BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MINUTES –
The regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the
Those present:
Board of Supervisors: Steve Santarsiero, Chairman
Ron Smith, Vice Chairman
Greg Caiola, Secretary
Grace Godshalk, Supervisor
Pete Stainthorpe, Supervisor
Others: Terry Fedorchak, Township Manager
David Truelove, Township Solicitor
Bucky Closser, Township Solicitor
James Majewski, Township Engineer
Kenneth Coluzzi, Chief of Police
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Milton Sacks,
resident of the property but apparently
others are invited to this location. He stated
there are eight to ten people there at a time.
Mr. Santarsiero stated people are still living in the home under an
arrangement with the owner who is a developer.
He noted there are a number of ongoing issues as to the development of
this property. Mr. Santarsiero asked the
Chief what they can do. Chief Coluzzi
stated he did meet with Mr. Sacks today, and he is not sure that the Ordinance
does state that legal action can be taken regarding the operation of the ATVs,
but he is going to look into this further and discuss the matter with Mr.
Truelove. He stated they will go to the
property when the ATVs are being operated, try to identify the people, and try
to talk to the people living on the property to please cooperate. Mr. Smith asked how often this is occurring
and the times. Mr. Sacks stated in the
summer and fall it was every weekend.
This past weekend it occurred on Saturday, but not on Sunday. He stated they are concerned that this will
continue with the dry weather. He stated
there is a 10’ wide track on the site.
Chief Coluzzi stated the track is approximately 20’ off of
Ms. Karen Friedman,
Ms. Diane Mays’ prior comments and questions about the barn at Elm Lowne.
Ms. Friedman stated the concept of the barn project is to try to develop a cultural center to house performing art venues, educational venues in acting or music, lectures for corporations, etc. She stated they hope to use the property to generate funds to offset costs. She stated an initial feasibility study came in the end of last year, and showed that the project is possible. She stated they then submitted a second feasibility study to continue to get a more detailed engineering report so that they can analyze the expense factors in an attempt to satisfy their goal which was not to cost the taxpayers any money. The second feasibility study was rejected because the limited amount of funds that were available went to open space/greenspace funding rather than historic preservation. She noted they were asked to resubmit for the Grant because they believed in the project, and they did resubmit and are waiting for a response. She stated they have also submitted an
appropriations funding request to our Senator for $1.7 million to help offset the expenses of getting the project going, and they are hoping for a positive response. She stated if they cannot do the project without raising taxes, the project will not proceed.
Ms. Friedman stated Grants are set aside by the State and
Federal Government, and the funds are waiting to be spent on projects like the
one they are submitting for. She feels
Ms. Friedman stated at the last meeting, Mr. Smith made comments regarding Elm Lowne which she found very disconcerting. She stated he had indicated that you have to pay admission to visit the property, and this is not correct. She stated anyone can come stroll the grounds. She stated Mr. Smith also indicated that funds were lost.
Mr. Santarsiero stated the issue of Elm Lowne and whether or not the Township should own it, is an item that will be put on a future Agenda. He stated tonight they will discuss the Heritage Conservancy report which does discuss Elm Lowne. He stated Elm Lowne and all the properties discussed in the Heritage Conservancy report will be discussed as separate Agenda items in the future. Ms. Friedman stated Mr. Smith had indicated that the property had cost the taxpayers $250,000 and she stated most of this is debt service. She stated the property was bought with the idea that it would be open space and was not expected to generate revenues.
Mr. Smith stated he did indicate that they should wait until they receive the Heritage Conservancy report before making any decisions. He stated all of these issues need to be discussed at an open meeting. He stated he did indicate that it is a very nice property and they will decide as a Township and as a Board whether the Township should be in the business of owning such a property. He stated he does not feel that they can discount debt service. He stated they will discuss this property as an Agenda item in the future.
Ms. Friedman stated she is concerned that it appeared that Elm Lowne was targeted and noted there are many other properties in the Township that also have debt service.
Mrs. Godshalk stated when the people voted in 1998 overwhelming for the $7.5 million to purchase land, it was not just raw land as the Referendum was worded “for the purchase of open space, recreation, and historic preservation.”
Mr. John Radowsky, 226 Penn Valley Terrace, stated the Courier Times had an article about wind towers and he stated if there is extra space, they could log into the grid and pay off some of the electric bills. Mr. Santarsiero stated this will also happen on the U.S. Steel site in Falls. Mr. Santarsiero stated Mr. Sam Conti is present this evening and is the President of the Farmland Preservation Corporation, and he had discussed this in the past as a possibility for some of our lands and this is something the Board should consider.
Ms. Janet Smith,
Mr. Leo Cohn,
Mr. Dixon indicated he did not see any line of sight problems. Mr. Cohn stated he is concerned with school buses making a left turn at this location. Mr. Smith stated the Board has been interviewing for the Traffic Commission and a number of applicants have discussed sight line obstructions that they would like to look into, and this will be a topic for that Committee once the members are appointed probably at the next meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Smith moved, Mr. Caiola seconded and it was unanimously
carried to approve the Minutes of the
Mr. Caiola moved, Mr. Smith seconded and it was unanimously
carried to approve the Minutes of the
APPROVAL OF
Mr. Caiola moved, Mr. Smith seconded and it was unanimously
carried to approve the
DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL OF MATRIX AGREEMENT
Mr. Garton was present on behalf of the Township. He stated at the last Supervisors’ meeting there was discussion of the proposed Agreement and a summary was provided to the public as well as a copy of the Concept Plan. The only remaining issue is the request by Bellemead to include the following paragraph within the Agreement:
“Notwithstanding any provision of the Settlement Agreement to the contrary,
the Township, RAM, Weyrick, Matrix, and Bellemead acknowledge and agree
that Bellemead shall neither be bound nor benefit from any of the terms of the
provisions hereof in the event that Matrix does not close with Bellemead under
the terms of its Agreement of Sale; however, Bellemead acknowledges and
agrees that during the pendancy of Bellemead’s Agreement of Sale with
Matrix, Bellemead will submit no plans to the Township which are inconsistent
with the terms and provisions of the Settlement Agreement.”
