MINUTES WERE APPROVED at the regular meeting April 23, 2003. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF 3/26/03:  Mr. Weaver moved to approve the minutes of the 3/26/03 regular meeting; the motion was seconded by Mrs. Goren and passed unanimously.  

The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors met on Wednesday, March 26, 2003, in the Township meeting room at 8:00 PM.  In attendance were Supervisors: Chairman Scott Harp, Vice Chairman/Assistant Treasurer Anne Goren, Treasurer/Secretary Richard Weaver, Member Thomas Jirele and Member Raymond Goodnoe.  Also present were: Park and Recreation Board Chairman Bernard Bires, Planning Commission Vice-Chairman Allen Fidler, Township Solicitor David Sander, Township Engineer Gerald Smith and Township Manager Robert M. Pellegrino. 

CALL TO ORDER:  Chairman Harp called the regular meeting to order at 8:00 PM with a moment of silence.  He announced that Franklin Carver Jr. and Samuel Gray passed away recently.  He also asked everyone to pray for the safe return of the troops in Iraq. 

INVOCATION:  Given by Robert Davis of the First Baptist Church of Newtown.  This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:  Mr. Pellegrino said there will be no report from the Cable TV Committee; he would like to add an item regarding the Delaware Valley Workers’ Compensation Trust to the Manager’s report; and there is a need for an executive session regarding personnel following the public meeting. 

MINUTES, BILLS LIST AND REPORTS 

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF 3/12/03:  Mrs. Goren moved to approve the minutes of the 3/12/03 regular meeting with one correction: under the Engineer’s report, in the 4^th paragraph under the first item, Mr. Smith’s statement should read “…the dip does not seem to be a problem for traffic going 25 MPH, but Pennoni will check…”.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Weaver and passed unanimously. 

BILLS LIST:  Mr. Weaver moved to pay bills totaling $319,654.34, and to make interfund transfers totaling $600,311.04.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Goren and passed unanimously. 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  No items for this section. 

SPECIAL ACTIONS 

EAGLE SCOUT - ANTHONY M. LAPERGOLA, JR.:  Mr. Harp presented a proclamation to Anthony M. Lapergola honoring his achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout.  Anthony is a member of Troop 280 and a student at Archbishop Wood High School. 

CONDITIONAL USE HEARING - PRYDA, L. L. C.:  Mr. Sander said the applicant has requested a third continuance.  He recommended that the applicant’s attorney be asked to grant an extension until the applicant is ready, and that the Board continue the hearing tonight to 4/23/03. 

Mrs. Goren moved to continue the conditional use hearing for Pryda, L. L. C., to 4/23/03, and to authorize the Solicitor to request an extension from the applicant.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Weaver and passed unanimously. 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 

PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 

Agreement with Newtown Girls Softball Association:  Chairman Bernard Bires asked the Board to review the draft agreement between the Township and the Newtown Girls Softball Association attached to the Solicitor’s letter of 3/23/03.  Mr. Harp read the agreement and asked if Board members had any comments. 

Mr. Jirele suggested that the dates on which the Association’s seasons end, which is when the advertising signs should be taken down, should be in the agreement.  Mr. Sander said he will obtain the appropriate dates. 

Mrs. Goren moved to approve the 3/23/03 agreement between the Township and the Girls Softball Association, subject to the provision of the dates when the seasons end.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Weaver. 

Discussion of motion:  Mr. Goodnoe said the Township should be able to remove the scoreboard and the vending machines at its sole discretion. 

Mrs. Goren and Mr. Weaver agreed to amend their motion to change Sections 5 and 6 to include the statement that the scoreboard and the vending machines will be removed by the Association at the sole discretion of the Township. 

Mr. Jirele said he is opposed to any advertising in Township parks. 

Nancy Crescenzo, a Township resident, said she is also opposed to advertising in Township parks, and feels this will set a precedent.  She asked how the Township can remove the scoreboard or the vending machines if the Softball Association has a contract with Coke.  Mr. Sander said the Township will have the right to remove these items regardless of the Association’s contract with Coke. 

