WEST GOSHEN TOWNSHIP
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING
June 17, 2009

Township Supervisors:
Ms. Patricia B. McIlvaine, Chairman
Mr. Edward G. Meakim, Jr., Vice Chairman
Dr. Robert S. White, Member

Township Officials:
Mr. Casey LaLonde, Township Manager
Ms. Sandra K. Turley, Township Secretary
Ms. Jeanne M. Denham, Finance Director
Mr. Richard J. Craig, Township Engineer
Mr. Raymond D. McKeeman, Zoning Officer
Ms. Kristin Camp, Township Solicitor

A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of West Goshen Township was called to order by Chairman Patricia B. McIlvaine at 4:02 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at the West Goshen Township Administration Building. All members were present. Ms. McIlvaine opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Ms. McIlvaine introduced Chief Michael Carroll. Chief Carroll said that seven years ago after 9/11 and Columbine it was decided to form a West Chester Area Emergency Response Team for this area. He stated that members from eight municipalities undergo continuing rigorous training and are extremely professional. Chief Carroll recognized two businesses, which through their generosity have helped to turn vehicles the organization has received into professional equipment. The companies were A. Duie Pyle, which was represented by Mr. Pete Latta, and O'Rourke and Sons represented by Mr. Michael O'Rourke. Chief Scott Bohn from the West Chester Borough Police presented plaques to the two companies. Ms. McIlvaine thanked the companies on behalf of the Board of Supervisors. Members of the ERT who were present were introduced by Det. Greg Stone of the West Goshen Township Police. Chief Carroll said that there are a total of 28 team members.

Ms. McIlvaine opened the floor for public comment.

Mr. Jon McCormack, 840 Spruce Avenue, said that in a meeting with Sen. Andrew Dinniman, the 202 South off ramp at High Street was discussed as being a dangerous area and that the Senator had indicated possible widening of High Street could be considered. Mr. McCormack asked about a traffic count for the area and Dr. White responded that a review of the traffic was completed about two years ago and that the majority of accidents occurred as drivers were turning from Spruce Avenue onto High Street. Dr. White said that the Board would consider what else can be done in the area.

Mr. Vince Gallagher, 1017 Woodview Lane, asked if the Township has a billboard ordinance and Mr. Casey LaLonde replied that the Township does have a strict billboard ordinance in place.

Mr. Darren Grande, who is a developer for Applebrook, said that he had submitted an application for a permit for a house and was told that the permit would be denied because the layout for the house would interfere with a tree that was to remain on the property per the original development plan. Ms. McIlvaine replied that if the tree was on the original development plan, it would have to remain on the lot. Ms. Kristin Camp, Township Solicitor, explained that if the tree was on the original plan that it needed to be preserved as it was part of the approval for the plan and had been recorded as such. Mr. Richard Craig, Township Engineer, said that the proposed house entirely covers the building envelope and encroaches on the tree. He added that the proposed house is bigger than the one that was approved on the development plan. Mr. Craig stated that the present 30 inch tree would have to be replaced with another 30 inch tree unless the approved plan is changed. In answer to a question from Mr. Grande, Mr. Craig said that the foundation cannot be dug because it would be within the drip line of the tree.

On motion by Ms. McIlvaine, Seconded by Mr. Meakim, the Board unanimously approved the appointment of Mr. Donald Loane as Emergency Management Coordinator and the appointment of Ms. Andrea Testa as Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator.

Ms. McIlvaine explained that after a large fire in Conshohocken Borough, it was recommended that emergency personnel not hold multiple positions because it becomes overwhelming in a large emergency. Ms. Testa will remain the Fire Marshal of West Goshen Township as Mr. Loane takes over as Emergency Management Coordinator. Both titles had belonged to Ms. Testa previously.

Ms. McIlvaine announced that the Board met in Executive Session on June 3, 2009 to discuss personnel matters.

On motion by Mr. Meakim, seconded by Ms McIlvaine, the Board unanimously approved the Board of Supervisors minutes from May 20, 2009.

On motion by Mr. Meakim, seconded by Ms. McIlvaine, the Board unanimously approved the Treasurer's Report dated May 31, 2009 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 Carroll gave the Police Report for the month of May 2009. 

Ms. Shirley Colvin, 830 Spruce Avenue, asked if reportable and non-reportable accidents were included in traffic studies and Chief Carroll responded that both are included in any reports.

Mrs. Evelyn Baker, 900 Sheridan Drive, asked if a driver calls a tow truck after an accident and not the police is the accident reported and Chief Carroll responded that it is not but that it does not happen often.

