic growth of the Village. She stated the parking issues, etc. will be
considered at a later time.
Mr. Hackman stated basically this is a
residential area, and he does not feel they should be turning it into a
commercial hub. Ms. Langtry stated there are multiple parcel owners who are
waiting for the right offer to come along. Mrs. Godshalk stated it has been zoned
Historic/Commercial for twenty years. Mr. Hackman stated he feels what they are
doing is building a new Historic District. Ms. Langtry stated this is the only
Historic District in the Township.
Ms. Langtry stated the Grant does involve
matching funds from the Township in the amount of $8,915. She noted $12,000 was
approved in the Budget.
Ms. Debbie Parsons asked if the Township
will be expected to take over land and restore the Village. Mr. Fazzalore
stated the Plan is that developers would come in and develop both residential
and commercial developments. Water and sewer would be assessed to the property
owners if it is installed.
Mrs. Godshalk stated in a Historic Village
you can legislate architectural design which you cannot do in any other area of
the Township.
Motion carried with Mr. Hackman opposed.
APPROVAL OF CARTER VAN DYKE
ASSOCIATES PROPOSAL TO PREPARE EDGEWOOD VILLAGE HISTORIC DISTRICT GUIDELINES
Mr. Fegley moved and Mr. Allan seconded
approval of Carter VanDyke Associates Proposal to prepare Edgewood Village
Historic District Guidelines in the amount of $13,734.
Mr. Hackman asked about the additional money
remaining since the Grant is in the amount of $10,800 and the Township has a
matching portion of $8,915. Ms. Langtry stated it will remain with the
Township.
Motion carried with Mr. Hackman opposed.
APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH
WALLOVER ARCHITECTS, INC. AS TECHNICAL CONSULTANT FOR POOL OPERATIONS
Ms. Donna Liney was present with Ms. Beth
Ann Menard and other members of the Community Pool Board. Ms. Liney stated the
Pool Board has recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve the Contract
with Wallover Architects so that they can provide a base line analysis of the
existing Pool facilities and to make future recommendations. Ms. Liney stated they
have researched a number of firms over the past eight months. She reviewed work
Wallover Architects, Inc. have done in the past. Funds for the project would
come from the Community Pool which is a user-based Budget and no Lower
Makefield Township taxpayers funds are involved.
Mr. Hackman moved and Mr. Allan seconded to
accept the total proposal.
Mr. Allan stated this will help bring the
Pool in compliance with ADA and they can also address other problems that they
have within the Pool confines. Mr. Fazzalore asked if they will be involved in
determining if there are leaks, etc., and Ms. Menard stated they will.
Mr. Fegley asked about the Yardley Borough
membership, and Ms. Liney stated they had approximately 30 families from
Yardley Borough join the Pool. Mr. Allan stated they feel that next year there
will be more Yardley Borough families who join since they did not offer
membership until late this year.
Motion to approve carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION
OF NORTH FIRE STATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF LOCATION B
Mr. Winslade, Mr. Newman, and Mr.
Cadwallader were present representing the Fire Department along with Mr. Tom
Zarko, Sewer Engineer. Mr. Winslade stated Mrs. Godshalk had asked about the
feasibility of connecting Elm Lowne to public sewer and water in conjunction
with the Fire Station project.
Mr. Zarko stated they looked at three
locations for the Fire Station and at all three locations it is feasible to
connect Elm Lowne to public sewers. He stated the Elm Lowne facility would have
had to be pumped under all three location alternatives. However, if some
adjustments were made to the depth, Elm Lowne could be served by gravity from
all three locations. He would recommend that the Board considering requiring
service of Elm Lowne by gravity. At location A the cost would be $71,000 to
provide public sewers for the Fire Station and Elm Lowne. At Location B, close
to Quarry Road, the cost would be $120,500. The Final alternative is the Fire
house at Location B however easements would be provided to go across the
property to shorten the distance and this would then cost $112,000. Mr. Zarko
stated he has not looked at the gas or water line costs. At Location A the
depth would be 12 feet. At Location B it would be 11 1/2 feet and at the
Nursery alternative for Location B, the depth would be 12 1/2 feet. Mr. Zarko
stated Location A would be served from the Miller Place cul-de-sac. Mrs.