Mrs. Goren’s motion passed 4-1, with Mr. Jirele voting “nay”. 

Park and Recreation Board Meeting:  Mr. Bires reported on the Board’s 3/5/03 meeting.  The Board recommended a fee in lieu of park and recreation space for a plan for a pool expansion at the Newtown Athletic Club.  They also discussed plans for Arbor Day, a possible grant for handicapped playground equipment, the high school’s proposed use of some Township facilities, and a possible picnic area for Roberts Ridge Park. 

PLANNING COMMISSION:  Commission Vice-Chairman Allen Fidler reported on the Commission’s 3/18/03 meeting.  Two sketch plans for the Yamamoto Tract on Washington Crossing Road were discussed, and the majority of the Commission expressed a preference for the one showing fewer and larger lots.  Sketch plans for an indoor pool addition to the Newtown Athletic Club and for the Kosacci development on Washington Crossing Road were also reviewed. 

The Commission recommended that the Board not oppose the two Zoning Hearing Board applications scheduled for 4/3/03, although three members expressed opposition to allowing a property owner to increase impervious surface in the CM District.  The Commission also discussed the liaisons the Commission has with other Township boards and committees and would like to clarify their roles.  The Commission would also like to have some direct liaison with the Board of Supervisors. 

Mr. Harp suggested that the concerns about the Planning Commission liaisons be discussed at a work session. 

FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE:  Mr. Weaver reported on the 3/18/03 meeting of the Committee.  The Committee reviewed capital equipment needs.  They also discussed recently expressed concerns about Township general fund reserves, and affirmed their commitment to building and maintaining substantial reserves. 

JOINT DOWNTOWN NEWTOWN CORPORATION (JDNC):  Mark Craig, a member of the JDNC Board, reported on their 3/20/03 meeting.  The main topic of discussion was the JDNC’s application to the state for the Main Street Manager program.  When a draft is developed, it will be given to the Board of Supervisors for their review.  Mr. Craig said that one of the requirements is that the office space and equipment for the manager must be in place, and First National Bank of Newtown has donated office space for the first three years.  Mr. Craig said that JDNC will be doing more fundraising in the future. 

Mr. Jirele suggested that the JDNC develop job objectives along with the job description for the Main Street Manager, so that the manager’s performance can be evaluated.  

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (EDC):  Mr. Weaver said the EDC had its first meeting on 3/21/03.  He said that future meetings will be on the third Thursday of each month at 8:30 AM. 

Mr. Weaver moved to appoint Robert Connell, Richard DePaola, Jr., Marvin Keirstead, John Parry and Gail Titus to the Economic Development Committee.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Goren. 

Discussion of motion:  Mr. Goodnoe asked if these appointments will fill all slots on the EDC; Mr. Weaver said they will.  Mr. Harp stated that he will serve on the Committee, and Mr. Pellegrino will participate as a staff person instead of serving as a member. 

Mr. Goodnoe said he will vote against this motion because these nominations were not discussed by all members of the Board. 

Mr. Jirele said Mr. Harp had stated previously that the qualifications of nominees will be discussed in executive session.  Mr. Harp responded that every Board member had a copy of the nominees’ resumes.  

Mr. Goodnoe said he also understood that the Board would discuss the nominations  before making the appointments.  He added that he thought Mr. Harp was going to resign from the EDC. 

Mr. Harp said he had committed to resigning if it was necessary, and that the nominations would be discussed in executive session if necessary.  He suggested that the Board meet in executive session immediately to discuss the nominations; other members supported this suggestion. 

Mr. Weaver and Mrs. Goren agreed to withdraw their motion. 

Mr. Harp called a recess and the Board met in executive session from 9:00 PM to 9:10 PM. 

