Tredyffrin Township Public Meeting Minutes November 19, 2018

Transcription

1 Tredyffrin Township Public Meeting Minutes November 19, 2018 The Public Meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Tredyffrin Township was held on the above date at the Township Building. Board members present included Chairperson Heather Greenberg, Vice-chair Murph Wysocki, Matthew Holt, Trip Lukens, and Paul Olson. Also in attendance were Township Manager William Martin; Township Solicitor Vince Donohue; Police Superintendent T. Michael Beaty; Assistant Township Manager/Director of Planning & Zoning Matthew Baumann; Finance Director Joseph DiRocco; Township Engineer Stephen Burgo; Libraries Director Chris Kibler; and Recording Secretary Patricia Hoffman. CALL TO ORDER Ms. Greenberg called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Greenberg announced: - On Saturday, November 10th, the Tredyffrin partnered with Easttown Township to host an E-Force Recycling Anything with a Plug event at Wilson Farm Park. An overwhelming total of 44,000 pounds (approximately 22 tons) of electronics were recycled. Thank you to everyone who participated to make the event a huge success. - McMahon Associates will be holding an open house on Wednesday, December 5th from 5 7 PM in Keene Hall to discuss the Gateway Multimodal Study, a project to determine multimodal connections surrounding the Gateway Shopping Center. - Registration is open for the Winter Rec Program that will be held on Saturdays from December 1st - February 16th from 9 AM 1PM at the Valley Forge Elementary School. Pre-registration is required so visit the Township website to enroll. The deadline for registrations is November 30th. - In observance of Thanksgiving, Township offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 22nd and 23rd. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion made by Mr. Wysocki, seconded by Mr. Lukens, and passed unanimously to approve the minutes of the November 7, 2018, Public Meeting. REPORTS Police Superintendent Beaty reported: Detective Sergeant Bereda retired to become the Chief of Police with the Bridgeport Borough. Residents should take care during this holiday season and secure/hide items left in automobiles. As follow-up to the last meeting, the Do Not Contact List for solicitors will only consist of addresses; there will be no names or phone number on the list. The registration information to be included on the list will be available shortly on the website. There will be extra patrols on duty over the Thanksgiving weekend. Berwyn Fire Company EMS Captain Mike Baskin reported: There were 31 fire calls, 55 ALS calls, and 42 BLS calls for Tredyffrin Township in the previous month. Significant incidents in which the Company was involved during the last month. Training activities in which the Company has been involved. Fire alarms for the year to date. The current budget status. Paoli Fire Company Chief Andrea Testa reported: There were 25 fire calls and 66 EMS calls for Tredyffrin Township in the previous month. Training activities in which the Company has been involved. The Company showing a slight positive in the budget year-to-date. Libraries