Mr. Garton stated this language was circulated among the Counsel for the various Parties, and it his understanding that there remains an issue with Mr. Sugarman, who represents Ms. Weyrick and RAM, as to the inclusion of that language as it is written. Mr. Garton stated the Board could either table the Agreement or could approve it subject it to the final resolution of that one paragraph.
Mr. Marc Brookman, representing Matrix, was present. Mr. Santarsiero asked
Mr. Brookman Matrix’s position with regard to the language just read by
Mr. Garton. Mr.
Brookman stated he discussed this matter with Mr. Sugarman and advised Mr.
Garton of the conversation this evening.
He stated Bellemead, RAM, and Ms. Weyrick have still not reached an
accommodation as to how they want to resolve this matter. He stated there is no disagreement by any of
the Parties that during the pendancy of the Agreement that Bellemead will not
submit any Plan to
Mr. Santarsiero noted Mr. Sugarman is the attorney for RAM. Mr. Santarsiero asked who drafted the language read by Mr. Garton, and it was noted it was drafted by
Mr. Murphy on behalf of his client, Bellemead. Mr. Brookman noted the language as read is acceptable to Matrix and Bellemead.
Mr. Stainthorpe stated he feels the Township should come to a consensus on this issue as there have been continuing delays. He stated at this point only the lawyers are making money. He feels it is time to bring the matter to a conclusion and he would recommend
that the Board vote tonight to adopt the compromise plan subject to some additional language.
Mrs. Godshalk stated she has consistently felt that this
proposed plan is not the best plan for the Township or this property. She stated the property sits at the border
of I-95, Route 1, and
Mr. Santarsiero stated as the former Chairman of RAM, he spent a lot of time planning strategy, doing fundraising, and coming to Township meetings asking that the original plan for big box stores not be approved. Mr. Santarsiero stated he feels everyone who was opposed to the original plan for big box stores understood that they could not have a property that would not be developed. He stated it is too valuable a piece of property for the Township to buy it, and the owner of the property does have development rights which must be respected. He stated they wanted to find something for the property that would be the least objectionable. Mr. Santarsiero stated he agrees that this is not the best plan that could have been created because it does not leave it as open space; however, this was not an option. He stated under the circumstances, given the years of negotiation going back to 2002 when he and Mr. Cruzan first met with representatives of Matrix to try to come up with an alternative plan for the site, this is the best deal they can come to as a matter of compromise. He stated it will provide substantial ratables to the Township.
Mr. Santarsiero stated it will provide a for a large number of housing units and agrees that in the future there is some uncertainly as to what could ultimately happen with age-restricted housing; however, they cannot tell what will happen in the future and he feels the best thing the residents and the Board can do is try to make the decision they feel is right and will likely be the best long-term solution. He stated given the existing market, he feels this is the best long-term solution. He stated this project will bring in ratables, will not cause an increase in the School tax because it will not result in additional school children, and there is a substantial reduction in the amount of land that will be used and the impervious surface developed will be far lower than in the original proposal.
Mr. Santarsiero stated the traffic impact will be far less than that which was in the original proposal, and this was a major issue with the original design. This has been resolved as a result of this compromise. With regard to the stores, Mr. Santarsiero stated it is a small amount of square feet that will be constructed. He stated he does not consider this to be a strip center. He feels that this an opportunity to meet a need in the market and do it in a responsible way and work with the Planning Commission and the Environmental Advisory Council to do it in a way that will have the least amount of impact on the environments, and to provide an asset to the community. Mr. Santarsiero thanked the members of RAM and other members of the community who have worked with the Township and representatives of Matrix to make the deal a reality. He stated he hopes that in the next few weeks, this remaining drafting issue with respect to the language read by Mr. Garton can be resolved. He stated he agrees that the Board should approve the Agreement this evening subject to ultimately resolving the minor drafting language.
Mr. Santarsiero stated there has been discussion as to what would happen if there is not full commercial use of the site and whether or not under Pennsylvania Zoning law, this might be forced on the Township on other properties. He stated he feels they have addressed this issue by doing an overlay zoning for age-restricted housing so that this will not become an issue, and they will not be faced with the type of development that might be able to be put on the Matrix property somewhere else in Lower Makefield. He feels this proposal will be a positive for the Township and is a testament to what members of the community can do.
Mr. Smith stated he agrees that it is time to put this issue behind them and he would second a Motion to proceed as suggested by Mr. Stainthorpe.
Mr. Gary Cruzan, 729 Stewart’s Way, stated he is President of RAM. He stated the economic impact to the Township is more positive under this plan than under the original plan because of the things that were negotiated. He stated this is also true with regard to the economic impact for the Schools by approximately $1 million. He stated they have an independent study which was done during the negotiations which shows this. He stated this is the best compromise plan, and he hopes that they will be able to resolve the last issue.
Mr. Zachary Rubin,
Mrs. Godshalk stated the assessment was ten years ago when
the Plan was approved. She stated she
was always against the big box development that was presented. She stated she asked Bellemead and Matrix to
bring better, higher quality stores to
Mr. Jeff Goll,
Mrs. Godshalk stated the tree line along
Mr. Stainthorpe stated they are not approving a Land Development Plan this evening and this is only the Concept Agreement being considered this evening.
Mr. Stainthorpe moved and Mr. Smith seconded to approve the Compromise Agreement conditioned upon final language of the one paragraph.
Mr. Santarsiero stated this is coming to a Settlement Agreement among the Parties who were part of the dispute – the Township, Matrix, RAM, and Bellemead, the current owner of the property. This will now begin the land use process, and the developer will come in with their Plans; and the Township has to review those plans in good faith and work expeditiously to try to resolve whether the Plans will or will not be approved. He stated there are a number of consequences that flow from that under the Agreement as described by Mr. Garton at the last meeting. There will be ample opportunity for the public to comment during the review process and to discuss these matters before the Environmental Advisory Council, the Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors. His hope is that they will have an approved plan that has all this input taken into consideration and they come up with the best possible plan that takes traffic, the environment, etc. into account.
