BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
                                                                      July 19, 2010

The meeting of the Douglass Township Board of Supervisors was called to order at 7:30 P.M.
Attending were Chairman Tim Turner, Supervisor Fred Ziegler, Supervisor John Stasik, Solicitor Charles Markofski, Solicitor Paul Bauer, Representative Marcy Toepel, Bill Bushnell, Bob Campbell, Cynthia O’Donnell, Pete Hiryak, Mike Heydt, Chief Templin, and 35 residents.

Mr. Turner led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Mr. Theil announced that he will be taping tonight’s proceedings.

The Board welcomed 147th Legislation District Representative Marcy Toepel. Ms. Toepel stated that Bob Mensch is now a Senator so she was voted in to replace him. Ms. Toepel stated that she or Bill Bushnell could be reached at the Schwenksville Office if anyone has any questions or concerns please feel free to contact them. Ms. Toepel lives in Douglass Township so she found it quite appropriate to make her first Township appearance to be here at Douglass Township.

Mr. Turner asked if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes, no one replied.

On motion by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Stasik, the Board approved the minutes of the June 21st, 2010 Board of Supervisor’s meeting. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

No report was submitted by the Gilbertsville Ambulance.

Chief Templin presented the Police Report
Statistics for June 2010 are: 411 incidents reported, 3 vacation notices, 1,965 business checks, 3 reportable accidents, 16 non-reportable accidents, 21 criminal investigations, 7 criminal arrests, 264 traffic citations, 5 non-traffic citations, 3 parking tickets, miles traveled 8,067. Monies received by the Township $6,553.27. Chief Templin informed the Board that the new Patrol Car was in and he will be making arrangements to pick it up.

A motion to accept the Police Department Report was made by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Stasik. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

Mr. Charles Haddad presented the Trustee’s Report.
I. GFC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – The six month financials are completed for GFC. For the six months there is a minimal profit of $118. The projected profit for that period was $28,000. The profit reported and projected is after a pull tab profit of $29,358. One can see that it is only with the pull tab operations that GFC is able to operate. No one at GFC is satisfied with the results. The officers realize changes need to be made in the operations and I am willing to work with them to make those changes. I shall not continue doing what we are currently doing since that model and program is not working. The full year budget for 2010 was based on actual results of operations for 2008 and in particular 2009. The projections were with an historical basis and not just “pie in the sky” numbers. A quick analysis of budget differences: Food & Beverage Sales were lower by $56,623 with a corresponding decrease of COGS of $33,327. Labor & Payroll Taxes Over Budget $11,605. Repairs Over Budget $9,476. Capital Improvements Over Budget $6,583.
II. LEASE PAYMENTS – At the June meeting, I reported the first monthly lease payments of $3,000 by F&R and $1,500 by BINGO were made with the same amount, $4,500 donated back by GFC to F&R. For whatever reason, the lease payments by F&R and BINGO for May and June were not made. Before reading too much into lack of payments, I want to meet with GFC and F&R after the Supervisors meeting to see what broke down and what needs to be done so these payments and donations back happen without it being a monthly issue. (Mr. Haddad stated that the May payment has just been received, however the June payment is still outstanding).
The Salvation Army makes their payments timely.
III. HARLEYSVILLE LINE OF CREDIT – I had to leave the June 15th meeting of the Supervisors to take a neighbor to the doctor. It is not my position to “scold” the Supervisors, but I must confess to being disturbed over a suggestion that the Line of Credit at Harleysville for $37,900, which appears as a liability of GFC on the balance sheet, may be satisfied by a payment from Douglass Township. I have kept, you, the Supervisors fully advised of what is happening at the Fire Companies and I would have appreciated an opportunity to discuss this before being made public. Whether it MAY be done is a matter for your solicitor to address. Whether it SHOULD be done is more complex and I would like to be involved in that discussion. Having stated that, the Supervisors, members of GFC, members of F&R and the taxpayers of Douglass Township should realize that the previous trustee had the responsibility of paying the bills but did not have any money to do so and therefore borrowed the money. GFC, F&R, and the Trustee benefitted from the money advanced by the Line of Credit at Harleysville, but GFC was left with paying the debt. Can GFC do it? That is something the officers of GFC need to answer.