Godshalk stated they have an easement for this. Mr. Zarko stated he has not
been able to confirm this with Mr. Hoffmeister. Mr. Doherty stated both the
water and gas are on Quarry Road. He stated coming from Quarry Road at the B
location through the nursery would be the least expensive proposal when you
consider all the utilities. Mr. Fazzalore asked about water pressure from
Miller Place, and Mr. Doherty stated Mr. Badey indicated they could service the
house from that location but not the Fire Station.
Mrs. Godshalk asked if gas will be used for
heating, and Mr. Winslade stated it will.
Mrs. Godshalk asked if they have considered
other new ways of heating. She stated she is concerned about the proposed
improvements since they are running the lines in a road that is scheduled to be
improved. Mr. Winslade stated what they are now considering is having the lines
run across the field. Mrs. Godshalk stated she is opposed to putting the Fire
Station in the middle of Township open space which will restrict them from
other uses they may want to have in this area. Mr. Fazzalore stated the
Township purchased additional property in the area. Mrs. Godshalk noted the
Master Plan also shows the realignment of Dolington and Creamery Roads.
Mr. Coyne stated he discussed the matter
with the Water Company representatives who indicated there is a high pressure
line at the corner which they can tap into with a hydrant for training and for
sprinklers. This will also provide better fire protection for Elm Lowne.
Mrs. Godshalk suggested that they take the
sewer from Miller Place and look into other alternatives than gas. She stated
she is still in favor of the original location for the Fire Station. Mr.
Fazzalore stated they were interested in bringing public services to Elm Lowne
so that they have the proper facilities for people who are renting the
property.
Mr. Fegley asked how the Woodside Station is
heated, and Mr. Winslade stated it is heated by gas. He stated they have gas
radiant heaters that are sent on the trucks and also help dry the equipment as
well. Mr. Winslade stated with convection heat, which is what he feels Mrs.
Godshalk is referring to, they do not get the recovery they do with gas radiant
heat.
Mr. Newman stated they also have gas at the Yardley Station.
Mr. Fegley asked about the number of calls
they have had this year, and Mr. Newman stated they had 553 calls this year.
Mr. Fazzalore asked how long it takes to get to the north end of the Township
from the existing stations, and Mr. Winslade stated it can take from eight to
fourteen minutes.
Mr. Fegley expressed concern with future use
of the open space and accessibility to that open space adjacent to the Fire
Station at Location B. Mr. Cadwallader stated at Location A six feet of fill
would need to be brought in. He stated there is also a safety issue at Location
A because of the sight distance for the fire trucks. He stated when it is moved
to Location B they can meet the sight distance. Mr. Doherty stated Site A has
been moved somewhat so that there is now sufficient sight distance.
Ms. Virginia Torbert asked the total
difference in cost between Sites A and B. It was noted the difference is
approximately $100,000 less going with Site B. Ms. Torbert asked if they will
"T" off the intersection at Creamery, and Mr. Fazzalore stated this is
a State road and nothing has been finally designed. Ms. Torbert stated if they
are not going to do this, the fire trucks will be coming down Dolington Road
and have to make a difficult right turn going out and a difficult left turn
coming back to the Fire Station. Mr. Fegley stated they could have put the Fire
Station at Quarry Road, but the three schools in the area were opposed to this
because of traffic in the morning.
Mr. Tom Parsons, Fox Hollow Drive, stated
the existing Fire House is on a corner and asked why this new building could
not be on a corner. Mr. Fazzalore stated they were concerned with significant
opposition from the residents in the area. Mr. Parsons stated he is concerned
with the change in the building from a Sub-Station to a full-blown building
with room for people to sleep, etc. Mr. Parsons stated he is also concerned
that the Township purchased Elm Lowne with Open Space money and he questions
how much more money the Board is going to have to put into this structure in
terms of maintenance, etc. He stated he did not vote in favor of the Open Space
Referendum in order to purchase buildings which need to be maintained. Mr.
Fazzalore stated many of the open areas left in the Township do have buildings
on them.
