Board of Supervisors
Wednesday, May 26 2010
The regular business meeting of May 26, 2010
of the Northampton Township Board of Supervisors was called to order at 7:40 p.m.
Members of the Board of Supervisors present
were:
Vincent J. Deon
George F. Komelasky
James T. Cunningham
Eileen Silver
Frank Rothermel
Others present were:
Robert M. Pellegrino, Township
Manager
Barbara Kirk, Township
Solicitor
Dave Connell, Township
Engineer
The pledge of Allegiance to the flag was led
Chairman Vincent Deon.
Moment of
Silence Chairman Deon held a moment of silence in support of our
troops and other emergency service responders and for the family involved with the tragic fire in Lower
Southampton.
Public
Comment
Bill O'Neill - Rocksville Road - Mr. O'Neill
asked for an update on the fire Upper Southampton. He also commented on the Western End sewer work being performed at
night, would like to see budget cut by 10%, and questioned the bond issuance costs. Mr. Pellegrino explained the fee
of $91,500 was paid from Bond proceeds, with a saving of $520,000 after fees.
Consent
Items:
Approval of
Minutes - The minutes of the April 28, 2010 meeting were deemed
approved by unanimous consent.
Accounts
Payable -Mr. Rothermel presented the accounts payable of May 12,
2010 in the amount of $1,247,810.66. Mr. Rothermel noted all accounts payable are posted on the website after
approval and the major invoices in this accounts payable were the bonds, health insurance and trash
bills. Mr. Rothermel asked Mr. Pellegrino for an update on the health insurance quotes. Mr. Pellegrino
is waiting for a proposal. Chairman Deon and Mr. Komelasky suggested additional quotes be obtained. The Accounts
Payable of May 12, 2010 was approved by unanimous consent.
Mr. Rothermel presented the accounts payable
of May 26, 2010 in the amount of $319,528.92. Mr. Rotheremel stated this accounts payable included contributions
to
the Fire Company. The Accounts Payable of
May 26, 2010 was approved by unanimous consent.
Liaison
Reports:
Community Development/Internal
Affairs - George F. Komelasky
George Orthodontics Minor Land
Development, 51 Almshouse Road, Richboro - Mr. Komelasky explained
the project involves the construction of an 81 sq. ft. foyer/vestibule addition to the former Carlton Pools building,
located at 51 Almshouse Road in Richboro. Applicant, Dr. Cathleen George is proposing to use the building to
accommodate her Orthodontics practice. The following conditions were set by the Zoning Hearing Board in its decision
on a variance request:
-
Rather than impose limitations of the kind
set forth in finding of fact number 19 of the Zoning Hearing Board decision, applicant agrees to have the Township
Zoning Officer monitor its parking needs.
-
No other use many be made of the property
other than an orthodontist practice; and
-
If the proposed 24 parking spaces are
inadequate for Applicant's parking needs, the Township through its Zoning Office may require a review of
applicant's parking needs. If no agreement is reached on what must be done to correct any parking problems, the
matter may be brought back to the Zoning Board to determine if any restrictions should be imposed to insure the
adequacy of parking on the lot.
Mr. Komelasky called for public comment;
hearing none. Called for Board Comment; hearing none.
A motion (Komelasky-Silver) that the Minor
Land Development application submitted by Dr. Cathleen George for the property located at 51 Almshouse Road,
Richboro, PA, as drawn by Stampfl Hartke Associates dated November 13, 2009 be approved subject to the conditions and
comments as outlined in the minutes and discussion of this meeting. Motion Passed
5-0.
Hagen Minor Subdivision,
Bustleton Pike -Mr. Komelasky introduced Charles
Marte, Esq. attorney for applicant and Jodi Litus from Tri-State Engineers. Mr. Marte explained the project involves
a two lot residential subdivision of 6.27 acres, located along the west side of Bustleton Pike and is the remaining
tract from a previous subdivision called the Henning Subdivision. The following waivers were requested pertaining to
the subdivision:
-
Stormwater Management Improvements - CKS
Engineers received all necessary information to analyze stormwater flow to adjacent properties. Consensus of the
Board was to grant this waiver request.
-
Street Improvements - PennDot has improved
the entire section of Bustleton Pike with rolled curb. The Board agreed that additional widening on this frontage
was not necessary.
-
Open Space - Applicant wishes to pay a fee
in lieu of open space. The Board indicated that this waiver was acceptable.
-
Sidewalk Installation - The applicant has
proposed a fee in lieu of sidewalk improvements. There is a bituminous walkway along a portion of the
frontage.Discussion ensued among the Board with a majority of the Board commenting that sidewalks should be
installed. Applicant agreed and will install sidewalks to the satisfaction of the
Township Engineer.