Motion carried with Mrs. Godshalk opposed.
CREATION OF TASK FORCE TO REVIEW AND PROPOSE REVISONS TO TOWNSHIP CODE AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE TASK FORCE
Mr. Santarsiero stated it has come to their attention that there are several areas where the current Codes need to be revised. He stated he would like to create a Task Force of various members from the Boards and Commissions to review the Codes and talk to the various Boards and Commission to see if there are items that should be changed. A list of the proposed changes should then be presented to the Board of Supervisors for their consideration.
Mr. Santarsiero moved to appoint to the Commission Tony
Bush, who is a Planning Commission member, as Chairman as he has had experience
in drafting statutes and would be helpful in reviewing the Codes in
Barbara Kirk and Paul Bamburak from the Zoning Hearing Board, Jim Bray and Jeff Goll from the Environmental Advisory Council, Michelle Stambaugh from the Historic Commission, Trish Bunn from Park & Recreation, and Megan Dorko from the Disabled Persons Advisory Board.
Mr. Santarsiero stated he does not feel they need to have a Resolution as this is an informal Ad Hoc Committee, and he feels it could be approved this evening by way of Motion. He feels their first task would be to meet and talk to the other Boards and Commissions to get their input on the problems they have seen relating to various aspects
of the Code, and report back to the Board of Supervisors what they are looking at; and ultimately if the Board agrees, take the next step of actually drafting some changes to the Code. He does not feel the entire process should take more than six months and will hopefully result in a better Code for the Township.
Mr. Stainthorpe stated he agrees that this is something the Township should do. He stated the Board of Supervisors is currently very busy and he would not want to rush this and ask that they be done in six months, and he feels the Task Force should be given a one year life. He stated the Ordinances are in an extremely large book; and if they are going to do this right, they should give themselves enough time to do it properly.
Mr. Caiola agreed noting he has had some experience in this type of project and it is very time consuming. He noted the people that have been recommended for appointment are currently serving on other Boards and should be given a longer time frame. Mr. Smith asked that the Task Force be asked to come to the Board of Supervisors after the first of the year to report back on where they stand. Mrs. Godshalk stated she would have liked to have received something in writing about this proposal. Mr. Santarsiero stated he did discuss this at two prior public meetings and also stated he feels he has tried to keep the Board members apprised of what is being done.
Mr. Stainthorpe moved and Mr. Caiola seconded to form a Task Force to review the Township Ordinances comprised of the individuals named by Mr. Santarsiero and that the Task Force exist for one year with the Task Force to report to the Board after the first of the year on where they stand. Motion carried with Mrs. Godshalk abstained.
APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 359 AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2006, TO FINANCE THE SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECT AND OTHER CAPITAL PROJECTS
Mr. Closser introduced Ms. Kristen Kilker from Public Financial Management, Inc. and Mr. Mac Butcher from the underwriter, Wachovia. Ms. Kilker reported on the results of today’s bond sale which went well and they locked in rates at 4.43%. They were able to get these good rates due to the fact that the Township recently had an upgrade in its credit rating last week from AA3 to AA2. The final amount of the bond was $9,580,000 and the final debt service is in line with that which was projected two weeks ago. The bond issue will close on May 25, and the funds will be available to the Township at that time.
Mr. Closser stated he has received from Wachovia the Bond Purchase Proposal which sets forth the numbers noted by Ms. Kilker. Also before the Board is the formal Bond Ordinance which accepts the Bond Purchase Proposal and directs the issuance of the Bonds and to proceed to closing on May 25.
Mr. Caiola moved and Mr. Smith seconded to authorize and approve the incurring of non-Electoral debt through the issuance of the Township’s General Obligation Bond Series of 2006 in the amount stated in the Bond Purchase Contract as submitted by Wachovia Bank National Association, underwriter, for the purpose of providing funds to pay for improvements to the Sewer system and other capital projects and for the cost and expenses of the issuance of the Bonds all as set forth and in accordance with the provisions of Ordinance No. 359 prepared by Curtin and Heefner, Bond Counsel, which is hereby enacted as presented.
Mrs. Godshalk asked Mr. Butcher’s title, and he stated he is Vice President Municipal Securities Group of Wachovia.
There was no public comment.
Motion carried with Mrs. Godshalk opposed.
Mr. Stainthorpe noted how unusual it is to have your credit rating increased and noted the Township now has a credit rating equal to that of the County and he feels it is the highest bond rating of any Municipality in Bucks County and probably one of the highest in the State. He noted during Election season comments were made that the Township was going broke and the finances were falling apart, and in fact it is quite the opposite.
He thanked Mr. Fedorchak who worked with the rating firm on this and feels that all residents should feel pleased that they live in a well-run community.
APPROVAL OF REPLACEMENT OF YARDLEY-MAKEFIELD FIRE COMPANY 1989 RESCUE TRUCK
Mr. Larry Newman, President, Mr. Glenn Chamberlain, Chief, and Mr. Gene Cadwallader, Treasurer and Chairman of the Truck Committee, were present.
Mr. Cadwallader stated they would like to replace the 1989 rescue truck with a rescue engine. He stated this vehicle would allow them to do more than with the rescue truck. He stated the urgency for ordering the truck at the present time is because they do not want the 2007 engine because that truck will run hotter and is larger. It will also cost $14,000 more. The the truck they would propose to purchase is a fifteen year truck and the cost is $627,631 with the discount. They will advertise for the sale of the 1989 rescue truck to be sold by Mr. Coyne who is always able to get a top price.
Mr. Newman stated last year the rescue truck responded to 176 calls for life safety issues. This was 28% of their calls. He stated they keep their trucks in top shape, and Mr. Coyne does an excellent job in getting top dollar for their trucks when they sell them.
Mr. Newman also noted some replacements they are making of equipment which will be paid for with Grant money.
Mr. Chamberlain stated his concern with the existing truck is the firefighters must exit out the rear, and this is a problem when they are on major highways such as I-95. He stated they also cannot all be seated safely in that vehicle. The new rescue truck will allow for everyone to be seat belted and will have the capability to exit curbside. He stated the Fire Company will still have to come up with an additional $75,000 to pay for some equipment needed on the truck.