Mr. Coyne stated there was discussion on the
heat at the Fire Station. He stated both of the existing Fire Stations have
stand-by generators which are driven by gas. He stated the reason they did this
was because of problems in the past with underground tanks.
Ms. Lorraine Tamarino, Silverwood Drive,
stated she is concerned that money is being spent on Elm Lowne and asked how
much money the property is generating.
Mr. Fazzalore stated they do not generate
enough money to cover the repairs needed.
Mr. Fegley stated a majority of the Board
voted to purchase Elm Lowne and it has been used for a number of functions. The
only reason it is being discussed in conjunction with the Fire Station is that
they felt if they were already spending money to run utility lines to the Fire
Station, they wanted to try to service Elm Lowne as well so that it is suitable
for the public functions that are held there.
Ms. Maureen Pelehety stated whenever the
Fire Station has been mentioned in the past, they have also discussed Elm
Lowne. She stated when Elm Lowne was purchased as Open Space, she did not know
it was to become a place of business. She stated not every taxpayer in the
Township will benefit from this property but their tax dollars are going into
sewers and bringing public water to this location. She stated she does not feel
running a business qualifies as Open Space.
Mr. Allan moved and Mr. Fegley seconded to
accept Location B for the Fire Station as described by the Fire Department
personnel present this evening.
Mrs. Godshalk asked that they amend the
Motion that it be subject to utilities being moved so that they do not
interfere with the hook up to Creamery Road. Mr. Doherty stated gas and
sanitary sewers are always in the right-of-way of the road. Mr. Hackman stated
he does not feel they need to make a decision on the utilities this evening.
Vote was taken on the Motion as amended by
Mrs. Godshalk but did not pass as Mr. Allan, Mr. Fazzalore, and Mr. Hackman
were opposed and Mr. Fegley and Mrs. Godshalk were in favor.
A vote was taken on the original Motion
without the amendment and it carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF NORTH FIRE STATION
CONCEPT PLAN
Mr. Fazzalore noted some of the Supervisors
are concerned with the size of the proposed quarters area. Mr. Fegley stated he
felt this was intended to be a Sub-Station; and while he understands the need
for some facilities for Fire Department personnel, he is concerned with the
different sleeping quarters proposed for officers and the rank and file as well
as provisions for ten people to be able to sleep at the Station. Mr. Winslade
stated they would agree to remove the portion for the officers sleeping
quarters and change it to men’s sleeping quarters and female sleeping quarters.
Mr. Winslade stated he feels the public
restrooms are going to have to be substantially larger than what is shown in
order for them to comply with regulations. Mr. Fazzalore suggested that they
only consider the Fire Station facilities now and if they need public
facilities in the future, they can consider them at that time. Mr. Winslade
reviewed what is proposed on the present Plan including a 13’8" by
27" recreation area, kitchen, restrooms, and closet facilities along with
a small office. Mr. Winslade stated over the past three years they have been
very reactive to the requests made by the Board of Supervisors. The new
building is proposed to be 8,200 square feet. Mr. Fegley asked how many Fire
Department personnel can sleep at the Woodside Station, and Mr. Winslade stated
they can house eight. At Yardley Borough they do not have sleeping quarters and
if they have to sleep there, they put them in the meeting room.
Mr. Hackman asked if a second floor is
proposed where the dormers are shown on the model, and Mr. Winslade stated it
was determined that they could have a second floor at virtually no additional
cost. At this point it will just be a large open room.
Mr. Hackman moved and Mr. Allan seconded to
approve in concept the Plan presented by the Fire Company and that they move
into Land Development.
A gentleman residing at 1613 Fairfield Road
stated what they are building is not a satellite station. He asked why they do
not use the space they are getting as a second floor and cut down on some of
the square footage on the first floor. Mr. Winslade stated they would have to comply
with ADA requirements and provide an elevator.
A gentleman residing at 1653 Fairfield Road
asked the plans to staff the facility.
Mr. Winslade stated they hope to get people
from the area involved and will have a Membership Drive. He stated they do currently
have some people from the area who will be at this Station rather than going to
the two lower Stations. Mr. Coyne stated when they have bad weather they will
have people bunk in at all three Stations.
Motion to approve carried unanimously.
