Chairman Bruce Bucher convened the December 17, 2003 meeting of the Board of Supervisors at 7:00 p.m. Present were Supervisors Bruce Bucher, W. Logan Myers, Roger Moyer, and Joseph McSparran. Michael Vigunas was absent. In attendance were Township Manager Daniel Zimmerman, Code and Zoning Officer Thomas Zorbaugh, Roadmaster Dean Saylor, Police Chief Richard Garipoli, Dave Bucher, Rodney May, Donna Bucher, Irene Garipoli, Janice Styer, LuAnn Snyder, Bryan Snyder, Cory Weidman, Rodney May, Marlene Trump and Philip Trimble. Laura Knowles of Lancaster Newspapers represented the press.

RECOGNITION OF SERVICE - BRUCE BUCHER: The Vice-Chairman explained that Bruce Bucher has served the Township for 19 years (and 6 months). He stated that he served on the Board of Supervisors with Bucher for the past 6 years. He added that Bucher is an asset to the Township and has been instrumental in guiding the Township during his tenure as Supervisor. The Vice-Chairman stated that Bucher served on the Planning Commission from 1984 to 1987, served a 5-year term on the Municipal Authority Board, and was elected as a Township Supervisor in 1992, serving as Vice Chairman from 1995 to 1999, and as Chairman of the Board from 2000 to 2003.

David Bucher, representing Lititz Borough, credited Bucher with improving the relationship between Lititz Borough and Warwick Township. He stated that it was a privilege and an honor to work with Bucher.

Rodney May, representing Elizabeth Township, stated that under Bucher’s term, the number of regional projects between Warwick Township and Elizabeth Township have significantly increased. He extended appreciation to the Board of Supervisors for authoring the Township Manager to serve on several joint committees with Elizabeth Township representatives.

The Vice-Chairman presented a service award to Supervisor Bucher. Bucher stated that he benefitted from his service with the current and past Supervisors, and Township Staff that he has worked with during his service.

RECOGNITION OF SERVICE - GERALD STYER: The Chairman explained that Gerald Styer is retiring from Warwick Township following 21 years of service with the Public Works Department. He stated that it is a pleasure to present him with a service award for his dedication to the Township.

SWEARING IN OF NEW POLICE OFFICERS - DAVID BURDIS, ERIC KAAG: The Police Chief stated that the Officer Burdis and Officer Kaag have passed an extension testing procedure to become Warwick Township Police Officers. District Justice Daniel Garrett administered the Oath of Office to Officer David Burdis and Officer Eric Kaag.

RECOGNITION OF POLICE CHIEF GARIPOLI BY THE CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY: Representatives of the Citizens Police Academy presented a Senatorial Citation from the State of Pennsylvania to the Police Chief for his service.

The Chairman outlined the procedures to be followed for this evening’s public hearing. The Township Manager explained that the budget has been available for public inspection in accordance with the Municipalities Planning Code. On a motion by McSparran, seconded by Myers, the Board voted unanimously to close the public hearing for the 2004 Fiscal Budget.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion by Myers, seconded by McSparran, the Board unanimously approved the minutes of the November 5, and November 19, 2003 meetings as submitted.

TREASURER’S REPORT: The Board reviewed the Treasurer’s Report. On a motion by Moyer, seconded by McSparran, the Board unanimously approved the Treasurer’s Report as submitted.

PAYMENT OF BILLS: The Board reviewed the list of bills submitted for payment. On a motion by McSparran, seconded by Myers, the Board unanimously approved the payment of bills from the General Fund in the amount of $281,501.95.

MANAGER’S REPORT: The Township Manager stated that items on the 2003 capital project list have been completed.

The Township Manager provided a status report on several recreation projects. He stated that a meeting will be scheduled with Warwick School District representatives to discuss the Bonfield Recreation Field project.

The Township Manager provided a status report on the Rails-to-Trails Study. He recommended that a member of the Board serve on the Rails-to-Trails committee.