Mr. Santarsiero thanked the Fire Company representatives for the job they do for the community. He noted this is an all-volunteer company, and they volunteer a substantial amount of hours. He stated a number of the Supervisors did look at the truck they wish to replace as well as the rest of the trucks in the fleet which are well maintained. He also stated he was impressed with the innovations the fire company representatives have created for the design of the trucks. He noted other fire companies throughout the Country refer to “Yardley design” of which they should be proud.
Mr. Smith thanked the Fire Company representatives for allowing them to tour the Fire Company facilities. He noted the professionalism of the fire company, the maintenance of the equipment, and their dedication.
Mrs. Godshalk also thanked the Fire Company for the work they have done over the years. She noted they indicated that having a pumper is a plus for insurance for the residents of the community, and Mr. Chamberlain stated this helps with the ISO ratings for the Township. This does not refer to individuals’ insurance rates. Mr. Cadwallader stated it has to do with the rating for the Township. He stated it is also important that they a good water system in the Township. He stated the training of the members of the Fire Company and their length of service is also important as well as the number and size of the pumpers in the Township. He stated if they purchase the engine proposed this evening, they will have five pumpers in the Township which are all 2,000 gallon a minute pumpers with compressed air foam which the insurance companies are in favor of since it has become the standard in the fire industry.
Mr. Stainthorpe asked where the new truck will be housed, and Mr. Cadwallader stated it will be based in the Yardley Station. He stated the last new truck they purchase is based at Woodside.
Mr. Caiola stated he was impressed with the versatility of this new truck.
Ms. Virginia Torbert asked the life of the truck and it was noted it is fifteen years.
Mr. Chamberlain stated the old truck was only used for auto extrications; but the new truck will have much more versatility and will be much safer for their personnel.
Ms. Torbert asked the age of the oldest truck they have, and it was noted the oldest truck is a 1999 vehicle. Mr. Newman stated the Fire Company has also been buying every other truck that is purchased.
Mr. Newman noted 42% of their calls are fire alarms, and 93% of these are for careless cooking, steam, etc. but they still have to run the engine out and the first-out engines are the ones that they replace approximately every ten years. He stated they will probably be able to sell the old vehicle to a Company that does not run as many calls as in some locations they only have a hundred calls a year, while in Lower Makefield they get called out approximately twice a day which results in wear and tear on the trucks which is why maintenance is very important.
Ms. Torbert asked if it would be useful to have a Township Ordinance regarding chronic false alarms and charging fees. Mr. Chamberlain stated they consider these malfunctioning alarms; and through the assistance of Chief Coluzzi and his officers, there is an Ordinance that after three consecutive times between fire alarms and burglar alarms within a twelve month period, the residents are cited and they do have to pay a fine.
Chief Coluzzi stated the first citation is $25 and it graduates after that. Mr. Chamberlain stated what they do to try to help eliminate repeated alarms is to educate the residents on what they can do to avoid this in the future.
Mr. Cadwallader stated the next Open House at the Fire Station is in October, and
Mr. Smith recommended that all Township residents go out to see the equipment and how they maintain the equipment which is impeccable. Mr. Chamberlain stated residents are welcome at any time. Mr. Newman stated they are especially interested in having groups come to the Fire Station.
Mr. Caiola moved, Mrs. Godshalk seconded and it was unanimously carried to support Yardley-Makefield Fire Company in replacing the 1989 Fire Rescue Truck in the amount of $627,631 to be included in the 2007 Budget with the first payment to be made in a timely fashion to take advantage of the discount.
A short recess was taken at this time. The meeting was reconvened at
PRESENTATION AND MOTION ON THE OPTION OF ENCLOSING AND WINTERIZING THE COMPETITION POOL FOR USE IN FALL, WINTER, AND SPRING
Mr. Paul Mackenzie was present with Mr. Bob Magg. Mr. McKenzie stated he provided information to the Board from a company that does this type of work. He stated they are proposing that the Township make use of one of the best Township capital assets so that
it can be used for more than three months per year. He stated the Pool is able to sustain itself during the summer, but they would like to cover one or more of the pools for year-round use to provide a space for exercise, education, and entertainment for all Township residents. He stated this will also generate jobs within the Township throughout the year. He stated the technology that is used quite frequently is an air-supported bubble and there
have been numerous bubbles
installed in the area. He noted a number
of the facilities and noted particularly the Cheshire Community Pool which is a
community similar to
Mr. McKenzie stated the Pool would be used from September to
May indoors. He stated it takes one day
to put up the bubble and a day to take it down.
He stated he went to EMAC in
Mr. McKenzie stated they would need to hire a Director or a management company similar to what is done at the Golf Course. He stated they would need an Aquatics Director to maximize the use of the facility, lifeguards, facility manager, gate checkers, etc. similar to what they have in the summer.
With regard to revenue streams, Mr. McKenzie stated they
would have revenue from the memberships.
Currently there are 1150 families who belong to the pool in the
summer. He stated a survey was done
recently and of the 1000 applications that came back approximately 658
indicated they were in favor of moving forward with a feasibility study of covering
the pool. He stated EMAC is a privately
held club and the fees they charge were provided in the information provided to
the Board. They charge Seniors $250, Families $600, and Singles $325 for twelve
month use of the Pool. He stated
currently a Family Membership at
Mr. McKenzie stated he has proposed four separate options. Option A is to cover the lap pool only. He stated he feels they would need an additional building with lockers, a meeting area, viewing area, and an area with some exercise equipment which the members could use. He stated they will need additional locker space as the pool expands anyway. The estimated capital cost for Option A is approximately $500,000 and the bubble would be $200,000. He has estimated a 3,000 square foot building at approximately $100 a square foot. He showed a drawing of what this Option would look like. Mr. McKenzie reviewed three other options including covering the Olympic pool only, covering the lap pool and the Olympic pool, or covering the Olympic pool and the smaller intermediate pool. He stated he feels they should ideally have two pools covered – one at a colder temperature and one at a higher temperature for young children and
seniors. He stated the intermediate pool offers a good opportunity as it has a shallow section which would be comfortable for children.