Mr. Weaver moved to appoint Robert Connell, Richard DePaola, Jr., Marvin Kierstead, John Parry and Gail Titus to the Economic Development Committee.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Goren. 

Discussion of motion:  Mr. Goodnoe said he will be voting against the motion, but his opposition does not reflect his opinion of the nominees or their qualifications.  Mr. Jirele said the discussion he requested has still not taken place. 

Danielle Lenihan, a Township resident, said Mr. Harp had agreed to step aside, and to give the entire Board a chance to discuss the nominations, but these things did not happen. 

Nancy Crescenzo noted there are two Supervisors on the EDC, and only one woman. 

Mr. Weaver’s motion passed 3-2, with Mr. Goodnoe and Mr. Jirele voting “nay”. 

Mr. Harp reviewed the list of all 11 appointed members of the EDC:  Richard Weaver, Scott Harp, Andy Levine, Douglas Terry, James Worthington, Allen Fidler. Robert Connell, Richard DePaola, Jr., Marvin Keirstead, John Parry and Gail Titus. 

Mr. Pellegrino suggested that the Board formalize his status as a member of the Advisory Committee. 

Mr. Weaver moved to appoint Robert Pellegrino to the Advisory Committee of the Economic Development Committee.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Goren. 

Discussion of motion:  Nancy Crescenzo asked Mr. Harp to name the advisors to the  Committee.  Mr. Harp listed the members: Robert White with the Bucks Co. Redevelopment Authority, Robert Pellegrino, Robert Cormack of the Bucks Co. Economic Developmenmt Corp., Joseph Szafran of Congressman Greenwood’s Office, Joseph Houldin of the Delaware Valley Resource Council and Bill Rickett of  the Bucks Co. TMA. 

Phil Calabro, a Township resident, asked Mr. Harp to summarize the qualifications for membership in the EDC.  Mr. Harp said that nominees with a variety of relevant backgrounds were sought, including commercial real estate, banking, architecture, law, business development, project management and community planning.  He said that Mr. Pellegrino moved to an advisory capacity because he did not want to take a citizen’s place on the Committee. 

Mr. Weaver’s motion passed unanimously. 

MEMBERS’ COMMENTS 

PECO TREE TRIMMING:  Mr. Goodnoe requested that the Shade Tree Commission and the Planning Commission study how to protect the Township’s shade trees along commercial routes from drastic trimming by PECO.  Mr. Pellegrino said he will write a memo to both commissions calling their attention to the problem. 

WEBSITE FOR SERVICE PEOPLE:  Mr. Jirele said there is a website through which citizens can send messages to service people:  <www.reachoutandtouchahero.org>. 

MAKING A DIFFERENCE:  Mr. Jirele reported on the fifth Making a Difference seminar, which was held on 3/22/03.  He thanked Leslie Dunleavy and Lorraine Sikora for their work in organizing the event.  The attendance was disappointing, but the evaluations were positive.  A manual for Homeowners Associations has been produced, and it has been suggested that it be put on the Township website.  Mr. Jirele said there may be an evening session in the fall for all Township residents. 

FUNDS FOR TRAFFIC MITIGATION:  Mr. Jirele noted that the Law School Admissions Council donated some funds in lieu of a second traffic study to be used for traffic mitigation on Fountain Farm Road.  He said he would like to see the Township Engineer develop some recommendations to be reviewed by the Planning Commission.  Mr. Harp said he agreed, but it would also be important to involve the residents in the area. 

COMMUNITY COMMENTS 

Mike Iapalucci, a Township resident, said the Comcast property on the Bypass should be landscaped better; the building is very unattractive.  He also asked about the intersection at the entrance to the shopping center.  Mr. Smith said Pennoni will contact the PennDOT Maintenance Unit about problems at the intersection.  The Township is also changing the timing of the lights there to relieve problems with conflicting left turns. 

Tom Landolt, a Township resident, said he is concerned about the potential effects of the McLaughlin Tract development on his well.  He asked that the Township ensure that the Water Authority and Toll Brothers coordinate their work so that the existing homes do not lose water service. 

