RICHLAND TOWNSHIP
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
BUSINESS MEETING
OCTOBER 13, 2008
Chairman, Craig Staats, called the Richland Township
Board of Supervisors Business Meeting to order. Members present: Richard Orloff
and Michael Zowniriw. Also present: Stephen Sechriest, Township Manager; Kevin
Kochanski, Township Planner, Boucher & James; Dick Wieland, Township
Engineer, Carroll Engineering; Amy Kaminski, Township Traffic Engineer, Carroll
Engineering;
I. OPENING
A. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
B. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
C. Mr. Orloff gave the Invocation.
D. The Roll Call was taken.
E. Board Appointments
Luis Cuadrado is interested in becoming an alternate
member of the Zoning Hearing Board.
MOTION Mr. Orloff made a motion to
appoint Mr. Luis Cuadrado as an alternate member of the Zoning Hearing
Board. Mr. Staats seconded the
motion. Vote: All in favor.
Motion carried unanimously.
II. PUBLIC
HEARINGS
A. Public
Hearing Concerning the Creation of a Richland Township Agricultural Security
Area
The Richland Township Agricultural Security Area
Advisory Committee has completed their review of the proposed creation of a
Township Agricultural Security Area and has proposed the initial list of
properties to be included in the Agricultural Security Area.
Present to discuss this issue with the BOS was:
There was no public comment on this issue.
MOTION Mr. Orloff made a motion to adopt
Resolution #08-34, which recognizes that the Township contains active farming
areas that contribute to the livelihood of area, the quality of life, the
economic health of our community that these areas are worthy of protection and that
a portion of Richland Township be designated as an Agricultural Security Area,
as allowed by PA Act 43 of 1981. Mr.
Staats seconded the motion. Vote: All in favor.
Motion carried unanimously.
III. PUBLIC
COMMENT
Mr. William Huber, had comments concerning the removal
of snow and ice from his subdivision, increased sewage bills, the widening of
Station Road, Lowe’s causing noise disturbances after hours, and cracking
concrete in the sidewalks throughout his neighborhood.
Mr. John Keller, had comments concerning the
trespassing of ATV’s on his property located along Gross Road.
IV. PRESENTATIONS
A. Presentation
by Richland Area Emergency Services Association (RAESA) of requests for
financial assistance by the Fire Departments Serving the Township
The requested contributions for 2009 are listed in a
letter from Mr. Douglas Wilhelm, RAESA Chairman, dated September 11, 2008.
Present to discuss this issue with the BOS were:
Douglas Wilhelm and Robert Heitz.
The BOS indicated that they would include the requests
in the budget preparations and requested financial reports be submitted.
B. Presentation
by the Park and Recreation Board of a proposal to apply for a grant to hire a
park and recreation professional
The Park and Recreation Board is seeking to apply for
a grant in conjunction with Richlandtown Borough for funds to hire a full time
park professional to assist both communities with their park and recreation
programs.
Present to discuss this issue with the BOS was: Carla DeMuro-Mercon,
Requests were: approval to apply for a grant for
funds; approval to hire a parks professional; provide professional park
programs; approval to partner with Richlandtown Borough.
MOTION Mr. Orloff made a motion to grant
approval to apply for a grant for funds to hire a parks professional; approval
to hire a parks professional; provide professional park programs; approval to
partner with Richlandtown Borough and requested a 90-day report of progress. Mr. Zowniriw seconded the motion. Vote:
All in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
V. BOARD
AND STAFF REPORTS
Stephen Sechriest, Township Manager, stated that he
had plans that the BOS needed to sign after the meeting and requested an
executive session. Mr. Sechriest also reported that the Bucks County Government
Services Building was opened last week and that there would be a ribbon cutting
ceremony and open house for the District Justice office to be held on Wednesday
October 29, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.
Mr. Sechriest also reported that on Wednesday, October
29, 2008 the Fire Commissioner will be at the Quakertown West End Fire Company
at 7:00 p.m.
The final report from Mr. Sechriest concerned The
Bucks County Associates of Townships having their annual fall dinner on October
30, 2008 at the Spring Mill Manor starting a 6:00 p.m. Mr. Sechriest requested
that the BOS notify him by the end of the week if they would be attending and
to also let him know about their choice from the menu.