Mr. McKenzie stated he did provide some revenue calculations and for the nine months additional, it would still be self-sustaining and they should have a revenue stream of $360,000 not including the summer. He showed estimated expenses which he feels would be approximately $300,000 for the nine month period. He feels the net result would be that this proposal would be a positive revenue generator for the Pool. He stated he understands that Pool funds stay with the Pool, but this could be revised and they could decide that if the Pool is positive, they could use these funds for other Park & Rec activities.
Mr. McKenzie stated he is asking that the Board of Supervisors consider funding a feasibility study which he would suggest be done in two parts. Part I would be an engineering/site feasibility and capital cost confirmation. He has provided to
Mr. Fedorchak a letter from Asati which is the main company which builds the bubbles and they have provided a $5,000 engineering estimate which could be applied to the cost of the bubble in the future. They would come to the facility and do the engineering calculations. They would also be able to confirm the capital costs of the bubble.
Mr. McKenzie stated he has looked at several bubbles and feels the site is very amenable to the bubble structure. Part II would be looking into facility design and the other architectural parts for additional locker rooms, other space, and confirming all the assumptions regarding revenue streams, etc.
Mr. McKenzie stated if the Board of Supervisors is interested, he would be willing to look into corporate alliances; but he did not want to proceed with corporate sponsorships until he had direction from the Board of Supervisors.
Mr. Santarsiero stated if they agreed to proceed the $5,000 study to be done by Asati, he assumes that they would then proceed with Part II based on what Asati determines, and
Mr. McKenzie agreed. Mr. Santarsiero stated before proceeding to Park II, they would therefore have a Plan as to which Pools they want to have covered and this is how Part II would proceed, and Mr. McKenzie agreed.
Mr. Stainthorpe stated he feels the feasibility study is missing a critical piece which is whether or not there is a market for this. He stated there are School pools as well as Newtown Aquatic Club and it seems there is already a saturated market for indoor pools. He stated they should look to see if the market can support another indoor facility. He stated they did something similar to this with the Golf Course, and he feels this should be done in this instance as well.
Mr. McKenzie stated he feels the biggest generator they have will be membership fees. He stated he assumes that if they have only 50% of the current Members of the Pool join,
this will provide a large portion of the revenue. He stated 658 families have already responded positively to the feasibility study. He stated there are not many things for young people to do in the winter and noted it is very expensive for a family membership to the Newtown Athletic Club. He also stated the Schools are not really convenient, and he feels the location of the Township Pool is ideal to maximize its use.
Mr. Smith stated he knows there is great interest in competitive swimming in the summer, but noted there are also teams which compete at other times throughout the year. He asked Mr. Mackenzie how far they travel for one of these events, and Mr. Mackenzie stated in the mid-Atlantic area, they typically travel at least one hour away because of the lack of a local Pool complex. Mr. Bob Magg stated these events are always packed.
Mr. Smith asked if these are bubble pools, and Mr. Mackenzie stated there are some which are bubbles and some are school facilities as well.
Mr. Stainthorpe stated the model for revenue is only for operating expenses, and there would be significant capital costs as well which could be at least a half million dollars. He asked how Mr. Mackenzie would propose financing this portion. Mr. Mackenzie stated he feels some of this could come from some corporate alliances. He stated he has had discussions with someone involved with ICT Group and for a certain amount of money per year, the employees could make use of the Pool at certain periods of time.
Mr. Mackenzie stated the Swim Teams would be interested in contributing, and there could also be fundraising. He stated he knows the Pool runs positive during the summer as there were sufficient funds to pay for the slides. He stated as they build up each year, they could use some of that positive cash flow from the summer to fund this. He stated part of the $500,000 is adding an additional locker room. He stated this would also depend on which pool they decide to cover. He stated the back end of the Pool is currently underserved from a locker room, meeting, and sitting area standpoint; and he feels that for long term growth, they would have to put some additional facility at that end anyway. Mr. Santarsiero stated they had discussed this at Budget time in the context of the pool in the future anyway. He stated there are also capital expenses anticipated for the pool as it ages. He stated the main building also needs some updating and expansion.
Mrs. Godshalk stated the way the pool has been handled over
the years is that it has been supported only by member fees; and if they have
to fund this with Township funds, they are not meeting the goal they had when
they set up the Pool. Mr. Mackenzie
stated he feels this is still possible.
Mrs. Godshalk stated Mr. Mackenzie noted the membership for the seniors
was $200 and currently the seniors pay $25 to swim at the Pool in the summer. Mrs. Godshalk asked if they feel they would
have to be open in the evenings, and Mr. Mackenzie stated he feels they could
run a program similar to
Mr. Caiola asked how
Mr. Santarsiero stated the intermediate pool is good for
younger children as it is only a few feet deep.
He feels they would need to have some advice as to which pool to cover;
but he feels this would be an important one to cover if they are trying to make
it open to as many people in the community as possible. He stated during the week even in the winter
he is not sure young families would have time to use the facility, but asked
what they would foresee for the weekends.
Mr. Mackenzie stated he feels the facility would be used very similarly
to how it is used in the summer – the Swim Team activities would be limited to
the early morning possibly from
Mrs. Godshalk asked who would pay for the Swim Teams, and
Mr. Mackenzie stated the Swim Teams would be self-funding just like the Swim
Team is currently. He stated he feels
they would pay dollars back to the pool for lifeguards and other support. He stated in the summer each swimmer has to
pay a registration fee which includes general fees, meets, insurance, etc., and
the winter swim teams would do as well. Mr.
Smith asked the current fee, and Mr. McKenzie stated in the summer they pay
$75; and in the winter, depending on the program it is approximately $400 for PAC, and $1200 for Spirit Swim out of
Mr. Stainthorpe asked if they anticipate that PAC would use this pool, and
Mr. Mackenzie stated he is President-Elect of PAC and they would view this as a third pool as they use the High School and Pennwood Pools although they are outgrowing those facilities due to increase in the numbers of swimmers. Currently they have 260
swimmers. Mr. Stainthorpe asked if they run a large Meet,
what type of revenue can they expect to generate, and Mr. Magg stated at the
Mrs. Godshalk asked how they could exclude the “diaper-set” if they do not cover the splash pool. Mr. Mackenzie stated he would hope that the very young children would use the intermediate pool with their parents.