2 Mr. Kibler reported: Usage at both libraries continues to be steady. Circulation has increased compared to Volunteer support continue to be significant. The TPL retaining wall is repaired, thanks to assistance from Mr. Martin, Mr. Baumann, Mr. DiRocco, Mr. Fitzgerald and the Public Works team. With assistance from Public Works, the metal façade was also painted. Work on lighting replacement and retrofit of compact fluorescent lighting at TPL continues. A recent grant from PECO will assist toward lighting improvements in the Children s Department. Paoli Library is getting new carpeting, new study carrels, new furniture, and some general cosmetic improvements, thanks to assistance from the Friends of the Paoli Library, a donation from the Thornedge Foundation, and a memorial donation from Pat Sobota. The Surrey Services holiday concert will be held on December 3 rd. Mr. Olson acknowledged the volunteers at both libraries. Mr. Holt asked for the impact of accelerating the date from July 1 to April 1 for opening the Tredyffrin Library 7 days and Mr. Kibler responded that the impact is the same in terms of hiring, but the expenses would increase with the extra 3 months. Mr. Holt asked about the turnover for the Children s Librarian at the Paoli Library and Mr. Kibler responded that there have been quite a few. Mr. Holt asked about the issues with the roof at the Tredyffrin Library to which Mr. Kibler responded that it remains a continuous issue because it is a flat roof. Mr. DiRocco added that it is in the capital plan for TOWNSHIP BUSINESS Ms. Greenberg reported that the Board met in Executive Session prior to this meeting to discuss legal matters. Mr. Wysocki reported that the Planning Commission met on October 18th: Approved the addendum to the application for Subdivision and Land Development for the Devon 80 Condominium Association, The Uncommon Individual Foundation, & Provo Devon, LLC to complete a land swap agreement and lot line change between the applicant(s) and the Devon Horse Show, with the applicant seeking approval to relocate lot lines which divide the Condominium property from the Devon Horse Show property in order to reconfigure those parcels. No additional lots will be created. Made no recommendation to the Zoning Hearing Board for 311 South Valley Forge Road, Site Engineering Concepts, LLC, for the construction of two single-family semidetached dwellings. Demolition of the existing structure on the property to subdivide the property into two lots and construct on each of the two lots, one singlefamily semidetached dwelling unit and related improvements. Granted final land development approval to Old Eagle Associates to expand the existing, three building office complex with a 3-story office building, additional parking, lighting, pedestrian amenities, and stormwater management. The properties, located at Devon Park Drive in Wayne, are within the O (Office) and LI (Limited Industrial) districts. The meeting scheduled for November 15 th was cancelled due to the inclement weather. The next meeting is scheduled for December 20 th. Motion made by Mr. Wysocki, seconded by Mr. Lukens, and passed unanimously to reappoint Scott Growney for another term with the Planning Commission. Motion made by Mr. Wysocki, seconded by Mr. Olson, and passed unanimously to appoint Peter Jonak to the Planning Commission. Mr. Lukens reported that the Pension Trustees met on November 14 th to review the performance of the Pension Fund. Mr. Lukens reported that the Municipal Authority met this evening to aware the sale of the Valley Creek Trunk Sewer System to Aqua Resources Inc.

3 Ms. Greenberg reported that the Park & Rec Board met on November 14 th and received an update on the Ash Trees. The arborist reported that there is 1 tree worth saving and is recommending that there are about 30 that will need to be removed over the next 5-10 years Meeting and Holiday Schedule Motion made by Mr. Wysocki, seconded by Mr. Lukens, and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution to set the 2019 meeting dates and holiday schedule. Curb My Clutter Proposal Bob Anderson from Curb My Clutter LLC provided an overview of the proposed 1-year pilot program with Tredyffrin Township. The program includes curbside recycling of electronics and clothes. There will be fees for televisions and CRT monitors. The Township role includes promoting the program through the newsletters and the website. The program s progress will be re-evaluated in 9 months to determine its renewal. Resident Donna Shipman asked what the cost would be to residents to which Mr. Anderson responded that there would be fees incurred for CRT monitors and televisions. Following discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Lukens, seconded by Mr. Olson, and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution to authorize the Townsh8ip to enter into a pilot program agreement with Curb My Clutter LLC Preliminary Budget Mr. DiRocco stated that the 2019 preliminary budget presented includes a 3.6% tax increase. Motion made by Mr. Olson and seconded by Mr. Wysocki to adopt the 2019 Preliminary Budget for Tredyffrin Township. Discussion followed. Mr. Holt made a motion to amend the preliminary budget to increase the rate for part time wages for Public Works and the Libraries to $12.50/hour and to use unallocated general fund reserves. There was no second, therefore the motion did not carry. Mr. Holt made a motion to open the libraries 7 days a week starting April 1 st instead of July 1 st and to use unallocated general fund reserves. There was no second, therefore the motion did not carry. Mr. Holt congratulated the Township on its Aaa rating in Moody s but shared his concerns about the general fund unallocated fund balance and the 77% cash balance, hence the reasoning for his motions to amend the preliminary budget this evening. He added that this needs to be addressed in accordance with the fund balance policy. He did note that unallocated general fund reserves are included in the 2019 budget to cover a gap in expenditures vs. revenues. Mr. Wysocki stated that the fund balance in excess of 35% does need to be addressed but added that there are large capital expenses included in the preliminary budget for the next two years. He also added that Tredyffrin Township is generally in accord with part time salaries in other municipalities. Mr. Holt stated that the Library Board asked that the Board focus on salaries. Mr. Lukens stated that when planning the budget, expenditures need to be prioritized. He urged residents to make the donations to their local fire companies. He added that much of the expenditures for 2019 include the requirements for the MS4. He also stated that the Township needs to continue to provide the best services while continuing to control expenses. Mr. Wysocki added that several the items covered by the reserves are for operating items. Ms. Greenberg added that the fund balance policy was changed to help offset cost increases soon. Mr. Wysocki added that there has been an outcry from the citizens to open the libraries 7 days a week. He also added that the Township is in great financial shape and that the Board will continue to build a better Future.

