Category: Board of Supervisors Minutes
25 May 2022 BOS Meeting Summary
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Posted on 30 May 2022, 01:26 - Category: Board of Supervisors Minutes
Summary of 12 May 2021 BOS Meeting
Storm Drain Stencils, Fred Beans Revised Final Plan, Missing EIT Income, Stream Bank Rehabilitation Project, Police Report Report, More...
The following is a brief summary of the May 12, 2021, Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS Definition) public meeting based upon the official minutes of that meeting, which you can find here. You also can view the video archive here. Also see the (UNOFFICIAL) 2021 Voting Record of Newtown Supervisors, which is updated frequently.
Storm Drain Stencils
Sycamore Street Storm Drain Stencil project proposed by Eagle Scout, Troop 99: Michael Wysnewski of Scout Troop 99 was in attendance to review his project to continue the stenciling storm drains on N. Sycamore Street to alert residents about the hazards of throwing trash down the drains, as these inlets bring stormwater to the Delaware River, Delaware Bay and eventually to the Atlantic Ocean.
Mr. Davis moved to approve the Eagle Scout project of marking the stormwater drain inlets on Sycamore Street. Mr. Fisher seconded and the motion passed 5-0.
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Reports of Committees, Boards and Commissions
Planning Commission - Fred Beans Revised Final Plan: Chairman Allen Fidler reported that at its May 4, 2021 meeting the Commission reviewed the revised final plan for land development for Fred Beans Ford, 10 N. Sycamore Street. The applicant proposes to revise the expansion plan which had been approved in January of 2018 to reduce the showroom addition from 4,507 square feet to 1,321 square feet, and increase the setback for the new façade. The dealership currently has 10 display parking spaces in front. This will be reduced to 8 parking spaces.
Mr. Mack asked about sidewalks and other amenities in the original plan.
Planning Commission - Review of Permitted Uses in the LI and OLI Zoning District: Mr. Fidler said that at this same meeting, Township Planner Michele Fountain provided an overview of current zoning in the Newtown Business Commons and led the preliminary discussion on possible expansion of the permitted uses, with a goal of enhancing revenue to the Township, either by bringing in new, high wage businesses or by creating a more attractive environment for the current business tenants, and possibly for nearby residents. The Commission has generated a preliminary list of uses to be considered and explored further, including expanded eating place and eating place take-out (focusing on casual dining), service businesses such as salons and dry cleaners, a possible entertainment overlay for venues like theater or bowling alley uses and shared workspace uses for office and laboratories.
Mr. Mack had some concerns about the impact of some of these proposed new uses on nearby residential developments.
Mr. Fidler reminded the Board that the Planning Commission has always been sensitive to the concerns of nearby residents, as was exhibited when the Commission considered a dog daycare center. The overlay concept would be useful in keeping a distance between residential and commercial uses. In response to Mr. Mack’s further comments on sidewalks, Mr. Fidler said that the Commission is aware of the desire for walkability. There had been a plan for trails developed some years ago and has been referenced when the Township is considering new land development.
Ass’t Secretary/Treasurer: Mr. Mack reported that he had attended a meeting of the Bucks County Tax Collection Committee and heard an update from Keystone. There is some question about people working from home but paying income tax to the City of Philadelphia. He will keep the Board informed on this.
Development
Solicitor’s Report - Professional Services Agreement for Planner for ZHB Appeal: Mr. Sander explained that a postponement has been granted for the WaWa Zoning Hearing Board appeal, in order for the Township to prepare its case. He is recommending that the Township retain the services of David Babbitt, Planner, as an expert witness for the hearing on June 3, 2021.
Discussion of motion: Mr. Mack asked whether he can telephone Mr. Babbitt to discuss his testimony. Mr. Calabro said that he would prefer if the Township organized its questions and concerns and two supervisors were included in any calls with this planner.
The motion passed 5-0.
Environment
Engineer’s Report - DCED Watershed Restoration Fund grant: Resolution 2021-R-10, to request a DCED watershed restoration and protection program grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to be used for the Clark Nature Center.
Discussion of motion: Mr. Mack asked whether the work involved would impact the trail system in the park. He also noted that the cost is about $40,000 more than the grant amount.
Ms. Colubriale said that this phase is not close to any of the trails.
Mr. Lewis said that the project was included in the 2021 budget, paid with recreation capital funds. The grant has a 15% match requirement. The Township will have 3 years to complete the project.
The motion passed 5-0.
- Patch Article: Can We Open the Clark Nature Center Trails?
Public Safety
Police Report: Police Chief John Hearn reported that in the last month the Department responded to 1708 calls for service and made 20 arrests. 15 cases were referred to the detectives, who worked with the FBI. He reminded everyone that May 22, 2021 is the Police Consortium test to become a police officer. He urged anyone interested to take the test.
Mr. Mack asked about last month’s drug take back day. Chief Hearn said that Newtown collected 163 pounds of discarded narcotics and other prescriptions that day, and 494 pounds in the month. Mr. Mack commented on the increased use of Narcan by officers.