Mr. Stainthorpe asked if they are comfortable having the potential supplier do the feasibility study, and Mr. Mackenzie stated he feels they will be able to provide the proper engineering study. He stated he does not feel they should do the economic phase. He stated he feels that Asati can tell them which pools it would be possible to cover and provide the options. He stated Wallover has done a good job, but they tend to be more for permanent structures. Mr. Stainthorpe stated he feels this is worth looking at. He stated the pool as it exists is a gem, and he is not in favor of anything that would detract from the viability of it; and whatever they do, should enhance it. He also feels it should pay for itself, and he does not want to put any further burden on the taxpayers. He stated he feels a market study is a critical component of this as well. Mr. Mackenzie agreed.
Mr. Stainthorpe stated they have the finest public Pool
probably in the State of
Mrs. Godshalk stated she also feels they should contact the
Ms. Ann Marie Argentiri,
Ms. Karen Friedman asked the average center height of the bubble, and Mr. Mackenzie stated the bubble they are discussing is 50’ high. Mr. Magg stated there have been some bubbles as high as 75’ high. Option D would require a bubble 50’ high.
Mr. Jim Bray stated he feels this is an excellent idea and $5,000 is a modest sum for a feasibility study of this type.
Mr. Santarsiero stated there are trees in the area and because the Pool is at the bottom of a slope, he feels it would be less noticeable than if it were on a flat plain.
Ms. Helen Bosley,
Mr. Andy Raffle,
Mr. Bob Slamen,
Mr. Smith moved and Mr. Stainthorpe seconded to approve $5,000 to explore a feasibility study by Asati on the option of enclosing and winterizing part or all of the pools that are currently at LMT for use in the fall, winter, and spring.
Mr. Fedorchak stated he and Mr. Truelove will craft a Professional Services Agreement that includes a scope of work for the Board’s signature.
Motion carried unanimously.
PRESENTATION OF HERITAGE CONSERVANCY REPORT ON MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR THE TOWNSHIP’S HISTORICAL RESOURCES
Mr. Jeffrey Marshall was present. Mr. Santarsiero stated in late 2004, the
Board of Supervisors retained the services of the Heritage Conservancy to do an
analysis of all Township-owned historic sites including some recommendations to
the Township as to how they should proceed with those assets. Mr. Santarsiero stated Mr. Marshall has noted
in the report that he has interviewed the stakeholders and undertaken a number
of studies. This information is included
in the report before the Board this evening under cover of a memo from Mr.
Fedorchak dated
Mr. Marshall thanked the Township for the opportunity of allowing them to study these historic resources in the Township. He stated they also met and worked with a dedicated group of volunteers, the Supervisors, and Township staff. He stated because the Township owns several historic properties, the Township felt that they should provide high quality stewardship of the properties and asked the Heritage Conservancy to do an evaluation and work on a framework for the Supervisors’ decision making. They were asked to create a filter through which the Supervisors would have the information to make decisions as to how they wanted to proceed with what they have. As part of the process, they had community input. He noted Page 19 which outlines the results they obtained from meeting with a number of people about what about the properties is important to them. He stated the three things which came out were historic significance, various forms of economic impact, and agricultural past or physical contest of the structures.
Mr. Marshall stated they spent a lot of time looking at the buildings and found that in several cases the information about the properties, particularly about the dates of some of the properties, were not supported by documentary or physical evidence. He stated this does not mean that they are not significant, as in fact many of them are, it is just that they cannot corroborate what people have said about the building based on the evidence. He stated they did not have any bias and a historic building can be significant despite the date it is built.
Mr. Marshall noted the Summary on Page 14 which shows what they feel the Township should do in terms of historic designation. For the Patterson/Brown House, they feel they should pursue listing on the National Register noting the project has been declared eligible as part of the road project for the Interchange. He stated the Patterson/ Satterthwaite House was also part of that designation and determined eligible. With
regard to Elm Lowne, Mr. Marshall stated they feel the property should get the determination eligibility – the nomination to the Pennsylvania Historic Museum Commission for that determination. If it merits listing, they should pursue the actual registration. With regard to the Warren/Farringer House, they feel its integrity was compromised and did not recommend pursuing its historic designation. With regard to the Dalgewicz/Slack House, because of its loss of context which is one of the key issues of historic significance, with the outbuilding gone and its location in the middle of a Golf Course, they feel it would need additional research and documentation to make it eligible for listing. They feel this property would be a second or third tier in terms of priority. He noted the grid on Page 15 which shows their work in a more graphic form in terms of what they felt in terms of the historic aspects of the decision-making.
Mr. Marshall stated they did look at economic impact, but did not do capital improvement figures. He stated whether or not a property produced income was not the filter they used. He stated historic properties are traditionally not self-sufficient so this was not a determining factor. He stated with regard to certain properties, they did note that they need to do re-assessment of the previous studies to determine the costs. He noted particularly the Satterthwaite House which needs to be looked at again.
Mr. Marshall stated part of their evaluation included agricultural past which means physical context. This means that some of the buildings, to have agricultural context, need a full complement of buildings. He stated they also looked at the relationship of buildings to land. He stated there are two different types of properties in the Township – those which are part of historical assemblages – Elm Lowne and the Patterson Farm and stand-alone sites like the Warren/Farringer House, the Five Mile Woods House, and the Dalgewicz House. He stated they also considered those that are surrounded by significant land with Patterson Farm, Elm Lowne, and Five Mile Woods being properties with large open space versus smaller ones such as the Warren/Farringer House which is on a very small size lot. Mrs. Godshalk stated the Township does not own the Warren/Farringer House. She stated they lease it from the shopping center. It was noted they did include this fact in the report.