The Township Manager explained that the next meeting to review the Recreation Technical Grant is scheduled for January 7, 2004.

The Township Manager provided a status report on the Lititz Skate Park. He explained that the Public Works Department is working on the project with the Lititz Borough Public Works Department.

The Township Manager provided a status report on several committee appointments. He explained that the open positions that should be considered by the Board at their January 5, 2004 reorganization meeting include: Regional Coordinating Committee, WESA, Rails-to-Trails Study, Police Contract Negotiations, Police Pension Committee.

The Township Manager explained that John Banta was present at last month’s meeting to discuss his subdivision proposal along North Heck Road. He stated that North Heck Road currently serves two properties and added that he discussed the possibility of providing an alternate safer access to these properties with the affected property owner (Pfautz) who does not appear favorable to the proposal. The Township Manager recommended that the Board consider improvements to the existing bridge on North Heck Road and to vacate the roadway when the improvements are completed. He noted that the Board has discussed this issue at length at past meetings. On a motion by McSparran, seconded by Moyer, the Board voted unanimously to authorize Township Staff to begin the process to vacate North Heck Road.

The Board unanimously approved the Township Manager’s report.

TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT: The Board reviewed the November , 2003 Tax Collector's report. On a motion by Moyer, seconded by McSparran, the Board unanimously approved the Tax Collector's November, 2003 report.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT REPORT: The Roadmaster presented a report that outlines the activities of the Public Works Department during November , 2003. On a motion by Moyer, seconded by Myers, the Board unanimously approved the Public Works Department November, 2003 report.

POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: The Township Manager presented a report prepared by the Police Chief that outlines the activities of the Police Department during November, 2003. On a motion by McSparran, seconded by Myers, the Board unanimously approved the Police Department’s November, 2003 report.

ZONING OFFICER'S REPORT: The Zoning Officer presented a report that outlines the Zoning/Building permits issued in November, 2003. He outlined the cases heard at the Zoning Hearing Board’s November 12, 2003 meeting. On a motion by Myers, seconded by Moyer, the Board unanimously approved the Zoning Officer’s November, 2003 report.

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

The Board received a report outlining the activities of the Brunnerville Fire Company.

CONSIDER REQUEST BY SNAVELY’S MILL, INC. FOR TIME EXTENSION TO COMPLETE PROJECT BY 5/31/2004: The Board reviewed the request. On a motion by Myers, seconded by McSparran, the Board unanimously approved an extension of time until May 31, 2004 for the Snavely’s Mill project.

CONSIDER REQUEST BY SECHAN ELECTRONICS, INC. FOR RELEASE OF IMPROVEMENT GUARANTEES: The Board reviewed the request. The Township Engineer commented that, based on their recent observation of construction progress, it appears that all site improvements been completed in an acceptable manner. Therefore, they recommend the Township release the remaining Letter of Credit account. On a motion by Moyer, seconded by McSparran, the Board voted unanimously to release the Sechan Electronics Letter of Credit in its entirety contingent upon the Township Engineer’s comments being addressed.

CONSIDER REQUEST BY LANCASTER GENERAL HOSPITAL 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 to either reduce the current Letter-of-Credit to $5,000.00, or to recommend the developer deposit $5,000.00 into an Escrow account for the release of the Letter-of-Credit in its entirety. The retainage represents their opinion of the costs to complete the remaining outstanding items. On a motion by Moyer, seconded by McSparran, the Board voted unanimously to provide the option for the developer to either reduce the current Letter-of-Credit to $5,000.00, or to deposit $5,000.00 into an Escrow account for the release of the Letter-of-Credit in its entirety.

CONSIDER THE RUFUS S. MUSSER REVISED FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAN, PREPARED BY DIEHM & SONS, DATED 9/28/03: The Code and Zoning Officer stated that the property owner requested that the item be tabled this evening. The Board voted unanimously to table action on the Rufus S. Musser Revised Final Plan.

