PARK & RECREATION BOARD
MINUTES – APRIL 12, 2005
The regular meeting of the Park & Recreation Board of
the
Those present:
Park & Recreation Board: David Fritchey, Chairman
Ron Smith, Vice Chairman
John Kuebler, Secretary
Patricia Bunn, Member (joined meeting in progress)
Henry Carpenter, Member
Richard Jutkiewicz, Member (joined meeting in progress)
Andrew Newbon, Member
Others: Terry Fedorchak, Township Manager (left meeting in
progress)
Donna Liney, Recreation Director
Pete Stainthorpe, Supervisor Liaison
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Newbon moved, Mr. Smith seconded and it was unanimously carried to approve the Minutes of February 8, 2005 as written.
Ms. Bunn joined the meeting at this time.
DISCUSSION WITH RIVERGATE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Ms. Mary Mavis, Ms. Laurie Grey, and Mr. James Tolbert were present representing the
Rivergate Homeowners Association. Ms. Mavis asked about the time the lights should
be off. Mr. Stainthorpe stated at the Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board voted to
approve drawing the specs for improved timers for all lights. Mr. Fritchey stated the
permits are given until 10:00 p.m. and the lights are to go off at 10:30 p.m. in order to
allow people to get to their cars safely.
Mr. Jutkiewicz joined the meeting at this time.
April 12, 2005 Park & Recreation Board – page 2 of 11
Ms. Mavis stated they would like to discuss their concerns with the illumination testing
which was done. She stated one of the concerns is that the lights that are already installed
are over the Ordinance requirements. She asked how they calculated the average.
Mr. Fritchey noted page 4 of 5 of the report which shows only one location where it was
over the permitted illumination. Ms. Mavis noted #1 is currently over the Ordinance by
twice the permitted amount. Mr. Carpenter noted the last page and asked where the
residences are in relation to the location noted on that page. Ms. Mavis showed on a
board the location of the homes. She stated no tests were done next to the houses that are
along the cemetery. She noted an area where it was 1.1 and .9 at ground level. She
stated #1, #2, and #3 had direct impact from the lights and that #4, #5, and #6 were taken
behind berms. She stated they were also taken horizontal rather than how it impacts their
neighborhood which is vertical. They have contacted an expert who stated if the houses
are up on a hill and they are going to live by the Ordinance, they need to get the impact
on the community. She stated at ground level and 3’ up it is definitely shaded by the
land. She stated the part that is outside the Ordinance is the illumination onto their
properties which is what the Ordinance is all about.
Mr. Fritchey stated the testing was done at the request of the residents who indicated that
the lighting as it currently exists is non-conforming. They used the standards required by
the Ordinance when they did the testing. Mr. Fritchey stated #2, #4, #5, #7, and #6 were
substantially lower than #1 and these are closer to the residences.
Ms. Mavis stated they question whether #7 is accurate. She stated they did invite them to
test on their properties which would show them exactly the kind of illumination they are
experiencing, and they declined. She stated it appears that the places where they tested
were shielded from the lights.
Mr. Tolbert stated along the fence at the cemetery the only light that is visible at #2 is the
southernmost light. He stated when you got to the fences and berms, it was an awkward
place to take a measurement. He stated if they had pursued #7 more, they would have
gotten a clearer picture. He stated when it is at ground level and you raise it 3’, you get a
higher level so if you take it even higher up you would get a more accurate impact on
their residences.
Mr. Darius Plichta was present and stated he took the reading. He showed on the aerial
photograph the locations where he took the readings. He stated multiple readings were
taken at each location, and they used the highest rating. He stated the Ordinance does
state the measurement should be taken at ground level and they did this as well as 36”
above the ground. He stated the supplier of the lights does require that they use
horizontal readings – not vertical. He stated they are required to follow the regulations
when they take their readings. He stated the Ordinance does state that the measurement
should be from ground level. He stated they are required to take the readings at the
property line and not the house location.
April 12, 2005 Park & Recreation Board – page 3 of 11
Ms. Mavis noted locations where readings were not taken which she feels resulted in
skewed numbers.
