A regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Supervisors of West Goshen Township was called to order by Chairman Edward G. Meakim, Jr., at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, January 13, 1999, at the Township building, with all members present. Mr. Meakim opened the meeting with a Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Mr. Meakim opened the floor for public comment and there was no discussion.

Sharon Lynn, Township Manager, announced that the Zoning Hearing Board will meet on January 14, 1999, at 7:30 PM for the purpose of reorganizing and signing orders. No new hearings will be heard.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Halvorsen, unanimous approval was given for the Board of Supervisors Meetings' minutes of December 09, 1998, and December 22, 1998.

On motion by Mr. Halvorsen, seconded by Dr. White, the Board unanimously approved the Treasurer's Report dated December 31, 1998, for the General Fund, the Sewer Revenue Fund, the Capital Reserve Fund, and the Waste and Recycling Fund, as well as the bills to be paid from the General Fund, the Sewer Fund, the Capital Reserve Fund, and the Waste and Recycling Fund.

Chief Michael J. Carroll presented the police report for December 1998. Chief Carroll reported that the annual visit with Santa Claus held on December 19, 1998, was a success with approximately 185 children in attendance. This year's event was held at the West Goshen Community Park due to construction at the Township Building. Chief Carroll also mentioned that Corporal Robert M. Holland has begun planning the annual Skatearama to be held in April 1999.

Ralph Brown, Fire Marshal, gave the Fire Marshal Report for December 1998, and the Goshen Fire Company and Good Fellowship Ambulance reports. Mr. Brown explained the importance of functional smoke detectors and proposed to the Board and all those who where present that the Township start a "Save A Life" program. The proposed program would be to have each resident take a moment and check the smoke detectors of elderly neighbors, friends and family members in a precautionary effort to "save a life."

Richard Hicks, Building Official, gave the Building Inspection Activity Report for December 1998, and an Annual Report for 1998.

Mr. Hicks also presented the Board with an update on the progress of the new Municipal Complex. He stated that the underground utilities, sanitary sewer and storm water pipes have been completed. The concrete slab for Building B, the Police Building, has been put on hold due to the weather, but the steel delivery remains scheduled for January 22nd and should be completed by February 20th.

Building A, the Administration Building, will have the under slab plumbing and electric completed by January 22nd. After the plumbing and electrical work is completed, the concrete slab will be poured and then the steel will be set. Construction of Building C, the Roads and Parks Building, has been continuing on the south side. The concrete pad has been poured and the steel has been set. The exterior wall panels and roof trusses are currently being constructed. Mr. Hicks informed the Board of Supervisors that despite less than favorable weather conditions, the project is moving forward slightly ahead of schedule, thanks to the diligent efforts of a great team.

Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr., Township Engineer, opened the bid for one new 4-wheel drive sport utility vehicle. This is a replacement for the Building Official's vehicle. The older vehicle and the Township Manager's vehicle, will be used as trade-ins to purchase the new vehicle. After opening the bid it was Mr. Lawrence's suggestion that he not read the bid because it did not include the allowance for the vehicles to be traded. On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Halvorsen, unanimous approval was given to reject the bid as submitted. A second bid advertisement will be prepared for the vehicle.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Halvorsen, unanimous approval was given for the adoption of Resolution No. 3-1999, accepting the Deed of Dedication of Wesley Court and approving and signing the maintenance escrow.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Halvorsen, the Board unanimously approved and signed the Decision and Order for the Conditional Use Application of Omnipoint Communication Enterprises, L.P. (S-2-98 held on December 9, 1998.)

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Halvorsen, the Board unanimously approved and signed the Decision and Order for the Conditional Use Application of AT&T Wireless PCS of Philadelphia, LLC. (S-5-98 held on December 9, 1998.)

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Halvorsen, the Board unanimously approved and signed the Decision and Order for the Conditional Use Application of Nextel Communications of Mid-Atlantic, Inc. (S-5-98 held on December 9, 1998.)

Mr. Halvorsen mentioned that on December 22, 1998, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 33-1998, appointing Berkheimer Associates as the Tax Hearing Officer selected to hear and decide appeals relating to the Earned Income Tax. Mr. Halvorsen asked the Board to give further consideration to the matter. He recommended the Board consider appointing someone other than Berkheimer as the Tax Hearing Officer; perhaps a review committee from within the Township. Mr. Halvorsen suggested that the Township Solicitor, Ronald C. Nagle, review Act 50 to determine what the Township's options are. Sharon Lynn, Township Manager, informed Mr. Halvorsen that in the week following she will be meeting with surrounding Townships to discuss options and the appropriate course of actions. Ms. Lynn added that she has met with Berkheimer as well as with other Township Managers to clarify certain issues regarding the Tax Hearing Officer appointment.

Berkheimer has always been open to comments and suggestions for change. Mr. Nagle suggested to Ms. Lynn that the approach to take at this time is to wait for the amount of appeals, if any, from residents.

Mr. Meakim opened the floor for public comment.

Marvin Baughman, 543 Georgia Lane, thanked the Board for the new Community Map that was recently published and sent to residents and he commented on the fine job the Township Road Department had done with snow plowing this past month.

Mr. Baughman suggested that the Board consider positioning a police car in front of the First National Bank on Five Points Road to help alleviate the traffic hazards at the intersection of Paoli Pike and Five Points Road.

Mr. Halvorsen agreed that the intersection is a hazard and informed Mr. Baughman that the intersection is maintained by the State. Additionally, the Township is investigating what can be done to improve this location. Mr. Lawrence mentioned that he did not expect any work to be done on the intersection until the year 2000. Mr. Halvorsen requested that Mr. Lawrence revisit this problem area again to determine whether anything can be done to improve the condition of the intersection as soon as possible.

There being no further business, on motion by Mr. Meakim, seconded by Dr. White, the meeting was adjourned at 4:50 PM