Chairman Bruce Bucher convened the September 3, 2003 meeting of the Board of Supervisors at 7:00 p.m. Present were Supervisors Bruce Bucher, W. Logan Myers, and Joseph McSparran. Michael Vigunas and Roger Moyer were absent. In attendance were Township Manager Daniel Zimmerman, Michael Tait, Kenneth Kase, and Michael Yoder. Laura Knowles of Lancaster Newspapers represented the press.

CONSIDER REQUEST BY TAIT TOWERS FOR WAIVER OF LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN SUBMITTAL: The Township Manager explained that the applicant wishes to construct a 20'x60' free-standing deck on their property at 9 Wynfield Drive. He noted that the deck will be positioned immediately adjacent to the existing parking lot at the rear of the site and explained that the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance requires a Land Development Plan for new construction on a commercial/industrial site.

The applicant is requesting a Waiver of the requirement to submit a Land Development Plan for the construction of the 1,200 square feet deck. The Township Engineer commented that based on the limited scope of the project; they have no objections to granting the Waiver of the Land Development Plan requirements (Section 301.3 and Section 301.4). They recommend that the proposed use of the deck be disclosed by the owner/applicant prior to the Township taking action on the request.

The Township Manager explained that the Planning Commission expressed concern over the proposed use of the deck. The property owner indicated that the deck is intended to be used by employees only. The Township Manager explained that if the use is for employees only, no additional parking or screening would be required. The property owner stated that he submitted a building permit application for the deck and noted that a fence will be constructed along the property line.

On a motion by McSparran, seconded by Myers, the voted unanimously to grant a Waiver of Section 301.3 and Section 301.4 contingent upon the use of the deck being limited to employees only.

CONSIDER THE CONDITIONAL USE DECISION FOR KENNETH KASE: The Board reviewed the Conditional Use decision. Kase stated that he has no objections to the proposed conditions. Bucher noted that although he was not present at the conditional use hearing, he has reviewed the minutes of the meeting and is agreeable to the decision as proposed. On a motion by Myers, seconded by McSparran, the Board unanimously approved the Conditional Use decision as proposed.

CONSIDER SEWER MODULE SUBMITTAL FOR WARWICK FARMS; CONSIDER TIME EXTENSION REQUEST: The Board reviewed the Sewer Module submittal. On a motion by McSparran, seconded by Myers, the Board unanimously approved the Warwick Farms Sewer Module submittal. The Board reviewed the time extension request. The Township Manager provided a brief background on the project. On a motion by Myers, seconded by McSparran, the Board unanimously approved an extension of time until November 5, 2003 for the Warwick Farms project.

CONSIDER REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF LETTER OF CREDIT FOR EAGLE RIDGE: The Board reviewed the request. The Township Engineer commented that based on their recent observation, those previously outstanding construction issues have been addressed in an acceptable manner. Therefore, they recommend the Township release the remaining $85,000.00 Bond. On a motion by Myers, seconded by McSparran, the Board unanimously approved a release of the $85,000.00 Bond in its entirety for the Eagle Ridge project.

CONSIDER PROPOSAL FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR EXPANSION OF THE ROTHSVILLE FIRE COMPANY: The Township Manager explained that the Township provided for the Sketch Plan design of the project. He noted that the Zoning Hearing Board approved several Variances for the project on July 9, 2003. He added that the project could proceed to the Land Development Plan stage and added that if the plan is approved, it would address stormwater improvements for the site and the actual construction of the proposed building expansion.

The Township Manager stated that the proposal would improve the access to the site from SR 772 and noted that an advisory signal would be provided on the site as part of the project. He explained that the Fire Company has acquired approximately $600,000.00 toward the project, which could cost approximately $800,000.00. He stated that the Fire Company anticipates that the remaining funds required for the project could be acquired by 2004. The Township Manager explained that the Township Engineer has submitted an agreement to provide services for the project in the amount of $15,000.00. He added that the Township’s alternate engineer (The Arro Group, Inc.) will provided engineering review for the project. On a motion by McSparran, seconded by Myers, the Board unanimously accepted the proposal submitted by ELA Group, Inc. for engineering services for expansion of the Rothsville Fire Company.

UPDATE ON NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE CABLE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT: The Township Manager explained that he provided the Board’s comments to the cable company. He provided a brief background on the status of the agreement. He noted that a draft agreement might be available for the Board’s review in October and added that final approval of the agreement is anticipated by the end of the year.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION #09-03-03-01 AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF 2,722 SQUARE FEET OF LAND FROM THE BRANDT PROPERTY: The Board reviewed the resolution. The land would be added to the Township’s Salt Shed property in order to accommodate an expansion of the Salt Shed structure. On a motion by Myers, seconded by McSparran, the Board voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #09-03-03-01 as proposed.

DISCUSS SCHEDULE FOR THE 2004 FISCAL BUDGET: The Township Manager stated that he would like to follow the same meeting schedule as last year for the budget review. He explained that the budget review could be scheduled at 4:00 p.m. on November 5, 2003, prior to the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting. The budget review could continue until the Board’s regular meeting time of 7:00 p.m., if needed. The Board is agreeable to scheduling the 2004 Fiscal Budget review meeting as proposed.

AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT FOR PRESERVATION OF THE LOSENSKY FARM ON EAST LEXINGTON ROAD: The Board reviewed the proposal. The Township Manager explained that Lancaster Farmland Trust is purchasing Transferrable Development Rights (TDRs) as part of the preservation. He added that the tract contains approximately 18 acres which adjoins the Kline farm that was recently preserved. He noted that Losensky is providing a portion of the preservation as gift to Lancaster Farmland Trust for tax credit purposes. On a motion by McSparran, seconded by Myers, the Board unanimously approved execution of the Agreement for preservation of the Losensky Farm.

OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD: The Township Manager explained that the Township is issuing enforcement notices to several properties in Warwick Township in order to mitigate property maintenance issues. He explained that the notices will provide an additional 10 days for the property owners to correct outstanding issues; otherwise, the property owners will be fined accordingly until the issues are addressed.

The Township Manager provided an update on several sinkhole issues in the Township. The Board discussed sink hole issues at length.

The Township Manager explained that the Township is currently in the process of completing the road improvement study along East Newport Road. He noted that the current posted speed limits are appropriate according to the State’s criteria. He added that the shoulders are deteriorating along portions of the roadway and the Public Works Department is currently working to improve the shoulders. He noted that the Police Department has increased speed enforcement along the roadway.

The Township Manager provided a status report on the Police Officer hiring process. He explained that the hiring process could be complete by the end of October.

ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Daniel L. Zimmerman
Township Manager