CHADDS FORD TOWNSHIP

 

Minutes – Board of Supervisors

 

March 7, 2001

 

The Supervisors of Chadds Ford Township met in the Township Building on Wednesday, March 7, 2001.  The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Present were Harvey L. Kliman, George M. Thorpe, and James E. Shipley.  Also present were Solicitor Donald T. Petrosa and James C. Kelly of Kelly Engineers.

 

Public Comment

 

            Fred Reiter commented that the east shoulder of Webb Road is eroding.  Mr. Thorpe will contact PennDOT.

 

State Police Report  no report

 

Approval of Minutes

 

Mr. Thorpe motioned, Mr. Shipley seconded, and the Board approved the Minutes of the February 7, 2001, meeting.

 

Reports

 

Supervisors

         

Mr. Kliman highlighted items in his Chairman’s Report (attached).  He also posted notices on lectures on lymes disease.  Mr. Kliman and Mr. Weigold have worked on a Township website that should be completed within a few weeks.  We have received notices from Adelphia advising of outages when the sun lines up with the satellite transmission and reception dishes.  In addition, there will be an increase in rates.

 

          Mr. Shipley reported that Holly Harper advised that the Brandywine Conservancy and Natural Lands Trust have met with the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania in February to review characteristics of the Sunset Hill Camp.  The Girl Scouts are still considering development consistent with the features of the land.  The Girl Scouts have been asked to consider the sensitivity of this site.  Anne Pounds feels that we need to keep communication open with the Girl Scouts.  Mr. Kliman advised that the Girl Scouts have stated they will be considering conservation options first. 


Minutes – Board of Supervisors

Page 2

March 7, 2001

 

            Mr. Kliman commented that the latest report from the Rachel Kohl Library shows that approximately 7% of the users of this Library are Chadds Ford residents.  Mr. Thorpe motioned that we donate $1,000 of the $2,000 budgeted for the Library this year.  Mr. Shipley seconded donating $1,000, the same as we gave last year.  Mr. Shipley encouraged all residents who use the Library to donate.

 

Treasurer

 

Account balances as of February 28, 2001:

 

State Funds:

v     Checking    $284.99

v     Savings       $652.11                                                           $      937.10  

 

Township Funds:

v     Checking    $74,156.81 

v     Savings       $34,101.08                                                      $108,257.89

 

Escrow Fund:                                                                                 $445,207.96

 

Total                                                                                        $554,402.95

 

Certificates of Deposit opened December 12, 2000 – 14 months @ 6.50%:

Township Fund $  65,978.48

            Building Fund               $102,443.61 

Sewer Fund                  $    7,111.13

Land Trust                    $  10,000.00

 

Money Market opened December 12, 2000 – 30 days @ 6.05%:

            Township Fund $  50,421.07

 

            Total Certificates of Deposit/Money Market                              $235,954.29

 

TOTAL ALL FUNDS                                                                         $790,357.24

 


Minutes – Board of Supervisors

Page 3

March 7, 2001

 

Receipts for the month of February 2001:

 

General Fund:

Treasurer of Delaware CountyCounty Aid

5,400.00

 

Treasurer of Delaware County – trans. Tax

6,367.55

 

District Court – fines

25.00

 

Jones,Strohm,Crain&Guthrie – Rappucci fine

545.44

 

Richard J. Jensen 

v     $710.00  – BP

v     $240.00  – ZP

v     $245.00  – PP 

v     $160.00  – C/O

1,355.00

 

Engineering Reimbursements

v     $2,535.94 – Applied Card Systems

v     $     94.48 – Sheer

v     $2,085.83 – Cavallo (Bergin)

v     $   310.64 – Blanton

v     $   558.01 – Dionysios G. Rassias

v     $   382.50 – Whitney M. Maroney

v     $     19.75 – Carmen J. Rappucci

5,987.15

 

  Legal Reimbursements

v     $1,150.00 – Applied Card Systems

v     $1,355.00 – Cavallo (Bergin)

2,505.00

 

SEO

v     $500.00 – Janice B. Turner

v     $300.00 – T.B.F. Development 

800.00

 

Chadds Ford Twp.Escrow Funds – McLaughlin ZHB bills

200.16

 

Chadds Ford Twp.Escrow Funds – Rappucci ZHB bills

190.26

 

Sales of Maps & Ordinances

40.74

 

Total Receipts – General Fund

 

$23,416.30

Interest – General Fund

89.87

 

Interest – State Fund

1.35

 

Interest – Money Market

151.39

 

 

Escrow Fund:

 

 

 Cavallo Auto Body (Bergin) – Developer’s

5,000.00

 

 

 

 

TOTAL RECEIPTS

 

