Vice-Chairman W. Logan Myers convened the May 7, 2003 meeting of the Board of Supervisors at 7:00 p.m. Present were Supervisors W. Logan Myers, Michael Vigunas, and Joseph McSparran. Bruce Bucher and Roger Moyer were absent. In attendance were Township Manager Daniel Zimmerman, Joel Snyder, Kevin Varner, Tony Chivinski, Mark Magrecki, Attorney Ken Notturno, Bob Shreiner, Jesse Roberts, Dan Allia, and Mike Garman. Laura Knowles of Lancaster Newspapers represented the press.

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

The Board received a copy of a report from the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office outlining the activities of the Lancaster County Drug Task Force during the first quarter of 2003.

CONSIDER THE REQUEST FOR A REDUCTION OF LETTER OF CREDIT FOR THE JOHN RICCIARDI PROJECT: The Board reviewed the request. The Township Engineer commented that based on their recent observation of construction compared with the original Letter-of-Credit estimate amounts, they recommend the Township release $14,542.20 from the current Letter of Credit. The retainage represents their opinion of the costs to complete the remaining outstanding items. On motion by Motion by McSparran, seconded by Vigunas, the Board unanimously approved a release of $14,542.20 from the current Letter of Credit for the John Ricciardi project.

CONSIDER THE CONDITIONAL USE DECISION FOR THE NEWPORT SQUARE PROJECT: The Board reviewed the draft decision. The Vice-Chairman inquired whether or not the applicant has any objections to the nineteen (19) conditions imposed as part of the Conditional Use decision. The applicant indicated that they have reviewed the conditions and have no objections to the draft decision being reviewed this evening. The Board briefly discussed the draft decision. On a motion by Vigunas, seconded by McSparran, the Board unanimously approved the Conditional Use decision for the Newport Square project.

CONSIDER REQUEST BY DOGWOOD VALLEY, PHASE 3 PROJECT, DATED 8/9/02 FOR A NINETY (90) DAY TIME EXTENSION: The Board reviewed the request. On a motion by Vigunas, seconded by McSparran, the Board unanimously approved a ninety (90) day extension of time for the Dogwood Valley, Phase 3 project.

CONSIDER THE ROTHSVILLE FIRE COMPANY SKETCH PLAN, PREPARED BY ELA GROUP, INC.: Mark Magrecki, representing ELA Group, stated that the proposal includes an expansion and renovation of the Rothsville Fire Company’s existing facility located along Main Street in Rothsville. He detailed the existing layout of the property and the proposed expansion project for the benefit of the Board. Magrecki explained that the engine bays would be relocated to the rear of the building in order to provide safer egress by emergency vehicles to SR 772 via a one-way travel lane that would be equipped with a warning flashing signal. He stated that the existing 24' wide two-way access drive along this property and the adjoining Clugston property would be maintained to provide primary access to this site.

Magrecki stated that the proposal would require approval of a Special Exception and four zoning Variances. He explained that the Variances are needed to permit the expansion to exceed 50% of the size of the existing building. Magrecki stated that the plan proposes a 6,500 square foot building expansion to the east of the existing structure. He explained that the building expansion encroaches into the front yard setback due to the lot configuration. He added that the expansion will be approximately 15' from the curb and noted that the building would be no closer to the roadway than the existing homes in the area. He stated that the applicant would like to maintain the three parking spaces at the front of the building which would also require zoning approval since they are located within the front yard. In addition, the Zoning Ordinance only permits two access points; however, three access points are proposed along SR 772 as part of this project. Magrecki stated that the parking area would be enlarged in order to meet the Ordinance requirements. He noted that the parking area will provide seventy (70) parking spaces. He stated that the access point to the east of the site encroaches on the adjoining Clugston property. He noted that an access agreement would be provided as part of the formal Land Development Plan for the property.

Magrecki detailed the proposed stormwater facilities for the benefit of the Board. He explained that an existing 36" pipe extends through the area where the expansion is proposed; therefore, the pipe would be relocated to divert stormwater around the building. He stated that a basin will be provided at a low point near the rear of the property which would require a cross-easement with the neighboring property owner (Clugston) since it would extend to their property.