Mr. Plichta stated they did take between ten to fifteen readings at each location and took
the highest – not the average. He stated they are projecting illumination levels and all
lights are contributing to that level. He stated because of the way the lights are directed,
there is no direct projection. He stated they also had a white covering when they took the
readings which makes the readings even higher since it acts as a reflector.
Ms. Maureen Wittenberg,
readings at a higher level, it would result in a greater impact on the residences.
Mr. Stainthorpe stated Mr. Plichta stated he was following the standards of the IES.
Mr. Kuebler asked why he was doing it this way, and was advised that there is a Code
that covers lighting and he did it according to the Code. Mr. Kuebler stated the Rivergate
residents were in favor of installing the lights on the fields in exchange for extra
buffering.
Mr. Fedorchak asked if they moved the reading closer to the homes, how they would
filter out the light coming from the home such as porch lights, room lights, etc.
Ms. Laurie Grey,
summertime she sits on her deck with the inside lights off and it is extremely bright on
her deck.
Ms. Wittenberg, stated she feels they were assured ten years ago that there would be no
more lights. Mr. Carpenter stated this comment came up at the Board of Supervisors
meeting, and he asked if anyone looked into this. Mr. Fedorchak stated Ms. Liney was
asked to review the Minutes from the last ten years; and while there was reference to the
Land Development Plan, there was no official record of this assurance being made. He
stated this was never made a condition of any expansion for
development of
present at the meetings and this statement was never made. He stated they did discuss
not installing any buildings in the back area. Mr. Fedorchak stated they wanted to create
a large recreation area that could be used for a variety of different purposes. They did not
want to install structures such as concession stands, bathrooms, etc. in this area. He
stated this means there is thirty acres of open space which is of benefit to the residents.
Ms. Grey stated currently that area is used all day Saturday and Sunday and all night
during the week so they are not looking at open space. She agreed that it should be used
since that is the intention of the Park.
Ms. Mavis stated she does not feel the way the testing was done and the number of sites
tested is representative of what the footcandles are in the residential area. She stated her
Association is prepared to fund independent testing through a certified electrical
company which would be done on their properties.
April 12, 2005 Park & Recreation Board – page 4 of 11
Mr. Kuebler stated it appears that the residents are now indicating they feel the existing
lighting is not in conformance with the Code. He stated he felt that the issue was their
concern over the effect of additional lights. He noted the location of the field which is
proposed to be lit is further away from the homes, and he does not feel it will have any
more impact than what currently exists. Ms. Mavis stated she assumes that if they have
additional lights, it will add even more illumination. Ms. Grey stated they did discuss
this at the Board of Supervisors meeting, and Mr. Majewski stated it would add
additional light.
Mr. Plichta stated the suppliers of the new lights will provide calculations. He stated they
had footcandle measurements in the center of between 25 and 30. He stated the way they
are installed it is not to go beyond the perimeter of the field. He stated the lights will not
be projected toward the residences – they will be projected towards the surface of the
field. This will result in more light but not in a range that is noticeable or close to what
the Ordinance permits. He stated the Ordinance states that it shall not exceed 0.5
footcandles at the lot line and the readings are to be taken at the ground level.
Mr. Tolbert stated there is another Ordinance (200-66) that says it cannot be in excess of
5/10 foot candles when measured in any residential or commercial district.
Mr. Bill Clark stated just because they agreed to having the lighting put in, he does not
feel they knew that it would result in illumination beyond the Ordinance.
Mr. Kuebler stated he is asking whether this is an issue regarding the existing lighting or
the impact of additional lights. Ms. Mavis stated it is both.
Mr. Gene Castone,
where there is soccer now, and Mr. Fritchey stated they have indicated that there are no
current plans to do this at this time. He noted those currently serving on the Board will
not always be on the Board. Mr. Castone stated his property is adjacent to the facility
and he would like them to measure at his property as well. He stated it seems all of the
athletic organizations have the same need for more fields. He stated he feels they should
be able to share the fields. He stated he feels they need to be given more fields and not
just lights.
Ms. Stenville,
her driveway, it would be above .5. She asked that they do this. She feels any additional
lights will add to the light in the area.