$28,658.91

 


Minutes – Board of Supervisors

Page 4

March 7, 2001

 

Bills presented for payment March 7, 2001:

 

General Fund:

PECO

v     $156.05

v     $451.43

v     $130.38

$737.86

 

PECO

70.96

 

Verizon (phone and fax)

109.52

 

Petrikin,Wellman,Damico,Brown & Petrosa

3,112.50

 

Kelly Engineers

13,704.36

 

Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority

2,333.33

 

Shurgard of Painter’s Crossing

159.00

 

Ehrlich

57.00

 

Suburban Propane

560.92

 

Daily Times

494.02

 

Merit Court Reporting Services

1,287.00

 

Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, Inc.

32.40 

 

Martin Brothers Excavation

6,115.00

 

Martin Brothers Excavation

709.65  

 

Fronefield & de Furia

690.00

 

Natural Lands Trust

1,158.00

 

Levis & Pinto

4,809.00

 

Charles J. Weigold - expenses

653.23

 

Susie Ahlstrom

60.00

 

Harvey L. Kliman

125.00

 

George M. Thorpe

125.00

 

James E. Shipley

125.00

 

George M. Thorpe – Roadmaster

75.00

 

Richard J. Jensen

2,131.75

 

Richard J. Jensen – postage

86.02

 

Richard J. Jensen – Brandywine Dr. inspections

402.50

 

Gail G. Force

993.59

 

EarthLink, Inc.

17.95

 

AOL

26.95

 

Total Bills – General Fund

 

$40,962.51

Escrow Fund:

 

 

Martin G. Smith – Rel. #1

9,576.00

 

Chadds Ford Twp. – Harper appeal bills

25.00

 

Total Bills – Escrow Fund

 

9,601.00

 

 

 

TOTAL BILLS

 

$50,563.51

 
Minutes – Board of Supervisors

Page 5

March 7, 2001

 

Mr. Shipley motioned, Mr. Thorpe seconded, and the Board approved the bills as presented. 

 

Roadmaster

 

            Mr. Thorpe presented his Roadmaster’s Report (attached).

 

Planning Commission

 

            The Secretary reported that both Bancroft Homes and Ferver Applications were reviewed at the February 28, 2001, meeting.

 

Zoning Hearing Board

 

            Ed Wandersee reported on the February 21 DiSabatino hearing where a side yard and front yard variance was granted with conditions, including compliance with all Township ordinances.

 

            Mr. Jensen reported that Chadds Ford Auto has moved; however, Mr. Petrosa was not certain of the status of this case.  He has written their attorney and awaits a reply.  A hearing was scheduled for March 21, 2001.  The owner, Lee Fisher, gave verbal confirmation that the Chadds Ford Auto Lease has been terminated. 

 

HARB

 

            Mr. Jensen reported that because of predicted weather, the March 5, 2001, hearing was cancelled for the Grace, III, property.  The hearing will be held on April 2, 2001. 

 

Sewer Authority

 

            Jim Murray reported that the sewer plant is working fine.  A new air compressor has been installed.  Plans are complete for construction at Longview/Summit/Woodland and they hope to have bids this month.  Details are still to be worked out with Chester Water Authority and the Township regarding right-of-way.  The Sewer Authority needs the input of the Board of Supervisors regarding the hydrant system.  Chester Water Authority wants an additional $1,500 per hydrant and an additional rental of approximately $300 per year.  They are awaiting feedback from the Fire Marshall.

 

Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer

 

            Mr. Jensen reported the issuance of the following permits during the month:  1 residential repair, 2 plumbing, 6 signs (1 sign denied), and 1 commercial alteration.

Minutes – Board of Supervisors

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March 7, 2001

 

Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer (cont.)

 

            Five Certificates of Occupancy for new businesses and 15 for completed permits were issued.

 

            With regard to the Henderson sign issue, Mr. Jensen advised that the easement was granted for construction of the road only.  He forwarded a copy to Mike Lyons, Esquire, to review to explore the possibility of either creating an easement or changing the language of the existing easement for Henderson to build a sign not in the center of the road.

 

Engineer

 

Henderson (Lot 12) – There has been no significant change in the site development during the past month.

 

Henderson (Lot 2) – No site improvements have been completed; however, off-site drainage improvements are being made in conjunction with the construction of Brandywine Drive.  Weekly construction meetings are being held with the owners, contractors, and Richard Jensen.

 

Wawa (Dilworthtown Road) – The Applicant has requested a meeting with DEP to discuss the on-lot disposal system.   Both the Applicant and DEP have been advised that a representative of Kelly Engineers wants to be present at any meetings regarding the sewage system.

