WEST GOSHEN TOWNSHIP
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING
DECEMBER 13, 2000

A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of West Goshen Township was called to order by Chairman Robert S. White at 3:58 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2000, at the West Goshen Township Administration Building. All members were present. Dr. White opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Dr. White opened the floor for public comment. Mr. Harry Johnson, resident of 806 Old Westtown Road, wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Mrs. Evelyn Baker, resident of 900 Sheridan Drive, questioned the $84,000.00 increase in the Police Department Budget for 2001 for Dispatchers. Mrs. Baker advised that she did not feel that the monthly statistical numbers for calls for police service justified the addition of two new dispatchers to compliment the staff.

Mr. Halvorsen advised that the dispatchers would provide other services and that the decision to hire more dispatchers was not based solely on statistical numbers. Mr. Halvorsen advised of the cooperative agreements that the Township has with surrounding police departments for the processing of criminals through the CLEAN system and for fingerprinting purposes.

Dr. White added that the residents would receive a faster response time using a dispatcher from within the department. Dr. White explained that, at this time, should a resident require assistance after midnight, the resident is required to call the county phone number to speak with a county dispatcher.  Once the dispatcher receives the pertinent information, the dispatcher then contacts the appropriate police department, which takes time away from a quick response.

Ms. Sharon Lynn, Township Manager, announced that the Township had received the "Distinguished Budget Presentation" Award from the Government Finance Officer's Association. The Township met the required criteria which included producing a document that presented a policy, an operations guide, a financial plan, and a communications device.

The Board acknowledged this award and extended congratulations and appreciation to Jeanne M. Denham, Finance Director, and her staff for a job well done.

Ms. Lynn further announced that a donation in the amount of $9,000.00 was received by QVC for the purchase of new signs to be placed throughout the Township that will welcome motorists as they enter into the Township.

Ms. Lynn further announced that a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors would be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2000 at 4:00 p.m. instead of Wednesday, December 27, 2000 at 4:00 p.m.

On motion by Mr. Halvorsen, seconded by Mr.Meakin, the Board unanimously approved the Treasurer's Report dated November 30, 2000, for the General Fund, the Sewer Revenue Fund, the Waste and Recycling Fund, and the Capital Reserve 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 the month of November, 2000.  Chief Carroll announced that Sky Care Helicopter, weather permitting, would be flying Santa Claus into the Township Community Park on Saturday, December 16, 2000 at 2:00 p.m.  A Goshen Fire Company Truck would then transport Santa Claus to the Pavilion where he would speak with all the boys and girls and distribute a small gift to each one.

Chief Carroll further wished to congratulate Officer Robert Craig on his recent graduation from West Chester University. Chief Carroll extended appreciation to the Board for the Township's Tuition Reimbursement Program that enabled Officer Craig the ability to complete his undergraduate degree program.

Chief Carroll extended congratulations to Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr., Township Engineer, on his impending retirement from the Township after 13 years of service. Chief Carroll wished Mr. Lawrence good luck in his retirement.

Mr. Ralph Brown, Fire Marshal, presented the Fire Marshal's Report, Good Fellowship Ambulance Report, and the Goshen Fire and Ambulance Company Reports for the month of November, 2000.

Mr. Richard E. Hicks, Building Official, presented the Building Official's Report for the month of November, 2000.

On motion by Mr. Halvorsen, seconded by Mr. Meakim, unanimous approval was given for the adoption of the 2001 Waste and Recycling Fund Budget in the amount of $1,981,455.

On motion by Mr. Halvorsen, seconded by Mr .Meakim, unanimous approval was given for the adoption of the 2001 Sewer Fund Budget in the amount of $6,311,711.

On motion by Mr. Halvorsen, seconded by Mr. Meakim, unanimous approval was given for the adoption of the 2001 General Fund Budget in the amount of $8,427,266.

On motion by Mr. Halvorsen, seconded by Mr. Meakim, unanimous approval was given for the adoption of Resolution No. 46-00, adopting the 2001 General Fund Budget in the amount of $8,427.266.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Meakim, unanimous approval was given for the adoption of Resolution No. 47-00, establishing the Real Estate Tax at .85 mills for 2001.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Meakim, the Board unanimously approved the Decision and Order from Supervisors Hearing S-7-00, granting Conditional Use for applicant, Metricom, Inc., to attach, maintain, and replace multiple 8½" x 11" radio transreceivers to PECO and Verizon owned Utility Poles located throughout the Township, within public rights-of-way for use by Metricom in its Ricochet MicroCellular Communications Network.  These radio transreceivers will permit interface with the Internet by laptop and other computers by means of radio waves.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Meakim, the Board unanimously approved and signed the Cleaning Contract for 2001 with Swiss Clean, a division of Arcade Building Services. The cleaning bid was officially awarded to Swiss Clean at the October 25, 2000 Supervisors' meeting.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Meakim, the Board unanimously approved the Final Land Development Plan for a 7,458 sq. ft. Credit Union Facility for Keystone Federal Credit Union located at Lot 12A – West Goshen Business Park.  Ms. Christine Kimmel, Esquire, attorney for Keystone Federal Credit Union, was present to represent the applicant.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Meakim, the Board unanimously approved and signed the Addendum to the Subdivision and Land Development and Maintenance Agreement and the Financial Security Agreement for the Hidden Hollow subdivision to change banks.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Halvorsen, the Board unanimously approved Resolution No. 45-00, accepting the Dedication of Andrew Drive and approving and signing the Maintenance Escrow.  Dr. Leonard Giunta was present.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Meakim, the Board unanimously approved the waiver request from Edward B. Walsh & Associates, on behalf of their client, Short Brothers, Inc., to permit a cul-de-sac road length to be 445 feet instead of the required 500 feet for a tract of land located on Ashbridge Road. Tom Allow of Short Brothers, Inc., was present.

On motion by Mr. Halvorsen, seconded by Mr. Meakim, unanimous approval was given for the adoption of Resolution No. 44-00, recognizing Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr. for his 13 years of dedicated service to West Goshen Township as the Township Engineer.  Dr. White advised that the resolution would be read in its entirety at Mr. Lawrence's retirement luncheon to be held on Friday, January 5, 2001.

No further comments were made.

There being no further business, on motion by Mr. Meakim, seconded by Mr. Halvorsen, the meeting was adjourned at 4:25 p.m.

       Respectfully submitted,

       Sharon Lynn
       Township Manager