Nancy Crescenzo said she is not always the reason the Board meetings run late.  She also asked the Board to consider reforestation of Township open space, and suggested that the Township have an Open Space Committee again. 

Danielle Lenihan said she disagreed with a resident at the 3/12/03 meeting who stated that the silent majority is satisfied with the way the Board conducts business. 

REPORTS OF OFFICIALS 

CHAIRMAN 

ACME VISIONING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS:  Mr. Harp read the recommendations of the Acme Visioning Committee and asked if any Board member wished to comment. 

Mr. Goodnoe suggested that the Committee and Robert White come to a work session and have an informal discussion with Board members.  Other members agreed with this suggestion, and Mr. Harp said it will be on the agenda for the 4/14/03 work session. 

WORK SESSION OF 3/17/03:  Mr. Harp said the Board met with the Sycamore Street Committee and the Cable TV Committee at the 3/17/03 work session.  The Board also discussed the Newtown Girls Softball Association and the qualifications for membership on the Economic Development Committee. 

MEETING ON LAND USE:  Mr. Harp said he attended a meeting on land use and planned growth on 3/20/03 that was sponsored by Newtown, Wrightstown and Upper Makefield Townships. 

WEBSITE:  Mr. Harp said there are some useful links on the Township website to public safety resources in the event of an emergency. 

FIRST FOURTH:  Mr. Harp reminded residents that the Newtown First Fourth celebration will be on 7/5/03. 

OTHER BOARD MEMBERS:  No items for this section. 

MANAGER 

PLAN EXPIRATIONS:  Mr. Pellegrino said there are no plan expirations requiring Board action. 

HOUGH ASSOCIATES - RECYCLING PERFORMANCE GRANT DATA COLLECTION:  Mr. Pellegrino reviewed his 2/28/03 memo regarding a proposed agreement with Hough Associates to collect recycling data for the Township in order to apply for a state grant.  The agreement provides that the Township will pay $2,000 upon authorization to proceed, and another $2,000 only if the Township’s recycling grant exceeds $35,000.  Mr. Pellegrino recommended approval of the agreement. 

Mr. Weaver moved to approve the agreement with Hough Associates for recycling performance data collection, in accordance with the Township Manager’s 2/28/03 memo to the Board.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Goren and passed unanimously. 

DELAWARE VALLEY WORKERS’ COMPENSATION TRUST:  Mr. Pellegrino reviewed the 3/26/03 proposal from the Delaware Valley Workers’ Compensation Trust.  Mr. Pellegrino recommended that the Board authorize the Solicitor to draft and advertise an ordinance to allow the Township to join the Trust.  He said the Township’s present policy renews on 4/1/03, but he can secure coverage with Delaware Valley before then with the expectation that the Board will adopt the ordinance later. 

Mrs. Goren moved to authorize the Solicitor to prepare and advertise an ordinance allowing the Township to join the Delaware Valley Workers’ Compensation Trust.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Weaver and passed unanimously. 

SOLICITOR 

ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING STOP INTERSECTIONS IN PENNS PRESERVE (2003-O-8):  Mrs. Goren moved to adopt Ordinance 2003-O-8, establishing stop intersections on Millstone Drive in Penns Preserve.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Weaver and passed unanimously. 

ZONING HEARING BOARD MEETING - 4/3/03:  Mr. Sander reviewed the two appeals scheduled for the Zoning Hearing Board meeting on 4/3/03.  Attorney Terry Clemons, representing Brett and Dawn Tanner, explained their request to construct a residence at the rear of their business property.  He said the legal notice is incorrect; the Tanners are seeking relief to allow an increase in the impervious surface from 27% to 30%. 

Members of the Board indicated they did not want to take a position on either application. 

HOFFA TRACT PRD - TENTATIVE PLAN APPROVAL:  Attorney Edward Murphy, representing Toll Brothers, was present to discuss the approval letter. 

