Section 7 – Facility and Land Use Management
CAPRA Self-Assessment
7.1 – Parkland Acquisition Procedures
Standard:
The agency shall have established policies and procedures for the acquisition of lands for park, recreation, conservation, and historical-cultural purposes that are backed by legal authority and periodically reviewed. This authority usually originates in state enabling acts, is delegated to local governments and is implemented through local charters and ordinances.
Narrative:
In Pennsylvania the The Second Class Township Code Article XXII Parks, Recreation Centers and Forests Section 2201 Identifies the Board of Supervisors role in land acquisition for the municipalities within the state. It is then further identified in Chapter 178 in the Lower Makefield Township Code Book the specific requirements within Lower Makefield Township. The links to each individual section within the Code Book can be found in the links below:
Supporting Documents:
Evidence of Compliance:
7.2 – Areas and Facilities Development Policies and Procedures
Standard:
The agency shall have established policies and procedures for the development of park and recreation land and facilities that are reviewed periodically. Policies and procedures should consider market projections, applicable open space and design standards and coordination with overall planning for the jurisdiction.
Narrative:
The development of land is governed by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247 of 1968), the Lower Makefield Township Code for Zoning (https://ecode360.com/11226088) and Subdivision and Land Development (https://ecode360.com/11224353).
Lower Makefield Township Follows the following procedure for developing land:
- Discuss at a P&R meeting to determine the feasibility of development; including land availability, compatibility with other uses, projected costs, staffing needs, etc.
- Discuss project with a smaller sub-committee consisting of P&R members, sports league or resident interest group, Township staff, professional consultants.
- Prepare preliminary sketch plans and preliminary cost estimates for development for review by the P&R Board at a public meeting. Sketch Plans are refined based on input received at these meetings.
- Send a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors that a project be pursued. The Board of Supervisors will discuss the development at a public meeting to provide input on the proposed development.
- Once authorized by the Board of Supervisors, sketch plans for projects that require Land Development approval per the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code are submitted for review by the LMT Planning Commission at a public meeting. Lower Makefield Township Subdivision and Land Development Process Flowchart
- Preliminary Land Development plans are prepared based on input received at the Planning Commission meetings, and formal applications for Land Development approval are submitted for review by:
- Township consultants,
- Township Boards and Committees,
- Bucks County Planning Commission,
- Bucks County Conservation District,
- to all other applicable review agencies; Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, etc.
- The public is notified about the project by advertisement in the newspaper, posting of the property, posting on the Township webpage, and mailing of certified letters to property owners within 1,000 feet of the property.
- A public Planning Commission meeting is held to solicit input on the project and a recommendation is made to the Board of Supervisors.
- A public Board of Supervisors meeting is held to solicit input on the project. The project is discussed and the Board of Supervisors votes to approve the project.
Supporting Documents:
Evidence of Compliance:
7.2.1 – ADA Existing Facility and Site Access Audit
Standard:
The agency shall complete an access audit of all existing sites and facilities. Pursuant to the US Department of Justice Title II regulation at 35.105, the agency must evaluate its existing facilities and sites against the most current final and enforceable Standard for Accessible Design.
Narrative:
The Lower Makefield Township Disability Advisory Board (DAB) is charged with the review of site plans for all new buildings to ensure Accessibility.
The mission of the DAB is: “The Lower Makefield Township has a mission to educate and advise the Township and broader community about issues affecting people with disabilities; promoting inclusion, safety and equal access for everyone.”
Most recently, the DAB performed a facility audit facility and led to the creation of the ADA Transition Plan. The audit is available to the public The ADA transition plan was completed in 2021.
The Township also receives feedback from residents who are in need of assistance through the following means:
Supporting Documents:
Evidence of Compliance:
7.3 – Defense Against Encroachment Procedures
Standard:
The agency shall have procedures for protecting park and recreation lands and facilities from encroachment. The procedures should include progressive steps to address escalated encroachment issues.
Narrative:
Lower Makefield Township Parks and Recreation Department encroachment codes are identified in chapter 141-18 in the event of a violation the Code Enforcement Officer has ability to to enforce these policies as identified in Township Code 141-35. Encroachment can occur in parks systems as most Township Parks are directly next to Township Property.
