The New London Township Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting convened at 7:30 PM at the New London Township Building, New London, PA. The following Supervisors were present: Dale Lauver, Robert Barto and Gerard Porter.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
No public comment.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS
Twin Chimneys Preliminary Subdivision Plan
On a motion made by Bob Barto, seconded by Gerry Porter, the Board approved the Schoor Depalma extension letter dated June 7, 2007 for the Twin Chimneys Preliminary Subdivision Plan. The vote was unanimous.
Harold Lester Final Subdivision Plan
Ron Ragan gave a brief overview of the Harold Lester Final Subdivision Plan which does not include any new structures and only consists of a lot line change. The sewage waiver has been approved by Chester County Health Department.
On a motion made by Bob Barto, seconded by Gerry Porter, the Board approved the Harold T. Lester, Jr. Final Subdivision Plan dated December 8, 2006 Latest Revision dated April 13, 2007. The vote was unanimous.
Avon Grove Regional Emergency Management (AGREM) Presentation
AGREM Chairman, Mike Predmore provided the Board with AGREM correspondence dated June 7, 2007 regarding emergency notification. Mike stated that new regulations from the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, PEMA and Chester County require each and every political subdivision to have a notification system in place to warn residents of immediate danger and help deliver instructions and information during a natural or man made disaster. Since it would be extremely expensive for each Township or Borough to develop its own system, AGREM is proposing that a low power AM radio station be purchased by AGREM that would provide coverage for the entire AGREM jurisdiction. The cost estimate for the project is approximately $140,000 which would be shared by the seven (7) AGREM members. Mike stated that AGREM is requesting each municipality fund their share in full and that AGREM would reimburse municipalities by any grants received.
Bob Barto asked what the annual cost would be and how would these be funded. Chuck Freese stated that most of the costs would be for set-up and that maintenance costs could be included in AGREM dues.
Bob Barto asked who would maintain ownership and operation rights for the system and expressed concern about the possibility of any single Township/Borough claiming majority share. Chuck stated that AGREM will be Administrative Manager of the system and that Sam McMichael can provide input regarding ownership and operation rights.
Dale Lauver asked if an annual licensing fee is involved. Chuck stated that there is a one-time fee for licensing.
Gerry Porter stated that he attended a meeting with Verizon and that they were agreeable to providing a local access channel.
The Board agreed that this is a very worthwhile venture and thanked Mike and Chuck for their time and efforts.
Oxford Area Regional Cooperative Bid Results
On a motion made by Dale Lauver, seconded by Gerry Porter, the following Oxford Area Regional Cooperative Bids were awarded:
Aggregate – Penn/MD (Division of Haines & Kibblehouse)
Blacktop Mixes – McMinn’s Asphalt
Tree Work – Pusey Tree Care
Concrete – No Bids Received
Liquid Asphalt – No Bids Receive
Equipment Rental w/Operators – All bids were rejected due to incomplete bid specifications.
The vote was unanimous.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Dale Lauver stated that the Gannon Companies Conditional Use Hearing scheduled for May 23rd was rescheduled and held on June 6th. The hearing did not conclude and will be continued on June 11th.
On a motion made by Dale Lauver, seconded by Bob Barto, the May 3, 2007 Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes were approved as presented. The vote was unanimous.
TREASURER’S REPORT
On a motion made by Gerry Porter, seconded by Dale Lauver, the Bills To Be Paid for June were approved. The vote was unanimous.
STAFF REPORTS
Planning Commission
Ron Ragan stated that no new plans have been received by the Planning Commission. Ron stated that he met with David Sweet to review ordinances and that the final draft of the Village District Amendment will be provided to the Board within the week.
Engineer
Ron Ragan stated that he and John Highby of Arro Consulting met with Sam McMichael to discuss various legal and engineering issues regarding the Act 537 Plan. Ron requested that the Board meet with him and Sam to discuss these issues.
Ron stated that the Academy Farms developer has provided their escrow for the public sewer but that the Cox Developer has not, which means they are in default of the agreement.
Ron stated that he has been working on the map for FEMA identifying development within floodplains.
Ron stated that the Township should be receiving the as-builts for the Lewisville Road extension and that dedication may take place in July or August.
Zoning Officer
No report.
Tax Collector
Tax Collector Joanne Lewis reported that $37,972.37 in real estate taxes was collected and that she had to refund two (2) assessment appeals.
Emergency Management
Mike Predmore stated that pre-manufactured trusses have a fire rating of less then five (5) minutes and is a danger to firefighters. Mike is researching an ordinance that would require pre-manufactured trusses to be identified as such to provide warning to firefighters.
Newsletter
The Board approved of the final draft of the newsletter with the addition of the Township e-mail address and phone number being added to the first page.
Property & Building Use
Dale Lauver thanked Dave Harlan for locating the sewer line for the Township Building.
Roadmaster
Dale Lauver stated that the Board met with Jack Arrell regarding the Lewisville Road extension. The Board would like the road bank to be trimmed back to improve visibility and would like the new road to line up with the existing road at the intersection.
Dale stated that Church Road is almost ready to be paved and that driveway adjustments will coincide with the application of the topcoat. Bank stabilization will need to be performed with room allowed for snow accumulation.
Road Enhancement Committee
No report.
Refuse and Recycling
Dale Lauver stated that David Sweet is researching the Recycling Ordinance’s consistency with Act 101.
Assessment Appeals
No assessment appeal hearings are scheduled.
OLD BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS
Capital Improvements Plan
Gerry Porter stated that the Board needs to contact Al Federico of McCormick Taylor regarding the status of the Capital Improvements Plan.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Terri Kukoda
Assistant Secretary