Mrs. Goren moved to approve the tentative approval letter as drafted by the Solicitor.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Weaver. 

Discussion of motion:  Mr. Goodnoe said he would like to see the requirement for flashing pedestrian lights dropped.  Mr. Smith said he favored flashing lights only if they are pedestrian-activated, which is what the letter says. 

Mr. Sander said the draft has been amended to show the actual amount of impervious surface assigned to each lot (3,163 square feet).  Mr. Murphy said each homeowner will have a minimum of about 360 square feet, which is enough space to construct a patio or a deck. 

Walter Iwaskiw said he is concerned that flashing lights give false confidence to pedestrians, and that drivers ignore the lights.  He asked if a traffic signal is possible at this location. 

Mr. Smith said the intersection does not warrant a signal.  He said that flashing lights are recommended because this crossing will be a trail connection. 

In response to Mr. Goodnoe’s question, Mr. Sander said that a pedestrian has the right of way at an intersection if it is marked accordingly. 

Mr. Murphy said Toll Brothers is willing to do whatever the Township wants regarding the flashing lights.  Mr. Harp said this can be settled at the final approval stage. 

Mrs. Goren’s motion passed unanimously. 

AGREEMENT FOR HISTORIC HOME - NEWTOWN RENTAL CENTER:  Mr. Sander reviewed the draft agreement attached to his report.  Shannon Wilson, owner of the Newtown Rental Center, was present to discuss the agreement. 

Mr. Sander said that the future owner of the historic house, Mr. McGowan, wanted to be able to use the house as either a single family dwelling or a twin.  Since a twin use would require a variance, Mr. Sander suggested the Board could just state that it will not oppose such a request.  Mrs. Goren and Mr. Harp said they would not like to make this statement; Mr. Jirele said he had no objection. 

Mrs. Goren said she questioned item #2 c on page 3, because of the possibility of a second use on the property.  The traffic impact fees are estimated at $18,179, and Mrs. Goren felt the Township might need those funds.  Mr. Wilson said he is willing to negotiate. 

Mr. Harp suggested that Mr. Wilson pay a total of $10,000 for park and recreation fees and traffic impact fees, with the remainder of the traffic impact fees to be considered as a credit for the road improvements to be done by Mr. Wilson. 

Several changes were made to the draft agreement: 

·         Page 1 - Background Section - B is revised to read “An historic home is located on the Property in which the Newtown Rental Center is operated.”

·         Page 3 - Item #2 - Revised to read “…which will not exceed 5,000 square feet in area.”

·         Page 3 - Item #3 - Last sentence revised to read “If the Wilsons obtain the property, the Township agrees to:”

·         Page 3 - Item #3 b - Last sentence revised to read “…from the existing Old Newtown-Yardley Road until the other driveway is completed, or to Upper Silver Lake Road…”, and another sentence added to indicate that the utility easements will remain in force.

·         Page 3 - Item #3 c - Changed to indicate that the Township will remove the blacktop from the bed of Old Newtown-Yardley Road and Mr. Wilson will put topsoil on the roadbed. 

Mr. Jirele moved to approve the agreement with Newtown Rental Center, with the changes listed above and with the understanding that Mr. Wilson will pay a total of $10,000 in park and recreation fees and traffic impact fees, with the remainder to be considered credit for road improvements to be done by Mr. Wilson.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Weaver. 

Discussion of motion:  Mrs. Goren said she would like to get the Planning Commission’s recommendations on this agreement. 

Mr. Jirele’s motion passed 4-1, with Mrs. Goren voting “nay”. 

ENGINEER 

TYROL INSURANCE - ESCROW RELEASE #3:  Mr. Weaver moved to release $25,141.80 in escrow funds for the Tyrol Insurance Company project (TMP # 29-12-20), as recommended by Pennoni Associates’ letter of 3/20/03.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Jirele and passed unanimously. 