Supporting Documents:
Evidence of Compliance:
7.4 – Disposal of Lands Procedures
Standard:
The agency shall have established procedures regarding the disposal of park and recreation lands to ensure that public recreational benefits are not diminished through the sale or transfer of parkland.
Narrative:
The sale of real property is governed by the Pennsylvania Second Class Township Code.
The development of land is governed by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247 of 1968), the Lower Makefield Township Code for Zoning and Subdivision and Land Development.
Supporting Documents:
7.5 – Maintenance and Operations Management Standards
Standard:
The agency shall have established maintenance and operations standards that are reviewed periodically for management of all park and recreation areas and facilities, including specialty facilities such as marinas, ice rinks, golf courses, zoological facilities, equestrian facilities, aquatic or athletic facilities, nature centers, where applicable. Parks, facilities and other recreational elements should be identified according to the intended use of the area, ranging from heavily used and high developed areas to those that are lightly used and less developed via a park classification or maintenance classification system. Each of these areas should be assigned an appropriate set of maintenance standards including both recommended frequency and acceptable quality.
Narrative:
In recent years, Lower Makefield Township Parks and Recreation Department has moved from a reactive model of maintenance to a preventative model. In the last five years the Township has taken great strides in catching up, repairing current infrastructure, and implementing maintenance plans for existing parks. In addition as parks are developed maintenance requirements are further included in the plan. In 2019, we started a bike path repaving plan and intend to identify money in the budget annually for repairs and maintenance. We recognize that there was really too much to repair in one year and that there had to be a long term plan for sustainability. To add to the long term infrastructure repair list, the Township created a full interactive Maintenance and Operations Manual for the staff. Implementation started in 2022. The Township will continue to evaluate and improve maintenance within the parks in order to provide a better experience for our Residents.
Supporting Documents:
Evidence of Compliance:
7.5.1 – Facility Legal Requirements
Standard:
There shall be a regular review of legal requirements related to facilities, such as licenses, sanitary regulations, fire laws, and safety measures, and inspections of adherence thereto. Special attention should be given to aquatic facilities, child care facilities, concessions, kitchens, and zoos.
Narrative:
Lower Makefield Township follows all Federal, State and local regulations with regard to maintenance operations. Because of this, we have identified an Operations Manager who is responsible for ensuring that all regulations are followed, inspections are complete and that we are in compliance with our own Maintenance and Operations and Risk Management protocols.
The Parks and Recreation Operations Manager follows all of the below protocols.
Supporting Documents:
Evidence of Compliance:
2023 Annual Review:
7.5.2 – Preventative Maintenance Plan
Standard:
There shall be a comprehensive preventative maintenance plan to provide periodic, scheduled inspections, assessment and repair, and replacement of infrastructure, systems and assets. This includes certifying, checking or testing for optimum operation based on applicable industry standards, local guidelines, city requirements and/or manufacturer’s recommendation for maintenance and replacement of parks, with the intent to ensure that park assets are maintained for optimum use and safety and have the ability to reach or extend its full life cycle and expected return on investment.
Narrative:
Preventative maintenance is our priority, this is very evident in the Maintenance and Operations Manual that was just recently developed by the Parks and Recreation Department. The position of the Operations Manager was dedicated specifically to the pool but in recent years the position evolved to cover the entire park system when the need for oversight was evident. In addition to the operations manual which requires compliance with all state, federal and local agencies we developed an annual bike path repaving program where a number of Park and Recreation Budget money is assigned each year to repave the bike paths. Lower Makefield Township is starting to do this with all of our community assets.
We have no deferred maintenance in our parks our maintenance plan is up to date on maintenance management. Maintenance and Operations Manual
In addition, we have a trail maintenance plan as part of our annual budget that outlines three years of Maintenance.
Supporting Documents:
Evidence of Compliance:
7.6 – Fleet Management Plan
Standard:
The agency shall have an established fleet management plan comprised of an inventory of all vehicles, rolling stock and other major equipment and inspection and replacement schedules.