Conditions For Approval
-
-
The applicant will need to enter into
Escrow and Development Agreement prior to the recording of the Record Plan
-
The sidewalk improvements and concrete
monuments need to be set
-
Stormwater Management improvements will
need to be assured
-
Applicant should receive approval from the
Municipal Authority prior to recording the plan
Mr. Komelaksy called for public comment;
hearing none. Called for board comment;
Mr. Deon asked for frontage clarification.
Mr. Komelasky replied frontage is 273 feet.
A motion (Komelasky-Rothermel) that the
Preliminary/Final plan for the Hagan Minor Subdivison located along the west side of Bustleton Pike, as drawn by
Tri-State Engineers & Land Surveyors, Inc. dated September 14, 2009, and last revised March 8, 2010, be approved
subject to the conditions and comments as outlined in the minutes and discussion of this meeting and that the
applicant will enter into an Escrow and Development Agreement within ninety (90) days of this approval.
Motion Passed 5-0.
Consider Resolution Adopting Open
Space Plan Update - Mr. Komelasky gave an overview of the Open
Space Plan that was prepared by Boucher and James. In order for Northampton Township to receive our share of
$1,020,640 as part of the Bucks County Open space Program, an updated Open Space Plan in required. These are the
funds that would be used to purchase the development rights on the Heuscher Property.
The Township Planning Commission recommended
approval of the draft plan at their meeting on December 1, 2009. At the December 23, 2009 meeting of the Board of
Supervisors, a motion was passed to submit the plan to the County Planning Commission for review and endorsement. The
County completed that process and endorsed the plan. In order to complete this process, the Board must grant final
approval.
Mr. Komelasky called for public comment;
there was none. Mr. Rothermel asked that the Open Space Plan put on the Website. Mr. Pellegrino agreed. A motion was
made (Komelasky-Cunningham) to recommend that Resolution R-10-19 be approved adopting the Northampton Township Open
Space Plan. Motion Passed 5-0.
Mr. Komelasky stated the Building Board of
Appeals will meet to discuss Today's Dental and their request to not install drinking fountains in their dental
office.
Mr. Komelasky outlined the upcoming cases
before the Zoning Hearing Board on June 14, 2010 as follows;
Ivyland Collision, Ivyland, Joseph Vassallo,
Churchville, Joseph Glatz, Holland, Gregory Mayo, Churchville and Dante Sarrocco, Richboro.
Public Works Report
- Eileen Silver- Mrs. Silver encouraged everyone to check out all the Parks and Recreation
activities offered by Northampton Parks & Recreation on their website at www.northamptonrec.com. The
Sights & Sounds of Summer will kick off on June 3rd, 2010 at the Civic Center
Amphitheatre.
Community
Facilities - James T. Cunningham - Mr. Cunningham
wishes everyone a Happy, Healthy and Safe Memorial Day. He reminded everyone about the Memorial Day Celebration at
Dembrowski Park and at 8:00 in front of the Township Administration Building for the raising of the
flag.
Community Facilities &
Services - Frank Rothermel
- Mr. Rothermel wished everyone a safe Memorial Day and noted the Miracle League
had another successful fundraiser and encouraged anyone wishing to contribute or volunteer to contact the
Township.
Community & Public Services
Report - Vincent J. Deon -
Authorize Advertisement of
Proposed Ordinance to Prohibit Parking, Stopping or Standing on Holland Road North and South of the Villa Joseph
Marie High School Entrance - Chairman Deon explained our Traffic
Safety Unit is recommending an Ordinance to prohibit parking on both sides of Holland Road for a distance of 450'
north and south of the driveway entrance at 1180 Holland Road (Villa Joseph Marie School). The request for parking
restrictions on Holland Road at the entrance driveway was made by the school after hearing concerns from both
students and parents. The parking prohibition will increase sight distance for those exiting the driveway
particularly during special events.
Chairman Deon called for public comment;
there was none.
A motion was made (Deon-Silver) to authorize
the Township Administration to advertise and schedule a public hearing to consider an ordinance amending Chapter 130
of the Code of Ordinances at Chapter 130, Vehicle and Traffic to prohibit parking on both sides of Holland Road at
the Entrance driveway to Villa Joseph Marie School. Motion Passed 5-0.
Chairman Deon listed the following
announcements and upcoming events;
Memorial Day Ceremony on May 31 at 9:00 at
Dembrowski Park
Memorial Day Ceremony on May 31 at 11:00,
1635 River Road, Washington Crossing Park
Memorial Day Ceremony on May 31, at 2:00 at
the National Cemetery
Chairman Deon noted the heroic efforts of
our fire departments during the terrible fire in Upper Southampton Township and reminded everyone to drive carefully
with school letting out for the summer soon.
Chairman Deon adjourned the meeting at 8:40
pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Eileen Silver,
Secretary
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