LOWER DOLINGTON ROAD AND FROST LANE STOP WARRANT ANALYSIS:  Mr. Smith reviewed the 3/20/03 memo from David Tomko of Pennoni Associates regarding his stop warrant analysis for this intersection.  He also provided copies of a 3/17/03 memo from Township Planner Judy Goldstein which described two options for additional off-street parking.  Mr. Tomko’s memo concluded that the intersection of Frost Lane and Lower Dolington Road does not warrant a multi-way stop; that parking along both sides of Lower Dolington Road should be restricted for approximately 700 feet from the intersection; and that Parking Option #1 in Ms. Goldstein’s memo should be pursued.  

Mrs. Goren said she agrees with Mr. Tomko’s recommendations, and would like to look at both of Ms. Goldstein’s options. 

Mr. Weaver moved to authorize the Engineer to develop estimates for Options #1 and #2 in Ms. Goldstein’s 3/17/03 memo.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Goren. 

Discussion of motion:  Mr. Goodnoe said this is piecemeal planning, and urged the Board to require a master plan for Roberts Ridge Park, to be reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by the Board.  He said the current parking problems are the result of poor planning. 

Mr. Jirele suggested having Ms. Goldstein meet with the Park and Recreation Board, then discuss her recommendations with the Planning Commission.  To address the immediate problem, he suggested the Township prohibit parking on the northbound side of Lower Dolington Road and then involve the Park and Recreation Board and the Planning Commission. 

Mr. Weaver and Mrs. Goren withdrew their motion. 

Mr. Weaver moved to prohibit parking on the entire northbound (east) side of Lower Dolington Road.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Jirele. 

Discussion of motion:  Mr. Goodnoe said parking on the east side of Lower Dolington Road is not inherently dangerous.  

Nancy Crescenzo encouraged the Board to develop a master plan, and to improve handicapped access. 

Mr. Weaver’s motion passed 4-1, with Mr. Goodnoe voting “nay”. 

ROAD EVALUATION AT LOWER DOLINGTON ROAD:  Mr. Smith said his office checked the drainage on Lower Dolington Road between Upper Silver Lake Road and the Lower Makefield border at the request of the Manager, and found it totally inadequate.  He asked the Board to authorize a field survey, which he estimated would cost less than $2,000, of this section of the road. 

Mr. Goodnoe moved to authorize the Engineer to perform a field survey of Lower Dolington Road from Upper Silver Lake Road to the Lower Makefield border.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Goren. 

Discussion of motion:  Nancy Crescenzo asked if there is any development along this section of the road; Mr. Harp said there is none. 

Mr. Goodnoe’s motion passed unanimously. 

PROGRESS PAYMENT #4 - TRAFFIC SIGNAL - WASHINGTON CROSSING AND LINTON HILL ROADS:  Mrs. Goren moved to make Progress Payment #4 on this project in the amount of $27,597.00, as recommended in Pennoni Associates’ memo of 3/19/03.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Weaver and passed unanimously. 

OLD BUSINESS:  None. 

NEW BUSINESS 

SKETCH PLAN - YAMAMOTO - WASHINGTON CROSSING ROAD:  Mike Vesey of Orleans Corporation and attorney Edward Murphy were present to discuss two alternative sketches for a residential development on a 27.5 acre tract in the CM District.  Mr. Murphy said the first plan showed 23 lots for village homes (B-14 Use) along two cul-de-sacs, and conforms completely to the ordinance.  The second showed 18 lots for single family homes (B-12 Use) along a loop street.  The second plan conforms to the ordinance except for the disturbance of 70% of Class III soils where 30% is permitted.  Public sewer and water is planned for either version of this development.  Mr. Murphy said the Sewer Authority has asked Orleans to consider working with them to alleviate some problems in a nearby development.  Mr. Murphy asked the Board which sketch they preferred. 