Mr. Turner asked if there were any questions for Mr. Haddad, Mr. Ziegler stated that he withdrew his suggestion of paying off the debt. Mr. Ziegler asked if Mr. Haddad heard of a rumor that Bingo was moving to New Hanover, Mr. Haddad replied that he did not hear anything about that. Mr. Ziegler asked Chief Smith if he heard anything, Chief Smith replied that he did not hear that either. No other questions were asked.

A motion to accept the Trustee’s Report was made by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Ziegler. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

Ron Ebert presented the Gilbertsville Fire Co. No.1 Report
Mr. Ebert stated that upcoming events will be Bike Night on Saturday, July 31st and the Carnival will be August 4th through August 7th. This year there will be more rides at the Carnival.

A motion to accept Gilbertsville Fire Co. No. 1 report was made by Mr. Turner, seconded Mr. Ziegler. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

Ricky Smith presented the Gilbertsville Fire & Rescue Report
Fire report for June 2010: 1 fire, 1 brush/trash fire, 5 fire alarms/CO2 alarms, 1 vehicle rescue, 1 hazardous materials, 1 Medivac Landing, 1 EMS assist, 3 Fire Police, 4 assists to other depts, and 2 special services. Total of 20 calls. The Fire Company was in service for 25 hours and 44 minutes.

A motion to accept the Gilbertsville Fire & Rescue report was made by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Ziegler. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

Mr. Bob Campbell presented the Engineer’s Report
1. BUI/Jordan Drive Subdivision – Conditionally approved at the September 15, 2008 meeting. Resolution approved at October 6, 2008 meeting. Resubmission received October 21, 2008. Review letter dated November 3, 2008.
2. Hollenbach – Warehouse Expansion – Conditionally approved at the May 5, 2008 Supervisors meeting.
Final plans and financial security request have not been received.
3. Hallowell (Danny Jake) – Received latest plan revision dated September 2008 along with the list of
improvements. The list of Improvements has been finalized.
4. Zern Property – Developer prepared a presentation for the Planning Commission on December 10, 2009.
Staff meeting on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 to review potential traffic issues.
5. 400 Gilbertsville Road – Percolation testing scheduled for April 22, 2010.
7. Windemere Subdivision – Finalizing site grading and stormwater improvements.
8. AAA – Dunkin Donuts – Meeting on Thursday, July 22, 2010 to prepare final punchlist.
9. Cobblestone Crossing – Phase III- Continuing to work on lot improvements. Request for release of
Financial Security No. 5 has been revised per meeting with Manager and Solicitor on May 11,
2010. Stormwater work is being performed.
10. Hartford Retail – Giant (Douglass Town Center): Received approved descriptions for off-site property
and roadway. Recommend full release of $170,897.20 off-site Financial Security, upon implementation
of the Maintenance Bond. Mr. Turner asked the Solicitor, the Manager, the Engineer, and the Board
members if everyone was in agreement with this release, everyone was in favor of the recommended
release.

A motion was made by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Ziegler to make the Engineer’s recommended full release of Financial Security for off-site work in the amount of $170,897.20. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

11. Smith Road Bridge – Received Permit on July 9, 2009. Solicitor issued letter providing a
mandatory Start of Construction date of September 1, 2010. Received plans from
Bursich which indicate road approach grades will remain approximately the same. These
appear to be the PADEP approved plans; copies were not forwarded to Douglass
Township. The Engineer has asked for extra copies of the plan for the Township. Mr.
Turner asked if we still need to set up a meeting with PADEP or is this resolved, Mr.
Campbell stated that it is resolved. Mr. Turner stated that we need to contact Mr. Conti
and tell him that September is a go.
Mr. Turner asked if anyone had any questions for Bob Campbell, no one replied.