Richard Orloff, Township Supervisor, congratulated
Craig Staats, Township
Supervisor, had no reports at this time.
Michael Zowniriw, Township Supervisor, discussed the
possibility of having a webcam of the BOS meetings that would send streaming
video online to residents to witness the business meetings.
Mr. Geib also reported he received a presentation from
an Eagle Scout candidate from Troup #185 to improve the pavilion area of
Chief Cerami, Township Police Department, requested
that the BOS keep the hiring of another police officer in the budget for next
year. Chief Cerami stated that at this
time the list of candidates has been depleted and more time would be needed to
generate more applicants for consideration.
Chief Cerami also reported that “Smooth Operator” was
operated from September 9 to September 21, 2008. Also, there were a couple of officers that did
a “Stop and Talk” detail at the Richlandtown Borough Community Day on September
21, 2008.
VI. DEVELOPERS’
ISSUES
A. Request
by Americorp, Inc. to extend the five-year approval period for the previously
approved subdivision plan called Morgan Creek, which they are now calling
Steeple Run
The Township previously extended the five year
development period for this project in return for Americorp completing the
public improvements in the Morgan Creek Development. A new five year extension
is now needed. Americorp is offering a
$78,000 recreation contribution for the extension.
Mr. Charles Marte, Mr. Renato Gualtieri, and Mr.
Richard Stoneback were present to discuss this issue with the BOS.
MOTION Mr. Staats made a motion to adopt
Resolution #08-35, which reaffirms approval of the Morgan Creek Subdivision as
revised. Mr. Orloff seconded the motion.
Vote: All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
B. Request
for an extension of the conditional final approval for the Reserve at Hidden
Ponds Project located along Station Road
The developer has requested an extension of the period
to enter into financial security agreements for this project.
MOTION Mr. Staats made a motion to grant
an extension of the period to enter into financial security agreements for Reserve
at Hidden Ponds Project located along
C. Request
for an extension of the conditional final approval for the Front Gate Community
Project located off Station Road behind the Quakertown Farmers’ Market
The developer has requested an extension of the period
to enter into financial security agreements.
MOTION Mr. Staats made a motion to grant
an extension of the period to enter into financial security agreements for
Front Gate Community Project located off
D. Consideration
of a Stormwater Exemption Request for the Jehovah’s Witnesses for their
property located at 1000 Doylestown Pike (Rte 313)
The Jehovah’s witnesses are seeking a Stormwater
exemption for an expansion of their existing building to provide attached
living quarters for their pastor and family.
MOTION Mr. Staats made a motion to grant
a Stormwater Exemption for the Jehovah’s Witnesses property located at 1000
Doylestown Pike (Rte 313). Motion includes a $500.00 exemption fee. Mr. Zowniriw seconded the motion. Vote:
All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
E. Escrow Releases
1. BMCA Quakertown, Inc. a.k.a. GAF,
Release Request No. 2
The developer has requested a release of escrow funds
for this project. Mr.
MOTION Mr. Staats made a motion to grant
the release of escrow funds to BMCA Quakertown, Inc. in the amount of
$54,111.03 as recommended by Mr.
2. Walnut Bank Farm, Parcel “K”,
Release Request No. 8
The developer has requested a release of escrow funds
for this project. Mr.
MOTION Mr. Staats made a motion to grant
the release of escrow funds to Frank Kelly Builders, Inc. for its Walnut Bank
Farm, Parcel “K” in the amount of $80,645.06 as recommended by Mr.
3. Baldridge/Gunna (Rite-Aid), Release
Request No. 6
The developer has requested a release of escrow funds
for this project. Mr.
MOTION Mr. Staats made a motion to grant
the release of escrow funds to Gundaker Commercial Group for its Rite-Aid
project in the amount of $33,362.10 as recommended by Mr.
4. Shelly Enterprises, Request for
Final Release
The developer has requested a release of escrow funds
for this project. Mr.
MOTION Mr. Staats made a motion to deny
the final release of escrow funds for Shelly Enterprises, as recommended by Mr.
