TOWNSHIP OF LOWER MAKEFIELD

DISABLED PERSONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2007

 

A meeting of the Disabled Persons Advisory Board of the Township of Lower Makefield was held in the Municipal Building on Tuesday, May 22, 2007.  Chairman Huchler-Smith opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

 

Those present:

 

BOARD MEMBERS:                                  David Rogers, Vice-Chairman (absent)

Lisa Huchler-Smith, Chairman

Ann Piccinotti, member

Liz Harbison, member

Megan Dorko, Secretary

                                                                       

OTHERS:                                                      Pete Stainthorpe, Supervisor Liaison

                                                                                                                                               

Approval of April 2007 Meeting Minutes

 

Mr. Piccinotti moved, Ms. Dorko seconded and it was unanimously carried to approve the April 2007 minutes with changes.

 

Pennsbury School District

 

Ms. Huchler-Smith stated that Donald Harm from Pennsbury School District contacted her regarding the handicap parking compliance letter.  He stated that all Pennsbury schools would be made compliant over the summer as they put money in their budget for the project.

 

Ms. Huchler-Smith noted that she would send a letter to Pennsbury School District thanking them for there compliance with the handicap parking rules when they finish.

 

Police/Emergency Database

 

Chief Coluzzi has asked the Disabled Board to go door-to-door to get information for the Emergency Management Special Needs forms.  Mr. Stainthorpe suggested contacting the Emergency Management Committee for assistance with obtaining the information for the forms.

 

Fabric Panels

 

Ms. Huchler-Smith asked Mr. Stainthorpe what the next step for the Disabled Board is regarding the fabric panels.   Mr. Stainthorpe replied if the Board feels the panels would be beneficial, they should make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.  Ms. Huchler-Smith stated she is not 100% percent sure these panels would make a great difference and would get more references before the Board makes their recommendation.

 

 

 

 

Disabled Persons Advisory Board – May 22, 2007

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Zoning Hearing Board

 

Ms. Huchler-Smith stated the Zoning Hearing Board will be meeting on June 5, 2007 on a request for a Variance to exceed the impervious surface percentage to install sidewalks to accommodate a family’s handicapped son.  She said that she is not sure if the Disabled Board should be a party to this matter at the meeting. Mr. Stainthorpe stated the family has a son who suffered a head injury and the family is asking to install additional walkways on their property so their son can get around better.  The family’s property exceeds the impervious surface percentage for the additional sidewalks and other work that will be done and they are asking for a Variance.  Mr. Stainthorpe stated in Zoning Hearing Board matters such as these, the Board of Supervisors decide if they should be involved in these matters.  The Board will decide if there is a need for a Variance because of hardship and he believes the Board agrees there is a hardship on the family and the Zoning Hearing Board should grant the Variance. 

 

Tax Office Repairs

 

Ms. Huchler-Smith stated she submitted a letter to Mr. Fedorchak and went before the Board of Supervisors with Ms. Cecchine for approval of improvements to the to the Tax Office.  She stated the Board approved the improvements to the Tax Office and the next step would be to obtain estimates for the work to be done plus the designation of an additional handicap spot at the Tax Office.

 

Ms. Huchler-Smith stated that Mr. Fedorchak has already contracted an architect for estimates.  She also suggested to Mr. Fedorchak and the Board that an automatic door be installed at the front entrance.  Mr. Stainthorpe stated if the work is under $10,000 the bidding process can be avoided and depending on the cost, the work could be done this year.

 

Article for the Fall Newsletter

 

Ms. Huchler-Smith stated she is looking for one of the Board members to write an article for the Township’s fall newsletter.  Ms. Harbison volunteered to write the article.

 

SEBLM

 

Ms. Huchler-Smith stated she recently attended the Southeastern Bucks League of Municipalities meeting to spark interest to form a Disabled Persons Advisory Boards in the other municipalities.  She stated she has not had any contact from the municipalities in attendance at the meeting and wondered what to do.  Mr. Stainthorpe stated he is a member of the Bucks County Association of Township Officials and to be on their Board you must be an elected official.  BCATO also has a magazine they publish for circulation to the elected officials.  He stated he could get approval from the president for members of this Board to make a presentation at one of the meetings.  He stated the BCATO is also looking for articles for its publication.

 

Mr. Stainthorpe stated that he would attend the Bucks County TMA meeting this Thursday and would give the Board an update at the next meeting.

 

Disabled Persons Advisory Board – May 22, 2007

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The date of the next meeting will be Tuesday, June 26th at 7:30 p.m.

 

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

 

 

                                                                                    Respectfully Submitted,

 

                                               

                       

                                                                                    Megan Dorko, Secretary