In response to a question from Mr. Jirele, Mr. Murphy said the reason the village homes are so close to Washington Crossing Road in the first plan is to avoid disturbing agricultural soils.  He said they could be moved back slightly. 

Mrs. Goren said it seemed that there is more open space visible from the road in the second plan, and more tax revenue would be generated.  Mr. Harp said he favored the second plan for the same reasons.  Mr. Vesey said the homes in the second plan would be similar to those in the Pickering Chase development, around 4,000 to 5,000 square feet in area.  The village homes would be around 3,000 square feet. 

Mr. Jirele asked if the second plan could be revised so that the open space was contiguous.  Mr. Vesey responded that it is possible. 

Mr. Vesey asked if the Board liked the concept of the “pocket park” in the center of the loop street on the second plan.  Members of the Board indicated they approved of this feature. 

COMMUNITY COMMENTS (CONTINUED) 

John D’Aprile, a Township resident, thanked Mr. Jirele for the Making a Difference seminar.  He also expressed dissatisfaction with the Board’s business process, and asked if the extra TV charges for meetings that go past 11:30 PM are a recent occurrence.  Mr. Harp said the extra charges have been in effect for a while. 

Mike Piazza, a Township resident, asked the Board to develop a master plan for Roberts Ridge Park.  He noted that the Township Trail is on the southbound side of Lower Dolington Road and might be a problem in constructing additional parking. 

Phil Calabro, a Township resident, asked the Board to look into the condition of the Little League fields at Helen Randle Park.  He also asked if the restrooms and concession stand could be available to the Little League teams.  Mr. Pellegrino said they should be open, and he offered to work with Mr. Calabro on this issue. 

Frank Mentrikoski, a resident of Newtown Gate, suggested that the Economic Development Committee look at the larger picture in the Newtown Industrial Park, including present and future traffic problems on Fountain Farm Lane.  He complained that the Board’s approval of the Law School Admissions Council building will put about 300 additional cars on Fountain Farm Lane.  Mr. Jirele said that the building complies with the ordinance, and the Law School Admissions Council has donated about $25,000 to be used for traffic calming. 

Nancy Crescenzo asked again about reforestation of Township open space.  Mr. Jirele said some Homeowners Associations are doing this.  He suggested that reforestation be considered at Silver Lake Park.  Ms. Crescenzo said she is meeting with Representative Steil on this issue on 3/27/03. 

Ms. Crescenzo also said no one is putting up and taking down the chain at the Clark Nature Center.  Mr. Pellegrino said he will look into this.  Ms. Crescenzo also said the Center should have been named for Mary and Lyman Clark.  Mr. Goodnoe said he agrees with this statement. 

Ms. Crescenzo suggested that the Township appoint an Open Space Committee again. 

Ms. Crescenzo suggested that the Joint Downtown Newtown Corporation have a larger role in the Economic Development Committee.  She would also like to hear other Board members’ nominations to the Committee discussed, and would like to see the Township Planner on the Committee.  Mr. Weaver said the Committee will use the Planner in a consultant capacity. 

Regarding the Board’s public meetings, Ms. Crescenzo said that meetings went late last year as well, so the Board should have budgeted for the extra charges.  She also asked that the Board stop using a timer for public comment. 

GENERAL DISCUSSION 

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PUBLIC MEETING 4/9/03:  Mr. Harp asked if there are any items that must be on the agenda for 4/9/03.  Mr. Pellegrino mentioned the CWA Contract and the HARB bylaws revision.  Mr. Harp said the meeting will remain scheduled, but will be canceled if there are no pressing agenda items. 

ADJOURNMENT:  With no objections, the meeting was adjourned at 12:35 AM. 

Respectfully Submitted:

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Gretta Stone, Recording Secretary

Minutes Approved as submitted _______ as corrected _______

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Scott R. Harp, Chairman

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Anne Goren, Vice Chairman/Assistant Treasurer

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Richard Weaver, Treasurer/Secretary

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Thomas Jirele, Member

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Raymond Goodnoe, Member