4 Mr. Lukens stated that the existing bonds will be settled in 2021, at which time, more attending can be given to the OPEB. He also added that the Board will continue to provide good stewardship. Resident Arlene Talley noted that taxes have not been raised in 8 years but expenses over those years have increased and shared her feeling that there should have been small tax increases over that time. She also shared her concern for the salaries for the part time employees. Mr. Lukens added that the staff can do the hiring that is necessary and that positions are being filled. Ms. Greenberg stated that a study was done comparing Tredyffrin Township salaries to other municipalities and they are in line with other of the same entities. She added that positions are getting filled and turnover is relatively low. Mr. Olson added that the Township as a whole experiences relatively low turnover and that there is a steady rate of employment and that staff stay for a long time. Mr. Holt reiterated that there is turnover at the libraries. Ms. Talley asked when the last time hourly part-time employees were given a raise to which Mr. Kibler responded that there was a small percentage increase in She also added that a 3.5% tax increase is not that great an increase. Resident Ray Clarke stated that the Township has been very fortunate that the real estate transfer taxes have allowed for no tax increase these last few years. He added that we should model our financial future and have public discussions on future programs. Ms. Shipman added that the Township is not addressing the needs of part time employees. Mr. Lukens responded that the staff have not asked for additional funds for part time increases. Mr. Holt stated that he would like more public input and would like to see public finance meetings in the future. Ms. Greenberg added that a priority might be consideration of fire company support. Mr. Holt added that use of an increase over 7.50% use of reserves could be done by a majority vote of the Board. Mr. Martin stated that there is time to make changes to the budget before final adoption in December. School Board member Michele Burger thanked the Board for this discussion and for their hard work on the budget and reiterated the need for public discussions. She shared her concerns for field maintenance. After discussion, the motion to adopt the 2019 Preliminary budget passed with a 4-1 vote; Ms. Greenberg, Mr. Wysocki, Mr. Olson and Mr. Lukens voting aye; Mr. Holt voting nay. Valley Creek Trunk Sewer System Sale Motion made by Mr. Wysocki, seconded by Mr. Olson, and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution to award the sale of the Valley Creek Trunk Sewer System to Aqua Resources Inc. in the amount of 28,327, It was confirmed that there would be a three-year rate freeze for residents after which fees would be based on flow. Mr. Lukens thanked Municipal Authority Solicitor Patrick McKenna from Gawthrop Greenwood, Tom Wyatt from Dilworth Paxson, Scott Shearer from PFM, and the staff for the hard work they did over the last four years to complete this effort. NEW MATTERS Board None Citizens Ms. Shipman asked the Board to revisit/review the Student Housing ordinance. Chief Beaty did respond that when they get complaints, the Police Department does respond immediately and that the officers are vigilant in the areas where students rent. Ms. Shipman asked if members of the Board, staff, and Police Department could meet with

5 residents quarterly for updates. Ms. Greenberg suggested that the residents contact the Board to coordinate calendars. Mr. Lukens agreed. Resident Pattye Benson provided an update on the Ban the Digital Billboard campaign and asked for the status from the Board to which the response was that there has been no action since the last public update and that when the issue will be before the Board, there will be notification the meeting prior. Ms. Benson also reported that 53 signs have been stolen from properties to which Chief Beaty responded that while there have been no leads, the Department is investigating. Resident Carol Clarke asked for clarification on how many ash trees may need to be removed to which the response was approximately 30. Mrs. Clarke asked who the new appointee was replacing on the Planning Commission to which the response was Denise Waite. Mr. Clarke urged residents to attend the Budget workshop on November 29 th ; to call their supervisors with their budget concerns; and to attend Supervisors meetings. Mrs. Clarke expressed her concern for degradation on the playing fields. Ms. Greenberg clarified that the work needed was to the fields in Wilson Farm Park. When asked how the Board might better let residents know about the Budget Workshop to which Mrs. Clark replied that possibly scheduling it for a Saturday might work better. She also encouraged regional supervisors to meet with their constituents regularly in the neighborhoods. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Hoffman Recording Secretary