A motion was made to accept the Engineer’s Report by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Ziegler. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

Mr. Markofski presented the Solicitor’s Report.
Hartford Retail- Giant
Township Manager Hiryak contacted our insurance carrier and determined that coverage will cost less than $50 to include old Holly Road under our open space coverage. In that the parcel would be added to our policy and we would, therefore, be protected from a liability perspective and in that adjoining landowners are mowing the grass on old Holly Road, there appears to be no pressing reason to vacate old Holly Road at this time. We will be receiving updated descriptions of old Holly Road from Hartford so, if we choose, at some future time, to vacate the road, it should be a relatively simple matter. It is at this time the Solicitor’s recommendation not to vacate the road. The Board was in agreement to take no action at this time.
RV Ordinance
Douglass Township Zoning Ordinance Section 139 currently provides unrestricted recreational vehicle parking, storage, loading, preparation and maintenance for no longer than seventy-two (72) hours at a residential site every ten (10) days. This current Douglass Township ordinance applies only to developments containing Homeowner Associations. There are no other ordinances in Douglass Township pertaining to the parking and storage of recreational vehicles. In an effort to formulate a new ordinance for Douglass Township, ordinances from adjoining Townships were reviewed. Colebrookdale Township, Douglass Berks, New Hanover, Lower Pottsgrove, Upper Pottsgrove, Upper Hanover, Borough of Boyertown, Upper Salford Township, and Ms. Mazzaccaro’s recommendations from MCPC. The Solicitor was asked to draft an RV Ordinance which addresses the concerns of parking motor homes, campers, and trailers in high density areas. Mr. Turner has concerns of motor homes parking on grass, is it in violation of DEP regulations. Mr. Stasik has concerns of people actually living in the motor homes parked on the streets. Mr. Theil suggested allowing only a certain amount of time to be parked on the streets to load and unload campers. Mr. Ziegler had concerns of the campers parked on the streets in the Winding Creek areas; it is difficult to safely drive through these areas because of slide outs left out.

Applications which are pending but inactive:
Danny Jake – Hallowell inactive 2 years
Cobblestone Commons inactive 1 year
Weis Markets inactive 6 months
Bui Jordan Drive inactive 1-1/2 years

A motion was made to accept the Solicitor’s Report by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Ziegler. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

Hannah Mazzaccaro of MCPC gave a brief overview on the Rt. 100 Corridor Overlay Ordinance review letter from the County and stated that the Planning Agency recommendations have already been incorporated in the draft. The County recommends adoption of the Ordinance.

A motion was made by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Ziegler to have the Rt. 100 Corridor Overlay Ordinance advertised for a public hearing for the October 4th, Board of Supervisors meeting, if possible. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

Andrew Duncan presented the Recycling Report
Mr. Duncan stated that we received six bid proposals for the pole building. In reviewing the bids I feel that we should go with the lowest bid from Pioneer Pole Building for $23,857.

A motion was made by Mr. Ziegler, seconded by Mr. Turner to award the pole building bid to the lowest bidder, Pioneer Pole Building, for $23,857.00. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

Mr. Turner asked if there were any questions for Mr. Duncan, no one replied.

A motion to accept the Recycling Report was made by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Stasik. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

Mike Heydt presented the Highway Report.
For the period of 6/22/10 – 7/19/10. Applied leveling course of blacktop to Specht Road. Filled in low spots on Moyer Road. Weed whacked signs and cleaned the brush around them. Repaired water problem on Rhoads Avenue. Cleaned up along Municipal Drive. Fixed sink hole on Clubhouse Circle. Made repairs to bridges per PennDot Engineers. Repaired blacktop boxes. Started to repair sink holes on Pinehurst Way. Patched bad spots on Brian and Thomas Roads. Mr. Turner asked if there were any questions for the Roadmaster, Mr. Hiryak stated that the concrete wall on the bridge at Gilbertsville Road and Diehl Drive is falling down; the Roadmaster stated that he will contact PennDot about the problem. No other questions were asked.

Mike Heydt presented the Zoning Department Report.
Building permits for June 2010 – 5 large permits for $1,139.25, 21 small permits for $1,469.40, and 1 demolition permit for $75.00. There were two occupancy permits and 45 inspections. Mr. Turner asked if there were any questions for the Zoning Officer, Mr. Renninger asked what was done about the shed on Municipal Drive, Mr. Heydt replied moving it would ruin his garden so we are waiting for his garden to be finished and it is possible that the resident will go for a variance to keep the shed where it is. Mr. Renninger stated that it should be moved, Mr. Turner asked why Mr. Renninger has a problem with this shed, neither neighbor has issues with it, Mr. Renninger replied that you made the rules and you shouldn’t even have to pay for a permit to put a shed on your property. Mr. Theil asked if there was any progress with Wayside Chapel, Mr. Heydt stated that we were short staffed last week and he was unable to go out there. No other questions were asked.