Mr. Marshall stated they also looked at how the Township can pursue its relationship with the historic structures as discussed on Pages 26 through 28 of the report. He also provided this evening a more generic report that spells out pros and cons of different options. He stated they tried to look at how the properties can be managed; and the choices are maintain the status quo, make it more of a Township-structured program where they may in fact hire a historic preservation specialist or additional staff to work with it, or maintain and/or expand a system for future acquisitions and working with a Citizen’s Group – either the Historic Commission or changing to a Heritage Commission that has direct management responsibility for particular properties in a formalized way.
Mr. Marshall stated the Township has had a reaction type of plan with regard to acquisition of properties because they were threatened, there was a unique opportunity to acquire them, or they were part and parcel of a larger program such as the Patterson Farm or the Golf Course property. He stated there was no systematic study of historic resources in the Township that then charted the Township’s desire to acquire certain properties for purely historic reasons.
Mr. Marshall stated they do not feel protecting a building necessarily means owning it, and the Township could step in to preserve a building when it is threatened. He stated a purchase and resale system of preservation and protection is commonly used by Non-Profits and other Municipalities. He stated the Township must consider the pros and cons of public versus private ownership. He stated some of these are outlined in the information he provided to the Board this evening. He stated this would have to be done on a case-by-case basis. He stated while the Township would have the most control if they owned a property, they would also have the most responsibility. He stated the option of acquiring a property, putting a Conservation Easement on a suitable portion of the land, and a Façade Easement on the structures deemed important, and then returning it to the private sector has a lot of merit in terms of recovering expenses and protecting the property without having the burden of management and ownership. He stated any thought of divestment as noted on Pages 23 and 24 of the Report should also include the idea that the Board consider an Historic Overlay Ordinance that would allow the adaptive reuse of the structures if they are not going to be owned by the Government. He stated this allows someone to have an economic return on investment. He stated the Historic Commission has discussed historic overlays in the past; and if the Township were to divest itself of any of the historic resources, they should give them the best opportunity to be preserved by allowing some sort of adaptive reuse abilities for significant structures. He stated they should take this and do it uniformly throughout the Township, update a Comprehensive Historic Site Survey, determine which properties feel are significant to the history of Lower Makefield, and modeling it after a number of similar Ordinances throughout the region, provide protection against demolition and certain benefits in terms of Conditional Use or Variances for historic structures that are significant that may not be able to be preserved in their standard use. He noted the property where the Heritage Conservancy office is located is zoned Residential but they have it used as offices. He also noted another situation where there is a Bed and Breakfast located in a Residential area. He noted both are large, significant structures that economically would be hard-pressed to be preserved unless they were given help by the community.
Mr. Marshall noted Page 30 of the Report where they discuss any potential divestment of properties so that the Township could focus on the properties that they retain. He stated the Township has a lot of historic property, and this diffuses their efforts in terms of people and financial resources. He stated the Township could also be its own competition in terms of Grants and finding suitable activities for each of the buildings.
He stated there are barns at Elm Lowne and the Patterson Farm. They are currently doing a study on the barn at Elm Lowne, and they might consider if whatever use they consider for that barn may be better suited on the Patterson Farm or another of the historic properties. He stated if they do retain them, they would recommend that for every property there be a detailed stewardship plan, and they consider their goals for the property, a funding plan, and a public involvement and education plan as to how they will engage the public. He stated they should consider if there will be management responsibilities from a “Friends Of” group, whether there will be one broad-based Historic Commission or Heritage Commission that helps oversee them, etc. He stated they should also do a market study on any adaptive reuse projects before they invest funds in those facilities. He noted the example of a house museum, and a market analysis of house museums would show that they do not need any more of these in the region as there is limited attendance for viewing of historic structures and house museums.
Mr. Marshall stated the Heritage Conservancy would be willing to help with any aspects of this.
Mr. Santarsiero noted the Site Specific Recommendations on
Page 30 and asked for discussion on each of these. Mr. Marshall noted this is based on their
experience at the Heritage Conservancy.
He stated in the twenty years he has been involved with them, they have
owned between fifteen and twenty historic structures. He stated currently they are down to
Mr. Marshall stated with regard to the Patterson/Brown House
they recommend that they pursue lease of the Patterson/Brown House and tenant
house, investigate the use of the barns for other Township uses including
non-residential uses, public uses, or agricultural uses in association with the
open space the Township owns. For the
Patterson/ Satterthwaite House, they recommend that they complete a revised and
expanded study of the house and stabilize it until the determination of its
future use or restoration is completed.
For Elm Lowne, they recommend investigating potential future uses other
than
Non-Profit. With regard to the Dalgewicz/Slack House, if the historic research and architectural study of the house does not suggest pursing listing on the National Register, they would recommend investigation of any potential Golf-related uses for the structure as they found it difficult to find any other use for it. If there are no Golf-related uses for the structure, they recommend that they consider documentation and demolition rather than let it sit and have no use. With regard to the Five Mile Woods, they recommend that they maintain the status quo. He noted that the historic aspects for this are very minimal. Mr. Santarsiero noted that house is currently being leased and has been for some time.
Mr. Stainthorpe asked what would Mr. Marshall estimate would be the cost of getting the historic designations for these properties. He stated they have discussed this for years, but it was never accomplished. Mr. Marshall stated they have done much of this work as part of the Report, and he would estimate it would cost several thousand dollars for the Patterson/Satterthwaite House, and Elm Lowne possibly $3,000 to $4,000. He noted the Patterson Farm was determined eligible, and the rest is more honorific. He stated the protections are already in place. He stated some Grantors do want to see actual designations, and this is the reason they should do it. With regard to Elm Lowne he feels because of what the Township is doing there and the programmatic uses the Township is making, it would be a higher priority in terms of getting it to a level of being determined eligible. Mr. Santarsiero asked if the several thousand estimated for the Patterson Farm would include both the Brown House and the Satterthwaite House, and Mr. Marshall stated it would.