AWARD BIDS FOR 2001 PAVING
PROGRAM
Mr. Hackman moved, Mr. Allan seconded and it
was unanimously carried to award Contract No. 1 to Miller and Son Paving, Inc.
at $268,545.05
Mr. Hackman moved, Mr. Allan seconded and it
was unanimously carried to award Contract No. 2 to Asphalt Industries at
$62,683.13.
APPROVAL OF AFTON CREST
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
Mr. Garton stated the developer has
submitted the required information, and the staff would recommend approval of
the Development Agreement.
Mrs. Godshalk moved, Mr. Allan seconded and
it was unanimously carried to approve the Afton Crest Development Agreement.
TABLING APPROVAL OF
AGREEMENT WITH RICK JACOBSON
Mr. Hackman moved, Mr. Allan seconded and it
was unanimously carried to table approval of the Agreement with Rick Jacobson
to provide Golf Course design services.
REPORT ON MEETING WITH
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE ON ROCK RUN DAM
Mr. Fedorchak stated last Tuesday morning
the State Environmental Review Committee met to discuss the Rock Run Dam
Project. He attended the meeting with Mr. Doherty and Mr. Johnson of Skelly
& Loy. Mr. Fazzalore stated it was determined that they have four to five
acres of exceptional value wetlands which raised some concerns by those in
attendance. This is only a preliminary review and it will be some time before
the permits are submitted. They were instructed to come up with a variety of
alternatives such as increasing the size of the channel from Derbyshire Road to
the St. John Church, relocating the detention facility across from Stony Hill
Road, and increasing the size of the detention basins throughout the area. Mr.
Fedorchak stated a number of these suggestions made at the meeting were already
addressed; however, they asked that the Township revisit all of these
alternatives. The DEP engineer that is responsible for this project will be
doing this with assistance of the Township. They hope to have this report
addressing these alternative completed by September/October. Around that time
they plan on having a site visit where representatives of the Environmental
Review Committee will come on site and look at the situation first hand. Mr.
Fegley expressed concern that the Committee is making these recommendations at
this time.
Ms. Sue Dengler asked if the Army Corps
classified these as exceptional wetlands, and Mr. Fedorchak stated both DEP and
the Army Corps did so based on the existence of one particular plant. Ms.
Dengler asked the purpose of the dam, and Mr. Fazzalore discussed flooding
problems they have had in the past in this area.
Mr. Fedorchak noted someone representing the
Delaware Riverkeeper did ask to review the Township files on Rock Run.
One gentleman stated he lives in Valley
Greene adjacent to where the dam is proposed and he asked if the residents have
been advised of the project. Mr. Fedorchak stated while this is called a dam,
it is actually nothing more than a glorified detention basin. The gentleman
stated he has reviewed the file. Mr. Fedorchak stated they will go into the
design phase next March and the public will be informed as this progresses.
Ms. Mya Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper,
stated her office did review the files and she feels that saying this is not a
dam is a disservice to the public. She stated the alternative analysis that was
done was highly deficient. She stated there are alternatives which can provide
flood protection and still preserve the environment. Mr. Fegley stated he is
concerned that developers are permitted by DEP to put roads and other
facilities in the wetlands and the Township is now trying to alleviate flooding
problems and they are getting opposition to the project. Ms. Rossum stated the
Delaware Riverkeeper and the residents are concerned about both the environment
and protection for flood victims.
She stated she feels there may be a better
way to do this. Mr. Fazzalore stated they would be glad to study these
alternatives but they also want to protect their residents. He stated they
would welcome any alternatives. Mr. Fegley stated he would like to see the
alternatives before the final vote on the dam. Ms. Rossum stated the
Riverkeeper did submit solutions in November, and they will issue another letter
on these suggestions and make them available to the Township and the other
reviewers.
SIGNING OF REVISED MYLARS
FOR THE HOMES AT CHESTNUT WOODS
Revised Mylars for the Homes at Chestnut
Woods were signed following the meeting.
DENY REQUEST FOR DEDICATION
OF OAK TREE FARMS
Mr. Allan moved, Mr. Fegley seconded and it
was unanimously carried to deny the request for Dedication of Oak Tree Farms
because of outstanding Final Certificates of Occupancy.