Mr. Stainthorpe stated they have found that there are better systems that control the light
on the field, and they are going to look into this. Ms. Wittenberg invited the Township
representatives to come to their yards to see the impact. Mr. Stainthorpe stated the lights
that are there are not going to be taken out of the Park. He stated they are obligated to
listen to the citizens and are trying to control the impact of new lights. Ms. Wittenberg
April 12, 2005 Park & Recreation Board – page 5 of 10
stated they want the lights to be within Code. Mr. Fritchey stated they have followed the
Code standards.
Mr. Plichta noted #8 was taken on
so they assumed 0.1. Ms. Mavis stated the house was in front of the trees at this location.
Mr. Plichta stated they took multiple readings at ground level and 36”. Mr. Ed Kozen,
stated with no additional lights, the reading was still ½ a candle which is the Ordinance
requirement.
Mr. Stainthorpe stated the citizens are free to fund their own test and the Township will
cooperate and turn on the lights. He stated whenever there is a dispute about a traffic
study, etc. the Township is accused of not using proper methodology and skewing the
results. He stated they have never done this. He stated if they do get conflicting results,
he cannot say whether they will change this minds.
Mr. Mark Cook, PAA, stated Mr. Plichta was commissioned by the Township and they
met the existing Code and used the form of measurement that is accepted by the industry.
Mr. Plichta was asked if he is certified as a light tester,
and Mr. Plichta stated he is an electrical engineer certified by the
A gentleman from
structures. Mr. Stainthorpe stated they have taken the readings at the levels where they
were instructed to do so. Mr. Carpenter stated the applicable Code states how this test
should be done and this is what they did. Mr. Fritchey stated the Township wants to
make sure that they are doing the right things to meet the Township Code, provide
recreation opportunities for 35,000 people and try to do it in a way that will make it as
painless as possible for the adjoining residents. He stated they must also consider the
broader interests.
Mr. Smith stated he feels a lot of good has come out of the last few meetings by looking
into when the lights go off, etc.
Mr. Tom Stevenson,
buffer, and their homes are at eye level with the lights. He stated he feels the additional
lights will take them over the level where it is intolerable. He stated the lights on the
fields come around the corner and are unobstructed.
Mr. Stainthorpe stated they are not present to convince anyone about the validity of the
studies. He stated they did the study to get facts. He stated they will also listen to the
comments of the residents and then weigh all the facts in order to make a decision on
what they should do.
April 12, 2005 Park & Recreation Board – page 6 of 11
Mr. Dave Wilkenson,
found that they are over what is permitted by Ordinance. Ms. Bunn stated the engineer
has indicated that before the lights go up the lighting company will give them their
projections in certain areas of what the new lights will add to the existing condition.
Ms. Bunn stated if they are higher, they will be adjusted to meet Code. Mr. Carpenter
stated the Township will be in compliance with their Ordinance.
Ms. Mavis stated PAA indicated that they wanted to have two evening baseball games –
one starting at 5:30 p.m. and one at 8:30 p.m. Mr. Carpenter stated this process started
when PAA indicated they needed more field time and they wanted to find out how this
could be done in the most expeditious way. Ms. Liney stated they look to accommodate
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 P.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in their permits. Ms. Mavis asked the
total time including warm up and possibility of over-time. Mr. Kuebler stated it is two
hours per game tops. Mr. Cook stated for the younger players, they do have a time limit,
but the baseball organizations goes to age nineteen and they play a full seven innings and
it could go longer than the two-hour time fame. He stated they do not time it. Ms. Mavis
asked how they are going to make good use out of the $100,000 available if they cannot
get two full games in per night. Mr. Carpenter stated they only play baseball from early
April to the middle of July. He noted they do have some fall baseball, but it is not as
intense. He stated their problem is that they have an organization that is growing; and
unlike other sports where they can use a patch of grass, to play baseball, they need
backstops, etc. He stated the lights will double their capacity with a minimum
investment. He stated you cannot build a baseball field for $100,000.
Ms. Mavis stated with the timers going off at 10:00 p.m., they do not feel they can get two games in each night. She stated if they build a field, it could be used more times during the week.