F. Zoning Hearing Scheduled for October 16, 2008
1. Last
Chance Ranch, Loren McCutcheon-Benetz, corner of Meadow and Beck Roads
The applicant is seeking variances to allow the use of
an existing building located within the required 200 foot setback as a kennel
and to have a fenced dog run within the required 200 foot setback.
The
BOS decided to not to take a position on this issue.
G. Zoning Hearing Scheduled for November 6, 2008
1. Emilio Socci, 1050 Fairmont Drive
The applicant is seeking a special exception to allow
for an accessory home occupation (Beauty Salon).
MOTION Mr. Orloff made a motion to notify
the Zoning Hearing Board that the BOS was opposed to this special exception
request from Mr. Socci based on previous complaints from residents. Mr. Staats seconded the motion. Vote:
All in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
VII. TOWNSHIP
BUSINESS ITEMS (OLD AND NEW)
A. Approval of Minutes from September 8, 2008
MOTION Mr. Staats made a motion to
approve the Richland Township Board of Supervisors Business Meeting minutes
from September 8, 2008 as edited. Mr.
Orloff seconded the motion. Vote: All in favor.
Motion carried unanimously.
B. Financial
Business – Approve payment of bills summarized below. For details see the
financial reports.
General Fund
Total: $339,376.04
Fire Protection
Fund Total: $212.50
Police Fund
Total: $160,553.96
Volunteer Board
Fund Total: $2,689.32
Recreation Fund
Total: $74,101.02
Developer Escrow
Fund Total: $109,498.01
MOTION Mr. Orloff made a motion to
approve the payment of bills as presented.
Mr. Staats seconded the motion.
Vote: All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
C. Resolution Adopting Agricultural Security Area
This issue was
resolved earlier in the meeting.
D. Awarding of contract for road salt
The Bucks County Consortium has announced the result
of the bids for road salt for the coming winter. The lowest responsible bidder was
International Salt Co, LLC at a price of $69.50 per ton. Cargill, Inc. actually submitted a lower bid
at $65.55 per ton but added a condition to not agree to provide any salt beyond
the estimated tonnage, which was unacceptable.
Follows is the complete list as outlined by Borough of
Doylestown and dated September 17, 2008:
Cargill, Inc –Deicing Technology Business Unit $65.55
(delivered and undelivered)
International Salt Company, LLC $69.50 (delivered) and
$65.00 (undelivered)
American Rock
Salt Co., LLC –No Bid
Morton Salt – No
Bid
North American
Salt Company –No Bid
MOTION Mr. Staats made a motion to
accept the bid for road salt for the coming winter from International Salt Co.,
LLC at a price of $69.50 per ton. Mr.
Zowniriw seconded the motion. Vote: All in favor.
Motion carried unanimously.
E. Traffic Signal Maintenance Contract
The Township’s current traffic signal maintenance
contract expires at the end of October, 2008.
Two quotes were received: Signal Service, Inc. of West
Chester (this is the current service contractor) and Telco, Inc. of Reading
Mr. Sechriest recommended Telco, Inc. since their
price for the preventative maintenance was about $500 lower and the hourly
rates for response maintenance were similar. Mr. Sechriest also recommended
Telco, Inc. due to the fact that Telco, Inc. is used heavily in the Lehigh
Valley and he has received good reports on their service from managers in that
area.
Chief Cerami requested an after hours phone number for
Telco, Inc. to supply to the police dispatchers.
MOTION Mr. Orloff made a motion to hire
Telco, Inc. of Reading to be the Township’s traffic signal maintenance service
company as recommended by Mr. Sechriest.
Mr. Zowniriw seconded the motion.
Vote: All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
VIII. PUBLIC
COMMENT
There was no public comment at
this time in the meeting.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION Mr. Zowniriw made a motion to
adjourn the Richland Township Board of Supervisors Business Meeting at 8:48
p.m. Mr. Orloff seconded the
motion. Vote: All in favor.
Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully
submitted,
Catherine
Woods
Recording
Secretary
Note: The next business meeting of the Richland
Township Board of Supervisors will be held on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 7:00
p.m.
Note: The Richland Township Board of Supervisors
held an executive session after the meeting concerning the status of the police
department contract and wages for staff next year.