Narrative:
For many years Lower Makefield Township recorded service information on standard note cards (Fleet Maintenance Records). More recently, as part of our maintenance plan the Operations Manager started keeping an excel spreadsheet (Equipment List and Maintenance Records) in order to manage our fleet. The Board of supervisors recognized that we could be doing this better they accepted a proposal for Enterprise for fleet management for police, public works and the Police department. Since this is so new we do not have a contract to provide but what can be provided is the presentation and the meeting minutes. With this agreement we will have a computer program that will be able to give us better data about our fleet to allow us to make decisions about their maintenance , care and disposal when necessary.
Supporting Documents:
Evidence of Compliance:
7.7 – Agency-Owned Equipment, Materials, Tools, and Supplies Policies and Procedures
Standard:
There shall be policies and procedures for the management of and accountability for agency-owned equipment, materials, tools, and supplies, including procedures for purchase and distribution to authorized persons, proper training of appropriate personnel in use of equipment, safe and secure storage of equipment, and maintenance of all equipment in operational readiness and working order. Such property includes supplies, materials, tools, expendable items, vehicles, installed and mobile equipment, and personal wear items used by agency personnel.
Narrative:
The policy for use of Township property and technology, use of vehicles, and dress code is all outlined in the Administrative Policy. Employees also receive risk management training and specific training on all equipment. Union staff are also offered incentives to achieve higher levels of training.
Supporting Documents:
7.7.1 – Building Plans and Specifications
Standard:
The agency shall have on file floor plans, specifications, and/or as-built drawings for major facilities constructed since 1965. These records contain information necessary for efficient programming, quality facility maintenance and effective capital project programming. Projects funded with funds from governmental grant programs such as LAWCON and UPARR place restrictions on use and disposition.
Narrative:
Site and land development plans are stored on our server at Z:\SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT\553 – LMT Memorial Park (Garden of Reflection). Files & plans are also stored in paper form in the Community Development Department in the Administration building. These plans & building permits for facilities can also be accessed remotely by Township personnel https://tr1.treenosoftware.com/
Supporting Documents:
Evidence of Compliance:
7.7.2 – Land and Lease Records
Standard:
The agency shall have records on file of all lands owned or property leased by or for the agency. Each record shall include ownership, leases, legal description, and easements and covenants that restrict use or disposition. The records shall also include date and manner of acquisition. The manner of acquisition can limit right to use and dispose of parkland, for example acquisitions funded with funds from governmental grant programs such as LAWCON and UPARR place restrictions. Gifts and bequests often contain restrictive covenants that reflect the desires of donors.
Narrative:
Files for parks including deeds, easements, restrictions, etc. are stored in paper form in our vault in the Administration building. These documents are also stored on the Township server.
Supporting Documents:
Evidence of Compliance:
7.8 – Environmental Sustainability Policy and Program
Standard:
The agency shall have an established policy on environmental sustainability that states the agency position on energy and resource conservation. The policy should address sustainable product purchasing; reduction and handling of waste; wise use and protection of land, air, water and wildlife; and sustainable design/construction of buildings and facilities.
Narrative:
The Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) has been a been a driver in improving sustainability in Lower Makefield Township.
The Lower Makefield Township Cool Cities Sustainability Action Plan was created in 2011 and the Township is still working off of this document today.
1. Comprehensive Energy Audit – Main Administrative Building – This EAC initiative was performed by Sun Technics, a company affiliated with Rowan University – May 7, 2008.
2. Smart Power Alternative Energy Program Competition – The challenge was to sign up as many new customers as possible for alternative energy – The LMT EAC came in first in Bucks County and won a grant for a $10,000 solar system that was installed on the roof of Main Administrative Building – Completed late 2007.
3. Climate Change Conferences – The LMT EAC sponsored and hosted 3 well attended Climate Change Conferences starting May 19, 2007 – Several notable speakers discussed climate change on a local, statewide and national basis over the 3 year period the conferences were held.