Mr. Kuebler stated they have been discussing this for six to seven years and additional
fields have been considered. He stated the Board of Supervisors had to make decisions
and have not been able to get more ground. He stated he had suggested that if the
additional lights did not bother anyone, they should install them. Ms. Mavis stated they
are now saying it does bother some of the homeowners and they will not be able to get
two additional games per night so it is not accomplishing anything. She stated they were
able to do this previously because they were playing until 11:00 p.m. at night. She stated
if they are required to turn the lights off early, they will not be getting the games in they
need.
Mr. Newbon stated they have been considering what can be done to get the best return for
the taxpayers’ dollars. He stated they felt this was the best alternative.
April 12, 2005 Park & Recreation Board – page 7 of 11
Ms. Mavis stated they will work with Ms. Liney to pick a night when they can test the
lights.
Mr. Fedorchak left the meeting at this time.
DISCUSSION OF BACKGROUND CLEARANCE CHECKS FOR VOLUNTEER COACHES IN USER GROUPS
Mr. Fritchey stated at the present time YMS does volunteer background checks as does
Pop Warner Football, Lower Bucks Lacrosse, and YM Tennis. He stated PAA at this
time does not do this, but was going to consider it at the March 16 meeting. Mr. Cook
stated they are moving forward with this and will have a plan in place by the end of
baseball season ready for fall and next spring. Mr. Fritchey stated while this is not
required for field permits, they feel it is the prudent thing to do.
Mr. Paul Deppi, President of Lower Bucks Lacrosse and a Newtown Police Officer stated one of their coaches brought this up. He reviewed the background clearance they are currently using. Mr. Smith stated YMS currently has a free clearance procedure which is part of their dues to the State organization. He stated currently there is a Bill before the State Judiciary Committee trying to get an exemption for the $10 charge for volunteer organizations. The organizations that have signed on for this are soccer, a domestic violence organization, and Big Brothers. If the other organization were to get on board, it may help this get approved and the clearance would then be free. He stated they would have to write to their State Senators and he will make the information available to
Ms. Liney who could then provide it to the other organizations.
Mr. Kuebler stated he would encourage the Township to either get into this or get out of
it. He stated he does not feel they should leave it up to the organizations as to whether or
not they do the background checks. He stated he would prefer that the Township define
what they should have and include it in the user fees.
Mr. Fritchey noted problems with local police departments who do not necessarily put
everything in the FBI data base. He stated if you get a PA Criminal Background Check
this does not help if someone committed a crime in
Mr. Kuebler stated if the Township takes a position that they are encouraging the
organizations to do this, they should set forth the method they feel is the method to
follow. He stated if they cannot find the right method, he would rather be divorced from
it.
Mr. Newbon stated he feels the organizations should be involved in it collectively.
April 12, 2005 Park & Recreation Board – page 8 of 11
Mr. Cook asked if the Township is going to let them do it on their own or is the
Township going to tell them what they want. He stated he does not want to spend
thousands of dollars due to the size of their organization and then have the Township tell
them they did not want them to do it in this way.
Mr. Fritchey stated the Township has never felt it was necessary to get this as the
organizations have insurance and they indemnify the Township; although he does feel it
is beneficial to the organization and the Township should encourage this. He stated the
safest way would be to get an FBI check and the PA State check although they could
miss someone who had an incident in
It was suggested that if they require that the organizations do a background check, but not indicate what exactly it should be.
Mr. Fritchey stated he would prefer to leave this to the discretion of the organizations.
Mr. Carpenter asked that they consider recommending that background checks be
performed by the organizations without getting into what checks have to be done so that
the Township is on record on this. He asked that this be considered at a future meeting of
the Park & Recreation Board.
CONSIDERATION OF
Ms. T. Brandimarte who was to discuss this matter was not present this evening.
Ms. Liney stated she will contact her to see if they wish to appear at the next meeting.
APPROVE LMT COMMUNITY POOL SNACK BAR MENU FOR 2005
Ms. Liney noted the proposed menu submitted by MLE Enterprises for the 2005 season.
The Township is required to approve the menu by April 30. Ms. Liney stated the
contractor does attempt to keep price increases to a minimum and to add new foods. She
stated soda machines were also added last year at the request of the membership, and the
contractor is required to stock and maintain them.