Magrecki stated that the expansion area will be similar to the existing building with a one-story design along the frontage of the property and extending to the rear of the building. He explained that the expanded area will be renovated to provide a training area, bunk area, and office space within the building.

The Township Manager explained that the current facility houses two separate emergency services including the fire department and the ambulance corps. He noted that the design of the facility coordinates with the Township’s overall proposed improvements to the SR 772 corridor. He acknowledged that the site has topographic limitations that affect the layout the site.

Vigunas inquired whether or not the access near the middle of the site is necessary to accommodate the proposal. Magrecki described the proposed vehicular movement on the site. Magrecki stated that they wish to provide a third access point on the site to the parking spaces proposed at the front of the building. He explained that this access would be for fire personnel only and noted that the access point would be one-way and would be designated by signage on the site. He stated that the proposal would require a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit and added that several issues will need to be addressed as part of the permit process. Magrecki explained that the two-way access has been designed with sufficient radius to accommodate the size of the emergency vehicles. The Board is agreeable to the design as proposed.

CONSIDER THE IVAN AND IRENE ZIMMERMAN SKETCH PLAN, PREPARED BY DIEHM & SONS, DATED 4/9/2003:  Kevin Varner, representing Diehm & Sons, stated that the parent tract contains approximately 40.6 acres located along Snavely Mill Road and Firestone Road. He explained that the tract is bisected by Snavely Mill Road and added that 13 acres are situated on the south side of Snavely Mill Road, and 27.6 acres are situated on the north side of the roadway. He explained that Snavely Mill Road is divided by the municipal boundary line between Warwick Township and Elizabeth Township and noted that the Zimmerman’s existing home is located on the north side of the roadway (in Elizabeth Township). He added that the owners wish to retain this tract. In addition, the "southern" portion of the tract (in Warwick Township) is divided by the zoning line between the R-1 Residential and Rural Estate zoning districts.

The Zimmerman’s intend to sell the "southern" portion of the tract to Garman Builders who wish to subdivide 8 single-family lots on the tract. Varner noted that no new improvements are proposed on the "northern" tract. He explained that lot 1 through lot 5, which are located within the Rural Estate zoning district, would be served by on-lot septic systems. He stated that lot 6 through lot 8 would be served by the public sewer system through a pressurized line. He noted that public water is not available to this area; therefore, all of the lots would be served by on-lot wells. Varner explained that they conducted a well study to verify a potable water source to serve the lots. He stated that lot 6 through lot 8 will require approval of a zoning variance for the minimum lot frontage and the minimum side yard setback. He explained that the R-1 district permits 100' lot frontage for properties served with both public sewer and public water, and requires 280' lot frontage for properties that are not served with both utilities. He noted that the 280' lot frontage requirement provides for in-fill development if the lots are served by both utilities in the future; however, this plan proposes to restrict further development of all of the lots. The Township Manager explained that the proposed lots are situated beyond the area designated for future public water service by the Township. Varner stated that the well study will be submitted with the formal subdivision plan for the property.

Myers inquired why the plan proposes a lot add-on to the existing Hess property. Varner explained that the property owner wishes to construct an accessory building on the property and the lot add-on would accommodate the proposal. The Board is agreeable to the plan as discussed.

CONSIDER REQUEST BY NEWPORT SQUARE PHASES 5 AND 6 FOR REDUCTION OF LETTER OF CREDIT: The Board reviewed the request. The Township Engineer commented that based on their recent observation of construction compared with the original Letter-of-Credit estimate amounts, they recommend the Township release $182,591.20 from the current Letter-of-Credit. The retainage represents their opinion of the costs to complete the remaining outstanding items. On a motion by Vigunas, seconded by McSparran, the Board unanimously approved a release of $182,591.20 from the current Letter of Credit for the Newport Square, Phases 5 and 6 project.

CONSIDER 2003 PAVING AND OIL AND CHIP BIDS: The Board reviewed the submitted bid proposals. On a motion by McSparran, seconded by Vigunas, the Board voted unanimously to award the bid for ID products in the amount $276,919.50 to Highway Materials, to award the bid for Milling in the amount of $11,009.32 to Recon Construction, and to award the bid for Oil & Chip in the amount of $8,328.13 and Reclamation & Grading in the amount of $9,864.76 to Martin Paving as recommended by the Township’s Roadmaster (each accepted bid was the lowest submitted for the respective category).