CONSIDER SEWER MODULE SUBMITTAL FOR THE CARL And JOYCE SCHNUPP LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN: The Board reviewed the Sewer Module submittal. On a motion by Myers, seconded by McSparran, the Board unanimously approved the Sewer Module for the Carl and Joyce Schnupp Land Development Plan.

CONSIDER REQUEST FOR REDUCTION OF LETTER OF CREDIT FOR THE PINE HILL ESTATES PROJECT: The Board reviewed the request. The Township Engineer commented that, based on their observation of construction activity and considering the minor amount of improvements that remain to be completed, they recommend the Township release the remaining $48,382.30 from the Letter of Credit account. On a motion by Moyer, seconded by McSparran, the Board voted unanimously to release the $48,382.30 Letter of Credit for the Pine Hill Estates project contingent upon the Townshiop Engineer’s comments being addressed.

CONSIDER REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF LETTER OF CREDIT FOR PEBBLE CREEK PHASE II: The Board reviewed the request. The Township Manager explained that the development has reached its build-out stage. He explained that a series of sinkholes have developed within the development which the developer has repaired. Subsequently, additional sinkholes have formed within a swale which the developer has indicated that he would have repaired. The President of the Homeowners’ Association has requested that a geological study be performed to evaluate the sinkhole formations and the best method for repairs. The Township Manager noted that property owners will be responsible for future repairs to any sinkholes as part of their Homeowner’s Association. The Township Manager suggested that the Board consider requiring a future maintenance fund for other developments. The Board discussed the proposal at length. On a motion by Myers, seconded by Moyer, the Board voted unanimously to deny the request for release of the Letter of Credit and to issue a letter to the developer indicating that the sinkholes should be filled on a temporary basis until weather conditions permit more permanent type repairs in the Spring, and that the developer should consider hiring a qualified professional to review the sinkholes and recommend repairs. In addition, the Township should be notified upon scheduling the initial excavation and to arrange for the observation of the sinkhole and repairs.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION # 12-17-03-01 ESTABLISHING THE REAL ESTATE MILLAGE FOR 2004: The Board reviewed the Resolution. The Township Manager explained that the Township has maintained the same millage the past 14 years. On a motion by Moyer, seconded by McSparran, the Board voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #12-17-03-01.

REQUEST BY JAMES AND CAROLYN HESS FOR TIME EXTENSION TO COMPLETE PROJECT BY 4/7/2004: The Board reviewed the request. On a motion by Myers, seconded by McSparran, the Board unanimously approved an extension of time until May 7, 2004 for the James and Carolyn Hess project.

CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE 2004 BUDGET: The Chairman announced that this item was the subject of a public hearing which as held earlier at this evening’s meeting. On a motion by Myers, seconded by McSparran, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the 2004 Fiscal Budget based on this evening’s discussion.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION # 12-17-03-02 PROVIDING FOR EXEMPTION OF EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION TO THE POLICE PENSION FUND: The Board reviewed the Resolution. On a motion by McSparran, seconded by Myers, the Board voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #12-17-03-02.

AUTHORIZE THIRD PAYMENT TO CM HIGH FOR INSTALLATION OF A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT SR 501 AND WYNFIELD DRIVE: The Township Engineer commented that based on their review of the application and field observation of the traffic signal installation, the recommend approval/payment as indicated on the Contractor’s request form. On a motion by Myers, seconded by McSparran, the Board unanimously authorized payment to C.M. High in the amount of $7,290.00.

GUEST RECOGNITION: Philip Trimble, 359 West Woods Drive, expressed concern over stormwater flowing along West Woods Drive to his driveway. The Township Manager explained that he examined the site today since it was raining, and recommended that additional macadam be installed to the inlet to convey additional stormwater. He explained that additional modifications could be considered in the future if the problem continues.

ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Daniel L. Zimmerman
Township Manager