Mr. Garton noted the developer has corrected
the other items.
ZONING HEARING BOARD
The Jam Enterprises request for several
Variances to construct a single family dwelling at Oxford Road north of the
intersection with Stony Hill Road was noted and the Board decided to take no
action.
The Eric and Nancy Wolfenson Variance
request to add a one car garage at 549 Delvale Road was noted and the Solicitor
was asked to attend the meeting and report back to the Board.
The Ron and Mary DeMaio Variance request to
the impervious surface requirements to build a single family home at 638
Washington Crossing Road was noted and the Solicitor was asked to appear in
opposition.
The DeLuca Enterprises Variance requests for
Afton Crest Lots 12 and 13 was noted an the Board decided to take no action.
The March Errichetti request to change a
recorded linen in order to permit existing patio and landscape beds as well as
addition patio to be located within the drainage easement at 1720 Jockeys Way
was noted and the Board decided to take no action.
The Gary and Judy King Variance request to
construct a garage at 2111 Stackhouse Drive was noted an the Board decided to
take no action.
SUPERVISORS’ REPORTS
Mr. Hackman stated the Golf Course Architect
is working on some preliminary designs and they should have them in a week or
so. The financial analysts are putting together their report which should be
available in September.
APPROVE CANCELING SEPTEMBER
3 MEETING DUE TO LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
Mr. Fegley moved, Mr. Hackman seconded and
it was unanimously carried to cancel the September 3, 2001 meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Taylor announced that the Delaware
Valley Workmen’s Compensation Trust awarded the Township an award for the year
2000 for being the safest Township among thirty-five Municipalities.
Mr. Fazzalore noted the Township was also
recognized for their recycling efforts and was cited as the best in the area.
DISCUSSION AND TABLING OF
ESTABLISHING DATE TO DISCUSS I-95 LOOP RAMP
Mr. Fazzalore moved to establish the date to
discuss the I-95 loop ramp to be the next meeting of the Board to be held on
August 20, 2001.
Mrs. Godshalk asked if someone is looking
into whether the loop could be made smaller.
Mr. Doherty stated he felt that Mr. Gouza
had looked into this and what is proposed is the minimum the curves could be
for the speeds that are set. He stated he would be willing to look into this
matter again.
Mr. Fegley seconded the Motion.
Mr. Hackman stated if they are looking to
solve the regional problems, he does not feel they will have heard from the
other Townships by August 20. Mr. Fegley stated all they have to do is send out
a letter of intent to go forward with the loop ramp. He stated in the final
document he would like to see that Newtown Township insures that the CAU
parking lot does not become a cut through to Lindenhurst Road. Mr. Fegley
stated he does not feel they can wait until the Wrightstown culvert goes
through before they approve the I-95 loop ramp. Mr. Hackman stated he feels
Lower Makefield Township has done a great deal to help the residents with their
traffic concerns and he would like to see the same effort in the neighboring
Townships. Mr. Fegley stated if there is an Inter-Governmental Agreement, they
can require them to abide by it. If nothing is agreed to, Newtown Township can
do whatever they want to do. Mr. Fegley stated if the loop ramp does not go
forward, the problems will continue in the area.
Ms. Herman stated she feels they are
premature making any decisions since they have not reviewed the intersection
from the O/R to the By-Pass. Mr. Fazzalore stated he does not link those issues
with the loop ramp issue. Mr. Fazzalore stated whether they do the ramp or not,
Stoopville and Lindenhurst Road will still be heavily traveled. Ms. Herman
stated she feels that the Township can use the loop ramp to their advantage.
Mr. Fazzalore stated the problem is that they have been told that they are
coming to the end of the money, and if the funds go away, the ramp will never
be constructed. Ms. Herman stated she would like the Board of Supervisors to
insist that Swamp Road be put on the Twelve Year Plan.
Mr. Fazzalore stated the Township has
already written a number of letters in this regard.
Mr. Fegley withdrew his second to the
Motion.
Mr. Fegley moved and Mrs. Godshalk seconded
to table the matter. Motion carried with Mr. Allan abstained.
There being no further business, Mr. Hackman
moved, Mr. Allan seconded and it was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting
at 10:15 p.m.