4. Cool Cities – An action plan, sponsored by the Sierra Club that addresses the threat of climate change, whereby local communities install projects that reduce carbon emissions – reduction goals by a certain date are also part of the plan – presented to the BOS on October 19, 2011.
5. Municipal Green Building Code – The LMT EAC proposed and helped write this, now Gold LEED Certified, Green Building Code that applies to municipal building construction and renovations – This Ordinance was the first of its kind for a local municipality in PA – Signed May 4, 2009.
6. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Chapter 88 of the Township Code addresses Green Building Construction (enacted in 2009 by Ordinance No. 380)
Natural Resource Management Plans and Procedures
Sustainability Action Plan
1. Buildings: Community Center was constructed in 2016/2017 to LEED standards to be more energy efficient
2. Transportation: Community Center has parking spaces reserved for carpool vehicles, additional bike paths have been installed and incorporated into the design of new developments (Prickett Preserve)
3. Land Use: Township purchased Hildebrand open space located within the Rock Run floodplain, began implementing Long Range Tree Planting Plan at Patterson Farm, Veterans Square, Revere Tennis Courts, Peake Farm pocket park, Caiola & Stoddart fields, Memorial Park, modified Township Codes to allow mixed-use development to include neighborhood open space for small pocket parks (Pricket Preserve).
4. Lighting: Township replaced all traffic signal lights and parking lot lighting at Township Building and Community Park with LED lights in 2011
5. Waste and Recycling: Township conducts Styrofoam & battery recycling, and yard waste drop-off events.
Additional examples can be found on the Environmental Advisory Council page of the Township Website
Supporting Documents:
Evidence of Compliance:
7.9 – Natural Resource Management Plans and Procedures
Standard:
There shall be natural resource management plans for environmentally unique or sensitive areas such as valuable wetlands, riverbanks and woodlands and there shall be environmental protection procedures, such as for erosion control, conduct of nature studies, wildlife and habitat preservation, and protection of water supply reservoirs and water recharge areas. Even if the agency does not own or control the natural resource, there shall be procedures to encourage and ensure environmental stewardship through volunteer steward programs and/or interpretive education and other learning opportunities. The agency should work with other agencies to meet and promote environmentally sound maintenance and land management standards.
Narrative:
Lower Makefield Township has committed to pollution reduction by participating in the MS4 (Municipal Storm Water) program for pollution reduction. The Township has a number of ordinances in place to aid in Natural Resource Management of the Township.
Supporting Documents:
Evidence of Compliance:
1. Low Impact Development (LID) Stormwater Management Ordinance:
a. The rainwater that falls on a property stays on that property.
b. A whole new way of looking at development – An analysis is made of below ground soil characteristics and basin(s) are located not to suit house placement but, rather, where soil is most permeable.
c. Smaller lot sizes are allowed (clustering) if as long as the number of houses does not exceed the original allowance and remaining ground is dedicated to common usage.
2. Native Plant Ordinance –In any new subdivisions that native plants must be used in required buffers – Required street trees must also be native in origin – Signed April 4, 2007.
3. Pervious Pavement Ordinance – This innovative program was the first in the state of Pennsylvania. It is a voluntary program that offers developers the opportunity to receive partial credit for the areas where permeable pavement has been installed – This Ordinance was signed March 19, 2014.
4. Tree Bank Ordinance – Developers are required to replace trees based on the quantity of trees removed on a site. If trees cannot be planted on the development site a monetary value will be assessed. The fee determined annually during the fee resolution, is placed in a tree bank account with a provision about expenditure. The moneys in this account can only be used to maintain or purchase and plant trees in public areas in the Township – Date signed November 5, 2014.
5. LMT Long Range Master Tree Plan – In July of 2016 the Board of Supervisors approved a long range tree plan that incorporates the Parks and Recreation areas. In keeping with LMT’s Ordinances all trees, as part of this plan, are required to be native in origin.
a. Tree Plantings at Memorial Park
b. Tree and shrub planting at Caiola Field – November 16, 2019 – 123 Trees and shrubs (73 trees, 50 shrubs) – Approximately 80 volunteers
c. Tree and shrub planting at Patterson Field – November 7, 2020 – 254 trees and shrubs (59 trees, 195 shrubs) – Approximately 100 volunteers
7.9.1 – Recycling and/or Zero Waste Plan
Standard:
There shall be a recycling and/or zero waste plan for park and recreation facilities and administrative offices that is systematically monitored and periodically reviewed. The plan shall also include an educational component for both users and employees. The recycling and/or zero waste plan should include all major products suitable for recycling in the given region with an emphasis on making the recycling process easy and convenient for park and recreation users.