Mrs. Godshalk noted the Satterthwaite House is in the worst condition, and a prior Board had decided to subdivide a couple of acres with the house and possibly the barns, although the Township does have use for these, and look for a buyer as that house was in the worst shape noting it could cost as much as $400,000 to $500,000 to bring it up to a normal standard of living. She stated the accessibility to the road would not make it undesirable to be held in private hands as a residential use. She stated they have a Plan for this which was delayed. She stated a new Board member wanted to wait until
Mr. Marshall commented on this. Mr. Marshall stated he feels the house should be stabilized, and then feels a Master Plan for the Patterson Farm should come first because until they know how they will use the Patterson Farm, they do not know what would be the most optimal way to carve that off. Mrs. Godshalk stated there is agricultural use until all the farmers are gone and they do not know when this will occur; and in the meantime, the house will continue to deteriorate. Mr. Marshall stated he still feels there should be some investigation of the Master Plan for the Patterson Farm first.
Mr. Santarsiero stated in May of 2004, the issue of subdividing that parcel and potentially selling that house was before the Board, and the Board did consider it at that time but did not vote in favor of doing that. He stated he was opposed to doing that as he did not want to upset the integrity of the Patterson Farm and called for a Master Plan for the Patterson Farm. He stated he was told there was one, but he does not feel there is one. He stated a number of people in the audience the evening this was discussed from both the
neighborhood and throughout the Township spoke in favor of keeping the Satterthwaite House as part of that farm and keeping the integrity of the farm together. Mr. Marshall stated part of the reason they looked at what they might sell was so that the Township would have the dedicated resources to put into that building because it is part of a larger parcel.
Mrs. Godshalk stated the Township owned the Tomlinson Store, and it was sold for $340,000. She stated she tried to get the Township to put the money from that sale into a Historic Preservation Program where they would have had the money for these other properties. She stated the Tomlinson Store was given to the Township through her intervention years ago. She stated it was going to be torn down, and the developer said they could have it, and the Township received numerous Grants to preserve it. She stated it is now in private hands and people are complaining about the way it is being kept with neon signs in the windows. Mr. Marshall stated there is no right answer, and it is not an easy choice. He stated what they do with the Satterthwaite House depends on whether or not the Township wants someone to have the ability to use it for some agricultural use, equestrian use, use the barns or not, etc. He stated this is the reason this needs more study. He stated whoever they sell to may not like what is occurring around them. Mrs. Godshalk stated it is a residential neighborhood, and she feels anything that happens there should be a residential use. Mr. Santarsiero stated the farm was there first and has been preserved by the Township as a farm, and it continues to be farmed as they just signed a lease with a local farmer so he is not sure they can readily classify that house as a residential neighborhood. Mrs. Godshalk stated what she is referring to as the neighborhood are the people who surround the Patterson Farm who came out to reinforce that the Township not break it up because they were concerned that it would be something other than residential. She stated it should be kept residential as the farmers lived there in this home. Mr. Santarsiero stated he feels many of the people who were present at the meeting when this was discussed were not concerned with the issue of whether it would be used for some commercial use such as a Bed and Breakfast but rather the idea of dividing up the farm which was of real concern.
Mr. Stainthorpe stated he feels this Report is outstanding and feels it was the discussion on the Patterson Farm that prompted the Board to say they needed to have a professional look at this who did not have any prejudices. He feels the best idea is to have a stewardship plan and funding plan for each of the properties. He feels they should get a new estimate on the Satterthwaite House and then set some priorities.
Mr. Santarsiero stated he feels they should take each property in turn and devote further time on them both at the Historic Commission level and by the Board of Supervisors to consider stewardship plans, a Master plan for the Patterson Farm, etc. He stated the purpose of tonight’s meeting was to consider what advice the Heritage Conservancy is giving and to understand the nature of the Report.
Mr. Caiola stated he feels it is critical to take the report to heart; and if they want to maintain the properties through the years, they need to be serious about developing a program so that the properties do not fall into more serious disrepair and that there are legitimate uses or reuses for all of them.
Ms. Michelle Stambaugh thanked Mr. Marshall on behalf of the
Historic Commission. She stated they have
not formally reviewed the Report at their meeting. She stated site surveys are in the works; and
they have approved having these updated over the summer, and they are working
on this. She stated she strongly approves
of Historic Overlays, and they discussed that this is possible for some of the
tracts in
Ms. Helen Heinz stated the Report is very comprehensive and thorough and gives lots of room for thought to try to determine what they can do with the properties. She stated she feels there is need for oversight if they have “Friends” groups. She stated there should be coordination to make sure that there are not four different applications from the Township for the same funds.
Ms. Virginia Torbert stated she would like to see a copy of the Report. She stated now that there is a local farmer farming the Patterson Farm, one of the possibilities which she had mentioned previously about having a tenant farmer on the farm is now a possibility and they could make better use of the barns for their equipment, etc. Ms. Torbert stated she is concerned with the Satterthwaite House and agrees that the Master Plan should come first. She stated in the meantime, the house is deteriorating. She feels they need a plan to at least paint it. She stated this is a Township asset which is deteriorating, and the Board of Supervisors needs to make a preliminary decision that they will not let it deteriorate further. Mr. Smith stated they did approve having the house painted.
Mr. Fedorchak stated they received a $19,000 Development Block Grant to paint the house. He stated they do have to pay prevailing wage. He stated he hopes that they will be able to start painting it in June or July. Mr. Santarsiero stated he agreed that they do need to address each of the properties in turn and feels Patterson Farm is the one they should look at first because it is the largest, there are a lot of issues with the property, and there is an issue with the Satterthwaite House and the longer it stays without work being done to it, the greater the possibility that it will be that much more difficult to refurbish. He stated they will be scheduling that issue on a future Agenda.
Mr. Smith stated he previously suggested that they explore the transfer of the farmlands at Patterson Farm to the Farmland Preservation Corporation. He knows there is some difference of opinion among the Board but feels they should still explore this. He hopes that this will be placed on a future Agenda as well. Mrs. Godshalk stated she previously gave reasons why this should not be done. Mr. Marshall noted Page 18 of his Report and stated he feels they should confer with the Solicitor on the Deed Restrictions that came with that property and this may provide some direction on how to proceed with the Patterson Farm. He stated their options are limited with respect to this property that came with