CONSIDER BID SUBMITTED FOR THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT WYNFIELD DRIVE AND SR 501: The Board reviewed the submitted bid proposals. On a motion by Vigunas, seconded by McSparran, the Board voted unanimously to award the bid for the traffic signal at Wynfield Drive and SR 501 in the amount of $71,801.00 (and the alternate bid in the amount of $12,889.00) to C.M. High as recommended by the Township Engineer (the accepted bid was the lowest submitted for the traffic signal). The Township Manager noted that the alternate bid is for a green flask standard if requested (and paid for) by HPI Rolex Lititz LP.

CONSIDER PROPOSAL FOR PURCHASE OF A 58,000 LB. GVW DUMP TRUCK: The Board reviewed the proposal. The Township Manager explained that the Board budgeted $110,000.00 for a new dump truck to replace the 1983 truck currently being used by the Public Works Department. The Roadmaster submitted a summary of the truck purchase and requested authorization to purchase a Freightliner Business Class M2 (tandem axle) chassis with dump body, snow plow and hydraulics for a total cost of $106,250.00. The tandem axle truck is being requested in order to increase the hauling capacity for projects that require large quantities of stone and blacktop. The Township Manager noted that the turning radius of the truck is shorter than the turning radius of the Public Works Department’s single axle trucks. On a motion by Vigunas, seconded by McSparran, the Board unanimously approved the purchase of a 58,000 lb. GVW Dump Truck as requested.

CONSIDER SPEED STUDY FOR NEWPORT ROAD: The Township Manager explained that two residents of the Township had requested a speed study along Newport Road between Clay Road and Main Street, Rothsville. He outlined the criteria established by the State to determine the speed limit along a roadway. He stated that the Township Engineer conducted the speed study and added that based on the established criteria, they recommend leaving the posted speed limit at 45 MPH. The Township Manager stated that the results of the study will be provided to the Police Department and recommended that the Department discuss the results of the study with the residents.

REQUEST BY LITITZ AREA MENNONITE SCHOOL TO PLACE A TEMPORARY SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF CLAY ROAD AND ROTHSVILLE ROAD: The Township Manager explained that School requests authorization to place the sign at the intersection each year for their benefit auction. The sign would be placed outside of the clear-sight triangle. The sign would be installed during the last week of May and would be removed on June 28, 2003. On a motion by McSparran, seconded by Vigunas, the Board unanimously approved the request by Lititz Area Mennonite School to place a temporary sign at the intersection of Clay Road and Rothsville Road.

OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD: The Township Manager explained that the Township hosted a Transferrable Development Rights (TDR) workshop on May 6, 2003. He noted that the workshop was beneficial to the attendees.

Vigunas stated that he received comments from several residents regarding the piles of soil at the intersection of West Woods Drive and Highlands Avenue. He explained that the soil restricts the view of motorists traveling west on West Woods Drive at the intersection. The Township Manager explained that the topsoil is part of the water line installation project and added that since the water line has been installed, the soil will be removed from this area. Vigunas inquired whether or not a traffic signal will be installed at this intersection. The Township Manager explained that the intersection will not have a traffic signal; however, improvements are proposed in this area which include widening the intersection. The Board briefly discussed traffic patterns in this area of the Township.

The Township Manager stated that due to schedule conflicts, there will not be a quorum for the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday May 21, 2003. He inquired whether or not the Board members are available to meet on Thursday May 22, 2003 beginning at 8:00 p.m. The Board members are agreeable to rescheduling the meeting date.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Vice-Chairman announced that the Board will meet in an executive session this evening to discuss real estate issues and personnel matters.

The Chairman reconvened the meeting at 8:38 p.m. On a motion by McSparran, seconded by Vigunas, the Board voted unanimously to accept the proposal submitted by Diehm & Sons, Inc. to prepare a Lot Add-on Plan for the Dean Brandt/Salt Shed Parcel. On a motion by Vigunas, seconded by McSparran, the Board voted unanimously to amend the Police Contract to allocate holiday pay for the Police Department in accordance with the policy established for other Township departments.

ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Daniel L. Zimmerman
Township Manager