My Personal Notes
The following are my personal notes that I used to prepare for this meeting. You can also download the PDF version here.
Read More...Posted on 02 Jun 2021, 12:37 - Category: Board of Supervisors Minutes
Summary of 10 February 2021 BOS Meeting
2021 Road Program, Purchase of Police Vehicles, Ford F-350 Truck, and Mowers
The following is a brief summary of the February 10, 2021, Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS Definition) public meeting based upon the official minutes of that meeting, which you can find here. You also can view the video archive here.
Public Works
January 2021 Report: Joseph Schiavoni, Public Works Director, reported that the Department continues to monitor the parks throughout the winter, has repaired 34 streetlights, answered 74 PA One Calls, repaired numerous potholes and cracks in the roads and have had two snow events.
Regarding the Road Program, he said that he keeps lists and working with the Township Engineer, revisits all of the roads and creates the new list of roads in need of repaving. He does not keep a database, but he can provide copies of the lists he has kept through the years. Some Homeowners Associations report roads in very bad condition, as do some individual residents, but he and the Engineer always confirm conditions in person. In response to further questions from the Board he said that has not had an opportunity to use the new pothole repair equipment because of the weather and he hopes to use the equipment more when the summer staff is available.
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Reports from Board Members
Phil Calabro: Mr. Calabro recently learned that Council Rock School District will be raising taxes again this year and he expressed dismay that although the district raises taxes every year, it does not experience the public outcry that the Township recently faced when it raised taxes for the first time in many years. He noted all that the Township provides its residents, including road repair and plowing, police and fire protection services, and suggested that the District could make its facilities available to residents when not in use by the students. Residents might enjoy use of the pool, weight rooms and other amenities.
Mr. Mack asked whether the School District charges the Park and Rec Department a fee for its use of the school facilities for programs and camps. As CRSD Liaison, he will be meeting with School Board members and can discuss this.
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David Oxley: Mr. Oxley said has shared with the Board a memo from the Economic Development Committee (EDC) outlining their ideas and recommendations to create a business friendly Newtown Business Commons and he asked the Board to consider the EDC’s suggestions.
Mr. Calabro noted that not all of the Board members are prepared to discuss the memo this evening and asked that it be re-sent to the Board, the Planner and Engineer so that a work session can be scheduled next week to discuss the memo in detail.
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Public Safety
Police Report: Police Chief John Hearn reported that the Department responded to 1536 calls, including one investigation at Newtown Middle School, 18 arrests and 18 deer/vehicle collisions. He reminded the public of the many fraud schemes conducted over the phone. The Department will be assisting in the County Covid Vaccination program. In response to Mr. Mack’s questions, Chief Hearn said that the officers have been offered Covid vaccines. He has reviewed the Township’s statistics on racial profiling and found that 92% of traffic stops have been of white drivers, which is consistent with Newtown’s demographics. He also noted that most stops are made at night when officers cannot easily see the drivers’ faces. Only recently the State Police have been requiring this information.
Summary of Votes on Motions
My Personal Notes
The following are my personal notes that I used to prepare for this meeting. You can also download the PDF version here.
Read More...Posted on 07 Mar 2021, 13:48 - Category: Board of Supervisors Minutes
Summary of January 27, 2021, BOS Meeting
Doggy Dayz, Council Rock School Board, Rezoning for Businesses, Fire Report, Business Liaison
The following is a brief summary of the January 27, 2021, Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS Definition) public meeting based upon the official minutes of that meeting, which you can find here. You also can view the video archive here.
Development
Doggy Dayz, 8 Pheasant Run: Newtown Planning Commission Chairman Allen Fidler reported that Doggy Dayz is seeking a use variance and a number of performance standard variances for a dog day care and kennel in the LI Zoning District, where such use is not permitted. The Commission has been aware of the idea of introducing new service uses into our business districts and found that this use could possibly be a good match, however the members had a number of concerns about drop off and pick up of the pets and its impact on parking and traffic circulation in the parking lot and the impact it would have on other tenants in the building. It was the Commission’s recommendation that the Board consider supporting this new use provided all traffic and circulation questions have been reviewed by the Township Planner and Engineer.
Mr. Mack said that he visited the site of the proposed dog day care and he agreed that this use could be compatible with the Commons and the Board is eager to attract new business but he agreed that the circulation might be a problem.
Solicitor Sander noted that this applicant has asked to continue the application in order to investigate the concerns brought up by the Planning Commission. They will be at the second Board meeting in February to discuss the application.
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John Mack's Insights:
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Reports from Board Members
Council Rock School Board: Mr. Mack reported that he had been unable to attend the Council Rock School Board meeting but instead met with members Marcell and Tate to discuss the relationship of the Township and the School District. The Board is very pleased with School Resource Officer Renee Hearst, who is very well liked by students and staff. The schools will be returning to a five day schedule next week. He asked about any proposed increase in the school taxes but was told that the District is on a fiscal year schedule and has not begun its budget process yet.