A motion was made to accept both the Highway Department Report and the Zoning Department Report by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Ziegler. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

Cynthia O’Donnell presented the Treasurer’s Report.
1. Authorization to pay the bills. The unpaid bills totaled $168,707.45, this included invoices for
The YMCA Summer Program 3rd installment, payment of non-profit donations, insurance payment to
EMC Insurance, Signal Service for traffic light repairs, and Warnock for the new patrol car.
Mr. Turner stated that he saw nothing unusual in the bills and he asked if anyone had any questions, no one replied.

A motion for authorization to pay the bills was made by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Ziegler. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

2. The Treasurer stated that she is asking for a budget amendment for an IT Server the current server is
five years old and the warranty is running out.
A motion was made by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Ziegler to make a budget amendment in order to purchase an IT Server. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

The Treasurer stated that they are reviewing the budget for an adjustment for the Metro Alert/Visual Alert software used for Police reporting, we are looking at possibly $25,000 to purchase IT equipment to use program. Chief Templin stated that there are no upgrades available for the old program; every police department will eventually go through this we could possibly apply for grants. Lylab will be giving a formal figure for this; Mr. Turner asked what are the other Police Departments doing, the Chief replied he will ask some other departments. The Treasurer also stated that the Tax Collection Committee is interviewing candidates for collection of our Earned Income Tax. Interviews will include Keystone, Berkheimer, Lancaster, and Berks. A decision is needed by early September. Also the Treasurer stated that her most recent billing statement sent to Kane Core was returned “moved, left no address-unable to forward”.

A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Ziegler. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

At this time, 8:45pm, the Board convened for an Executive Session to discuss Open Space.
The Board reconvened at 9:25pm, Mr. Turner stated that the discussion was concerning an Open Space proposal by Mr. Gambone.

A motion was made by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Stasik to have Mr. Markofski set up an appraisal for the Donnelly Tract as soon as possible. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

Pete Hiryak reviewed the Manager’s Report.
1. The Manager reviewed the upcoming meetings as follows: Revitalization Meeting Thursday, August 12th @ 6pm. Planning Agency Meeting Thursday, August 12th @ 7pm. Board of Supervisors Meeting Monday, August 16th @ 7:30pm.
2. Correspondence -The Manager stated that he received a letter from New Hanover Township asking if the Board would be interested in a meeting to discuss entering into a Regional Police Force with New Hanover Township.
A motion was made by Mr. Ziegler, seconded by Mr. Turner to set up a meeting with New Hanover Township to discuss a Regional Police Force. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

The Manager informed the Board that he would be working with Mr. Markofski on an Agricultural Secure application that appears was never recorded at the County. The Manager stated that there would be a Regional Plan Amendment coming before the Board in August from North Coventry Township. Mr. Turner asked if there were any questions for the Manager, Mr. Pritchard asked about the PennDot meeting that had been cancelled, the Manager replied that he will reschedule this month sometime. No one else replied.

A motion to accept the Manager’s Report was made by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Ziegler. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

Old Business or New Business
Mr. Theil presented an update on the Open Space Committee stating that a 100% vote was taken in favor to look into buying the Donnelly Tract. No other comments were made.

Public Comment
Michael Gambone wanted to express his desire to be kept in the loop as far as the Rt. 100 Corridor developments and his desire to have his Mixed Use property become a General Commercial property. He commended the Board for the Overlay. Mr. Reitz stated that as far as an update on the Pottstown Regional Planning Commission, North Coventry was basically going to do some housecleaning on some parcels and discussed some Fiscal Impact Funding. There were some concerns brought up about MS-4 and Swamp Creek Watershed requirements, the Manager stated that the MS-4 has already been submitted and Mr. Heydt stated that as far as requirements for the Swamp Creek Watershed we need to do some testing. Carl Hiryak commended the person responsible for the newsletter and stated that it was very informative; the Manager replied that Mr. Duncan did the research on the newsletter articles. No other comments were made.

A motion was made by Mr. Turner to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Stasik. Ziegler-Aye, Turner-Aye, Stasik-Aye. Motion passed.

The next Board of Supervisor’s meeting will be held on Monday, August 16rh, 2010 @ 7:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted by,

Marcy Meitzler
 

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