 

Kid’s First – In response to a request for a temporary Certificate of Occupancy, Mr. Jensen and J. P. Kelly are scheduled to meet at the site on March 8, 2001, to review the progress made on the site improvements and the items listed in their memo before any further consideration would be given to this request.

 

Bancroft Homes – In response to Kelly Engineers’ plan review comments, further revisions will be made to this plan for the March Planning Commission meeting.

 

Chadds Ford Plaza – Weekly construction meetings are being held with the owners, contractors, and Richard Jensen.

 

2000 Road Program -  The punch list has been completed and Jim Kelly recommended a release of the 10% retainage ($10,774.70) to the contractor.

 

Mr. Kelly submitted copies of rules and regulations from the Chester County Health Department for review.

Minutes – Board of Supervisors

Page 7

March 7, 2001

 

Engineer (cont.)

 

SEO Activity Report (see attached report for the period February 1 through 28, 2001)

 

Solicitor

 

            Mr. Petrosa outlined Ordinance 84-A detailing who must connect to the public sewer system.  It corrects both the Township name and DER to DEP.  This proposed Ordinance has been advertised in the Daily Times.  Mr. Thorpe motioned, Mr. Shipley seconded, and the Board approved adoption of Ordinance 84-A. 

 

            The attorney for Garnet VW has arranged for a 90-day extension of the Letter of Credit, with a 30-day notice if they are not going to renew.  Mr. Jensen asked who was to maintain the storm water management.  The Developer’s Agreement will need to be reviewed.

 

Open Space Committee

 

            Samantha Reiner submitted her report (attached).  Mr. Shipley felt that we had to somehow inform the public of the proposed ordinance revisions before adoption.  Mr. Kliman explained the process for adoption of any proposed ordinance, including moving public hearings to a larger location if necessary.

 

Property Planning Workgroup

 

            Mr. Thorpe reported that there has been no meeting because this Workgroup was awaiting feedback from the Brandywine Conference and Visitors Bureau.  Unofficially the reports are that they have made a decision to go to the Johnson’s Corner building in Concord Township for strictly economics reasons; a cost of $250,000 versus a cost of $775,000 to rehabilitate the Turner’s Mill building.  The cost for the rehab of the Rose Tree Tavern has exceeded expectations; therefore, the Bureau felt they could not afford Turner’s Mill.

 

Old Business

 

            Stonebridge Bed and Breakfast – Mr. Kliman opened this topic for discussion by the members of the Board, some of whom attended the Open House.  Mr. Kliman did speak to one neighbor regarding this proposed use.  For this proposal to proceed, Mr. Kliman stated that this land would have to be either re-zoned or an overlay district would have to be provided.  A Bed and Breakfast has relatively low impact on the neighborhood in terms of traffic, noise, smells, and other activity (i.e. trucks for deliveries, etc.);

Minutes – Board of Supervisors

Page 8

March 7, 2001

 

Stonebridge (cont.)

 

however, a 60-seat restaurant, as proposed by Dr. Sabanayagam, is more a commercial use.  It would be difficult to re-zone a single property; therefore, other properties in the Township would have to be considered.  If the restaurant use were to be considered, re-zoning would be opened up all along Route 1.  Mr. Thorpe mentioned that during a recent meeting with The Henderson Group, it was mentioned that there is a need for first-class accommodations in our area.  Mr. Shipley commented that he felt two issues were being mixed.  This requires changing from residential to commercial zoning.  He was not opposed to looking at a Bed and Breakfast Ordinance, but not with a 60-seat restaurant.  He felt we should look at this as an opportunity to spot zone commercially, for a particular purpose, and decide if that is what we want to do.  We would have to see what is in it for the Township, see what is in it for the private owners, and decide if we want to re-zone commercially in this one spot.  A consultant for the Sabanaygams, MaryAnna B. Ralph, who is also a Pennsbury Township Board Member, described that Pennsbury has an overlay for Bed and Breakfasts and one for Antiques Shops.  She will provide copies of these overlays for our consideration.

 

New Business

 

Heritage Commission of Delaware County Historic Restoration Award Nomination

 

Mr. Kliman has prepared a brief description of Dr. Laskas’ renovation of a property on Route 202 for submission.  Mr. Shipley motioned, Mr. Thorpe seconded, and the Board voted to submit this nomination.

 

Act 67 and 68

 

Mr. Kliman asked Mr. Petrosa to look at Acts 67 and 68, which include mandated requirements for updating our comprehensive plan.  Mr. Kliman distributed written materials for the Board members to review.

 

 

Adjournment

  

            The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 P.M.

 

 

 

                                                                                    ______________________________

                                                                                    Gail G. Force, Secretary