Ms. Andrea Testa, Fire Marshal, gave the Fire Marshal Report for the month of May 2009. Ms. Testa also gave the reports for Good Fellowship Ambulance Company, Goshen Fire Company and West Chester Fire Department.

Ms. Testa gave the Building Inspection Activity Report for May 2009.

Mrs. Baker asked how many single family dwelling permits had been issued in May and Ms. Testa replied that no single family dwelling permits had been issued.

The following bids for two surplus vehicles were opened and read by Mr. Craig:

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Meakim, the Board unanimously approved awarding the bid to the highest bidder pending a review of the bids.

On motion by Mr. Meakim, seconded by Dr. White, the Board unanimously approved Resolution 22-2009 authorizing the erection of stop signs on Ravens Lane at Eagle Road and Roberts Lane at Schoolhouse Lane.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Meakim, the Board unanimously approved Resolution 23-2009 authorizing the schedules and procedures for disposition of records as set forth in the Municipal Records Manual which was approved on December 16, 2008 for the Local Government Records Committee by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Bureau of Archives and History.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Meakim, the Board unanimously approved Resolution 24-2009 authorizing the disposition of public records in accordance with the schedules and procedures for disposition of records as set forth in the Municipal Records Manual approved on December 16, 2008.

In response to a question from Mrs. Baker, Ms. McIlvaine said that minutes are permanently retained and Chief Carroll responded that investigative reports and complaints are retained.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Meakim, the Board unanimously approved Resolution 25-2009 authorizing the participation of West Goshen Township in the WCACOG initiative to seek funding and if secured establish a WCACOG Energy Office to assist participating municipalities, residents, businesses and non-profit groups in reducing their energy use, reducing and stabilizing energy costs and cutting carbon emissions.

Dr. White said that the Borough of West Chester has already started to reduce energy use and that there is a desire to expand this to the other WCACOG members in order to secure funding for help with this project. He said that the buildings in the West Goshen Township municipal complex have been tested and are very energy efficient.

Prior to the consideration of Resolution 26-2009, Mr. Casey LaLonde, Township Manager, stated that the state legislature had mandated that the collection of the Earned Income Tax and the Local Services Tax be on a countywide basis so an appointment of a representative from the Township to the county committee needs to be approved by the Board.

On motion by Ms. McIlvaine, seconded by Mr. Meakim, the Board unanimously approved Resolution 26-2009 authorizing the appointments of Tax Collection Committee representatives as required by Act 32 §505(b). Dr. Robert White will be Primary Voting Delegate, Mr. Casey LaLonde will be First Alternate Voting Delegate and Ms. Jeanne Denham will be Second Alternate Voting Delegate.

Prior to the consideration of Ordinance 05-2009 Dr. White said that the ordinance would approve an increase in the sewer rentals from $45.00 to $65.00 which is the second lowest fee in Chester County.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Meakim, the Board unanimously approved Ordinance 05-2009 amending the Code of Ordinances of West Goshen Township, Chapter 66 Titled, "Sewers and Sewage Disposal" specifically Sections 66-23 and 66-24 to amend the quarterly sewer rents.

Prior to the consideration of Resolution 27-2009, Dr. White said that the resolution would approve an increase in trash and recycling fees from $55.00 to $85.00. He added that the DEP has mandated that yard waste be picked up once a month. Mr. Scott Bailey, 5 Peaceful Lane, asked if the waste company pays the Township for the recycling it picks up and Mr. LaLonde responded that recycling used to be profitable when the economy was good but now the recycling material is being warehoused. Mrs. Baker asked how the DEP has authority over the Township and Ms. Camp replied that the authority is under state regulations and the state is under the federal regulations.

Dr. White said that the Sewer Authority is under a mandate from DEP to reduce the phosphorus that is released by the sewer plant. He said the Township is appealing this mandate since it will entail costs of about $24,000,000. Dr. White said the phosphorus is from such things as dish washing detergent. Dr. White said that East Goshen Township is using sand filters at their plant. Mr. Gallagher asked if the West Goshen Plant would be using sand filters and Dr. White replied they would not.

Ms. Mary Jennings, 124 Greenhill Road, said that she is a distributor for phosphate free products and would supply information to the Township about these products.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Meakim, the Board unanimously approved Resolution 27-2009 amending the fees for the collection of municipal waste, recyclables and leaves.

Prior to the consideration of the possible approval of the Decision and Order for Supervisors Hearing S-05-09, modifying the Conditional Use Order approved on December 15, 2004 for the West Chester Area School District's Henderson North Fields, Dr. White read the list of conditions that were proposed. Mrs. Baker asked what the lease amount would be and Dr. White replied that it would be $42,000 per year. Ms. Baker asked why the school district didn't sell the property and Ms. Camp replied that there were limitations set by the Jerrehian family on what the district can do with the property. Ms. McIlvaine said that the leagues using the fields will provide partial reimbursement for the cost of the lease. Mr. Raymond Halvorsen, Public Works Director, said that the maintenance costs, if the Township owned the property, would be about $100,000 per year.