Mr. Fritchey stated most of the prices increases seem to be modest.
Mr. Jutkiewicz moved, Mr. Carpenter seconded and it was unanimously carried to
approve the Snack Bar Menu for 2005.
April 12, 2005 Park & Recreation Board – page 9 of 11
SUPERVISOR LIAISON REPORT
Mr. Stainthorpe stated they did re-finance approximately half of the Golf Course debt and
locked in a rate of 4.1%. He stated the variable rate is currently 2% and it is going up and
the spread between the fixed and variable was getting close. They felt it was prudent to
lock in a portion of the debt. Mr. Stainthorpe stated the Board also recently passed a
Resolution which will make up the difference between an employees salary and active
duty pay for those employees who are called up for active duty in the military.
Mr. Fritchey asked if there was anything further from the
Governor regarding the
Center. Mr. Stainthorpe stated they did get a letter but he feels it was simply a form
letter. He stated they will continue to pursue this matter.
RECREATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Ms. Liney stated Park & Recreation continues to prepare the parks for spring use. She
stated use of Township recreation facilities is high with soccer, baseball, Lacrosse, and
tennis all underway.
Ms. Liney stated they also continue to ready the Pool Complex for a busy swim season.
The Community Pool slide project is over 90% complete. The contractor is pouring the
concrete for decking around the slide this week. The installer will be returning next week
to finish the miscellaneous hardware items and racking of the structure. There are some
final plumping and electrical connections to be made. Barring any unforeseen problems
they should be ready to have staff training beginning in early May. She stated the
spreadsheet provided to the Board shows revenue of approximately $360,000 through
March. They have additional deposits of approximately $40,000 to date which puts them
ahead of the last several years with two weeks left in the month.
Ms. Liney stated the Lower Makefield Seniors celebrated their 10th Anniversary with a
luncheon and entertainment at the Washington Crossing Inn with several of the Supervisors in attendance. She added that the Seniors recently presented Governor Rendell with a petition showing over 2,000 signatures requesting release of capital funds budgeted for a senior center.
Ms. Liney stated the Township would like to thank all the user groups for their
cooperation during the recent floods. The Township Parks, particularly Macclesfield,
were relatively unscathed as all the drainage patterns worked well. The Park maintenance crew did a fine job of cleanup on the extensive Township facilities. She stated she understands there were successful opening days this past weekend.
April 12, 2005 Park & Recreation Board – page 10 of 11
Mr. Newbon noted the Morrisville baseball fields had been
flooded out and he asked if there was an invitation to them to use
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL REPORT
Ms. Bunn stated a Canal Clean Up was planned for the first Saturday in April and this
had to be canceled due to the flood. They are going to try to do something for Canal
Days in July. Ms. Bunn stated they will have a stormwater management seminar next
Wednesday which is a joint seminar with other Townships to satisfy a portion of the
NPDES requirement. They will also have a hazardous waste pick-up on May 21 at the
LEAGUE LIAISON REPORTS
Lower Bucks Lacrosse - Mr. Jutkiewicz stated their season is well under way. He stated
they would like to thank the Township for working with them and getting the fields
necessary to start the season. They are anxiously awaiting the lit fields.
Mr. Lou Sears,
the Rivergate grievances that the sports leagues try to get together to improve their
relations with the residents around
Pop Warner Football – Mr. Ed Bambino stated their organization continues to grow. He
stated the flag football program is manageable in terms of players but the tackle program
has grown from eleven teams up to sixteen to eighteen tackle teams in 2005. He stated
the reason for this increase is that the Pennsbury School District Middle Schools have
started to cut their rosters and Pop Warner anticipates an increase in their membership.
He stated it world be their desire to have one other practice field if possible for Tuesday
and Thursday evenings. Mr. Kuebler stated the League only has twenty-two players on a
team and every child is a starting player. He stated it is an educational program and
everyone plays. It was noted the Middle Schools will hold try outs in the spring so that
those who are cut will know ahead of time.
April 12, 2005 Park & Recreation Board – page 11 of 11
There being no further business, Mr. Jutkiewicz moved, Mr. Carpenter seconded and it was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
John
Kuebler, Secretary