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Economic Development Committee (EDC): Mr. Oxley reported that the EDC had sent a memo to the Board, which will be distributed to the members in the morning, which discusses some suggested zoning changes to attract new business to the Business Commons and Office Research District. Mr. Calabro asked Jerry Schenkman, Planning Commission Solicitor, how to proceed with such a review.
Mr. Schenkman said that each committee would be sending liaisons to each other’s meetings and the planning professionals would have input into some of the ideas being suggested. He noted that the Bucks County Planning Commission has been addressing a number of municipalities’ business/industrial districts as the zoning has become obsolete and as new uses that have never been considered before have to be added. The BCPC would be an excellent source of information.
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Public Safety
Emergency Services Department Report: Fire Chief Glenn Forsyth reported that in the past month the Department and Fire Association responded to 118 calls, including one building fire and conducted 64 fire safety inspections.
New Business
Township Business Relationship Liaison: Mr. Davis agreed to take this position to act as liaison to business owners to help any way the Township can to keep current businesses and offer support where needed. Mr. Sander said that he would prepare something more formal outlining a description of this position.
Summary of Votes on Motions
My Personal Notes
The following are my personal notes that I used to prepare for this meeting. You can also download the PDF version here.
Read More...Posted on 04 Mar 2021, 12:52 - Category: Board of Supervisors Minutes
Summary of January 13, 2021, BOS Meeting
Chick-fil-A, Arcadia III, Police Report, Police Dept Diversity
The following is a brief summary of the January 13, 2021, Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS Definition) public meeting based upon the official minutes of that meeting, which you can find here. You also can view the video archive here.
Development
Newtown Bucks Associates Settlement Agreement Re Chick-fil-A: [Township Solicitor Dave Sander] explained that Newtown Bucks Associates had applied for and received variance relief for parking calculations and from a requirement to utilize a loading area for Chick –Fil-A but was denied relief for impervious surface of 61.70% where 50% is required and 59.65% is currently existing in order to construct a 12,500 square foot pad site [originally for Old Navy; read "So what's the status of the proposed Old Navy at the Newtown Shopping Center?"], which had been part of the original approved plan.
Mr. Mack asked whether the Zoning Hearing Board has agreed to the stipulation agreement. Mr. McGuinness [representing Newtown Bucks Associates] said that a condition of approval is the approval of the Board of Supervisors; the Zoning Hearing Board must vote on the agreement at a public meeting. Mr. Sander confirmed that the Zoning Hearing Board would vote on the agreement if the Supervisors have already agreed to it. Mr. Oxley expressed concern that the plan might not relieve the traffic conditions at Chick-Fil-A or at the intersection at the entrance to the shopping center.
Discussion of motion: Resident Frank McCarron objected to the agreement as it does not adequately address conflicts between Chick-Fil-A traffic and cars attempting to go to Staples. The motion failed 2-3, with Messrs. Davis, Oxley and Mack voting nay.
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John Mack's Insights:
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Public Comments re: Arcadia III : Resident Eric Scott Gold said that the residents of Eagle Ridge, Newtown Crossing, Liberty Square and Crowne Point recently met to discuss their ongoing litigation with Arcadia for the property at Buck Road and Newtown Bypass. Eagle Ridge’s attorney [Steve Harris] indicated that Eagle Ridge had the best chance of success in the appeals process so he asked that the Township share in the legal expenses of these residents. Resident Mike Gallagher said that he has also attended these meetings for the appeal and the Eagle Ridge case is stronger and has a better chance of success. He urged the Board to consider working with Eagle Ridge
Mr. Sander noted that the Township is appealing the deemed approval of Arcadia plan #3. Eagle Ridge has joined this appeal as parties; they are incurring their own expenses and the Township is not in a position to pay legal fees for the other parties in this appeal.
Mr. Calabro moved to table this discussion until the Board has more information on the matter. Mr. Fisher seconded. The motion passed 3-2, with Messrs. Davis and Mack voting nay.
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John Mack's Insights:
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Public Safety
Police Report: Police Chief John Hearn reported that the department had responded to 1012 calls in the last month, a decrease of 25% over last year. There have been 10 arrests, 12 new detective cases, 3 frauds and 16 deer-vehicle collisions. A new officer, Justin Price, has been sworn in. This year’s “Shop with a Cop” hosted 110 children. In response to Mr. Oxley’s question, Chief Hearn recounted a recent carjacking incident which involved a chase on the Bypass to I95, where the carjacker was apprehended at the Street Road exit. The chase involved Newtown and State Police.
Mr. Oxley asked about Mr. McCarron’s questions about diversity hiring. Chief Hearn said that he has reached out to the City of Philadelphia for a more diverse pool of qualified applicants for a possible summer hire.
Mr. Mack asked about the number of false alarms the department has been responding to. Chief Hearn said that there is a fine of about $75 involved if the department has to respond three or more times to the same location.
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John Mack's Insights:
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Summary of Votes on Motions
My Personal Notes
The following are my personal notes that I used to prepare for this meeting. You can also download the PDF version here.
Read More...Posted on 12 Feb 2021, 12:35 - Category: Board of Supervisors Minutes
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