Mr. Gallagher asked that the Board consider a reduction in the hours of use of the fields on Sunday. Dr. White replied that the Board could consider reducing the hours to 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Mr. Bailey asked for a copy of the order and Ms. Camp replied that he would receive one. Mr. Bailey asked if the condition concerning landscaping in the original document was still in force and Dr. White replied that it is.

Mr. Tom Stewart, 3 Peaceful Lane, asked if the screening had been checked and Dr. White replied that the school district has planted pine trees. Mr. Bailey asked if #H from the original document applied to the proposed change and Mr. Camp replied that that provision was not being revisited and would still apply. Mr. Bailey said that the sound from the fields was not to go beyond the boundary of the fields. Mr. Stewart asked if the owner of the fields was required to maintain the screening. Mr. LaLonde said that the Township will check the condition of the screening.

Ms. Rose Dillington, 1017 Woodview Lane, asked who to complain to if there are problems and Mr. LaLonde asked Ms. Dillington to call him with any concerns.

Ms. Constance Cox, 1 Peaceful Lane, said that the current screening needs to be check as there is discernable noise and the field can be seen.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Ms. McIlvaine, the Board unanimously approved the Decision and Order for Supervisors Hearing S-05-09 modifying the Conditional Use Order approved by the Township on December 15, 2004, for the use of approximately 18 acres of the School District's property located near the intersection of Pottstown Pike and Greenhill Road as athletic fields.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Meakim, the Board unanimously approved Resolution 18-2009 authorizing the Township to enter a lease agreement with the West Chester Area School District for the lease of the Henderson North Athletic Fields on Pottstown Pike with a right of first refusal to purchase said property and agreeing to restrict such property for use as recreation and public access parkland.

Ms. McIlvaine opened the floor for public comment.

Mr. Damon Kletzien, 103 Oak Lane, said that he attended the meeting with Sen. Dinniman concerning traffic in the West Chester University area and he asked the Board for their comments regarding how to move forward with the University and West Chester Borough. Dr. White replied that the only relief will come from another road being opened in the area. He said Tigue Road is the only option. Dr. White and Mr. Kletzien discussed various other options for the area. Mr. McCormack asked about the placement of a No Left Turn sign from S. New Street onto Rosary Lane at certain hours and Dr. White responded that it could be done but it would create a new problem for other residents in the area. Ms. Colvin thanked Dr. White for his efforts and said that the Gordon Center was an option for building by the University. Dr. White said the land was not purchased originally for an environmental center but for future expansion by the University. Dr. White said that speed humps were installed in the Roslyn area but that a study shows they are not slowing the speed of vehicles traveling through the area. He said they will be removed if the residents requested it at a future time. He said it may be too early to do so now.

Mr. Gallagher asked for a name of an official at the University to contact regarding this matter and Dr. White replied that Mr. Mark Mixner would be the proper person. Dr. White added that if six parking meters were removed on High Street in West Chester Borough a turning lane could be installed for Rosedale Avenue. Mrs. Baker asked that any future traffic studies in the University area be done when the University is not in session.

On motion by Dr. White, seconded by Ms. McIlvaine, the Board unanimously approved not painting crosswalks on Spruce Avenue at Jones Lane and Spruce Avenue at Parkside Avenue.

There being no further business, on motion by Dr. White, seconded by Ms. McIlvaine, the meeting was adjourned at 5:41 p.m.

    Respectfully submitted,

    Sandra K. Turley
    Township Secretary

West Goshen Township
Supervisor Hearing
May 6, 2009

S-07-09
Supervisors Hearing S-07-09 which was duly advertised was called to order by Chairman Patricia McIlvaine at 5:45 p.m. Dr. White was absent. Ms. Kristin Camp, Esquire, was present to represent the Township and Mr. Eric S. Goldberg, Esquire, was present to represent the applicant ITT Corporation who seeks conditional use approval pursuant to Section 84-57.03 of the West Goshen Township Zoning Ordinance to install communication antennas on an existing telecommunications lattice tower and an equipment cabinet, generator, propane tank and related equipment within the existing fenced compound area located at 596 Snyder Avenue in the I-2 Light Industrial District.

See Court Reporter's Transcript

On motion by Mr. Meakim, seconded by Ms. McIlvaine, the Board unanimously approved the application.

The hearing adjourned at 5:51 p.m.