Narrative:
The Lower Makefield Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) created a cool cities sustainability plan which they have been implementing in small increments ever since its adoption in 2011. In 2021, the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Operations Manager started working with the EAC to further improve the parks recycling. After much deliberation, guest speakers, and recycling the staff along with the EAC are compiling adequate information in order to provide a more extensive recycling plan that will:
- Identify opportunities for recycling within the parks.
- Describe methods to improve recycling compliance
- Provide a schedule for taking the steps necessary to achieve compliance.
- Define an education plan to educate the community about recycling.
The new park recycling plan is expected to be complete by July of 2022.
Supporting Documents:
2023 Annual Review:
- New Staff - Stan the Can
- Social Media Post
- Newsletter Announcement
7.10 – Maintenance Personnel Assignment Procedures
Standard:
The agency shall have procedures for the assignment of competent personnel with clearly defined duties for routine maintenance, repairs, and improvement of areas, facilities, and equipment, including responsibility for general cleanliness and overall attractiveness. Effective maintenance of grounds and facilities requires the selection, training, and supervision of workers in a wide variety of tasks ranging from seasonal laborers to skilled trades. Supervisory staff must be able to focus on maintenance management, such as workload control, as well as supervise the technical details of maintenance work.
Narrative:
Lower Makefield Township has a dedicated maintenance staff who are all part of the non uniform union agreement. Positions are outlined as part of the union agreement. Maintenance staff can earn promotions based on their skills and training.
The Administrative office has an Operations Manager who is responsible for quality assurance for the department and also serves as the liaison between administration and the maintenance crew. The Operations Manager ensures that the maintenance crew receives all the training necessary for their skill set. They also manage all facility inspections, follow up on work orders, equipment orders and facility checklist.
Supporting Documents:
Evidence of Compliance:
7.11 – Capital Asset Depreciation and Replacement Schedule
Standard:
The agency shall have an established depreciation and replacement schedule for all park and recreation capital assets including buildings, facilities, and equipment that have predictable life cycles. Schedules should identify the useful life of each element and the associated costs of replacement. Capital asset depreciation and replacement schedules, including projected costs of replacement, should be reflected in the agency’s financial plan.
Narrative:
Lower Makefield Township follows Government Accounting Standards Board when it comes to Capital Asset Management which states “ Capital assets, which include property, plant, equipment, infrastructures (e.g., roads, bridges, curbs, sidewalks, drainage systems and lighting systems) and construction in progress, are reported in the applicable governmental or business type activities columns in the government wide financial statements. The Township defines capital assets as assets with an initial, individual cost equal to or greater than $5,000 (amount not rounded) or purchased with debt proceeds and an estimated useful life in excess of one year. Such assets are recorded at historical cost. Donated capital assets are recorded at estimated fair market value at the date of donation. The cost of normal maintenance and repairs, that do not add to the value of the asset or materially extend assets lives, are not capitalized. Major outlays for capital assets and improvements are capitalized as projects are constructed. Interest and real estate taxes incurred during the construction phase of capital assets of business type activities are included as part of the capitalized value of the assets constructed and associated land.”
In 2019, the Township started incorporating capital improvement plans into the budget including a bike path improvement plan. The most recent plan for capital improvement can be found in the slide presentation given to the Park Board and Board of Supervisors during the budgeting process.
Supporting Documents:
Evidence of Compliance:
Contact
Parks & Recreation
1550 Oxford Valley Road
Yardley, PA 19067
(We are located next to Fred Allan Softball Complex in the Community Center)
Phone: 267-274-1110 prinfo@lmt.org
Hours
Monday-Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
