Chairman Bruce Bucher convened the March 5, 2003 meeting of the Board of Supervisors at 7:00 p.m. Present were Supervisors Bruce Bucher, Michael Vigunas, and Joseph McSparran. W. Logan Myers and Roger Moyer were absent. In attendance were Township Manager Daniel Zimmerman, Andrew Miller, Kevin Chanko, Matt Ellis, Allan Chanko, and Kevin Sapp.

COMMUNICATIONS: The Board received a copy of the February, 2003 edition of the PSAT’s News Bulletin.

CONSIDER THE CONDITIONAL USE DECISION FOR RITA’S ITALIAN ICES, C/O CTD ICES, INC.: The Board reviewed the draft decision. The Chairman explained that the public hearing on the Conditional Use application was held at the Board’s February 19, 2003 meeting. The Chairman provided an overview of the project. On a motion by Vigunas, seconded by McSparran, the Board voted unanimously to conditionally approve the Conditional Use application for Rita’s Italian Ices, C/O CTD Ices, Inc. The Township Manager outlined the conditions of the Conditional Use decision.

CONSIDER THE VERNON MARTIN FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAN, PREPARED BY DIEHM & SONS, DATED 12/12/02: Kevin Sapp, representing Diehm & Sons, explained that the site is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Rothsville Road (SR 772) and Edgewood Drive. The plan proposes to subdivide lot 6 of the Thoroughbred Terrace/Chukkar Estates plan into two single-family building lots. Sapp explained that the lots would be served by public sewer and public water. He stated that the Zoning Hearing Board approved the proposal at their November 13, 2002 meeting. Sapp indicated that the property is approximately . 5 acres in size. Prior to the Township’s previous zoning map amendment, the property was zoned Commercial. It is presently zoned R-2 Residential. One of the proposed lots would contain 8684 sq. ft. and the other lot would contain 9,250 sq. feet. (the zoning ordinance requires a minimum lot size of 10,000 sq. ft.). The Chairman inquired whether or not fill would be required to accommodate the proposal. Sapp explained that fill would be needed to accommodate the lots. On a motion by McSparran, seconded by Vigunas, the Board unanimously approved the Vernon Martin Final Plan contingent upon the execution of the Ownership/Offer of Dedication Certificate, receipt of all applicable agreements (and recording of required agreements) subject to Township Staff, Township Engineer, and Township Solicitor review and approval.

AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL FOR THE SNAVELY MILL PROJECT: The Chairman explained that the applicant is seeking funding from the Lancaster Industrial Development Authority for the project. He explained that the Township adopted Resolution #02-19-03-02 to support the proposal. The Township Manager explained that the public hearing was held by the Lancaster Industrial Development Authority on February 24, 2003. He noted that there was no public comment at the hearing. On a motion by Vigunas, seconded by McSparran, the Board voted unanimously to authorize execution of the Certificate of Approval for the Snavely Mill Project.

RESOLUTION #03-05-03-01 AUTHORIZING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECREATION TECHNICAL GRANT THROUGH THE DCNR BUREAU OF RECREATION AND CONSERVATION: The Board reviewed the resolution. The Chairman explained that grant would be used for an inter-municipal recreation study. The Township Manager explained that the study would be a regional effort with Elizabeth Township, Warwick Township, Lititz Borough, Warwick School District and the Lititz Community Center. On a motion by Vigunas, seconded by McSparran, the Board unanimously adopted Resolution #03-05-03-01.

OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD: The Township Manager explained that Warwick Township, Ephrata Borough, and Ephrata Township will be working together to negotiate a Blue Ridge CATV Franchise Agreement. He explained that, as part of the negotiations, the municipalities are required to hold a public hearing to provide the opportunity for residents of the community to voice any concerns regarding the cable company. He noted that the public hearing would be held in Ephrata Township and added that a tentative hearing date is Thursday, March 27, 2003. The Township Manager explained that at least one member of the governing body of each municipal be present at the hearing. He stated that Blue Ridge CATV would be invited to attend the hearing. He outlined the procedures to be followed for the franchise agreement negotiations. On a motion by McSparran, seconded by Vigunas, the Board voted unanimously to authorize a public hearing on the Cable Franchise Agreement to be held on March 27, 2003 at the Ephrata Township municipal building.

The Township Manager outlined the proposed future improvements along the SR 501 Corridor. He explained that due to budgetary constraints, PennDOT indicated that they would be unable to proceed with proposed improvements to the SR 501 corridor. He noted that the Lancaster County Transportation Authority is reviewing the projects and will request PennDOT’s reconsideration of their schedule of improvements to SR 501. He explained that the Township could schedule a meeting with the affected property owners in June, 2003.

The Township Manager explained that Regional Transportation Committee meeting to discuss Main Street (SR 772) through Rothsville. He stated that the Board had requested that the Committee review the feasibility of creating a right lane along Newport Road. He explained that the proposal would require considerable acquisition of right-of-way since the roadway is constricted. He noted that other improvements could be performed along the roadway to mitigate traffic concerns. He added that the improvements include crosswalks at Church Street and also Twin Brook Road, and an advisory at the Rothsville Fire Company. He outlined potential improvements for the benefit of the Board.

Allan Chanko, Assistant Scout Master representing Boy Scout Troop 142, introduced the members of the troop that are present this evening. He explained that the Scouts are working on their "Citizenship in the Community" merit badge.

ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Daniel L. Zimmerman
Township Manager